Paul,Boyd told me that they are going to get a road down into the pit,that will allow them to dig deeper and get to a better vein,may be a bit before they get down that deep. I will probly wait until after July to go back,and then it will be an early morn run.
In the mean time, you need to get you a good weight spalling hammer,we used a 3# copper hammer on the big stuff and it worked perty well,but another fella told me that a 4# sledge (that has been untempered) is perfect to the big stuff.
To untemper, heat the head up to cherry red and let it cool. Then weld in a short pipe handle.
It's good fun, and a great way to get alot of good rock cheap! I'll let ya know ahead of time,before I go back. Directions are simple.
About 10 miles south of Joplin Mo. Right on the border.