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?

<p>Location, shape, and size of the shaft (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A surface mining entry method (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Cut and fill (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Transportation, ventilation, and support systems (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Lower efficiency in extracting minerals (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>A quarry excavation primarily for minerals (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Surface mining (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>To supply electricity for mining operations (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Storing raw materials for construction (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>The depth and economics of the mineral deposit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Transport systems for bringing minerals to and from a mine (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following includes protective works associated with mining?

<p>Structures safeguarding mine entrances and operations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Exclusively owned premises occupied by the mine owner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant disadvantage of decline systems in mining?

<p>Increased ventilation requirements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Between 250 to 500 meters (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary challenge in investigating shallower deposits?

<p>Evaluating the complexity of the deposit (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an advantage of decline systems?

<p>Low cost of development (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Environmental impact assessment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Adequate turning radius (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is flexibility important in the design of mine entries?

<p>To handle unexpected changes or future requirements (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Disassembling and transporting equipment (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Transportation of manpower (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mine entry type requires the highest capital expenditure?

<p>Shaft access (D)</p> 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?

<p>Creation of a bottleneck in mine access (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Circular (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Long lead time to production (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes an adit in underground mining?

<p>A horizontal or near-horizontal entrance for mine access (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Depth and tonnage of the mine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Sufficiency of size for ventilation and equipment (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a reason for sinking shafts?

<p>Lower capital costs with shorter construction time (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>When the ore body is vertical or very steep (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which scenario would inclined shafts likely be used?

<p>For moderately inclined deposits of 300 to 700m (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Potential locking up of mineral resources (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Vertical shafts are commonly used when ore deposits exceed 400m (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is NOT associated with a vertical shaft?

<p>Rectangular cross-section excavation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Enhances ventilation efficiency (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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

<p>Type of mineral deposit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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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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