Reference no: EM13318859

Question 1.

In relation to underground mining define:

a) Primary Development

b) Secondary Development

Give examples of each, using sketches where required.

Question 2.

Describe in detail with the aid of sketches, any two methods of raising.

Question 3.

Sketch and briefly describe the mechanisms involved in the excavation of rock using any four of:

• A drag cutter
• A point attack cutter
• A disc cutter
• A roller cutter
• A button cutter

Question 4.

List the criteria that should be used when selecting the site for a shaft.

Question 5.

What parameters are used when determining the shape of shafts and the size of shafts?

Question 6.

Detail the unit operations within a conventional drill and blast shaft sinking operation including the shaft bottom operations as well as those undertaken on the sinking stage.

Question 7.

Whilst pilot hole drilling to site a 200m deep vertical shaft, a 20m layer of unconsolidated wet sandy material was encountered at a depth of 80m. The remainder of the ground was generally good.

List the options that may be available to tackle this problem and describe, with sketches where appropriate, two such options.

Question 8

A shaft is to be sunk to a depth of 1100 m from surface. Geological investigation indicate that at a depth from surface of 600m there is a 300m thick water bearing sandstone layer. Describe in detail a method that can be used in this instance to avoid flooding the shaft.

Question 11.

State reasons for the popularity of decline mining in modern operations. What factors need to be taken into account in deciding the cut off depth beyond which shaft operations should be used instead of decline access.

Question 12.

Compare critically the cycle of operations in drill and blast and mechanical mining operations.

Question 13.

Describe and compare the ventilation systems used in single entry development operations.

Question 14.

For two of the following mining methods describe the development needs and sequencing required within a production area:

• Rubber tyred block caving
• Sub level open stoping
• Vertical crater retreat mining
• Sub level caving
• Longwall coal mining (retreat or advance)
• Room and pillar

Question 15.

Describe a tunnel-boring machine in detail and cite examples of their use. Particular emphasis should be placed on the cycle of operations for such a machine.

Question 16.

Describe the methods of mechanised tunnelling available. What are the advantages of mechanised methods of tunnelling over drill and blast methods?

Question 17.

Occupational health and safety is the primary criterion used in designing and undertaking mine development. Discuss this statement.

Question 18.

Describe the steps one would take when tunnelling through areas where the potential for an inrush of water exists. Detail the methods can be applied to minimise the risk of an inrush in such circumstances.

Question 20

Describe with the aid of a diagram a typical blast design for a rectangular tunnel. Particular emphasis should be placed on identifying the cut, easer, trimmer and lifting holes. Why in such a round where ANFO is used for the majority of the holes might a more water resistant product be used in the lifter holes?

Question 21

What type of loading arrangements may be found on a roadheader?