Underground Mining Process: The Cycle of Operations and Key Steps
The underground mining process involves a series of sequential steps that require careful organization to ensure efficient and safe operation. Below is a detailed explanation of the operations cycle in underground mining:
1. Development:
This stage includes creating access to the ore body through tunnels, shafts, or declines. It involves tunneling for ventilation, transportation, and other infrastructure.
2. Production Drilling:
After access is secured, drilling rigs are used to create blast holes in the ore body. These holes are filled with explosives to fragment the rock for extraction.
3. Blasting:
Explosives are detonated in the blast holes to break up the rock into smaller pieces that can be easily transported to the surface.
4. Mucking:
Following blasting, the broken rock, or muck, is loaded onto trucks or conveyors and transported to the surface for processing.
5. Support and Reinforcement:
Throughout the mining process, ground support measures such as rock bolts, shotcrete, and mesh are installed to stabilize underground workings and ensure safety.
6. Ore Processing:
Upon reaching the surface, the ore is crushed, ground, and processed to extract the valuable minerals it contains.
7. Waste Disposal:
Any waste rock or tailings left over from ore processing are disposed of in designated areas to minimize environmental impact.
8. Mine Rehabilitation:
After mining operations cease, underground workings are often backfilled, and surface areas are rehabilitated to restore natural habitats and landscapes.
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CEO at DustAct Eltura Group | Making Mining Sustainable
9moLove seeing this level of readiness! Planning and coordination are truly the backbone of efficiency in such operations. Wishing your team a safe and productive blast