Mine Development And Mining Methods - Study Mode

[#216] Which mining method is most compatible with automation and remote operation?
Correct Answer

(A) Longwall mining

Explanation

Solution: Longwall mining uses mechanized shearers and self-advancing supports.The correct answer is: Longwall miningHighly automated, especially in coal mining.Controlled from surface or control rooms.

[#217] What determines the choice between shaft and ramp access?
Correct Answer

(C) Depth and production rate

Explanation

Solution: Access design depends on operational economics.The correct answer is: Depth and production rateShafts are better for deep, high-production mines.Ramps are economical for shallow or selective mining.

[#218] What is the primary purpose of mine development?
Correct Answer

(C) Accessing ore body

Explanation

Solution: Definition of Mine Development: Mine development refers to the set of activities undertaken to prepare a mineral deposit for production. It involves the construction of shafts, adits, declines, drifts, crosscuts, and other underground or surface infrastructure required to reach and access the ore body. This phase comes after exploration and before the actual extraction of ore. Correct Answer: Option C: Accessing ore body The primary purpose of mine development is to access the ore body so that it can later be extracted efficiently and safely. Development creates the physical infrastructure that allows workers, equipment, ventilation, and materials to reach the ore. Without proper development, mining cannot begin. Key components of mine development include: • Shafts – Vertical openings used for transporting miners, equipment, and ore. • Declines or ramps – Inclined tunnels that provide vehicle access between levels. • Drifts and crosscuts – Horizontal passages used to reach the ore body and provide pathways for ventilation, drainage, and utilities. All these elements are essential for setting up the operational framework of a mine, making ore accessible for subsequent extraction. Explanation of Other Options: Option A: Extraction of ore Extraction is the next stage after development . While development may involve limited ore removal, its main goal is not extraction but preparation. Option B: Ventilation planning Ventilation is an important part of mine design but is not the primary goal of development. It is planned as part of the overall infrastructure to support access and safe working conditions. Option D: Waste disposal Waste disposal is a part of mine operations and environmental management. It is not a core function of development itself, though development work may include access to waste storage areas. Conclusion: The correct answer is Option C: Accessing ore body , as mine development is fundamentally aimed at creating the necessary infrastructure to reach and prepare the ore body for mining operations.

[#219] Which one of the following is a horizontal opening driven from the surface to access a mineral deposit?
Correct Answer

(B) Adit

Explanation

Solution: Definition of Adit: An adit is a nearly horizontal or gently inclined tunnel driven from the surface into the side of a hill or mountain to access an underground mineral deposit. Unlike vertical shafts, adits provide direct access from the surface without the need for hoisting systems. They are commonly used when the ore body is located in hilly or mountainous terrain and can be reached by tunneling into the hillside. Correct Answer: Option B: Adit The correct answer is Option B: Adit because an adit is specifically defined as a horizontal or slightly inclined opening driven from the surface to access a mineral deposit. Adits are used for multiple purposes such as providing access for miners and equipment, enabling natural drainage of water from the mine, and serving as entry points for ventilation. Adits are cost-effective in suitable topographies because they eliminate the need for vertical hoisting and can also be used for transporting ore and waste using rail or conveyor systems. They are particularly common in underground mining operations where the ore body is close to the surface but located within a hillside. Explanation of Other Options: Option A: Shaft A shaft is a vertical or near-vertical opening driven downward from the surface to access underground ore bodies. It is not horizontal, so it does not match the description in the question. Option C: Stope A stope is the excavated area where ore is actually mined , typically located underground. It is not an access tunnel and is not driven from the surface. Option D: Raise A raise is a vertical or inclined opening driven upward from a lower level to a higher level in the mine. It is the opposite of a shaft and is also not driven from the surface. Conclusion: Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Adit , as it is the only option that accurately describes a horizontal opening driven from the surface to access a mineral deposit.

[#220] In which mining method is ore extracted in horizontal slices starting from the bottom and advancing upwards?
Correct Answer

(B) Cut and Fill

Explanation

Solution: Definition of Cut and Fill Mining: Cut and Fill is an underground mining method used primarily in steeply dipping, irregular ore bodies. In this method, the ore is extracted in horizontal slices , usually starting from the bottom of the ore body. After each slice is removed, the void is filled with waste rock, tailings, or other backfill material to provide ground support and a working platform for the next slice. Correct Answer: Option B: Cut and Fill The correct answer is Option B: Cut and Fill because this method involves the extraction of ore in horizontal slices from the bottom upward . Once a horizontal layer or "cut" of ore is removed, the resulting space is immediately backfilled to maintain stability. Then the next slice is mined on top of the backfilled material. This sequence is repeated until the entire ore body is mined. This method is particularly suitable for ore bodies that are irregular in shape or structure and where selective mining is required. It provides excellent control over ore recovery and dilution and ensures worker safety by maintaining continuous ground support. Explanation of Other Options: Option A: Room and Pillar Room and Pillar involves mining out "rooms" of ore while leaving "pillars" to support the roof. It is typically done in flat or gently dipping deposits and does not proceed in horizontal slices from the bottom upward. Option C: Block Caving Block Caving is a mass mining method where a large section of ore is undercut and allowed to collapse under its own weight. It is not performed in horizontal slices, nor does it progress upward in a controlled slicing manner. Option D: Shrinkage Stoping Shrinkage Stoping involves mining upwards in vertical stopes and temporarily storing broken ore in the stope to provide a working platform. Although it moves upward, it does not use horizontal slicing and backfilling like cut and fill. Conclusion: Therefore, the correct answer is Option B: Cut and Fill , as it is the mining method that involves extracting ore in horizontal slices starting from the bottom and advancing upwards, with each slice being backfilled to support the subsequent operations.