Miners can't get out of some mineshafts without power

[Wonk]

I wonder how many mines affected by the blackout have sufficient backup power to get everyone out ok? Anyone know the SOP for this? If they don't have enough power for the lifts do they at least have enough to keep a supply of fresh air moving until things get back to normal?

on edit: I assume most lifts are electric, but I don't know. I hope someone with more knowledge about this industry can help educate us on this potentially serious issue.

[JohnKleeb]

1. How terrible

As a miner's great grandson, I am saddened to say the least, :( I hope you all make it out ok.

[amazona]

2. OMG...hope someone will let us know NT

.

[indigo32]

3. Wouldn't they have generators for something like that.

Jeez I hope so... I can't imagine.

[Wonk]

4. I sure hope so, but I don't know. nt

[Generic Other]

5. Are there lots of mines in the NE?

I would not want to be in a mine on a good day.

[Wonk]

6. I found a website with a list. There's lots, but many seem to be strip

mines or quarries, though I'm sure not all are.

http://www.mindat.org/
http://www.mindat.org/lsearch.php?loc=Ohio
http://www.mindat.org/lsearch.php?loc=NewYork
http://www.mindat.org/lsearch.php?loc=NewJersey
http://www.mindat.org/lsearch.php?loc=Michigan
http://www.mindat.org/lsearch.php?loc=Ontario

[Wonk]

7. So, can anyone tell me definitively that this isn't a problem, please? nt

[soup]

8. They'll be fine.

OSHA requires ladders and escape routes.
The climb out would take awhile, but could be done.
There's landings mandated every 30 feet.
The lanterns on the helmets will last a good 8-10 hours, but, if there's a group together, they can conserve by only using one or two to show the way.
He assures me they will be fine as far as air goes.

Miners have training before they start the job, and learn how to handle many emergencies.

My husband mentioned one that I would never think of - If there's a cave in, and they're all in one little area, he was taught it's a good idea for one person to walk or move around to create some air movement and break up concentrations of carbon dioxide. Doesn't use up the air like everybody moving around and exerting energy, but does help.

But, this isn't a cave-in, it's a power outage.

They'll be fine.

edited to add: did I say he used to be a miner?

Hope this helps ease your fears.

[Brian Sweat]

9. Don't they have backup generators.

How are they getting air to them?

[htuttle]

10. ABC reported 140 miners trapped in an Ottawa mine due to power out

This was about two hours ago, and repeated about an hour ago.

They said that they had air and supplies (such as potable water, food), but I believe they were still stuck the last I heard.

No link...just heard it on ABC news at one point.