Mining Definitions and Entry Types

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Questions and Answers

What is included in the definition of a mine according to the Mines Act 1952?

Shafts, bore holes, and accessory crude conditioning plants (correct)

Only surface mining techniques

Mining related machinery and tools

Only conventional mines that extract metals

Which method is NOT classified as a mode of entry when opening up a deposit?

Adit

Tunneling (correct)

Incline

Decline

What is the significance of exploratory drilling in mining?

It replaces the need for shaft sinking

It is used exclusively for surface mining

It helps determine the presence and extent of mineral deposits (correct)

It is only relevant for oil extraction

Which of the following is a consideration in the organization of shaft sinking?

Location, shape, and size of the shaft Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'box cut' refer to in mining?

A surface mining entry method Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following coal mining methods is NOT commonly mentioned?

Cut and fill Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the basic concepts in underground mining?

Transportation, ventilation, and support systems Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a limitation of surface mining?

Lower efficiency in extracting minerals Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'opencast workings' refer to in the context of mining?

A quarry excavation primarily for minerals Signup and view all the answers

Which operation is primarily involved with the removal of overburden in mining?

Surface mining Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of power stations and transformer sub-stations in relation to a mine?

To supply electricity for mining operations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following activities is NOT typically associated with a mine?

Storing raw materials for construction Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that determines whether surface mining or underground mining will be used?

The depth and economics of the mineral deposit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes 'aerial ropeways' in the context of mining?

Transport systems for bringing minerals to and from a mine Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following includes protective works associated with mining?

Structures safeguarding mine entrances and operations Signup and view all the answers

What type of premises is utilized for depositing refuse from a mine?

Exclusively owned premises occupied by the mine owner Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of decline systems in mining?

Increased ventilation requirements Signup and view all the answers

At what depth do shafts become more economic compared to decline ramp systems?

Between 250 to 500 meters Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge in investigating shallower deposits?

Evaluating the complexity of the deposit Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of decline systems?

Low cost of development Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT considered a basic design parameter for mine entries?

Environmental impact assessment Signup and view all the answers

What must declines ensure for the largest piece of equipment used?

Adequate turning radius Signup and view all the answers

Why is flexibility important in the design of mine entries?

To handle unexpected changes or future requirements Signup and view all the answers

What is often required in a vertical shaft system that is not a concern in declines?

Disassembling and transporting equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which transportation method is easier in decline systems but may take more time?

Transportation of manpower Signup and view all the answers

Which mine entry type requires the highest capital expenditure?

Shaft access Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential consequence of not considering all design criteria during the initial phase of mine entry development?

Creation of a bottleneck in mine access Signup and view all the answers

What is a common type of excavation shape for vertical shafts in mining?

Circular Signup and view all the answers

What is a challenge associated with transporting large equipment through shafts?

Long lead time to production Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an adit in underground mining?

A horizontal or near-horizontal entrance for mine access Signup and view all the answers

What economy factor significantly influences the selection between decline or shaft access?

Depth and tonnage of the mine Signup and view all the answers

What is a critical aspect of mine entry design to ensure operational effectiveness?

Sufficiency of size for ventilation and equipment Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a reason for sinking shafts?

Lower capital costs with shorter construction time Signup and view all the answers

When is a vertical shaft usually preferred over an inclined shaft?

When the ore body is vertical or very steep Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would inclined shafts likely be used?

For moderately inclined deposits of 300 to 700m Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage of sinking a vertical shaft in a strong ore body?

Potential locking up of mineral resources Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is true regarding the depth preference for inclined and vertical shafts?

Vertical shafts are commonly used when ore deposits exceed 400m Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a vertical shaft?

Rectangular cross-section excavation Signup and view all the answers

What operational benefit does shorter drivage length offer in shaft construction?

Enhances ventilation efficiency Signup and view all the answers

What factor primarily influences the choice between a vertical and inclined shaft?

Type of mineral deposit Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Mine Definition

A mine is an excavation for searching or obtaining minerals.
Mine definition includes: boreholes, oil wells, shafts, levels, inclined planes, conveyors, adits, levels, planes, machinery works, railways, tramways, sidings, protective works, workshops, stores, power stations, transformer sub-stations, converter stations, rectifier stations, accumulator storage stations, premises for depositing sand or other material for use in a mine, premises for depositing refuse from a mine or in which any operations in connection with such sand or refuse or other material is being carried on, and premises in or adjacent to and belonging to a mine or which any process ancillary to the getting, dressing or operation for sale of minerals or of coke is being carried on.

Mine Entry Types

Adits are horizontal or near horizontal openings that provide access for personnel, material, rock, ventilation, and mine drainage. Suitable for flat deposits at shallow depth.
Shafts are vertical excavations that access the orebody with a size determined by production and ventilation requirements. Typically used when orebodies extend deeper than 250 m to 500 m.
Inclines are inclined openings that provide a direct connection to the orebody. Similar to shafts, but with a steeper angle of descent.
Declines are downward sloping openings that provide access to the orebody. Declines are typically used for shallower orebodies.
Combined mode of entry: This can be a combination of the above.

Choosing Entry Type

The choice of mine entry depends on:
- Depth of the mineral deposit
- Type of mineral deposit
- Production needs
- Ventilation requirements

Adit Advantages

Low initial capital cost and operating cost
Easy transportation of manpower

Adit Disadvantages

Longer haul distance for deeper deposits
Trackless mining with high hauling capacity is not possible
Water handling can be a problem
Length of cable for power supply is longer

Decline Advantages

Allows movement of large equipment
Low cost of development
Short period to commencing mining operations

Decline Disadvantages

Increased ventilation requirements due to larger length
Increased labour to support truck operation

Shaft Advantages

Support moderately high production rates
Efficient for transportation of personnel, material, and rock

Shaft Disadvantages

High initial capital expenditure
Long lead time to production
Difficulty in transporting large equipment

Shaft Vs. Incline

Depth of the deposit is the deciding factor for flat-lying formations.
Inclines/slopes are usually driven for deposits not exceeding 300-400m.
Shafts are the usual choice for greater depths.
Vertical Shafts require cross-cuts to be driven to the ore body.

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Description

This quiz covers essential definitions related to mining, including the different types of mine entries such as adits. Learn about the various components involved in mines and how they operate. Dive into the terminology that is crucial for understanding mining processes.