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Man discovers abandoned mine where mining trucks are deteriorating from heat and humidity
Abandoned mines attract urban explorers from different parts of the world due to the mystery and challenge that these places offer. However, exploring this type of mine requires caution, as the conditions are extremely hostile and can be very dangerous if there is no professional specialized in these environments. mining.
Dust, humidity and heat make mines one of the most difficult places for any vehicle or person to operate. About a year ago, the French urban explorer known for the channel GuiXplore, at YouTube, published a fascinating video about a mine that was abandoned approximately twenty years ago.
During the video, it shows the Details of this mine, where there are rusty trucks and accumulated water, a real challenge for any explorador. See below for more details about this great discovery in an abandoned mine.
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Moisture problems and abandoned vehicles 'melting'
Inside the abandoned mine, the explorer found trucks of the French brand Berliet, a well-known vehicle manufacturer industrial of the last century. The state of handling of these vehicles, rusty and covered in fungus and dirt, shows how humidity affects the metal and other materials, accelerating the corrosion process.
Among the vehicles found, the explorer highlighted the model Berliet GLR 160, a classic from the 1960s, and the Berliet GAK, released in 1958. Both trucks were left to the mercy of time and humidity, creating a scene that looks like something out of a movie post-apocalyptic.
Risks involved in mining exploration
Entering the mine already presents a high risk, starting with a fence with signs warning of the possibility of flooding, which could result in fatal drowning for unsuspecting explorers.
Upon entering the mine, it is evident that the humidity is extreme, forming a fog that limits visibility and can hide additional hazards such as holes, unstable areas and deep pools.
Exploring an abandoned mine also involves the risk of collapse. The walls and ceilings of these sites, without maintenance for decades, become fragile, and the weight of the structure itself can cause collapses at any time.
Furthermore, dark and damp galleries are environments that are conducive to the growth of fungi and bacteria that can be harmful to human health.
A curious look into the past
For many explorers, visiting abandoned sites is a way to revisit the past. The mine explored in GuiXplore’s video is a time capsule that brings back memories of the French mining industry, where trucks like the Berliet GLR 160 were essential for transporting heavy materials.
These vehicles were designed to withstand harsh conditions, but even the robustness of these models was not able to resist the corrosive effects of moisture constant.
Urban exploration of abandoned mines reveals intriguing and frightening aspects of these places, but it is essential that urban explorers are aware of the risks involved.
Safety equipment, such as flashlights, protective masks and helmets, are essential to ensure minimally safe exploration.
Reasons for abandonment of mining mines
Mine abandonment is a problem that has profound environmental, social and economic consequences. There are several reasons that lead to the closure and eventual abandonment of these operations.
Depletion of mineral resources: Many mines are abandoned when economically exploitable mineral resources are exhausted. The mining process depends on mineral deposits that can be profitably mined. When these deposits are exhausted or become uneconomical to extract, operations are shut down.
Economic difficulties: Mining is a capital-intensive activity, requiring high investment in equipment, infrastructure and labor. Fluctuations in the prices of metals and minerals on the global market can make exploration economically unviable. When prices fall below the cost of production, mining companies may choose to close or abandon mines to avoid further losses.
Environmental and regulatory issues: Environmental legislation is becoming increasingly stringent, and many companies are struggling to comply with the requirements to continue operating. When the costs of environmental compliance become too high, some companies may choose to abandon mines, especially if the operation is no longer profitable. The same is true when there are legal issues, such as the loss of permits.
Health and safety risks: Abandoned mines can become dangerous for both workers and the environment. When mine maintenance becomes unfeasible or the risk of collapse and contamination increases, it is safer to stop the operation than to continue putting lives and ecosystems at risk.
Abandoned mines pose serious problems for the environment and local communities. These areas can release pollutants such as heavy metals into soil and water, affecting entire ecosystems.
Furthermore, open pits and abandoned mining structures pose physical hazards and can cause fatal accidents for people who inadvertently enter these areas. Finally, the abandonment of mines has an economic impact on communities that depended on the activity for employment and income.
