Old mine in Mariposa County
Sierra Sun Times file photo
February 13, 2022 - The Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public about mine and cave safety. Recently there has been a renewed public interest in the exploration of abandoned mines and uncommercialized caves. However, as exciting as it might sound, cave and mine exploring is inherently dangerous. Caves and mines each contain unique hazards and the potential for major accidents. Each year, a number of people are killed in abandoned mines. Mines are especially treacherous and contain the following safety hazards: Loose or falling rock, unstable ground, old explosives, rotten “shoring”, cave-ins, hazardous chemicals, poisonous air/ lack of oxygen, water-filled pits, dangerous animals or insects, and many more.
The commercial mining industry is currently heavily regulated. None of these regulations existed when the gold rush hit Calaveras County. The mines that are left abandoned throughout the county are the result of hasty and dangerous work, and the passage of time has created even greater hazards. Entering an abandoned mine can lead to serious injury or death and you should never try to explore or enter an abandoned mine. It is vital to remind your children about the importance of staying away from and out of mines.
Natural caves contain unmapped tunnels which often include vertical chambers and rockfall hazards. Slick or wet conditions along with inverted rock walls can leave a person unable to escape from tunnels which they have entered. In 2009, a 26-year-old amateur cave explorer became wedged upside-down in a narrow tunnel within a Utah cave. A complex rescue was attempted and was unsuccessful. The cave was ultimately sealed with the man’s body still inside due to the inability to remove it.
A rescue from an underground confined space requires rescue team who are specially trained and licensed to enter and work within the underground conditions. The closest mine rescue team to Calaveras County is located in San Bernardino County. The reality of the response timeline is that a rescue may turn to a recovery.
Remember, no matter how enticing a selfie in a cave or mine may be on your social media, it’s not worth serious injury or death!
Source: Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office
