NZ miners trapped

Lets pray they get them out.

 

I heard they were pumping oxygen in. Was an explosion and by what was reported all 26 are OK. As Moretts said the Aussies are on there way to help.

 

Lets hope so!!

 

With all the fire damage shown on the above ground vent system, it does not look good.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/south-island/4368704/Rescue-filled-with-risk-says-mine-expert

 

Not good news.

 

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/south-island/4369973/Greymouths-spirit-strong-as-hopes-fade

 

what a waste of life.

 

As at a few mins ago they still couldn't send in the rescue guys, my thoughts out for the miners and their families.

 

Apparently the bore they are drilling will be finished soon, still too dangerous even to send in a robot because of danger of explosion. We can only imagine what these people are going through.

 

It's looking worse the longer the rescuers have to wait, saw on the news this morning that there is a 17 yo fella down there that just went in for a look as he was due to start working there this week, prayers go out to all the families.

 

Totally terrible..

Be interested in Pap's viewpoint given he works underground and knows all the scenarios and considerations..

Just asking..

Is it "ok" though for the delays so far for ANY rescue attempt?

Is there a clear and present danger NOT to go in?

Are the authorities being too "OH&S" and not doing anything till THEY are ok even if those underground are NOT?

If you were a father who had a son down there, saw no-one doing anything for 2 days and signed off on a "don't rescue me regardless" would you grab a mask and go in and give it a red hot go to see wtf is happening? Should such a person be stopped? or?

 

4 days now.

 

I dont work in an underground Coal Mine, hard rock mining where I work. So I cant give exact details in regards to the dangers of Coal Mining.

But I can tell you one thing, it would be VERY scary down there being stuck and not knowing if they can get you out anytime soon. VERY VERY scary!!!

They should have ERB's (Emergency Refuge Bay) down there. They are similar to bomb shelters. They come in all shapes and sizes and seat X-amount of people. ERB's have phone and radio in them. Toilet and drinking water. When "activated", the ERB produces its own air. The air lasts for 48 hrs in the ERB's we have. Ours also seats 10 people and they are ALL over the Mine. I dont know the specs or even if they have ERB's down in that Coal Mine.

Its a hot, dark, dusty, sh*t enviroment down there. I dont like being down there for 12 hrs, let alone being stuck down there.

Anymore than a few days and one would start getting REALLY agitated! I hope they are still alive and they make it out soon.

 

The risks with coal mining are the explosive gases so I don't think they are being too OH&S, no point sending more people into a volatile and potentially explosive environment, which is why they are cautious in drilling through. Any sparks could create another explosion.

Apparently they have requested another robot from the US and are in "negotiations" (????) for one out of WA. I would have thought the one out of WA would be the best option. Only 10 hours by plane.

Lets just keep praying all is well.

 

I just can't believe that a robot designed for bomb disposal etc can't work in the rain, unphukin believable.

 

Makes ya wonder sometimes.

 

Yeah, thats it.......

 

As a mining engineer with years experience on mines rescue teams (never needed thankfully) I'll take a shot at answering those questions bearing in mind that I am not there so can't second guess those on the ground:

One key lesson drummed into all rescue personnel is be aware of and avoid risk to yourself. There is no point becoming the next casualty because that will just make the situation worse (and there are, sadly, countless stories of people rushing in to rescue with tragic consequences - particularly in toxic environments where the danger is not always visible).
Realistically a good time to go down would have been immediately following the initial explosion as there would no longer be explosive gasses present... but there are lots of other potential dangers (fire, damaged ground supports, etc)... so best to make sure that it is safe enough to enter as then you will have a chance to effect a rescue.

I do agree though that it seems they are spending a long time waiting - why I cannot really answer.

Yes - explosive gas concentrations and indications of heating (a fire or smoldering) suggest high risk to rescue personnel.

Losing a rescue team is not an acceptable risk. If those underground are not OK - there is no reason to risk rescue personnel.

Going into that mine at the moment would be a bit like going cave diving... you would need to take your own air supply for the duration of the trip so just "grabbing a mask" is not going to be sufficient. Sending a team in is the only "safe" approach so if I were in charge there is no way on earth I would let someone go in alone.



The situation in NZ is very different to that recently in Chile - but it is still possible the miners have reached a refuge (as Pap described) and are in a secure environment waiting for rescue. These refuges, unlike the moveable ones Pap described, are supplied with air from surface compressors so aren't time limited.
We should never give up hope - no matter how bad the situation looks - so please continue to to think positive, say a prayer, cross your fingers, whatever is your thing - and have confidence in the people on the ground who will be itching to get in there and effect a rescue.