Mine Surveing 353

UNIVERSITY OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY
TARKWA
FACULTY OF MINERAL RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY
GEOMATIC ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
MINE SURVEYING
(GL/MN 353)
REVISED BY:
Assoc Prof P. E. Baffoe

2020/2021 ACADEMIC YEAR
Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 0
COURSE OUTLINE (SYLLABUS) 2020/2021 Academic Year
The Course Outline is as follows:
 INTRODUCTION TO MINE SURVEYING
 MINE SURVEYING PRACTICES IN SURFACE MINE OPERATIONS
 ACCESS TO UNDERGROUND MINE WORKINGS (CORRELATION)
 UNDERGROUND TRAVERSES
 UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT
 VERTICAL CONTROLS AND INCLINATIONS
 SURVEY AND MEASUREMENTS OF STOPE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 2020/2021 Academic Year
All thanks to the Almighty God for His MERCY and GRACE over us all these years.
Indeed, God is always faithful.
My sincere thanks go to REV. A. A. Mensah who took the pain to prepare the first
edition of this handout and through whose effort I got all the materials needed for this
work to be completed. Many thanks also go to Prof Bernard Kumi-Boateng who has
been a good tutor on HOW to PREPARE A VERY GOOD HANDOUT; and all my
colleagues in the Geomatic Engineering Department who have been source of
encouragement. And to you in particular, for your effort to read this material, not only
to pass your exams but also to understand and bring up constructive criticism for the
improvement of future editions. God Bless you all!

COURSE OBJECTIVES 2020/2021 Academic Year
This course aims at equipping you with the knowledge and skills involved in Mine
Surveying. It is designed to provide you with enough information on surveys in both
surface and underground mineral exploration and exploitations. The under-listed
objectives are set out so that you could:
 Understand the purpose and the importance of mine surveying
 Understand the underlying principles of mine surveying in surface mining
operations
 Understand how to access underground workings through correlation
 Understand how to conduct traverses underground
 Understand development and extensions of cavities underground
 Understand vertical controls underground
 Understand stope surveys

COURSE PLAN 2020/2021 Academic Year
Calendar
Week Month Activity

1
January Course Plan and Overview
2
Introduction to Mine Surveying
3
Mine Surveying in surface mining operations
4
February Mine surveying in surface mining operations Cont.
5
Quiz 1, Mine Correlations
6
Mine Correlations Cont.
7
Continuous Assessment
8 Traversing Underground
March
9
Traversing Underground Cont.
10
Quiz 2, Development of cavities and extensions
11
Development of cavities and extensions Cont.
12
Quiz3, Vertical Controls underground
13
Revision Week, Stope Surveys
14
April
15 END OF SEMESTER EXAMS
16

COURSE ASSESSMENT 2020/2021 Academic Year
ASSESSMENT OF STUDENTS
The student’s assessment will be in two forms: Continuous Assessment (40%) and End of
Semester Examination (60%). The Continuous Assessment shall include Quizzes, Class
Attendance, and Field Work. The results of the CWA will be made known to students at least
one week before the start of the Semester Examinations. The End of Semester shall be marked
over 60.
ASSESSEMENT OF THE LECTURER
At the end of the course, each student will be required to evaluate the course and the lecturer’s
performance by answering a questionnaire specially designed to obtain the views and opinions of
students about the course and the lecturer. This is scheduled in April 2021. This will help
improve quality of delivery and improve the performance of students.

CHAPTER ONE
Introduction
Mine surveying has been defined by the International Society of Mine Surveyors as “the
art of making such field observations and measurements as are necessary to determine
the positions, areas or volumes of natural and man-made features on the earth's surface
or sub-surface for mining purposes”. The Mine Surveyor is responsible for accurately
determining the positions of all mining excavations relevant to surface infrastructure
and boundaries as well as all other adjacent mining excavations. It is the role of the
Mine Surveyor to accurately represent these positions on the working plans of a mine.
As someone remarked that: “One of the most important phases of mine surveying and
probably what requires most care is a survey for openings to connect two given or
assumed points.”
It is the type of surveying done for both surface and underground mining operations.
Mine surveying is an aspect of surveying used to establish the property boundaries of

an area delineated for mining purposes acquired on lease and other operations to map
details on the mine.
Certain variations in techniques facilitate operations below ground (sub-surface) but the
principles do not differ from surveying techniques on the surface.
Mine surveying utilises the principles for control, land, geologic, topographic
surveying to control, locate and map surface and underground works related to mining
operations (Mikhail, V. 1971). It is the control of surface mines and other underground
works.
Applications to Mine Operations
Geologists and geophysicists employ this technique of surveying in connection with

exploration to locate and control their work. Location and control surveys for the
construction of surface works and tunnels for the purposes other than mining may be
placed in the same category as mine surveys.

