In 1950, it was explored to a depth of 505 metres (1,657 ft); at that time it was known as the second-largest pit in the world.[1] An expedition in 1980 found that the cave reaches a maximum depth of 805 metres (2,641 ft).[2] It was briefly known as Africa's deepest cave before Anou Ifflis was explored to a depth of 1,170 metres (3,840 ft).[2]