Adit facts for kids

Abandoned adit near Pernek

An adit is like a special doorway into a mine that goes straight into the side of a hill or mountain. Imagine a tunnel that's mostly flat, or horizontal. Miners often build adits when valuable materials like coal or ore are found inside a mountain, but above the ground level of a nearby valley or coast. This way of mining is sometimes called drift mining.

What is an Adit?

An adit is a type of entrance to a mine that is mostly flat, or horizontal. Think of it as a tunnel dug directly into the side of a mountain. Adits are usually built when the valuable minerals, like coal or metal ores, are located inside the mountain but higher than the ground outside. This makes it easier to reach them without digging straight down.

Why are Adits Built?

Adits are super useful for several reasons in mining.

• Easy Access: They provide a simple way for miners to get in and out. It's much easier to walk or push carts along a flat tunnel than to climb up and down deep shafts.
• Drainage: Mines often fill with water. Adits can be built with a slight slope to let water drain out naturally. This helps keep the mine dry and safe for workers.
• Ventilation: Fresh air is vital in a mine. Adits help air flow through the mine, especially if there's another opening like a shaft. This keeps the air breathable and clears out dangerous gases.
• Transport: It's easier to transport mined materials out of a horizontal adit using carts or small trains. This saves a lot of effort compared to lifting everything up a vertical shaft.

How Adits are Used

Adits have been used for centuries in mining.

Early Mining

In the past, before powerful pumps and hoisting machines existed, adits were the main way to access mines. They were especially important for draining water from underground workings. Miners would dig these tunnels by hand, often following the mineral veins.

Modern Mining

Even today, adits are still important. They are used for:

• Exploration: To explore new areas for minerals.
• Development: To create new sections of a mine.
• Ventilation and Safety: To improve air circulation and provide emergency exits.
• Tourist Attractions: Many old adits are now open to the public as historical sites, letting people see what mining was like long ago.

Adits are a clever and efficient way to get into a mine, making the hard work of extracting minerals a bit easier and safer.

Images for kids

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  Gated entrance of an abandoned adit near Medford, Oregon, United States

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  Queen Louise adit, Zabrze, Poland

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  Horse adit in the abandoned lead mine, Nenthead, County Durham, UK

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  A small, almost hidden adit entrance at Eylesbarrow mine, Dartmoor, Devon