Nestled beneath the serene rolling farmland near Appleby-in-Westmorland lies a monumental feat of engineering—the world's deepest gypsum mine. This vast underground network, operated by British Gypsum, has been a cornerstone in supplying raw materials for plasterboard production for almost half a century. Despite its immense depth of 1,000 feet (305 meters), the mine offers a surprisingly secure workplace environment, as attested by those who work in its depths daily.
The mine's operations began in 1977 and have since evolved into a colossal undertaking aimed at replacing old tunnels with new, efficient pathways. With a height of 30 feet (9 meters), the mine is spacious enough for a Range Rover to navigate through its expansive corridors. This makes it a significant industrial venture that continues to drive the local economy by providing essential materials for the construction industry.
A complex system of conveyor belts weaves through the mine, demonstrating the scale and intricacy of its operations. Some of these belts stretch up to 3,300 feet (1 kilometer), transporting thousands of tons of gypsum from where it is extracted to where it is treated. This lengthy transit system ensures that material reaches the factory in Kirkby Thore daily, maintaining a steady supply chain critical for the manufacture of plasterboard.
Machines within the mine are capable of cutting through approximately 3.3 feet (1 meter) of gypsum per hour, showcasing the efficiency and advanced technology employed in this subterranean enterprise. These operations require precision and constant vigilance from workers to maintain safety and productivity standards.
Peter Richardson, a shift manager at the mine, emphasizes the importance of safety and awareness in this unique working environment.
"If I had a vehicle fire and the tyres caught fire, there would be thick black smoke and you'd struggle to see, hence the strobes on there to guide you in," – Mr. Richardson
Safety measures such as strobe lights are in place to guide workers in case of emergencies, underscoring the mine's commitment to worker safety.
Despite its depths and potential hazards, working in the mine does not evoke fear among employees, as Richardson explains:
"The fear factor just isn't there, you don't think about it." – Mr. Richardson
However, he notes the necessity of remaining constantly alert:
"You're obviously aware of your surroundings and you check where you're going to be working." – Mr. Richardson
The importance of never becoming complacent is clear:
"Dare I say it, you never take it for granted." – Mr. Richardson
These insights from an experienced manager reflect the balance between routine operations and the ever-present need for caution in such an environment.