Underground Mining Methods
Introduction
Underground mining is the process of extracting minerals and ores from underground. Underground mining has been around for centuries and though the mining techniques have changed drastically over the years, the idea is still largely unchanged. Underground mining is used in a variety of operations, including coal, metals, phosphate and salt. It can be used for various purposes such as energy production and minerals extraction. In this article, we’ll discuss the various methods used in underground mining and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.
Cut-and-Fill Mining
Cut-and-fill mining is a method of mining used in many mining operations. It involves using blasts to excavate the area where the ore or minerals will be extracted. Then, backfill material is placed in the hole in order to keep it stable. This type of mining can be used for both coal and metal ores. The advantage to this method is that it is less expensive than other methods and is easier to scale as the area expands. However, the downside is that there is a lot of waste material produced as a result.
Sublevel Caving
Sublevel caving is a process used to extract large amounts of ore from underground. The process involves creating a series of horizontal sublevels within the ore body. As the ore is extracted, the ore is then allowed to fall or cave in to these lower levels. This method is mainly used for the extraction of massive ore bodies, such as those found in copper, gold and lead deposits. The advantage with this method is that it creates larger tunnels and chambers, which allows for more ore to be extracted. On the other hand, it is a much slower process and is really only suitable for massive ore deposits.
Room-and-Pillar Mining
Room-and-pillar mining is another type of underground mining and is commonly used for coal mines. This method involves creating horizontally spaced tunnels or rooms. As the ore is extracted from these rooms, pillars are left behind to support the roof of the area. The advantage to this method is that it is less expensive to use and can be used for smaller deposits of coal. The downside is that the mine is often not as efficient as other methods, requiring a lot more labour and a slower extraction rate.
Longwall Mining
Longwall mining is a type of underground mining that is used for coal, minerals, and salt. It involves using mechanized equipment to extract coal in large panels. This method is used in areas where there is a large deposit of coal, such as in the Appalachian mountains. The advantage to this method is that it is highly efficient, with a high recovery rate. The downside is that it is very costly to set up and can be dangerous if the mining equipment fails.
Conclusion
Underground mining is the process of using blasts to excavate the area where the ore or minerals will be extracted. There are several methods used in underground mining, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Cut-and-fill mining is less expensive and easier to scale, however there is a lot of waste material produced. Sublevel caving is mainly used for massive ore deposits, but is a slow process. Room-and-pillar mining is fairly inexpensive and can be used for smaller deposits of coal, but is not as efficient. Longwall mining is highly efficient, but can be costly and dangerous.
