Questions and Answers
What is a key difference between surface mining and underground mining?
Surface mining is not selective, extracting both ore and waste, while underground mining is a selective operation, extracting the ore and leaving waste in place.
What is a disadvantage of underground mining compared to surface mining?
Underground mining is more expensive, with a cost ranging from $50-$200 per tonne excluding processing.
Which country ranks first in potash production according to the text?
Canada
What percentage of the mined ore in Canada was obtained via underground mining in 2002?
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What equipment is used to install rock bolts in wall and roof a safe distance from the active face?
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What is the ultimate objective of all exploration in terms of tonnage estimation of ore?
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Which factor does underground mining method depend on?
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What is the purpose of creating a 3-D geological model in the context of ore deposit modeling?
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What is the range of expected waste rock dilution in a mine stope?
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What is the typical capital cost requirement for underground mining methods?
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What is the purpose of ore deposit modeling?
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What is the range of production rate required/desired by the mine?
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What is the range of orebody widths needed for underground mining methods?
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What is the typical operating cost for underground mining methods?
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What is the typical ore value needed for underground mining methods to be profitable?
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What is the value of nickel in October 2020?
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How many active underground mines are there in Sudbury?
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Which company operates underground mines in Sudbury?
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What is a key mining terminology related to ventilation?
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What equipment is used in underground mining for transportation?
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What is a method of artificial support in underground mining?
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What is a key activity involved in underground mining?
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What is a type of natural support in underground mining?
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What is a key mining terminology related to drilling?
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What is a key mining terminology related to rock structure?
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What is a key mining terminology related to support pillars?
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What is a method of artificial support in underground mining?
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Study Notes
Underground Mining in Sudbury: Key Terminology and Activities
- Sudbury contains one of the largest nickel deposits in the world, with historic production and present reserves and resources exceeding US$300 billion.
- There are 10 active underground mines and 5 active underground projects in Sudbury, operated by companies such as Vale, Glencore, and KGHM.
- Mining terminology includes definitions such as ore, orebody, cut-off grade, vein, host rock, and dyke.
- The value of nickel in October 2020 was USD 6.00/lb, and the region also contains significant amounts of copper and gold.
- Key mining terminology includes dip, strike, hanging wall, footwall, and development.
- Other mining terms featured are shaft, portal, adit, tunnel, ramp, collar, drift, crosscut, and face.
- Further mining terminology includes draw point, ore pass, raise, sump, crown pillar, and sill/floor pillar.
- Equipment used in underground mining includes cage, skip, hoist, and stope.
- Intake shaft and ventilation are crucial for underground mining activities.
- Underground mining activities involve development and production drilling, loading with explosives, ventilation, loading and hauling, scaling, rock supports, and backfilling.
- Natural support and artificial support methods are employed in underground mining, including rock bolting, shotcrete, and hydrafill.
- The text also refers to a video about the Eagle Mine in Michigan, showcasing underground mining operations.
