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Report - - Grove Rake Fluorspar Mine, Weardale - February 2011 | Mines and Quarries | 28DaysLater.co.uk

Report - Grove Rake Fluorspar Mine, Weardale - February 2011

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thompski

Leggy brunette
28DL Full Member
Due to a grim financial situation, my efforts to get much done have been minimal this year, at least thus far. With recently acquired employment, money is no longer an issue and as a result, I consulted Raptor Jesus and we went on a trip up North, with Grove Rake being something of mutual interest.

The area was originally worked for lead reserves, and this probably dated back to the Middle ages. The value of fluorite in the steel industry lead to the mine commencing extraction of the mineral in the 20th century. Following World War 2, the mine was owned by British Steel, whom developed the mine to the north including new drifts. In the 1980s the mine fell into private hands once more, and in its latter years was owned by Sherburn Minerals until 1999.

Anywhere which has underground workings and a headstock can only be a good thing. Highlight was undoubtedly getting wet in the mines crotch deep water... and returning to the surface unable to use my legs for a few minutes :D

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The British Steel built drift
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And underground, or the two meagre shots that were marginally acceptable...

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