What factors determine the selection of an underground transport system?

A variety of different systems are used for the transport of materials and equipment in underground mines. The systems now in use have evolved with time, and this evolution is largely dependent upon such factors as increasing transport distances, the gradients and undulations of transport routes, increasing volume and weight of equipment and materials used, safety and inspection requirements, economic factors and technological changes in mining, and finally transport equipment.

Once materials and equipment are lowered underground through shafts or drifts, they are transported by a variety of diesel and electric (including battery) powered track mounted and trackless systems.

Below are some of them:

1. Quantity (volume and weight) and size of materials and equipment.
2. Access method to the destination.
3. Transport roadway size (height and width).
4. Transport distance and transloading points.
5. Roadway conditions (gradient, undulation, soft floor, etc.).
6. Relation to the personnel transport system.

Text rights:(Matsui, n.d.)

Text source:Matsui, K. (n.d.). Underground Mining Transportation Systems. CIVIL ENGINEERING.