Question

Explain any two methods employed in underground mining.

Answer 1

1. Shaft method – vertical shafts are sunk into the earth’s crust and connected to horizontal tunnels in order to reach the mineral.
2. Drift/Adit method – horizontal tunnels are dug into the hill or valley sides to reach the mineral.
3. Solution method – pipes are sunk at great depths to the mineral deposits eg. sulphur. Super heated water is directed through the pipes to dissolve the mineral, which is then pumped to the surface.
4. Drilling method – wells are dug and oil or gas are extracted.