LESSON PLAN

Week:
Taught By: -------------
Date: _______

Subject: Introduction to Mining Methods/ Techniques Course

Time: 120 min
Topic: Introduction to Mining Methods
Objective(s):Student will know about
Introduction to Surface Mining Method
Introduction to Underground Mining Method
Introduction to Supported Mining Method
Skill Focused on: Introduction to Mining Types
Resources: Marker, Board, Multimedia
Text book: Introduction to mining, Techniques
Methodology:
First I’ll give brief introduction about Mining Methods

Mining methods refer to the techniques and processes used to extract valuable minerals and resources
from the Earth's crust. These methods vary depending on factors such as the type of deposit, its location,
the depth of the deposit, and the economics of extraction. Here are some common mining methods:

Introduction to Surface Mining Method

Surface mining, also known as open-pit mining, is a mining method used to extract minerals and
resources that are close to or near the Earth's surface. It is the most common method of mining for
minerals such as coal, copper, gold, iron, and many others. Surface mining involves the removal of
overburden (the soil, rock, and vegetation covering the mineral deposit) to access and extract the desired
materials. Here's an introduction to surface mining:

Stripping: Stripping is the initial phase of surface mining, where the overlying vegetation,
soil, and rock layers are removed to expose the mineral deposit. This is typically done using
large equipment such as bulldozers, scrapers, or shovels. The removed material is often
stockpiled for later reclamation.
Open-Pit Mining: Once the overburden is stripped, open-pit mining begins. This method
involves the excavation of a large open pit or quarry to reach the mineral deposit. Haul
trucks, excavators, and loaders are commonly used to remove the ore or mineralized rock
from the pit.
Quarrying: Quarrying is a specific form of open-pit mining used to extract construction
materials such as limestone, granite, and sandstone. It involves the removal of large blocks
or slabs of rock from a quarry face using drilling and blasting techniques.
Contour Mining: Contour mining is employed in hilly or mountainous terrain where the
mineral deposit follows the contours of the land. The mining operations are conducted along
the contour lines to minimize the amount of earthmoving required. This method is commonly
used for coal mining.
Mountaintop Removal Mining: Mountaintop removal mining is a type of surface mining
specifically used for coal extraction in mountainous regions. It involves the removal of the
summit or the top layers of a mountain to access the coal seams beneath. The overburden is
typically dumped into adjacent valleys, altering the landscape significantly.
 Highwall Mining: Highwall mining is a variation of open-pit mining used when the coal
seam is exposed near the highwall (the vertical face of the exposed coal seam). It involves
the use of remote-controlled miners to extract coal from the exposed seam, leaving behind a
highwall that can be unstable.

Surface mining methods are generally more cost-effective and efficient compared to underground mining
methods for extracting near-surface mineral deposits. However, they can have significant environmental
impacts, such as habitat destruction
Introduction to Underground Mining Method

Underground mining is a mining method used to extract minerals and resources that are located deep
beneath the Earth's surface. It is employed when the deposit is inaccessible or economically unfeasible to
extract using surface mining methods. Underground mining involves the excavation of tunnels and shafts
to reach the mineral deposits. Here's an introduction to underground mining methods:

Room and Pillar Mining: Room and pillar mining is one of the most common underground
mining methods. It is typically used for flat-lying or gently dipping ore bodies. The method
involves the excavation of "rooms" or chambers separated by "pillars" of undisturbed rock.
The rooms are where the ore is extracted, and the pillars provide support to prevent cave-ins.
Longwall Mining: Longwall mining is primarily used for coal extraction. It is a highly
mechanized method that involves the use of a longwall shearer, which is a specialized
machine that cuts and removes the coal from the face of a long coal panel. As the shearer
progresses, hydraulic roof supports are automatically installed to provide immediate roof
control.
Cut and Fill Mining: Cut and fill mining is employed in steeply dipping or irregularly
shaped ore bodies. It involves the excavation of horizontal or sub-horizontal tunnels, called
drifts, into the deposit. The ore is removed from the drifts, and the resulting voids are
backfilled with waste material or cemented tailings to support the surrounding rock.
Sublevel Stoping: Sublevel stoping is a mining method used for narrow, steeply dipping ore
bodies. It involves the excavation of horizontal tunnels, known as sublevels, at different
elevations within the ore body. The ore is blasted and removed from the sublevels, and the
voids are backfilled with waste rock or tailings.
Block Caving: Block caving is a mass mining method used for large, low-grade ore bodies.
It involves the extraction of ore from beneath a large, undermined area. The ore is allowed to
collapse under its weight, and it is then collected through a system of tunnels and drawn to
the surface using haulage equipment.
Sublevel Caving: Sublevel caving is a variation of block caving used for steeply dipping ore
bodies. It involves the extraction of ore from a series of sublevels beneath an undercut area.
As the ore is extracted, the overlying rock mass collapses, and the ore is drawn to the surface
through a network of tunnels and chutes.

