Being generally new to Minecraft and completely new to the server scene, I ran into an issue this evening and wanted to get some advice from more experienced on-line players so please feel free to chime in if you have any suggestions.
After some time I came to find running to the mining spawn was a bit of a chore, so I decided to create my own mine under my home. Now in doing this I felt I could expedite the process and get my materials quicker and more efficiently. After a while I ran into large caverns full of precious mats and ores. I started gathering what I could from the main chambers while fighting off the occasional skele and spider. Then I branched off into the smaller shafts to chase more ore. It was here I discovered a number of rails on the cavern floor and many torches placed sporadically throughout the complex. The placement of the rails and some of the objects were far too random, in my opinion, to be an ongoing or current build. I did not disturb these items and left the area for fear of accidentally griefing. My closest neighbor was not online so I could not ask him if it was his mine I ran into. Now if this was my neighbor I would have no problem with helping him out and splitting the fruits of our labor in a mining co-op. ( As I built his home and garden for him I doubt this would be an issue. ) But my question is, if this wasn't his property, how would a person be able to rectify the issue without incurring a ban due to griefing? Needless to say this would fall under collateral damage or accidental griefing, but it's still griefing non the less. I guess this would be the reason the mine world exists, but even there I have run into other people's mines. What are the rules governing this so as to be clear.
I thank you all for your time and would appreciate any help in the matter!
~ BLC1973 ~