KAWA MULTIMEDIA PUBLICATIONS
Shaft mining
Where the mineral bearing rock occurs in very steeply inclined seams, vertical shafts have to be sunk. These extend down for several thousand metres. From the shaft, horizontal tunnels are driven outwards until the vein of mineral bearing rock is reached. The rock is usually blasted loose with aid of explosives and then transported along the tunnel to the shaft by light railway or conveyer belt. Lastly the ores can be brought to the surface in type of lift called cage.
It is not only an expensive method but also associated with accidents when the roof of the tunnel collapses. Sometimes the mines are flooded leading to death of people, it is also associated with a disease known as silicosis which is brought about by inhaling dust.
It is not only an expensive method but also associated with accidents when the roof of the tunnel collapses. Sometimes the mines are flooded leading to death of people, it is also associated with a disease known as silicosis which is brought about by inhaling dust.