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Mining Cycle

The document outlines the typical underground mining cycle for hard rock mining, detailing eight key steps: drilling, charging & blasting, ventilation & gas clearance, mucking, scaling, ground support, backfilling, and services installation. Each step includes objectives, tools, methods, and safety considerations essential for effective and safe mining operations. The process emphasizes the importance of accurate execution and safety protocols to ensure operational efficiency and worker safety.

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17 views3 pages

Mining Cycle

The document outlines the typical underground mining cycle for hard rock mining, detailing eight key steps: drilling, charging & blasting, ventilation & gas clearance, mucking, scaling, ground support, backfilling, and services installation. Each step includes objectives, tools, methods, and safety considerations essential for effective and safe mining operations. The process emphasizes the importance of accurate execution and safety protocols to ensure operational efficiency and worker safety.

Uploaded by

simon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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THE UNDERGROUND MINING CYCLE (Typical for Hard

Rock Mining like in Rio Tinto's Operations)


1. Drilling

●​ Objective: Create holes in the rock for blasting or development.​

●​ Tools: Jumbo drill (for development headings) or long-hole drill rigs (for stoping).​

●​ Details:​

○​ Accurate drilling is key to effective blasting.​

○​ Layouts depend on ground conditions and heading size.​

2. Charging & Blasting

●​ Objective: Load explosives and initiate controlled rock breakage.​

●​ Steps:​

○​ Holes are charged with ANFO, emulsions, or other explosives.​

○​ Blast pattern determines fragmentation and advance.​

○​ Blasting is typically done at the end of shift (clear area).​

●​ Safety: Clear zones, blast clearance procedures, firing protocols.​

3. Ventilation & Gas Clearance

●​ Objective: Remove blast gases (NOx, CO) and dust post-blast.​

●​ Tools: Vent fans, auxiliary ducts, gas monitors.​

●​ Duration: Often 30 mins to 2 hours before re-entry, depending on ventilation.​


4. Mucking (Loading & Hauling)

●​ Objective: Remove blasted rock (muck) from the heading to the ore pass or surface.​

●​ Equipment: Load-Haul-Dump (LHD), loaders, trucks, or rail systems.​

●​ Considerations: Ground stability, equipment access, floor conditions.​

5. Scaling

●​ Objective: Remove loose or unstable rock from walls and backs.​

●​ Method: Manual or mechanical (scalers), often done by jumbo or LHD operator.​

●​ Safety-critical step to prevent rockfall injuries.​

6. Ground Support

●​ Objective: Stabilize the excavation.​

●​ Types:​

○​ Mechanical: Rock bolts, split sets, mesh, straps.​

○​ Shotcrete: Sprayed concrete for sealing and support.​

●​ Design: Depends on rock quality (Q-system or RMR ratings).​

7. Backfilling (in some operations)

●​ Objective: Fill mined-out stopes for stability and ground control.​

●​ Materials: Cemented rock fill, paste fill, sand fill.​

●​ Importance: Especially in cut-and-fill and sub-level stoping methods.​


8. Services Installation (if developing)

●​ Includes: Ventilation ducts, water lines, power cables, communication lines, and
rail/truck access.​

●​ Timing: Usually after blasting and mucking, before the next cycle.

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