Transportation within underground mines is a complex logistical challenge, crucial for moving ore, waste, supplies, and most importantly, personnel, through a confined and dynamic environment. For underground mines, critical decisions involve not only tunnel routes but also the infrastructure installed within the workings. This ensures the safe and efficient retrieval and movement of raw ore, alongside the secure ingress and egress of operating personnel.
Where mine access is via a drift or inclined shaft with installed rail, personnel transport often utilizes a vehicle permanently attached to a winding rope, providing seating for passengers. This vehicle, commonly referred to as a “dolly car,” also typically serves to attach other rolling stock to the winding rope. A dolly car can be automatic (with push-button control by passengers) or operated by an on-board attendant, particularly when used to haul other rolling stock into and out of the mine (Personnel Transport | Introduction | Underground COAL, n.d.).
For material transport, the most popular method involves using diesel Load/Haul/Dump (LHD) machines as prime movers to tow material trailers. These LHDs are highly versatile due to their “Quick Detach System” (QDS), allowing their buckets to be easily removed and replaced with various attachments for specific purposes (e.g., a work platform for high-level tasks, a reeler for cables or conveyor belts). This versatility means LHDs can also perform excavation, clean-up, and other miscellaneous work. While a different vehicle type is typically used for personnel transport in this system, personnel pods for QDS are available (Transport | Basic Mining Process/Terminology | Introduction | Underground COAL, n.d.).
Reference:
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Personnel Transport | Introduction | underground COAL. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2025, from http://www.undergroundcoal.com.au/fundamentals/12_personnel.aspx
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Transport | Basic Mining Process/Terminology | Introduction | underground COAL. (n.d.). Retrieved July 22, 2025, from http://www.undergroundcoal.com.au/fundamentals/01_associated_3pmtrans.aspx
