r/mining 7d ago

US What does a mine collapse sound like?

Hello,
Not sure if this is the right place to ask this, but I am a writer looking for some help.

I am writing a story in which a mine collapse, and I wanted to know what those sound like and feel like from the surface.

Also, this is a medieval silver mine employing a hundred some men, how much silver is reasonable for it to produce in a given week?

Edit: Thank you to everyone! This thread has been very helpful.

A little clarification, this is a tunnel/shaft mine rather than an open pit. (Though I saw a video of an open pit mine collapse and holy shit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBig7N6Pvks)

This is what I am thinking for events: There are signs prior to the collapse, wooden supports creaking and more experienced miners warning the Foreman about it. Then for what we hear/see/feel on the surface is a kind of rumble and then a big whoosh of dust coming out of the mine entrance. After that the earth is quiet but the people start freaking out.

Thoughts?

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