Mining in Manitoba
Cut & Fill Mining
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Regular mining advance is a repetitive cycle. This cycle can be summarized under the following operations :
- Ground Conditioning
The back of all cut and fill stopes must be completely supported by bolts and screen. The screen is run down the walls a sufficient distance, and the walls bolted to prevent any loose condition that may develop. Rockbolts are 8'x 3/4" double threaded. Conditioning work is done using the protection of the previously installed bolts and screen. Bolt pattern is usually 4'x4'.
- Drilling and Blasting
To facilitate the drilling of the breast from the muckpile, a drill staging may be required. The planks, when stored on the muckpile, will also assist in installation of the catwalk. When drilling is completed, the drills and stell are removed to a safe distance from the face. The holes are loaded with explosives and blasted.
- Advancing Services
A well maintained travelway to the muckpile must be provided at all times. With the scooptram in operation, this travelway is provided by maintaining the catwalk advanced onto the muckpile. To provide an even and straight catwalk, care must be taken with the initial installation of the catwalk hanger plates, while mining progresses.
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An adequate supply of fresh air must be maintained in the workplaces at all times. Where this supply cannot be readily provided by the ventilation raises and manways, auxiliary ventilation fans and ventilation tubing must be installed. Wherever possible, the flow of fresh air should come over the muckpile to the scooptram.
As mining advances, the air and water lines in the stope are advanced to maintain adequate pressure. These air and water lines provide an effective guardrail when secured to the catwalk hangers.
- Muck Removal
The broken ore is removed by various LHD units and dumped into the footwall orepass.
