Achievements in recent years
Kernal Level (Coniston Copper mines) Permission was negotiated from the landowner, LDNPA, English Heritage and English Nature to dig open the collapsed entrance to Kernal Level. The collapse was protected with steelwork, and a gate fitted in accordance with the conditions of the permission. The mine was found to be in a heavily collapsed state, but was explored, surveyed and photographed. A report can be read in CATMHS Journal No 6, recently published.
In 2009 published CATMHS Journal No 6, ‘The Mine Explorer’
The Society organised and ran the annual meeting of the National Association of Mining History Organisations at Coniston in July 2004.
Grey Crag Level (Coniston Copper Mines) was blocked by a fall from the stopes above, closing the through route of descent from Leverswater Mine down through Top level and Middle level. The fall was removed, steel support installed along with timber lagging and a large quantity of spoil placed on the roof to protect against further collapses. Apart from the through route this work has permitted access to the inner end of the level.
At Hudgillburn Mine (Alston N Pennines) re-opened some years ago by the Society, the entrance portal through soft ground has been completely excavated and the stone arching rebuilt (probably to a higher standard than originally), the site completely re-instated and a stream diverted to protect the renewed lining. Work is in hand to install ladders to provide access to the "Cavern"
Greenside Mine (Patterdale) following closure a serious collapse in the Lucy Tongue level was cleared by a major campaign (shared with COMRU and MOLES). A further major collapse just short of Smiths Shaft in 2003 involved transporting large amounts of material inbye for distances of up to a mile underground, installing steelwork, spiling into the collapse and excavating the spoil. Had this work not been carried out access to the mine would have been severely restricted. (This project was completed in time for Nahmo 2004)
Levers Water mine (Coniston Copper Mines) has been re-opened after consultation with the Lake District National Park, English Heritage and the landowner. A large amount of material had to be removed to allow the mine to be de-watered. Steel and timber support has been installed to the entrance, as part of the agreement to permit re-opening a locked gate was fitted to protect the natural features of the mine. Access is available to the public upon application. Continuous maintenance visits are required to clear debris falling from above. Photographic records have been made of the interior and representatives of the Lake District National park, National Trust and landowner have been taken underground.
An in depth study primarily by physical exploration, and limited archival investigation, has taken place into the North Wales Slate Quarrying industry. This has been on going for a number of years and has involved serious SRT development moving from hand driven "spits" via the use of aluminium extending ladders to the use of battery powered SDS drills. A magnificent collection of photographs (both above and below ground), along with an unparalleled knowledge of the area has been built up by the leader of this group. Recent activity has concentrated in the Corris area and has involved fascinating visits to areas that have not been seen for many years.
Archival and archaeological investigations are continuing into both the Coniston orefield and it's mines and quarries and the North Pennine (Alston) orefield and it's mines.
The second edition of the Alistair Cameron's "Slate from Coniston" was published in 2005, the first edition having long sold out.
Significant financial assistance was given to fellow charity the Newland Furnace Trust in the form of an interest free loan of £7500 (since repaid) as bridging finance between submission of contractors' invoices for major restoration work and repayment of expenditure by English Heritage.
