Mining in Manitoba
Shaft-Sinking
Mine Development
Shafts are of various sizes and shapes. They can be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or any special shape. The shaft may be inclined or vertical depending on the orientation of the orebody.
Shafts are the vertical or inclined openings through which men, supplies, ore and waste are transported. They are the chief service openings during the development and operation of a mine, and a space for compressed-air pipes or electric cables.
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High production from deep mines usually sink vertical shafts. As a rule, the shafts have a big cross sectional areas so large quantities of air can be moved underground, as well as providing a cage with enough area to carry large equipment into and out of the mine. The ore skips are usually large and travel at high speeds in the shaft. To provide this capacity, these shafts are often circular in shape and up to 25 - 30 feet in diameter.
