Shaft sinking, is a fundamental and intricate process in the mining industry, essential for establishing vertical or inclined pathways to access underground mineral deposits. This method involves excavating a vertical or inclined shaft from the surface down to the desired depth where mining activities will take place(Understanding Shaft Sinking in Mining, n.d.).
The process is multifaceted and involves several critical steps.
Firstly, engineers figure out the best spot for the shaft by looking at how deep the deposit is, what the rock is like, where the water sits, and any inconvenience that might be present.
Secondly, after the spot is found it is cleared out and the engineers set up a big tower called a headframe for hoisting gear and make sure everything’s safe to start.
Next, holes are drilled into the ground where the shaft is going, and explosives are stuffed in the holes and made to blast.
Then, the rocks- muck are scooped out.
The walls of the shaft are lined up with concrete to stop collapses and keep them solid.
Lastly, once the shaft is deep enough, essential services like ventilation, electricity, and communication systems are installed to support mining operations underground.
It serves as the backbone of underground mining operations, providing the vital access required to extract valuable resources from the Earth’s depths. Furthermore, it enables efficient transportation of miners, equipment, and materials, while also facilitating ventilation and safety measures that are integral to modern mining practices (Shaft Sinking in Mining || Methods and Factors Affecting – MiningDuniya, 2023).
Have you ever been involved in a shaft sinking project? What part of the process stood out the most to you?