There are two main types of mining operations in mineral exploitation namely, surface
and underground. The surface mining is a type of mining method that involves the
extraction of minerals from the earth’s surface with the sky as the open roof.
1.1 Surface Mining Operations
Surveying in the mines involves determination of relative spatial positions of natural

and man-made features on or near the earth’s surface. It also encompasses measuring
horizontal and vertical distances between objects, measuring angles, determining the
direction of lines and establishing points from predetermined angular and linear
measurements. Surface mining cannot operate without these basic aspects of surveying
principles.
Some of the basic survey practices in surface mining include:
1. Reconnaissance
2. Commissioning of the mine
3. Traversing on the concession
4. Topographic surveys on the concession
5. Construction of survey control pillars and traversing over them
6. Access route
7. Land use mapping
8. Pit Updates which includes:
 Daily pit pickups (ie, Toe, Crest, and spot heights)

 Toe checks
 Toe and crest pegs set-outs
 Blast limits stake out
9. Drill and Blast holes mark-out

10. After drill pickups of blast holes
11. Edge of blast peg-outs and batter pegs-outs
12. Setout of rip lines and RC holes
13. Ore demarcations
14. Waste Dump update pickups
15. End of month survey pickups for the pits and the stockpiles
16. Support for dewatering on sump locations and pipe line pickups
17. Geological sample pickups
18. Daily water levels for all the pits
19. Weekly Prism monitoring
20. End of month volume computations for the pits and stockpiles at rompad
21. Decommissioning of the mine
22. Reclamation
1.2 Mine Surveying Activities for other Departments
The following are the survey activities and the respective sections that are linked with:
1.2.1 Geological Department
Mine survey activities always go along with geological works from the beginning of the
mine through to the end of mining activities.
During exploration, the surveyor establishes survey control stations around the
concession after surveying the boundary. During the exploration, the following are
expected to be executed in order to acquire enough data for further development of the
mines:
 Baseline and cross lines are setout
 Sample positions along cross lines as shown in the Figure 1.1.
 Sample positions of pits as shown in Figure 1.2 (in-fill data) and Figure 1.3
 Contours generated of high anomalous areas on the prospect as shown in Figure
1.1.

Figure 1.1 Sample Points on Base Lines and Cross Lines
Some of the geological works that the surveyor’s services employed include:
Reconnaissance: This involves preliminary works done by surveyors at the initial stage
of the mine. During reconnaissance, the mine surveyor takes into consideration the
following:
 Physical inspection of the site

 Existing pillars
 Available land marks
Topographic Survey: This type of survey under reconnaissance locates both natural
and man-made features such as trees, rivers etc. It also normally shows the contours of

the mine sites. These data are then used to produce maps that help in the exploration
activities in the mine.
1.2.2 Mining Department
Drill and Blast: Before any drill and blast works take place, the mark-out crew of the
mine survey section is responsible to mark-out the area using survey spray at regular
intervals as requested by the drill and blast crew. Also the depths of drill holes are also
given to guide the drill rig operators to drill to specification. Surveyors also dip holes to
check for accurate drill before blasting could happen.
After the holes have been drilled, mine surveyors will pick the drilled holes and survey
the boundary of the blast area so as to be able to provide the right blast edge in order to
prevent any toe from occurring. These coordinates are used by engineers to compute
the volume of material mined and also to update the existing pit design
The pick-ups are carried out and values submitted to the planning section to make some
deduction for the payment of their contractors. Below are some of the deductions
needed:
 To know the pattern of the blast

