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Show &$ April Energy 2002 Abandoned mining sites pose risks for explorers 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. A remnant of the mining heritage is an estimated 20,000 mine openings scattered across the state - each containing many hazards for unsuspecting explorers. Mineshafts, old buildings, and underground workings may seem to invite exploration, but in reality pose a multitude of dangers. Cave-intoxic mine air, falls and undetonated explosives can cost s, 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 fell 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. Perhaps the most danscatty the caps on gerous explosives are blasting caps. Rodents mine floors. If stepped on, the caps will explode. A Masting cap resembles a firecracker with wires. e Mines are by blasting, which fractures and weakens rocks. Vibrations from walking or talking can cause the surrounding an abandoned mine to cave in. Abandoned mines are not ventilated. Consequently pockets of deadly air and gases can be present People that enter the shafts can die due to lack of oxygen. The structures are dilapidated. Support timbers, headframes, lad-(Continued on page IBB) man-mad- remnants of an abandoned mining operation pose a multitude of dangers, including injury and death. Abandoned mine shafts, buildings and underground workings may seem to invite exploration. But the PENSE BROS. DRILLING COMPANY. INC 0 3 lost litres. 9 children without lathers. 200 lost hours. 3 million Utahns paying higher taxes. $10,000,000 in lawsuits. Yftfl may nfff - IfflVE M iMIfftl h bat yra'fl sto feel Ha pain. One workpiace accident causes repercussions that affect all of us. But accidents can be prevented by using a property trained union workforce. Construction unions provide apprenticeship, joumeyperson and safety Construction Safety Awareness training, including OS HA Courses. It all adds up -- a trained union workforce equals a productive and safe workforce. 10-Ho- BUILD IT RIGHT BUILD UNION For mote Intonnatton, contact tha Utah Budding A Conatnictlon Itadaa Councl 2261 South Radwood Road, Sad Laka City, Utah Mil TMapdona: (BOO) 691 Fax (801) 976009 pa 8 Pense Bros, has been in business 40 years We've been in Carbon County JO years i We explore for gas & oil We serve Carbon & Emery Counties, Let us serve you! 130 W. 3150 So., Price 613-808- 0 573-783-33- 47 |