After the Caldwell
Time To Bell-Out

Once the Caldwell drill has finished drilling the 42-inch hole it is time to bell-out. The drill rig is moved away and a metal collar is installed into the top of the hole to secure the loose rocks and stop loose material from falling down the hole onto the miner. The collar is built up a bit like an ants nest to prevent water from entering the mine in heavy rain. After the collar is installed, 100mm pvc pipe is lowered down the hole and a fan is attached to it. This is used to ventilate the mine until the miner digs to an exploration hole or another 42 inch hole and puts an exhaust fan on it. This exhaust fan draws air down the mineshaft and up the second hole.

Some fields have had dangerously high carbon dioxide levels measured in the bottom of freshly drilled mine shafts. This gas is odourless and tastless. If a miner were to inknowingly climb down into this heavier then air gas, he could be overcome by it and die.

Then set up the ladders and hoist, get the jackhammer and start the air compressor.

Muscles aching, the jack hammer screaming in my ear, the dust flying, dirt on my eye, lent back and burnt myself on the light. Still no opal.

bell-out back to mining industry