 To know the volume of material blasted
 To know the amount of explosives used
Load and Haul: The load and haul unit are responsible for conveying ore and waste to
the Rompad and waste dumps respectively. They have in possession the excavators,
dozers, back holes, graders, and dump trucks. This unit is responsible for production
aspect of the mine. Survey Section on the other side provides them with temporal bench
marks which help them to maintain the levels of the drilling and the mining floor. The
Trimble RTK GPS and the laser are the instruments used.
In addition to this, the access roads to which these loads are conveyed are known as
ramps. Surveyors are responsible to provide the slope distance or the gradient of the
slope so as to prevent steep slopes.
Mine Planners
The planning unit of the mining department is responsible for controlling and
maintaining the smooth running of the mine. Their strategic decisions keep the mine
running. Surveyors on the other hand, help planners to control and maintain the
smooth running of the mine. For example, Planners provide the limits in which mining
has to be done. These limits are set-out by surveyors to create awareness to the load and
haul unit to maintain the pits. Drill limits are also monitored by planners and are set-
out by surveyors. They also provide the coordinates for the advancement in operation
of the pit like.
Surface Requirements for the Development of a Mine
The surveying requirements in connection with mining development consist of the

following events:
 A land survey to establish the surface boundaries or limits to permit a legal deed
description.
 Topographic surveys and route surveys to provide information for properly
locating buildings, roads and railroads and their operational facilities.
 The preparation of maps for reference purposes and records.
 Construction surveys for surface installations.
 Mine surveys as underground works begin and then progresses.
In addition to these, aerial and ground truth surveys may be made to determine
geological features. These features on surface and below sub surface are coordinated
and analysed to determine the depth and extent of the ore body, surface and
underground formation (Strike and dip), to influence the type of entrance to work the
ore body (surface/underground).
If milling of the ore is to be carried out, industrial application of surveying methods for
the positioning of machinery is required. Hydrographic survey may even be necessary
if milling operations call for the use of large quantity of water.

Significance of Mine Surveying to Mine Designs:
The fundamentals leading to the design of a mine involves the following sequence of
operations/events.
 Prospecting and exploration
 Geological and topological modeling
 Pit design and production scheduling
 Mine development and financial evaluation.
In most of these sequences of mine development mine surveying significantly plays

very vital role. Most often, mine development commences from the surface and worked
down to the economic limit, then develops into an underground working. Initially, a
prospect is identified. The geologist then goes into the prospect to ascertain its presence.
i.e. identifying traces of the presence of the prospect, e.g. outcrop rivers, samples
containing the presence of the mineral under review.
Surface auger drilling, river sampling, pitting, trenching and finally deep drilling is
done to evaluate the depth and the economic value of the deposit. Mine surveying is
done to map the positions of the entire concession of the prospect/containing the
mineral prospect
What goes into this mapping produces the following:
 The topographical map of the entire area under lease.
 The cadastral plan of the concession
 The position of trenches, pits and sub-surface information provided by
mechanized drilling operations to establish the general formation of the mineral
prospect.
 Plans showing sections of the deep drilling sequences are made to assist mine
planning to produce the block model of the ore body and the mine pit design
that will suit the formation of the ore body identified.

Thus the 3-D spatial positions of all the features required for the planning and the
design of the mine is collated into a database, significant for the development of the
mine to progress from surface to underground.
1.3 Survey Data Required
1.3.1 Planning and Pits Design
Sections generated at specific intervals where deep drilling has shown dip and strike of
ore body and its assay values at various depths down hole, Figure 1.2.
Figure 1.2 Pit Design

EXAMPLE (2017)
Q5. Write short notes on the mines surveying practices in the surface mining 25 marks

CHAPTER TWO
Introduction
2. Access to Underground Workings
When surface mining exceeds the economic depth/limit to permit profit

making/breaking even, depending on the existing/current economic parameters vis-a-
vis the prevailing market prices and business trends, underground operations could be
resorted to, to extend the life of the mine.
In this event on the life of the mine, correlation of existing/proposed surface structures
and that of the proposed/existing underground development and structures is
embarked on.
This is significant because it is done to show the relative positions of the structure and
development both surface and underground.
Significance of correlation: It is essential that all underground workings of a mine be

referenced with respect to the same meridian and coordinates on the surface. This
significantly involves transferring the True Meridian from the surface control to an
underground base.
2.1 Definition of Concept of Correlation
Correlation is defined as: making measurements to transfer a line of known bearing to

underground from surface triangulation (Frederick Weisburg, Metaliferous Mine
Surveying).
This gives impression that correlation is transfer of bearing.
Another variation also puts it that it is the orientation of an underground survey in

which coordinates and azimuth are transferred from surface to underground workings.
The impression given here is the transfer of coordinates and bearings.
A general definition which considers the previous two impressions is given by Holland
et al., 1953. In this case Correlation is defined as: the Establishment of the true
relationships between underground survey and that of surface.

