Back in 2014, a few friends envisaged widening the circle of those who were interested, experienced and active in diving the mines and caves of the UK. Those friends and club founders were Will Smith (RIP), D’Arcy Foley, Mark Vaughan, Sasha London, Jon Carter and Ian France.
The premise was simply to find others with appropriate qualifications and experience to go diving with in such environments. That remains the primary ethos of the club and with that, the UK Mine / Cave Diving and Exploration club was created – the UKMC.
An early and lucky, chance conversation with a Welsh landowner revealed the existence of an undived mine close to Cambrian Slate mine. Many dives were carried out on that exciting project called ‘Lost’ at Aber Las to discover, survey and line it out. The evident connection to Cambrian is known but is unsafe to work through.
Aber Las Is the symbolic home of the UKMC and holds a very special place in our hearts as the first true exploration project, but also with sadness and remembrance due to Will Smith’s fatal accident while exploring the furthest section.
The UKMC is not a training organisation and welcomes divers with a minimum qualification of Intro Cave and/or Intro Mine, or equivalent.
Our core values revolve around exploration, correct procedures and techniques and respect for the landowners and the environment.
Our membership fees are very low and we affiliate with the British Caving Association (BCA) to obtain 3rd party liability landowner insurance.