Found 3 mines in the Ladrones!!!

**1stTimeProspector** · Jan 26, 2012, 09:22 PM

I went up to the Ladrones mountains today 1/26/12 to do some exploring. On my trip I found 3 mines! two are approx. 40ft deep straight down and appear to continue underground. The 3rd one is approx. 25ft deep and grounds out either filled in or abandoned there's a wooden ladder at the bottom. If anyone's interested in exploring them with me let me know!

**chrisplay2004** · Jan 27, 2012, 05:02 PM

I used to explore many mines until they closed them or buried them.
I have climbing equipment and spelunking equipment.
It sure would be cool to check these out.
Post your pics so I get a glance.
I am in Albuquerque but may be able to make time in March.

**snakeyes** · Jan 27, 2012, 05:17 PM

Sounds interesting I would go with you also, but doubt I would drop down into any shaft, but I would cheer you on

I also live in Albuquerque.
Marty

**1stTimeProspector** · Jan 28, 2012, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by 1stTimeProspector

I went up to the Ladrones mountains today 1/26/12 to do some exploring. On my trip I found 3 mines! two are approx. 40ft deep straight down and appear to continue underground. The 3rd one is approx. 25ft deep and grounds out either filled in or abandoned there's a wooden ladder at the bottom. If anyone's interested in exploring them with me feel free to reply on here or email me andrewcadigan26@yahoo.com I do have pics of them as well.

**chrisplay2004** · Jan 28, 2012, 03:26 PM

Wow, those look way cool. One thing abount many NM mines is they are granite. Most I have been in were pretty safe in most sections. Although they tend to have some dangerous cross sections.

**Springfield** · Jan 28, 2012, 05:45 PM

Originally Posted by chrisplay2004

Wow, those look way cool. One thing abount many NM mines is they are granite. Most I have been in were pretty safe in most sections. Although they tend to have some dangerous cross sections.

That vertical shaft appears to be untimbered, which indicates solid ground. In any case, please be careful if you attempt to explore these old workings. Loose rock, bad air and other hazards can exist in all old mines and caves. Many experienced folks have encountered unexpected problems in these places. Be sure to let somebody know where you are and when you expect to return.

**NGE** · Jan 28, 2012, 06:17 PM

Bad air (you mean methane?) Toss a lit torch in before having a look-see.........MM

**1stTimeProspector** · Jan 29, 2012, 01:34 PM

Originally Posted by chrisplay2004

Wow, those look way cool. One thing abount many NM mines is they are granite. Most I have been in were pretty safe in most sections. Although they tend to have some dangerous cross sections.

Can you tell what kind of rock that is from the pics at all?

**chrisplay2004** · Jan 30, 2012, 10:05 AM

Ladrone is mostly granite. Please do not toss a torch in, you could create a really bad explosion. It is easy to find out about methane just by repelling down the shaft. About 3/4 of the way down you usually can smell it. However, once down there you may find pockets of methane in the cross sections. To date I have have only come across one mine with methane in NM and never encountered it in any cave. I have explored about 150 cave systems and 50+ mines in NM. In additioin, I have explored caves and mines in Mexico and accross the US. One rule I always follow is to have a team of at least 3 people.

**1stTimeProspector** · Jan 30, 2012, 10:21 AM

Originally Posted by chrisplay2004

Ladrone is mostly granite. Please do not toss a torch in, you could create a really bad explosion. It is easy to find out about methane just by repelling down the shaft. About 3/4 of the way down you usually can smell it. However, once down there you may find pockets of methane in the cross sections. To date I have have only come across one mine with methane in NM and never encountered it in any cave. I have explored about 150 cave systems and 50+ mines in NM. In additioin, I have explored caves and mines in Mexico and accross the US. One rule I always follow is to have a team of at least 3 people.

Yeah I wouldn't be dumb enough to do that anyway! Sounds like you have been busy!! Have you ever found anything in these mines or caves that you have gone in to? Thanks for the tips it's greatly appreciated!

**chrisplay2004** · Jan 31, 2012, 10:54 AM

Here is some of my equipment to keep me safe. In my pm to 1stTimeprospec I forgot to mention a Harness. You will see three of mine in these photos. Notice the scratches on my helmet. You will be suprised how often you bump your headoin tight spaces like mines.
Pic 1 is Carabiners, Figure 8 descenders and pulley.
Pic 2 is Swiss made Juamr Ascenders
Pic 3 is three different harness's
Pic 4 is two of my newer ropes
Pic 5 shows my Helmet with everything under it