Arizona mining officials have documented nearly 100,000 abandoned mine shafts throughout the State. Of this total, 9,000 have been identified as dangerous because of their proximity to communities and recreation areas. Over the past couple of years several people have been killed falling into the open mine shafts or by inadvertently riding all-terrain vehicles into the openings. ARPA and its member companies recognize the fact that these abandoned shafts are a detriment to the entire mining industry and working in conjunction with the State Mining Inspector's office, have started an effort to fill in the shafts. Because the State does not have any available funds to put toward this effort, ARPA arranges for a member company to donate the materials and the Mining Inspector's office acquires the necessary permits. ARPA sees this as an opportunity to give back to the communities that support ARPA member companies.
I had no idea this was such an issue! Thank you for sharing. It's a good thing that companies donate the materials to make mine shafts less of a threat.
ReplyDeleteWow. I wonder how much it costs to fill in a mine shaft. Do you blow it up? or fill it in with dirt? I am curious. Also I would probably get in trouble if I found a mine becasue I would want to explore it.
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