Main Development Openings in Underground Mining

These flashcards cover key terms related to the main development openings in underground mining, facilitating better understanding and recall for exam preparation.

Vertical shafts

Shafts that are sunk vertically, suitable for accessing ore deposits with inclinations greater than 45º.

Inclined shafts

Shafts that are sunk at an angle, generally used for accessing ore deposits with inclination greater than 45º.

Adit

Horizontal or nearly horizontal excavations driven into the hillside to access the ore horizon.

Drives

Horizontal openings driven from a shaft into underground workings to access ore bodies.

Crosscuts

Horizontal openings that connect different drives, aiding in accessing ore deposits.

Waste passes

Passages used specifically for transporting waste rock within an underground mine.

Ore passes

Passages that facilitate the movement of ore from one level to another within the mine.

Hoisting

The process of lifting ore and waste from underground to the surface using shafts or other methods.

Secondary development

Additional mining work done after initial openings to improve access to ore bodies.

Productive development

Development work carried out in ore; more costly compared to dead work.

Dead work

Development work carried out in country rock that does not lead to ore extraction.

Slope of the ore body

The angle at which the ore deposit is inclined, influencing shaft and tunnel design.

Capital expenditure

The financial investment required for establishing mine openings and infrastructure.

Ventilation

The process of supplying fresh air and removing harmful gases from underground workings.

Topographic conditions

The physical features of the land surface which can affect mine opening locations.

Footwall

The rock or ore layer situated below an inclined ore deposit.

Hanging wall

The layer of rock above an inclined ore deposit.