Underground Mining

An open stope is an underground cavity from which the initial ore has been mined, and caving of the opening is prevented by support from unmined ore or waste left in the form of pillars and stope walls.

The primary support system of open stoping is pillars formed by unmined ore or waste.

Some examples of secondary support in open stoping include rockbolts, reinforcing rods, split pipes, shotcrete, timber posts, and hydraulic props.

<p>The necessity for open-stope mining is that the mineral and the wall rocks must be competent.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The type of open stope mining is primarily determined by the dip and the thickness of the reserve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The primary purpose of pillars in open stoping is to provide support to prevent caving of the opening.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Examples of secondary support in open stoping may include rockbolts, reinforcing rods, split pipes shotcrete, timber posts, and hydraulic props.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The type of open stope mining is primarily determined by the dip and the thickness of the reserve.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>A potential disadvantage of the room and pillar mining method is that roof support and maintenance of openings can become costly in case of weak ore or roof.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>The mineral and the wall rocks, especially the hanging wall, must be competent for open-stope mining to be necessary.</p> Signup and view all the answers