Block caving is an underground mining method that involves undermining an ore body and allowing it to collapse under its weight, allowing huge volumes of rock to be extracted efficiently. The ore then falls into a series of draw tunnels, where it can be collected and transported to the surface. The method is a high-volume mining method often used to mine large, low-grade ore deposits that are too deep or too
Traditionally, the mining sector was considered one of the most labour-intensive industries. However, today we are experiencing a different narrative. Throughout the 20th and 21st century, technological innovations have revolutionized the industry in numerous ways. In particular, there is increased automation, the use of machine learning and Artificial Intelligence, and general digitization of the processes involved. Although the improved and utilization of the new technologies create a massive positive impact
Open-cast Mining Open-cast mining is one of the most popular surface mining methods mostly employed for bedded deposits. The kind of minerals or rocks mined this way are found near the surface; where the overburden (surface material covering the valuable deposit) is relatively thin or the material of interest is structurally unsuitable for tunneling. Terms open-cast and open-pit mining have always been interchangeably used to refer to an excavation or
Mining is very vital in modern living, since it’s the only way we can meet the ever-increasing demand for minerals in all industries. Human life is tightly tied to consumption of mineral resources making mining unavoidable. This is why we must invest heavily in ensuring that we benefit from the mineral resources, without compromising their availability to the future generation; in other words we must enhance mining sustainability. In as
Open-pit mining is a mining method for near-surface deposits via a surface pit excavated using one or more horizontal benches. Overburden is first removed and benches of set heights excavated to reach the minable depth of the deposit, with the higher benches being larger than the lower ones. The benches are able to control the depth of blastholes, pitwall slope and avert danger posed by highwall slopes. They also provide
