Underground Mining Equipment Selection

Introductions to underground mining methods equipment and basic requirements.

Underground mining equipment selection.

This article primarily focuses on the initial selection of mobile equipment in hard rock mining operations. Safety challenges in underground mines. Underground mining operations around the world pose similar risks to worker safety and health. Mining method selection is based upon physical geological economical and environmental conditions and constraints.

Underground mining requires that any electrical system meet mine safety and health administration guidelines msha 2000 for safe operation in potentially hazardous areas where ignition of methane air or coal dust is a safety concern. The deeper the mine however the greater the risk. Though different techniques are used to extract base metals precious metals nonmetallic minerals diamonds and coal the hazards do not differ that much. For example if the ore is very high grade or carries a high price then a higher cost method can be used.

Basic types of mining equipment and associated pws selection criteria. Selection of the equipment package for underground coal mines while surface mining will continue to play dominant role to meet the production target there is a persistent effort to enhance the underground production from its present level by introducing innovative technologies. Once a decision has been made to go underground the specific mining method selected depends on the size shape and orientation of the ore body the grade of mineralization the strength of the rock materials and the depths involved.