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Show 28 Energy Guide March 2004 Agencies caution explorers to avoid abandoned mines The driving of the last spike at Promontory in 1869 joined the Central and Union Pacific railroads, making Utah the mining center of the West. An estimated 20,000 mine openings scattered across the state are remnants of the era. The openings contain numerous hazards for unsuspecting explorers. Mine shafts, old buildings and underground workings may seem to invite exploration, but in reality toxic air, falls pose a multitude of dangers. Cave-inand undetonated explosives can cost lives. Mining activity was not regulated until 1975 by Utah and 1981 by the United States Bureau of Land Management. Today, federal and state laws require all active mining disturbances to be reclaimed. Shafts represent the number one cause of death and injury in abandoned mines. Because no light enters a mine shaft, the depth is difficult to assess. The shaft collar may be loose and unconsolidated. The material can break away, causing individuals to fall into the shaft. Darkness, loose debris, false floors, rotten timbers and water can hide vertical openings. Explosives become highly unstable with time and when exposed to the elements. Old dynamite often contains nitroglycerine, which can explode with the slightest disturbance. headframes, ladders, pump jacks, tanks, and other related structures may seem safe and solid. But rotted wood will easily crumble under a person's weight. Rattlesnakes, bats, bears or mountain lions can den or escape the heat in the dark recesses of a mine. Underground mines can be critical habitat for wildlife species. or toxic air can build up in abanOxygen-deficiedoned mines, causing dizziness or even unconsciousness in victims. Bad air is odorless and tasteless. Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide often collect in low areas or along the floor in horizontal workings. The motion of walking can cause bad air to mix with good air. Hazardous waste such as bags or drums of chemicals used in mining, milling or drilling operations can pose a threat when touched or smelled by an uninformed person. Unlawful dumping of industrial hazardous waste can also occur. Timbers were commonly used to support the roof of abandoned mines. Timbers weaken due to the weight of the roof rocks and natural breakdown of the wood. Loose rocks and soil above portal entryways could break away and cover the opening, trapping people who enter the mine. Winzes are steeply inclined shafts that connect mine levels. Typically, winzes were used to gravity feed ore out of the mine. Winzes may be concealed by rotten timbers or water. The shafts may also descend to lower, water-fillelevels. The United States Bureau of Land Management and Utah's reclamation program conduct abandoned mine inventories to identify the most hazardous sites and set priorities for reclamation. cave in. Abandoned mines are not ventilated. Consequently, pockets of deadly air and gases can be nt s, Perhaps the most dangerous explosives are ground coal production operations create major, potentially fatal conditions for people foolishly opting to enter portals at abandoned mine sites. blasting caps. Rodents can scatter the caps on mine floors. If stepped on, the caps will explode. A blasting cap resembles a firecracker with wires. e Mines are by blasting, which fractures and weakens surrounding rocks. Vibrations from walking or talking can cause an abandoned mine to d present. People enter the shafts can die due to lack of oxygen. The structures are dilapidated. Support timbers. man-mad- eai CASTLE COUNTRY ' V i'i ; It I rfr i f ; jfj ; i 4 $ A 4 V f mi I 1 I N f hi 'V' f i j nun MISSION Know our customer s needs. . CHEVRON JOBBER FOR BULK FUEL Support them OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Chevron reliable manufacturs! Establish long-terrelationships with suppliers and customers. Provide customers with the best possible service. Establish flexible policies to meet customers needs. Respond quickly to solve problems or get parts andor equipment to them when they are needed. m GAS CARDS PRE-PAI- D For 38 years we have sold direct to customers for better prices, better service and better relations. Mining Equipment & Supplies Great for Birthdays or Kids Owner Terry Marasco Mike, Matt & Mark All Credit Cards Accepted rr 352 W. Main, Price 637-009- ; Y; F? 7 f ; Thiele Chain Products , - f (TV T7 : V 401 N. Carbonville Rd., Price, UT 84501 4 PWWiHWIWPWiroillWftl'WIWM- superior products from High-qualit- y Gasoline Diesel Oil Chevron Lubricants Mining, Gas Exploration Automotive Engine Oils uuith - |