This involves three operations.
i. Transfer of Bearing
ii. Transfer of Coordinates
iii. Transfer of Heights.
2.2 Methods of Mine Correlation
The flow chart of different methods of mine correlation is illustrated in Figure 2.1
below:
Figure 2.1 Methods of Mine Correlation

Significance of Accurate Mine Correlation
In mine correlation, there is the need for high accuracy and precision. However, these
could be achieved by observing strict precautions.
The main practical reasons are:
1. Allow for the shaft and access drifts to be driven from the surface to intercept
existing working at predetermined point.
2. Facilitate thorough connection between existing mines.
3. Allow barriers between adjacent mines to be correctly cited.
4. Allow barriers between current workings and suspected danger to be correctly

cited.
5. Allow borehole to be sunk from surface to intercept a predetermined point in

existing workings.
6. Ensure work is taking place in the area of mineral in a lease.
7. To correctly apportion royalties where mineral is in lease from several different

mineral owners.
8. Facilitate research investigations in mining subsidence.
9. Correctly apportion pillar of support for surface properties e.g. under terms of
mining codes. Railway consolidated Act, 1845.
2.2.1 Direct Mine Entry (E.g. Adit/Inclined Shaft/Ramp-way Entry)
This is by precise traversing using the three tripod system or Technique from the
surface survey control stations through adit, inclined shaft or a ramp way entry. Since
the entry is through these above mentioned openings of the mines, then the surface
surveys may simply be extended and continued down the opening into the specified
underground working area. As shown in Figure 2.2 all the entry positions are
demonstrated.

Figure 2.2 Major entries to underground workings
Figure 2.3 shows the decline at Chirano Gold Mine in Ghana. This is a ramp way
leading to the site of mine working sites.

Figure 2.3 An opening into underground workings at Chirano
Specifications:
1. Mine must be completely of shallow workings.
2. Connected to the surface by a Drift (drive), Adit, or Incline.
3. Connect surface survey to the underground bearing line by the Traverse (Precise).
4. If the connecting Drift is an incline, special care is taken in the measurement of the
horizontal Angle to avoid error due to dislevelment of the measurement.
5. If the Three Tripod Technique of precise traversing is used, probable Angular

error should not be greater than 05” in instrument setting. Also probable error of the
orientation underground bearing line with surface to be:

A typical three-dimensional model of a mine is demonstrated in Figure 2.4.
Figure 2.4 A Three-Dimensional Model of a Modern Underground Mine with Shaft Access

When entry is not a vertical shaft but an inclination of up to 85°,
1. Precise magnetic method is used. The conditions being that the mine must be
devoid of non – magnetic material.
2. Coordinate position to be fixed relative to the grid, which cannot be done by

plumbing method.
3. Traversing to be done down the shaft.
The combination of the vertical shaft transport and the access ramp is demonstrated in
Figures 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.8.
Figure 2.5 Schematic Diagram of Cut and Fill Mining
Special caution to be adopted by this method is:
1. Stretch bar is required

2. Attach auxiliary telescope either on side eccentric or top eccentric position
3. Use diagonal eye piece for sighting

Stretcher bar arrangement as shown in Figure 2.6.
Figure 2.6 Stretcher Bar Arrangement (pix)
Figure 2.7 Underground Workings

Figure 2.8 Underground Mining Operations
Sources of Error
For normal work, inclination on both faces of theodolite cancels out.
However,
a. Slight error due to instrumental imperfection.
b. Residual maladjustment due to steep sighting.
c. Error due to transit axis dis-levelment which can either be eliminated or

compensated for (i.e. main error– failure of transit axis to remain horizontal).

