Noxon Park Mine Complex

Located in the valley approximately 750 yards southeast of China Engine Pit (qv), this extensive mine system was accessed via a cross-measure adit driven 550 yards southwest to reach the Crease Limestone. The main level extended 900 yards northwest, beyond the China Engine Pit, and over 300 yards southeast. Numerous outcrop holes connect to the level—many of these are still open today.

Most entrances are found along the track running across Noxon Park between Bream Tufts and Oakwood Valley.

Southern Section

Entrances

• South Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5940 0590
  • Altitude: 495 ft
  • Depth: 130 ft

• North Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5930 0596
  • Altitude: 505 ft
  • Depth: 138 ft

The South Entrance lies at the end of a large scowle now used as a rubbish tip. A false level leads to a 22 ft shaft, connecting with the end of the adit. Northwards, broken ground leads to alternative descent routes. A churn at the north end emerges at the North Entrance.

Jetty Section

Entrances

• Jetty Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5918 0608
  • Altitude: 520 ft
  • Depth: 149 ft

• Ian’s Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5915 0613
  • Altitude: 560 ft
  • Depth: 194 ft

• Noxon Big Collapse

  • NGR: SO 5911 0618
  • Altitude: 560 ft
  • Depth: 195 ft

• Small Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5910 0611
  • Level elevation: 490 ft
  • Total Length: 1,675 ft

This section contains two parallel churns: one from the Jetty Entrance, and another from the chamber below the Collapse. Several other entrances also connect here. A highlight is the finely dressed sandstone jetty. The adit also links to this level.

Pit-Prop Series

Entrance

• Pit-Prop Entrance (aka Fox Hole)
  • NGR: SO 5901 0617
  • Altitude: 545 ft
  • Depth: 177 ft
  • Level Length: 520 ft
  • Total Length: 945 ft

This area comprises a rectangular grid of passages and galleries, though some are disrupted by four dangerous collapses. The Grotto, near the bottom of the system, contains fine cave pearls.

High Rift / Crater Complex

Entrances

• High Rift Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5897 0625
  • Altitude: 545 ft
  • Depth: 179 ft

• Middle Entrance (blocked by a fall)

  • NGR: SO 5894 0628
  • Altitude: 545 ft
  • Depth: 179 ft

• First Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5893 0632

• Crater / Crazy Pillar Entrance

  • NGR: SO 5888 0640
  • Altitude: 520 ft
  • Depth: 151 ft

• Level Length: 965 ft

• Total Length: 2,720 ft

Three main entrances descend via large churns down-dip to the adit level. A twisting passage connects the High Rift and Middle Entrances, running ~50 ft above the main level and trending toward Pit-Prop before ending in a fall. A hazardous collapse links the lower churn to the Crater level, which leads into a complex series of large chambers, particularly toward the north.

Surveyor’s Rift

• NGR: SO 5893 0650
• Altitude: 440 ft
• Depth: 56 ft
• Length: 145 ft

A single, straight rift, running north-south.

North End

• Main Entrance
  • NGR: SO 5884 0679
  • Altitude: 440 ft
  • Depth: 63 ft
  • Level Length: 270 ft
  • Total Length: 405 ft

Multiple large entrances converge here, descending into a steep slope ending in water. A short adit is accessible by traversing the slope, and another runs along the right-hand wall. This second level ends at large logs and narrows into a bedding plane.