Introduction to Mine Surveying

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Questions and Answers

What is the main purpose of a raise in mining terminology?

To provide a horizontal passage open to the atmosphere

To create a vertical or inclined opening driven upwards in ore (correct)

To move ore by gravity between levels

To collect water at the bottom of a shaft

Which term refers to a mineral deposit whose economic value has not been proven?

Outcrop

Vein

Ore

Prospect (correct)

What is the purpose of pillars left in slopes during mining?

To connect different production areas

To avoid or decrease roof subsidence (correct)

To excavate vertical ore sections

To allow for the movement of ore by gravity

What distinguishes a tunnel from other types of underground openings?

It is open to the atmosphere at both ends. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'winze' in mining?

A vertical or inclined opening driven downwards from inside the mine Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a cone in mining terminology?

To collect rock from the area above Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes the timbering or concrete around the mouth of a shaft?

Collar Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a drawpoint in mining?

To load and remove ore using gravity flow Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'foot wall' refer to in mining?

The wall or rock under a vein or formation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a finger raise?

A system for transferring ore that branches out to one delivery point Signup and view all the answers

What is a gangue in the context of mineral mining?

Undesired minerals associated with ore Signup and view all the answers

What purpose does a grizzly serve in mining operations?

To screen out oversized rocks from an ore transfer system Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to a horizontal passage that commonly starts from shafts in a mine?

Level Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary responsibility of a mining surveyor?

To accurately measure areas and volumes mined Signup and view all the answers

Which method is commonly used for underground orientation in mine surveying?

Plumbing wires in a shaft Signup and view all the answers

What is a chute in the context of mine surveying?

A channel for ore to fall by gravity Signup and view all the answers

What is a major risk that mine surveyors must monitor?

Rock movement affecting survey marks Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to waste rock used to fill a mined-out area?

Back fill Signup and view all the answers

Why are astronomical observations impractical in underground surveying?

The underground conditions limit line of sight Signup and view all the answers

What is a bedded deposit in mining terminology?

An ore deposit that lies horizontally or slightly inclined Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a cage in mining?

To transport materials and personnel in a mine shaft Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Mine Surveying

Mine surveying includes both underground surveying in mines and tunnels, as well as surface operations associated with underground and open-pit mining.
Conditions underground differ significantly from surface operations.
Traverses can be very short and follow narrow, dusty corridors.
Establishing elevations may require bringing level measurements through deep shafts.
Astronomic observations are not feasible underground.
Orientation is controlled via plumbing wires in shafts or gyro theodolites.
Rock movement impacts the stability of survey marks and can lead to cave-ins, property damage, or fatalities.
Mine surveyors monitor rock movements and collaborate with geologists and other specialists.
Mining surveyors are responsible for accurately measuring mined areas and volumes, as well as precisely mapping surface and underground conditions for mining plans.

Key Mining Terms

Adit: A horizontal or near-horizontal passage driven from the surface for mining or dewatering a mine.
Back: The top of a drift, cross cut, or stope, also known as the roof.
Backfill: Waste rock or other materials used to fill mined-out stopes, preventing caving.
Bedded Deposit: A tabular ore deposit that lies horizontally or slightly inclined, often parallel to the enclosing rock formations.
Cage: An elevator for workers and materials in a mine shaft.
Chute: A channel or trough underground, or an inclined trough above ground, used to move ore by gravity from a higher to a lower level.
Cone: A funnel-shaped excavation at the top of a raise, used to collect rock from the area above.
Collar: The timbering or concrete around the mouth or top of a shaft.
Cross Cut: A horizontal opening driven from a shaft to a vein, crossing the vein's direction to reach the ore zone.
Drawpoint: A location where ore is loaded and removed; typically located beneath the stoping area, using gravity flow.
Dip: The angle of inclination of the vein from the horizontal plane.
Drift: A horizontal opening in or near a mineral deposit, parallel to the vein's direction or the long dimension of the deposit.
Entry: A manway, haulage way, ventilation way underground, of a permanent nature.
Face: The end wall of a drift, cross cut, or bedded deposit.
Footwall: The wall or rock under a vein or steeply inclined mineral formation.
Finger Raise: Used for ore transfer, consisting of several raises branching together to a common delivery point.
Gangue: Undesired minerals associated with ore.
Gangway: A main haulage road underground.
Grizzly: A structure that prevents oversized rocks from entering an ore transfer system, using a steel grating for coarse screening or scalping.
Headframe: A structure at the top of a shaft that houses hoisting equipment.
Hanging Wall: The wall or rock on the upper side of steeply inclined deposits.
Level: A horizontal passage or drift starting from shafts, typically spaced at regular intervals in depth, numbered from the surface or designated by their elevation below the shaft top.
Minerals: Naturally occurring inorganic substances in solid, gas, liquid, or intermediate states, including energy materials like coal, petroleum, natural gas, radioactive materials, and geothermal energy.
Ore: A mineral deposit that can be mined profitably under existing economic conditions.
Ore Pass: A vertical or diagonal opening between levels, allowing ore to move by gravity.
Outcrop: The exposed portion of a vein.
Pillars: Natural rock or ore supports left in slopes to prevent or reduce roof subsidence as mining progresses.
Prospect: A mineral deposit whose economic value is not yet proven.
Raise: A vertical or inclined opening driven upwards in ore from a level.
Ramp: An inclined underground opening that connects levels or production areas, usually driven downwards.
Rib: A wall in an entry, also called a wall.
Shaft: A vertical or inclined excavation extending downwards from the surface or an interior point, serving as a principal opening in a mine.
Sill: Synonymous with floor.
Strike: The line of intersection between a vein and the horizontal plane.
Slot: A vertical or inclined ore section excavated for further stoping.
Stope: An underground "room" or working area from which ore is removed.
Sump: An excavation at the bottom of a shaft for collecting water.
Tunnel: A horizontal or near-horizontal underground passage open to the atmosphere at both ends.
Vein: A thin deposit of minerals between definite boundaries.
Winze: A vertical or inclined opening driven downwards (sunk) from a point inside the mine to connect with a lower level.
Waste: Mined rocks that do not contain valuable minerals.

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Description

Explore the essential concepts and practices in mine surveying, covering both underground and surface operations. Learn how mine surveyors measure and map areas, monitor rock movements, and ensure safety in mining environments. This quiz will test your knowledge of important terminology and concepts in the field.