These are just a few examples of underground mining methods, and various other techniques are used
depending on the specific geological conditions and deposit characteristics. Underground mining presents
unique challenges, including ventilation, ground stability, and worker safety. Therefore, careful planning,
engineering, and safety measures are crucial for successful and safe underground mining operations.

Introduction to Supported Mining Method

Supported mining methods, also known as supported excavation methods, are mining techniques used in
underground mining to ensure the stability of the surrounding rock and ensure the safety of workers.
These methods involve the use of various support systems to prevent collapses and maintain the integrity
of the mine workings. Here's an introduction to supported mining methods:
 Timber Support: Timber support is one of the oldest and traditional methods of support in
underground mining. It involves the installation of wooden timber props, posts, and beams to
provide support to the roof, walls, and tunnels. Timber support systems are relatively flexible
and can adapt to irregularly shaped excavations. However, they require regular maintenance
and replacement due to decay and deterioration.

Rock Bolting: Rock bolting is a commonly used support method that involves the
installation of steel bolts or rods into the surrounding rock. These bolts are anchored into the
rock to reinforce it and prevent it from fracturing or collapsing. The bolts can be tensioned or
grouted, depending on the stability requirements of the mine.

Shotcrete and Mesh: Shotcrete is a method of applying a layer of sprayed concrete onto the
surfaces of underground excavations. The shotcrete provides immediate support and helps
stabilize the surrounding rock mass. Mesh, typically made of steel or synthetic materials, is
then placed on the shotcrete surface to provide additional reinforcement and prevent loose
rock from falling.

Cable Bolting: Cable bolting is similar to rock bolting but involves the use of high-tensile
steel cables instead of solid steel rods. The cables are grouted into pre-drilled holes and
tensioned to provide support to the rock mass. Cable bolting is commonly used in areas with
high stress or where dynamic loading conditions exist.

Steel Sets and Steel Arch Supports: Steel sets and steel arch supports are rigid structural
systems made of steel beams or channels that are installed to reinforce the roof and walls of
underground excavations. These systems are designed to distribute the load and provide
stability to the surrounding rock. Steel sets and steel arch supports are commonly used in
larger excavations or in areas with poor ground conditions.

Ground Reinforcement: In some cases, ground reinforcement techniques are employed to

enhance the stability of underground excavations. These techniques may include the use of
ground anchors, rock bolts with wire mesh, shotcrete, or grouting. Ground reinforcement
methods are particularly useful in areas with weak or fractured rock mass.

Supported mining methods play a vital role in maintaining the safety and stability of underground mining
operations. The selection and design of the support system depend on various factors, including the
geotechnical characteristics of the rock mass, the size and shape of the excavations, and the mining
method being employed. Proper installation, monitoring, and maintenance of the support systems are
essential for safe and efficient underground mining operations.

Activity – 1 What do you know about mining

Activity – 2 Discussion on types of minerals Mining
Success Criteria:

 Assessment plan
A couple of question will be asked from students to clarify the understanding of the whole class, for
example
 What is mining method
 Discussion on Different techniques and its types of minerals
 Discussion on Usage of minerals
C.W: Write down the Types of mining used
H.W: Write On importance of mining techniques.