03/09/2001
Warning issued on the danger posed by abandoned mines
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has issued a warning on the danger of approaching old mine workings.
With the province littered with around 2000 disused mine workings, the warning comes in the light of the recent partial collapse of an abandoned salt mine in Carrickfergus. The collapse created a large void at the surface of agricultural land in the Woodburn area, but no buildings or property were affected.
The mine was one that has been closely monitored for several years, and the collapse of the underground workings had been predicted for some time.
A spokesperson for the department said: “Land around the void has been fenced off and warning signs have been prominently displayed in the area. The vicinity is being patrolled around the clock and this will continue until a more extensive fence is erected over the next two to three weeks.
“Parents should make their children aware of the potential danger of abandoned mine workings and ensure they obey warning signs to keep away from such areas.”
The mines in Carrickfergus were worked at various times in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.
Pillars of rock salt supported the underground chambers, but over time these gradually dissolved weakening the structure until it eventually collapsed. (SP)
With the province littered with around 2000 disused mine workings, the warning comes in the light of the recent partial collapse of an abandoned salt mine in Carrickfergus. The collapse created a large void at the surface of agricultural land in the Woodburn area, but no buildings or property were affected.
The mine was one that has been closely monitored for several years, and the collapse of the underground workings had been predicted for some time.
A spokesperson for the department said: “Land around the void has been fenced off and warning signs have been prominently displayed in the area. The vicinity is being patrolled around the clock and this will continue until a more extensive fence is erected over the next two to three weeks.
“Parents should make their children aware of the potential danger of abandoned mine workings and ensure they obey warning signs to keep away from such areas.”
The mines in Carrickfergus were worked at various times in the 19th and first half of the 20th centuries.
Pillars of rock salt supported the underground chambers, but over time these gradually dissolved weakening the structure until it eventually collapsed. (SP)
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