Getting Familiar With Mining Methods

Two of the biggest issues as far as the mining industry is concerned are safety and environmental impact. This is why the industry never stops at coming up with ways to deal with these major concerns. As a result, there have been dramatic transformations in mining techniques over the years to ensure not only the safety of miners but also to mitigate the effects of mining on the community and the environment where mining activities are done.

There are two mining methods that are utilized in the modern era of mining: open-cut and underground techniques.

Open-Cut

When minerals or mineral deposits are close to the surface, open-cut mining (also called 'open pit mining') is employed. This involves blasting and moving away surface layers of soil and rock so workers can get to the deposits. Once the layer that covers the deposits is exposed, it is then drilled and fractured. What follows is, of course, recovering the target minerals for processing.

Compared to the underground method discussed below, open-cut mining can be more effective. Generally, the latter method recovers 90% of mineral deposits. The biggest disadvantage of this technique, however, is blasting. Aside from the loud noise it creates, it can also be dangerous both to the workers at the site and to the residents and animals in the immediate vicinity.

Underground

As the term suggests, this method involves literally digging into the subterranean level and creating tunnels to reach the mineral deposits that are going to be extracted. Once such tunnels are made, a transport system is installed for movement of the extracted minerals from beneath the ground (which can be hundreds of meters below) to the surface.

Certainly, some dangers also go with this method. Since tunnels are created, there's also the scenario of cave-ins, which in fact has happened numerous times and cost the lives of many miners.

There are also two types that fall under this method: the bord-and-pillar and longwall types. Bord-and-pillar (also known as 'room-and-pillar) is the oldest known technique in coal mining. It makes use of a grid of tunnels and involves a continuing cutting of panels into the coal seam. As this is being done, pillars of coal are left behind to support the mine. The second type of underground mining, the longwall, is safer and more cost-effective. This technique uses mechanical shearers to cut coal away. While the cutting is ongoing, hydraulic-powered supports are used to hold up the mine's roof.

Both of these two mining methods have their own advantages and disadvantages, which is why the mining industry continues to find ways for both of these methods to be safer not only to the miners but also to the community where the mining operations are being conducted.