Mines Group Inc

THE MINES GROUP  Up until 1968 very little was known about the mining remains on the Isle of Man when a Manx Mines Research Group was formed as a spin off from the antiquarian society… as far as understood. The group, a small body of locals from the mining village of Laxey had their first meeting and formed plans for the exploration of the Great Laxey Mine along with other sites around the Island. The system of exploration was basic but the results were remarkable and the recovery of six ore trucks from one of the many shafts by way of winch lead to further discoveries and considerable documentation over the following years. By 1980, the original team had dissolved and had been completely replaced with new members. The only access into the mine at this time was by using single rope technique (see picture right) via the welsh shaft. Theses techniques are frequently practiced. In 1982, the group joined  the National of Mining History Orgaisations N.A.M.H.O. under the title of the Manx Mines Research Group and in 1985 started working as volunteers for the Isle of Man Government on the redevelopment of the Laxey site as a tourist attraction. This prompted the need for change and so in 1987 a second body known as the Laxey Group was formed  and the title of Manx was dissolved over the following five ye...