2.2.2 Correlation through a Vertical Shaft
The principles for aligning underground excavations have changed very little during
the years while the purpose of alignment has remained the same, namely, to establish a
safe connection between excavations with the minimum amount of error in the shortest
time possible. Schofield differentiated between surface and underground surveying by
stating that “the essential problem in underground surveying is that of orientating the
underground surveys to the surface surveys, the procedure involved being termed a
correlation…thus underground control networks must be connected and orientated into
the same co-ordinate system as the surface networks”.
The role of the Mine Surveyor is regulated by the requirements of the Mine Health and
Safety Act (MHSA). This Act prescribes the minimum standards of accuracy allowable
for the accuracy of the position of mine surveying stations as represented on the
prescribed underground plans of a mine and prescribes that all excavations must be
accurately represented in relation to mining- and mineral rights boundaries, objects on
the surface that will require protection as well as any underground excavations that
could pose a hazard to workers. Such hazards include areas where there is a possibility
of the accumulation of noxious gas, water or mud, should an unplanned holing be
made into such an excavation. Johnson remarked on the importance of accurate and
safe alignments of mining excavations by observing that:
“Too much stress cannot be laid on the importance of the care to be exercised in running
connections (correlation), as there is nothing the mining surveyor’s reputation depends
on more directly than his uniform success in this matter. In fact a failure in such a case
may involve a large loss to his employer; an error in many cases cannot be remedied,
but results in permanent injury to the mine.”
This statement still holds true today. The error in the direction or gradient of a mining
excavation can cause large financial losses due to the loss in production caused by re-
development and non-adherence to tight production schedules and the financial and
legal applications incurred with the loss of life that could result from unplanned
breakthroughs into hazardous areas.

Correlation of surface survey controls to underground working face through a vertical
shaft is done by first shaft plumbing and then the methods listed. Several methods are
available namely:
1. Optical methods.
2. Mechanical method.
3. Gyroscopic method.
2.2.2.1 Gyroscopic Method
Now widely used method that involves hanging single wire plumb in a vertical shaft
and establishing the bearing underground by measurements using the gyroscope.
A Gyroscope is defined aa a device consisting of a wheel or disc mounted so that it can

spin rapidly about an axis which is itself free to alter in direction. The orientation of the
axis is not affected by tilting of the mounting, so gyroscopes can be used to provide
stability or maintain a reference direction in navigation systems, automatic pilots, and
stabilizers.
A gyroscope is a device used for measuring or maintaining orientation and angular

velocity. It is a spinning wheel or disc in which the axis of rotation is free to assume any
orientation by itself
The Gyro-theodolite
This is North seeking instrument integrated with a theodolite (gyrotheodolite). It is

applied as an alternative to the use of plumbed wire in vertical shafts to transfer
bearing, coordinates and elevations from surface to an underground base in surface to
underground correlation. The gyroscope is basically a rapidly spinning flywheel with
its spin axis horizontal and spinning from West to East as does the earth. The most
common version of this north seeking instrument is the Wild GAK1 attachment which
is attached /mounted above a theodolite as shown in the Figure 2.9.
Figure 2.9 Gyro setup of Wild GAK 1

Operation
The instrument with its telescope on the face left position is oriented approximately to
the north (MN) when initially set up at a station. After the start-up sequence has been
carried out, the spinner is driven to its operational speed and unclamped. This engages
the flywheel (gyro-wheel) at its maximum operational speed (approx. 2200 rpm) thus,
making the horizontal component of the earth’s rotation, cause the spin axis of the gyro-
wheel to oscillate about the true North position (precession). This condition of the
instrument makes it possible to orient the bearing of the underground base with respect
to the True North position as shown in Figure 2.10.
Figure 2.10 Gyroscope (Gyro – No. 24)

Uses Underground
The gyro-theodolite is first used to measure the bearing of the surface base of known
bearing to determine the correction constant to be used. This measurement must be
made within three hundred feet east or west of the point where it is to be used if
calculation for the convergence of the meridian is to be avoided.
The gyro is then taken underground to the place where the azimuth of the base is to be
determined. Setting up under one end of the underground base, the azimuth of the base
is determined by applying the necessary corrections to the gyro bearing measured. The
coordinates can be brought down to the new level by means of a single wire hung in the
shaft.
2.2.2.2 Mechanical Method
This involves the use of wires hanging vertically in a shaft.
Concept: Wires hanging freely plumbed in a shaft will occupy the same position in
underground as they do at the surface. Thus making bearing of the wire plane remain
constant throughout the shaft.
Types of Mechanical Method
 a. Single wire in two different shafts spaced widely apart

