10/06/2025
A clear reference for those wanting to know what a stope looks like
UNDERGROUND MINING TERMINOLOGY IN GEOLOGY
Underground mining involves extracting valuable minerals or ores from below the Earth's surface. To efficiently conduct mining operations, various terms and structures are used to describe the processes and components involved.
The diagram below illustrates key underground mining terminology, each playing a pivotal role in the mining process. Below are the main terms and their functions:
1. Headframe
A headframe is a large structure placed above a mine shaft that supports the hoist used to lift and lower materials, equipment, and personnel in the mining operation.
2. Mill
The mill is a facility where raw materials (like ore) are processed to extract valuable minerals or metals. This process typically involves crushing, grinding, and separating the valuable minerals from waste materials.
3. Tailings
After valuable minerals are extracted from the ore, the remaining waste material, known as tailings, is often stored in specially designed tailings ponds. These can pose environmental risks if not handled properly.
4. Collar and Shaft
The collar is the uppermost part of the mine shaft, serving as the entry point. The shaft itself is a vertical or inclined tunnel that provides access to the ore body below. It is essential for transporting workers, machinery, and extracted minerals.
5. Cage
The cage is used to transport personnel, equipment, and ore in and out of the mine shaft. It operates like an elevator and is essential for the safe movement of materials and workers.
6. Hoist
A hoist is a mechanical device that raises and lowers the cage in the shaft. It typically uses a winch system to pull materials or workers up from the mine.
7. Sump
Located at the bottom of the shaft or other parts of the mine, a sump collects water and other fluids that may accumulate. It is an essential part of the drainage system in a mine.
8. Drift
A drift is a horizontal passageway or tunnel that follows the ore body or connects different parts of the mine. These are crucial for accessing ore deposits and ensuring that mining operations can continue efficiently.
9. Raise
A raise is a vertical or inclined passage that connects different levels of the mine. It is used for ventilation, access, and transporting materials between levels.
10. Winze
A winze is a vertical or inclined shaft that connects different levels within the mine but does not reach the surface. It allows for access between the mine levels.
11. Stope
A stope is an excavation in the ore body, created by removing ore during the mining process. The stope serves as the working area of the mine, where ore is extracted.
12. Ore Body
The ore body is the geological deposit of valuable minerals that can be extracted for profit. Identifying and accessing ore bodies is the primary goal of mining operations.
13. Face
The face is the exposed surface of a mine where active mining operations are taking place. It is the front line of the mining process, where miners work to extract ore.
14. Adit and Portal
An adit is a horizontal or gently sloping tunnel that provides access to a mine, typically used for ventilation and drainage. The portal is the entrance to the mine, whether it's an adit or a vertical shaft.
15. Incline
An incline is a sloped tunnel used for transporting materials or workers up and down between levels in a mine. It is less steep than a vertical shaft but still provides access to ore bodies.
16. Glory Hole
A glory hole is a large excavation, often vertical, designed to access a high-grade ore body. It can also refer to a large cavity that forms when ore is removed.
17. Backfilled
After ore extraction, the mined-out areas are often backfilled with waste material or other materials to prevent collapses and maintain the stability of the mine.
18. Dump, Spoils, Waste Rock
These terms refer to the leftover rock or material that is removed during mining but does not contain valuable minerals. These materials are typically discarded or stored in dumps outside the mine.
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