Very new to rope climbing, so I'm not very familiar with what associated equipment may be required.
I'm interested in exploring mines and especially in how to safely ascend (very high) vertical ladders that run up within (some) mine shafts.
But first.
Descending mine shafts via (long) vertical ladders is not really a serious concern. Although admittedly I'm very uneasy about descending into deep holes and also uneasy about (great) heights. However, as long as there is some definite secure means of preventing me from falling down, then I'm much more relaxed about the situation.
Briefly, looking at descending shafts using a rope which is solidly attached to a secure anchor point at or near the top of the shaft. Then using a climbing harness and a descender, make my way down the shaft ladder. And maybe use a rope grip as a back up for the descender to prevent a (bad) fall?
Now, climbing up (long) vertical mine ladders is a bit more challenging in terms of required (safety) equipment and climbing procedure when there isn't an existing rope nor anything else to use as an aide.
Some mine ladders are made out of wood, and some are made out of some form of steel. The ladders are attached to the side of mine shafts via (deeply) embedded anchors I believe(?)
Mine shaft walls may consist of hard rock, or consist of (relatively loose) medium rock, or may even be something clay like(!?)
So, I want to climb up a vertical mine shaft ladder using safety equipment and safe procedures as far as practical. I have a harness and rope. One end of the safety/climbing rope is tied to a secure point at or near the bottom of the ladder.
The loose side of the safety rope is carried up with me as I climb the ladder. Now it seems I'll have to provide anchor points for the rope now and then (much like single rope climbing technique on mountains) as an aide to preventing falls.
The loose side of the rope is thread through the anchor point. Then the loose side of the rope is attached to my harness via an ascender and/or a rope grip.
The problem is, where and how do I attach anchor points? In the mine shaft walls, or on the ladder somewhere? Keeping in mind that the mine shaft walls may be soft and may not support standard climbing anchors, and ladder rungs may fail, so this makes thing difficult!?
Maybe there is some other way without using SRT anchors?
So, how should I climb the vertical ladders using safety equipment?
Thank you!