 b. Double wires hanging plumbed in a single shaft
A) Assumed Bearing Method
Example of single wire each in two different shafts is referred to as the Assumed
Bearing method. In this method the following are performed:
1. Single wires are suspended in each shafts at A and B and coordinated with the
surface control network
2. From the coordinates of A and B the bearing AB (surface) is obtained.
3. A traverse is now carried out from A’ and B’ via underground connecting tunnel.
4. However, as the angles at A’ and B’ cannot be measured it becomes an open

traverse on an assumed Single Wire in each of Two different Shafts

The Condition: To have more than one shaft available. Thus orientation of the bearing
underground can be achieved via a single wire in each shaft. This method gives a longer
wire base thus wire deflection errors are much less critical (Reliability of the method).
Orientation of the underground bearing: - is the making of such measurements that a

line of known bearing is transferred underground from the surface to make the survey
of the underground workings directly connected to the surface triangulation.
This exercise needs most bearing for A’X.
5. If the assumed bearing of A’X differed from the true by angle α, then the whole
traverse would be given to an apparent position X’Y’Z’ and B’
6. The value of α is the difference of the bearing AB (surface) and A’B’

(underground) computed from surface and underground coordinates respectively.
7. Rotating the underground assumed bearing by the amount α will swing the
traverse almost back to B (as on the surface).
8. Using the corrected bearing and lengths, the corrected coordinates of the traverse
fitted to AB can be calculated. Thus, the final cords U/G calculated should agree to
some extent with the same line as measured on the surface and serve as a check on
the underground survey.
Example:
Please, refer to Figure 2.11.
Bearing of AB as calculated from surface observation = S 60° E (120°)
Assumed whole circle bearing for A’X = 185°
Bearing of AB (A’B’) as calculated from U/G traversing assuming A’X =185° = 137°
Difference therefore = 137° - 120° = 17°
The corrected bearing for A’X = 185° - 17° = 168° (S 12° E)
The bearing 168° and distance is then used to obtain the final bearing for A’B’
underground which should compare favourably to the surface bearing AB.

Figure 2.11 Assumed Bearing Method of Correlation
Accuracy
No doubt the most accurate and most reliable method of surface to underground
orientation.
Accuracy is dependent on: -
1. Accuracy of fixing the position of the wire at the surface.
2. The accuracy of the underground connecting traverse.
Advantages
1. The influence of errors in the verticality of the wires, so critical in single shaft
work is practically negligible owing to the long distance separating the two
shafts.
2. Provided the distances between the established underground traverse stations

are long enough.
Modern instruments would achieve highly accurate surface and underground surveys
resulting in the final orientation accuracy of a few seconds in angular observations.
NB: - Tubular compass could be used to determine the bearing that is Assumed to an
accuracy of 16’ – 20’.
Disadvantages
 1. It can be applied only if there are two shafts.

 2. When the traverse legs are too short, centering error are normally encountered.
NB: - For an example, correlation done in one South African mine gave an error of 12”
using the Weisbach method. This error was later on eliminated after using the assumed
bearing method.
B) Two Wires in a Single Shaft
b1) Weisbach Triangle
In two wires are plumbed vertically in a single shaft in order to get orientation
underground. As illustrated in Figure 2.12 and 2.13.
1. Two wires W1 and W2 are suspended vertically in a shaft forming a very small
base line.
2. The principle is to obtain the bearing and co – ordinates of the wire base
relative to the shaft base.
3. These values can then be transferred to the underground base.
Figure 2.12 Weisbach Triangle method

Figure 2.13 A Section through the Weisbach Triangle Scheme

4. Computations based on sine rule

b2) CO – PLANING METHOD [EXACT ALIGNMENT]
This also involves two wires plumbed vertically in a single shaft in order to get
orientation underground. As illustrated in Figure 2.14.
Figure 2.14 Co-planning method
Referring to the Figure 2.14 above:
1. Align the theodolite at w s exactly with the wires w 1 and w 2 .
2. The alignment is easily achieved by trial and error focusing first on the front
wire and then on the back. Both wires can still be seen through the telescope
even when in line.
3. The instrument should be set up within 3m to 4m of the nearer wire. Special

care should be taken to ensure that the tripod head is level.
N/B: The Chief feature of this method is its simplicity with little chance of gross errors.

