Mining pillar is an essential technique used in underground mining management. It refers to the use of columns made of steel or concrete, standing upright in the mine shaft, to ensure the stability and safety of the mining operations as well as provide support for the surrounding rocks.
Mining pillar is widely used due to its simple and efficient way of stabilizing the mining area. It works by creating a column of mesh material and pressurizing it until it is hard and immobile. This pressurized mesh is then attached to the ceiling of the mine and gives a stable, freely moveable support for the rocks and miners to stand on.
Typically, when mining pillar is used, it will be placed in front of the working area, allowing the miners to plan and organise the mining operations much more efficiently. This allows the mine to keep track of the levels of the rock and its excavation process. Not only that, but the use of mining pillars helps prevent cave-ins and explosions, thus ensuring the safety of the miners.
When using mining pillar, it is important to make sure that the pillars are properly affixed to the roof of the mine, and that the pillars are securely tied to the walls of the mine to ensure maximum stability and safety. Additionally, it is important that the pillars are made from quality material that can withstand extreme loads and pressures. The pillar should also be thick and strong enough to provide a maximum amount of support for the rocks it is supporting.
Another benefit of the use of mining pillar is its ability to save energy and costs. Mining operations can easily be constructed in less time when using mining pillar. Also, since the pillars are firmly fixed to the ceiling, they are able to completely support the ceiling and the walls, resulting in a much more efficient and cost-effective operation.
Although mining pillar seems to be an efficient way to ensure the stability of a mine, it is important to keep in mind that it still needs to be monitored and maintained to ensure the continued safety and stability of the mine. If not properly maintained, the pillars can be weakened over time and result in the collapse of the entire mining operation.
In conclusion, mining pillar is an invaluable tool in underground mining management. It provides the safest and most cost-effective way to ensure the stability and safety of the mines, by providing a solid and reliable support system for the rocks and miners. Proper maintenance of the mining pillars is essential in order to ensure the continuous stability of the mine and guarantee the safety of the miners.
