NAME : CHIMBUNDE VONGAI Y

REG NO : R226904Z

PROGRAMME CODE : HMIE

COURSE CODE : UNDERGROUND MINING TECHNOLOGY

(HMIE 201) Assignment 1

LECTURER : MR NYAMAGUDZA

DUE DATE : 11 October 2023

QUESTIONS

1. Explain the terms in blasting.

a. Sympathetic detonation

b. Gap sensitivity (3)

2. Explain the purpose of shaft sinking stage. (3)

3. Marking/lashing in shafts sinking is either manual or mechanised. Discuss, with the aid of clearly

labelled diagrams some of the commonly used equipment in mechanised marking in any shaft

operations. (9)

4. At Freda Rebecca Mine in Bindura ore is transported from underground using dump trucks.

Explain why is that possible? (5)

ANSWER

1) (a) Sympathetic detonation refers to the unintended initiation of one or more explosive
charges as a result of the detonation of another nearby charge. It occurs when the shock
wave generated by the detonation of an explosive charge causes the initiation of adjacent
charges, leading to a chain reaction of detonations. This can be extremely dangerous and
unpredictable, as it can cause a larger area to explode than originally intended.

(b) Gap sensitivity, in the context of blasting, refers to the sensitivity of an explosive material
to confinement gaps or voids between the explosive charge and the surrounding rock or material. It
is a measure of how easily an explosive can be initiated when there is a gap or space between the
explosive charge and the surrounding material.

2)(i) Shaft sinking is primarily undertaken to create vertical access to underground areas, such as
mines, tunnels, or underground storage facilities. By sinking a shaft, workers and equipment can
enter and exit the underground space, facilitating mining operations, construction activities, or
providing access for maintenance and repairs.

(ii) Shafts also serve as a means of transporting materials between the surface and underground
levels. Once a shaft is sunk, various types of equipment, including conveyors or hoisting systems, can
be installed to move extracted minerals, rocks, or other materials to the surface. Conversely,
supplies, equipment, and personnel can be lowered down the shaft to support underground
operations.

(iii) Shafts play a crucial role in providing ventilation and essential services to underground workings.
As mining or construction activities progress deeper, proper ventilation becomes critical for
maintaining air quality, controlling temperature, and removing hazardous gases, dust, or fumes.
Shafts can accommodate ventilation systems, including fans and ductwork, as well as other services
like electrical power lines, communication cables, and water supply lines.

3) Mucking in shafts can either be manual or mechanized .For manual operations, hand-lashing of
ore into a kibble is the standard operation. For mechanized operations, the Riddel mucker,
Cryderman mucker and Cactus grab are the most commonly used equipment.

Cactus Grab
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The Cactus Grab is most powered by compressed air and hangs on ropes. Normally requires two

persons to operate. One person (on the face) is for opening and closing the grab and the other (just

beneath the stage) is for moving and lowering the grab.

Advantages of cactus grab

⚫ High mucking capacity

⚫ Easy to handle

⚫ Very touch mucking unit

⚫ Cactus grab can kibble position in the blasted ground

Disadvantages:

⚫ Grab digs in from above by gravity, grab has no pushing force

⚫ Cleaning the face is very difficult

⚫ Limited mucking of the rocks

⚫ Requires well trained operators

Cryderman shaft mucker

 http://www.saimeche.org.za

Advantages of Cryderman Shaft Mucker:

 Hydraulic Operation: The Cryderman shaft mucker utilizes hydraulic power for its operation,
allowing for precise control and smooth movement of the grab.
 Pushing Force: The mucker is equipped with cylinders that generate pushing force, enabling
it to effectively move vertically and horizontally within the shaft.
 Face Cleaning: The design of the Cryderman mucker makes it well-suited for face cleaning,
helping to remove loose material and maintain a clear working area.
 Suitable for Rectangular Shafts: The mucker is specifically designed for rectangular shafts,
providing efficient mucking capabilities in this type of mining environment.

Disadvantages of Cryderman Shaft Mucker:

 The Cryderman mucker has limited circular movement capability, which may pose challenges
when accessing and mucking material in certain areas of the shaft.
 Compared to other mechanized mucking equipment, such as the Cactus Grab, the
Cryderman mucker may have a lower mucking capacity, potentially leading to slower ore
removal rates.
 The mucker still requires an operator to control its movements and operations, which means
the efficiency and effectiveness of the mucking process are dependent on the skills and
experience of the operator.
 Like any mechanized equipment, the Cryderman mucker requires regular maintenance to
ensure its proper functioning and minimize downtime.

Normally is a hydraulic grab with limited circular movement capability.

Can move up and down and all movement is done using cylinders, generating some
pushing force. Better for face cleaning compared to cactus grab but has less mucking
capacity than cactus grab. Requires only one person to operate.

Riddell mucker

https://images.app.goo.gl/B6gkidHquDWf1BsN8

Advantages of Riddell Mucker:

  Electrically Powered: The Riddell mucker operates using electrical power,
which eliminates the need for manual operation and reduces physical
exertion for the operator.
 Efficient Mucking: The mucker is designed to effectively remove and
transport ore or debris from the mining face, improving productivity and
reducing manual labour.
 Rope Suspension: The grab of the Riddell mucker is suspended on ropes,
allowing for greater manoeuvrability and flexibility in reaching different
areas within the shaft.
 Versatility: The Riddell mucker can be used in various mining conditions and
is suitable for both rectangular and circular shafts.

Disadvantages of Riddell Mucker:

 Space Limitations: In larger shafts with a diameter of more than 8 meters,

the Riddell mucker may face space limitations, making it challenging to
operate effectively in confined areas.
 Dependence on Manual Operation: While the mucker is electrically
powered, it still requires operators to control and maneuver the equipment,
which can be physically demanding and potentially hazardous.
 Potential for Danger: The presence of personnel on the mining face during
operation poses a significant risk, as accidents or mishaps can occur when
working in close proximity to the mucker.
 Maintenance and Training: The Riddell mucker requires regular maintenance
to ensure its proper functioning. Additionally, operators need to undergo
thorough training to operate the equipment safely and efficiently.

4) The transportation of ore from underground using dump trucks at the Freda Rebecca Mine in
Bindura is possible due to several factors:

The mine has established underground haulage routes that are designed to accommodate the
movement of dump trucks. These routes are constructed to provide sufficient width, height, and
gradient for the trucks to navigate safely and efficiently. Proper ventilation systems are in place
within the underground mine workings. This ensures that there is a constant supply of fresh air and
removal of potentially harmful gases, providing a safe working environment for the dump truck
operators. The mine's infrastructure, including tunnels, ramps, and access points, is built to
withstand the weight and size of dump trucks. These structures are engineered to ensure stability
and provide sufficient support for the vehicles during transportation. The mine is equipped with
loading and dumping stations that are designed to accommodate dump trucks. These facilities
enable the efficient transfer of ore from the underground mining areas to the trucks and vice versa.
They are equipped with appropriate equipment, such as loaders and hoppers, to facilitate the
loading and unloading process. The mine has a fleet of dump trucks that are specifically designed for
underground mining operations. These trucks are equipped with features that enable them to
navigate through narrow underground passages and handle the rugged terrain. They are also
designed to carry heavy loads of ore safely and efficiently. Adequate safety protocols and
procedures are in place to ensure the safe operation of dump trucks underground. This includes
training programs for the operators, regular maintenance and inspection of the vehicles, and the
implementation of strict safety guidelines to minimize the risk of accidents or incidents.