FMF - Friends of Minerals Forum, discussion and message board

[ike wilson]

As of today the Florence Mine at Egremont Cumbria is closed and flooding, I had the pleasure of spending the last two weeks recovering specimens from the flooding mine. Haematite and spme specularite. It is a shame that the lst working haematite mine in Europe has gone, (but not for good we hope) The worlds best kidney came from there. It seems to be a growing trend in the U.K. mineral sites closing, mainly due to e.u. health and safety issues but some for finance problems, its like the mineral label sindrome does the scacity of a mineral jack the price up, does the rarity of a label jack that price up.
We have to work harder to find good mineral locations in the u.k. that one can collect at.
Is it the same in other european countries ?

[Jordi Fabre]

Ike,

I'm afraid that is it still worst in other European countries. Most of the main famous mines are closed and you can't find anything there due the reconditioning mining area's rules (Les Farges, Almadén, for example) or they still work, but the possibilities to find something are extremely low due the new modern operating systems (Panasqueira, Trimouns for example).
So, in fact I consider you as a lucky man, still having the possibility to dig in Florence Mine!

Jordi

[ike wilson]

Hi Jordi

At least we can still collect at Pedros mine, that should be here for some time, also Ambasaguas. Reading Bocamina I see sites that seem to be collectable. We still have some collecting sites in the u.k., quite a lot underground, hard work, water and deep shafts mean your specimens are hard earned. BUT thats what its all about, the finding of the site, collecting (of possible) bringing them home and cleaning them, then showing your friends what your hard work has won for you. I LOVE IT.

regards Ike