Mining Equipment
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Mining Equipment
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Mining equipment varies with the mineral or rock being mined and also with the date of the mining activity. An early technique was firesetting, whereby a fire was lit underneath or next to the rock sought and when the rock had become extremely hot, the rock was suddenly quenched with cold water. This rapid cooling caused the rock to contract suddenly causing cracking. The rock could then be easily removed. Another technique used plugs and feathers or wedges, taking advantage of natural cracks in the rock to prise it free. A basic hammer and chisel was also frequently used, and the marks left by using this technique are easily visible in Elizabethan mines still accessible today in the Lake District. Following pages coming soon! Rescue equipment, anemometers, exploders, helmets, gas testing, hand tools. |