In this breathtaking 4K drone footage, we take you on an aerial journey through the historic Beaconsfield Mine, a site rich with heritage and natural beauty. From its striking surface infrastructure to the sprawling landscapes surrounding the mine, this video captures the essence of one of Tasmania's most iconic mining sites.
The Beaconsfield gold mine collapsed on 25 April 2006 in Beaconsfield, Tasmania, Australia. Of the seventeen people who were in the mine at the time, fourteen escaped immediately following the collapse, one miner (Larry Knight) was killed, while the remaining two (Brant Webb and Todd Russell) were found alive on the sixth day by miners Pat Ball and Steve Saltmarsh. Webb and Russell were rescued on 9 May 2006, two weeks after being trapped nearly 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) below the surface.
At 9:26 p.m. (Australian Eastern Standard Time) on 25 April 2006, a small earthquake triggered an underground rockfall at the Beaconsfield gold mine in northern Tasmania. Geoscience Australia said that the earthquake had a magnitude of 2.3 on the Richter scale, at a shallow depth at coordinates 41.190°S 146.840°E. Earlier speculation had suggested that mine blasting had caused the collapse. Three of the miners working underground at the time were trapped, and early reports suggested that 14 miners who were underground at the time had managed to scramble to safety. The mining company, Beaconsfield Mine Joint Venture, released a press statement saying they held "grave concerns for the three miners' wellbeing"
Larry Knight (44), Brant Webb (37) and Todd Russell (34) were the three miners who remained unaccounted for. Knight had been killed in the initial rockfall, but Webb and Russell were still alive, trapped in part of the vehicle in which they had been working at the time of the collapse, known as a teleloader or telehandler. They were in a basket at the end of the telehandler's arm, where they had been applying steel mesh to a barricade prior to backfilling a stope. It was initially misreported that the two miners were saved by a slab of rock that fell on top of the basket, but in a Channel 9 exclusive interview broadcast on 21 May, Webb and Russell stated that this was incorrect and that the "ceiling" above them was merely thousands of individual unstable rocks precariously packed together.
The cage was partially filled with rock, and the men were partially buried under some rubble. Webb seemed to have been knocked unconscious for a short time, and Russell's lower body was completely buried. When Webb awoke, the two were able to free themselves and each other from the fallen rock by cutting through their clothes and boots, which were stuck in the rock, using utility knives.
The miners were able to survive by drinking groundwater, seeping through the rock overhead, which they had collected in their helmets. Webb also had a muesli bar with him, which he offered to cut in half and share with Russell. The men initially agreed to wait 24 hours to eat it, but they continually extended the time, until they decided to eat it on 29 April. They then ate small pieces of the bar at a time, to make it last as long as possible. However, Russell later lost a large portion of his half of the bar when it fell out of his pocket.
🔍 What You'll See:
Stunning Aerial Views: Marvel at the intricate details and vast expanse of the mine, beautifully highlighted in ultra-high-definition.
Historic Structures: Get a bird's-eye view of the impressive machinery and historic buildings that tell the story of Beaconsfield's mining legacy.
Surrounding Scenery: Enjoy panoramic views of the lush Tasmanian landscape that frames the mine, showcasing the contrast between industrial heritage and natural beauty.
📅 About Beaconsfield Mine: Located in the picturesque Tamar Valley, Beaconsfield Mine has a rich history dating back to the 19th century. Known for its gold production and its remarkable survival story, it continues to be a symbol of resilience and historical significance.
🎥 Filming Details:
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Camera: Drone-mounted for immersive aerial perspectives
Music: Ambient soundtrack enhancing the visual experience
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