Mining is a hazardous occupation. In order to minimise the risk of injury, fatalities, and environmental damage, mines are required to have a comprehensive safety and health program that includes engineering controls, work practices, and training. Mine support systems are an important part of this program.
What are the different kinds of support systems used in mines?
There are a variety of support systems used in mines, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The two most common support systems are the cable system and the struts and props system.
Cable System:
The cable system is made up of steel cables anchored into the ground and used to support the roof of the mine. This system is very strong and can hold up a lot of weight, but it is also very expensive to install.
Struts and props:
Struts and props are a common type of underground mine support system. A strut is a beam or strut used as a tension member to resist compression, while a prop is a short strut or column used as a lateral restraint. The struts and props system is made up of metal or wooden struts that are placed in between the walls of the mine to hold them up.
The two most common types of struts are the single-angle strut and the tee strut.
Single-angle strut: The single-angle strut is made from a single piece of metal.
Tee strut: The tee strut is made from three pieces of metal welded together at right angles.
The two most common types of props used in mine support systems are the solid prop and the adjustable prop.
Solid Props: Solid props are used in mine support systems to support the roof and floor of the mine. They are typically made of metal or wood and are installed prior to the start of mining operations. Solid props are used where the roof or floor is relatively flat, and there is no need to adjust their position.
Adjustable props: Adjustable props are also used in mine support systems to support the roof and floor of the mine. Just like solid props, adjustable props are also made of metal or wood and are installed prior to the start of mining operations. Adjustable props are used where the roof or floor is not flat or where it is necessary to adjust their position.
Do you always need the support systems for underground mines?
No, not always. There are times when an underground mine can be successfully developed without any surface installations. For example, a mine may be developed on the side of a hill with the ore body dipping into the hill. The entrances may be on the top of the hill, and the excavation is carried out from this level. In this case, no surface installations are necessary.
What are the benefits of support systems in a mine?
There are a number of benefits to having a support system in a mine. The most obvious benefit is safety. A support system can help keep the roof of the mine from caving in, and it can also help keep the walls from collapsing.
A support system can also help miners find their way out of a mine in the event of an emergency. If the lights go out or if there is a gas leak, the support system will help miners find their way to the exit.
Finally, a support system can help miners move more quickly and efficiently through a mine. As it is a critical piece of safety equipment, it will keep the roof from caving in, and it can also help to hold up the walls of the mine. Additionally, a good support system will keep the miners safe by keeping the mine from collapsing.
So these are the most common things that you should know about underground mine support systems. These systems help the workers to work safely in mines.