The report authored by H. A. Abbott, Inspector of Mines, addresses the unfortunate incident that transpired at Levant Mine on October 20 1919, resulting in the deaths of 31 men and injuries to 19 others due to the malfunction of the man-engine, a mechanism employed for the transportation of miners within the shaft. This report can be found within the pinned-comment of this video below.

Levant Mine, distinguished as one of the most successful mining operations in Cornwall, is situated near St. Just-in-Penwith, having been in active operation for 110 years (1820-1930).
Since 1967 however, the National Trust have been conservating the engine house, later the wider site. This is now open to the public to visit via pre-booked tours below:
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visi...

Levant Mine extracted minerals from two distinct systems of lodes, with operations extending to depths of 350 fathoms, with over 60 miles of tunnels. The man-engine, which was originally installed in 1857 and periodically upgraded, served an essential function in transporting miners to and from the depths of the mine. This machine operated by vertically moving a lengthy pitch-pine rod, with miners stepping onto and off of platforms (sollars) during its motion. Prior to its installation, Cornish miner's could only gain access via ladders.

On the day of the incident, the man-engine was nearly at full capacity with miners ascending from the mine. The accident ensued when the rod, secured to a surface quadrant beam by strap plates referred to as "caps," experienced a failure during the upstroke. This failure occurred near the apex of the rod's stroke when one of the caps fractured due to an internal defect likely stemming from the manufacturing process. The rupture of the cap resulted in the rod losing equilibrium and descending, ultimately leading to a catastrophic failure of several support structures (catches) within the shaft.

While the descent of the rod was partially mitigated by two of the catches, the damage was already irreversible. The rod fractured at a lower point, leading to the upper section, which was transporting approximately 30 men, plummeting down the shaft, thereby destroying platforms and causing multiple fatalities. The report delineates the recovery process for the deceased, the survival of certain miners who were able to exit via ladders, and the subsequent investigation into the shaft and machinery following the incident.

The inquiry ascertained that the material used for the caps was generally of satisfactory quality; however, an internal defect attributed to inadequate forging techniques rendered the caps susceptible to failure under load. This defect precipitated the failure of the cap, resulting in the rod's descent and the ensuing tragedy. Despite an inspection of the caps conducted three years prior, which identified no issues, the internal flaw remained undetected, ultimately resulting in the catastrophic event.

The report underscores the robust design of the man-engine and the appropriateness of the materials utilized to withstand the operational stresses. Nonetheless, the existence of a defective component within the cap—imperceptible during standard inspections—culminated in the fatal failure. Consequently, the report advocates for daily inspections of such machinery and deliberation on potential enhancements to safety regulations governing man-engines to avert future occurrences of a similar nature.

The site is closed to the general public every year upon its anniversary, 19th October. Descendants are invited to visit the site free of charge by the National Trust.