Description: The BIG PLATE! This is the first photo I took which records the development and eventual collection of the largest matrix crocoite specimen anyone has ever seen and or documented in the one hundred plus years long history of the Adelaide Mine. Using the hammer, hours drifted past as I worked the rock back on both my right, above me and behind until finally, some wiggle room was gained. After, I began working, advancing my way forward alongside the pocket. Days of development work followed punctuated by endless rounds of mucking… The water dripped upon us as it coursed through the rock above while within our mine suits, we sweated as we strained at the hammers, the shovels, hauling the bin and loading the barrow, advancing-ever-advancing one precious foot forward by the next.

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