Mining Terminology Quiz

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What is the UN definition of Small Scale Mining as provided in the text?

Any mining operation with an annual production of 50,000 tons or less (correct)

Mining operations that involve less than 1000 workers

Mining activities using advanced machinery and equipment

A cooperative mining venture involving multiple groups

What distinguishes Small Scale Mining from Large Scale Mining according to the text?

Number of workers involved

Annual production capacity (correct)

Amount of investment in modern machinery

The depth at which mining takes place

What kind of tools and equipment are typically used in Small Scale Mining?

Advanced concentration equipment

State-of-the-art machinery

Simple tools like pick axes and shovels (correct)

Heavy-duty trucks and excavators

Why are near-surface ore deposits often mined through Small Scale Mining methods?

Lack of required infrastructure for large-scale mining Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical annual production limit for gold and other precious minerals in Small Scale Mining operations in Ghana?

24,000 ounces or more Signup and view all the answers

In addition to gold and diamonds, what other materials are mentioned in the text as being included under Small Scale Mining?

Industrial materials like talc and granite Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a sump in mining?

To collect water underground and pump it to the surface Signup and view all the answers

Which mining term is commonly applied to the extraction of ore?

Stope Signup and view all the answers

What does 'gangue' refer to in mining?

Worthless minerals associated with valuable minerals Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of a tunnel in mining?

To drive a horizontal or nearly horizontal underground passage open to the atmosphere at both ends Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of an adit in mining?

To drive a horizontal passage from the surface for mining activities Signup and view all the answers

What does 'cut-off grade' refer to in mining?

Any grade used to separate two courses of action Signup and view all the answers

What is the main characteristic of the simultaneous method of extracting ore blocks?

All blocks are fully developed to the end of the minefield before stoping starts. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the simultaneous method of extracting ore blocks rarely used?

It is less efficient compared to other methods. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when one wing is extracted by advancing in the method described?

Both advancing and retreat mining start simultaneously. Signup and view all the answers

In the advancing method of extracting ore blocks, when are the blocks extracted?

Upon reaching the end of the minefield. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key feature of the retreat system in ore extraction?

Extraction starting at the far end. Signup and view all the answers

When is the simultaneous method of extracting ore blocks resorted to?

When stoping operations are low in intensity. Signup and view all the answers

What is ground fragmentation in mining?

The breaking up of rock into desired sizes for specific uses Signup and view all the answers

What are the unit operations involved in the conventional cycle in non-coal or hard rock mining?

Drill + blast + load + haul Signup and view all the answers

Which modern mining operation eliminates the need for drilling and blasting in coal or soft ores?

Continuous Cycle = mine + haul Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the general cycle and the auxiliary operations in modern mining?

General Cycle involves cut + drill + blast; Auxiliary Operations involve health & safety Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the tasks that boring machines perform in soft to medium-hard rock mining?

Excavating & breaking mechanically Signup and view all the answers

In surface mining, what additional tasks need to be done apart from the productive phases of the actual mining cycle?

Waste disposal, land reclamation, slope stability Signup and view all the answers

What type of machines are employed in some stripping operations in surface mining?

Bucketwheel excavators Signup and view all the answers