Refuge Station Hints

Please note this page is still in testing, feel free to send any comments or issues to vlee [at] miningmatters.ca (vlee[at]miningmatters[dot]ca)

The hints are roughly ordered in the expected puzzle order, but to avoid any spoilers we recommend that you use the search function (ctrl+f) to search for key words (e.g. computer, phone, etc.) in the puzzle that you need help with.

Opening the Lunchbox

Hint 1

Maybe you can get directions from somewhere?

Hint 2

It looks like there’s a map with letters.

Hint 3

Use the mine map to find the lock directions.

Solution

Following the path of the letters on the mine map, you head down, right, left, then down. This is the lock combination.

The Water Cooler

Hint 1

The water cooler looks dirty… Maybe you can clean it.

Hint 2

Look around you need two pieces, a cleaning cloth and cleaning solution.

Solution

The cleaning cloth is on the computer desk, and the cleaning solution is in the left locker.

Starting up Systems (Computer)

Hint 1

Try entering a password…a wrong password usually prompts a reminder.

Hint 2

Is there something that shows Geological time periods?

Hint 3

You may need to do some cleaning in to find the dates.

Solution

The water cooler shows 146-65 mya, based on the Geological Time Scale poster is the Cretaceous period. The password is “Cretaceous”.

Unlocking the Computer File

Hint 1

Can you find something that links numbers to the minerals?

Hint 2

The Mohs Hardness Scale has all these minerals on it.

Solution

The hardness of the minerals are Talc: 1, Corundum: 9, Diamond: 10, and Gypsum: 2. The passcode is 1, 9, 10, 2.

Padlock on the Air Tanks

Hint 1

Try looking for something that gives four digits.

Hint 2

Have you looked at the phone?

Hint 3

Maybe something on the computer an help.

Solution

The morse code legend is on the computer file. Use it to decode the phone message. The code to open the padlock is 5, 3, 2, 7.

Break the Ice

Hint 1

Maybe something blunt can break this? Now is the time to be nosey, open every door, look in every drawer.

Hint 2

Safety first, not only do you need PPE for protection you also need to ensure your work area is clean.

Solution

There is a rock hammer in the to red drawer and once you clean up the chair by the table the safety glasses will appear. With both items you can safely break the ice.

Right Locker

Hint 1

You will need a key to open this locker.

Hint 2

Have you seen a key anywhere?

Hint 3

You will need to break the ice to collect the key for the locker.

Solution

See Break the Ice, then use the key to open the locker.

Charging Station

Hint 1

Where do the cords coming from the back of the station lead?

Hint 2

Have a look at the computer.

Solution

You must log on to the computer to turn on the charging station. Have a look at Starting up Systems.

Cupboard with Key Slots

Hint 1

You will need two oddly shaped keys, explore the Refuge station to find them.

Hint 2

Have you looked at the Air tanks?

Hint 3

Have you opened the lunchbox?

Solution

You will find the hard hat key locked with the air tanks and the headlamp key in the lunchbox.