The old shaft on the site is being refurbished and enhanced. The top of the old shaft has been stabilised and a reinforced concrete ring beam has been inserted where the bedrock starts a few metres below ground level.

Reinforced concrete walling has been built up above the ringbeam to restore the original dimensions of the shaft where coning has occurred. Above this a cap of steel and wood construction has been built to close off the shaft when not in use. A ladder way down the shaft is being installed. Some stabilisation of the shaft below the ring beam has been required.

A wooden headgear, typical of the early 1900s when the shaft was being used, is being erected over the shaft and winding machinery will be installed. Although the mine is self-draining, it is hoped that eventually demonstration pumping equipment will be added.

The 18 inch gauge railway has been extended from the top of the incline to past the shaft and a turntable for a branch to the shaft is in position. It is proposed to install another turntable for a second branch to the shaft.

Debris at the bottom of the shaft will be cleared when the winding gear is fully operational.

August 2010

New shaft headgear fitted on shaft cap, with wagon turntable on the right. A winch will be sited behind the headgear.

Shaft mouth with mesh to halt run in. The rectangular reinforced concrete ringbeam at the bottom is installed on bedrock.

The reinforced shaft walling complete up to ground level proir to installing the steel and wood cap above it.