b3) WEISS QUADRILATERAL
This also involves two wires plumbed vertically in a single shaft in order to get
orientation underground. As illustrated in Figure 2.15.
Figure 2.15 Weiss quadrilateral method of correlation

1. This method is employed only when the other two methods cannot be applied.
2. The theodolites are set up at C and D forming a quadrilateral C D W 1 W 2 with

the wire base w1 w 2.
3. The bearing and co – ordinates of C D are obtained relative to the surface base.
4. The orientation of the wire base being obtained through the quadrilateral
Angle 1, 2, 3, and 8 are measured direct, angles 4 and 7 are obtained as follows:
Angle 4 = [180 – (1 + 2 + 3)]
Angle 7 = [180 – (1 + 2 + 8)]
The remaining angles 6 and 5 are then computed from Sin1 Sin3 Sin5 Sin7 = Sin2 sin4
Sin6 Sin8
Having found 6, substitute for 6 in equation 6 to find 5

Error analysis of the observed figure indicates that increasing the ration of the length
CD to the wire base increases the standard error of orientation.
SOURCES OF ERROR IN WIRE CORRELATION
The standard error of the transferred bearing is the combine effect of;
 1. Error in connecting the surface base to the wire base = e s

 2. Error in the determination of the verticality of the plumbing plane = e p
 3. Error in connecting the wire base to the underground base = e u
2.3 SHAFT PLUMBING
Shaft Plumbing - is hanging wires vertically (plumbed) in a shaft. This is done by

hanging a piano wire in a vertical shaft with a heavy metal (plumb bob) at the end of
the wire. The plumbed wire is then dipped in a barrel of oil. These are done to curb the
forces underground that are capable of disturbing plumb line.
Factors that affect the Verticality of the Plumbed Base
 Ventilation Air current in the shaft.

 Pendulous motion of the wire.
 Spiral deformation of the wire.
 Dripping water in the shaft.
 Anomalous forces that may be disposed at some portion of the shaft.
One has to consider these in the choice of the plumb wire
1. The plumb bob should be very symmetrical.
2. It should be made of a dense material.
3. It should be non-magnetic.
Shaft plumbing is a method of hanging a wire in a vertical shaft with a heavy metallic
object (plumb bob) at the end of the wire. This is to aid the meridian to be carried from
surface survey triangulation networks to the underground by any of the methods
discussed. During correlation the hanged plumb bob is dipped into a drum of engine
oil.
The wires used for plumbing shafts should be as small as will hold. A small wire is
desirable because it is easier to line in on, and because it is not so readily affected by
falling drops of water or by air currents. On the other hand, one does not care to risk
breaking a wire, and the elasticity of the smaller wire is more noticeable.
For example, when plumbing the Tamarack No. 5 Shaft (USA), a number 24 piano
wire 4250 feet long stretched 15 feet when 50-pound weights were substituted for 8-
pound weights. When these 50-pound weights were immersed in engine oil, the
buoyancy of the oil allowed the wire to
lift the weights 25 inches. There is considerable variation in the size of wires and
weights used at different mines. The Boston and Montana (Butte) engineers use number
18 copper wire with an 11- or 12-pound weight. At Copper Queen, a number 7 steel
music wire with a 41-pound weight is used, and at the Portland of Cripple Creek,
number 20 copper wire with a 7i-pound iron window weight is used. The Calumet &
Hecla uses a number 22 steel piano wire with an 11-pound weight. The steel wire is
smaller for equal strength, but is not so easily obtainable, as a general thing. The copper
wire is not so apt to remain bent or kinked as is the steel. A number 18 copper wire will
sustain a 12-pound weight to a depth of 1200 feet, but for a greater depth, or with a
heavier weight, a larger copper wire, or a steel wire, must be used. Where a number 20
copper wire is not strong enough, it is probably better practice to use steel.

Lowering Wires into Vertical Shafts
In shallow shafts, it is practicable to attach a light weight to the end of a wire and lower
it directly off a reel. This is impossible, however, for anything but very shallow shafts,
for the weight will catch in the timbering.
Where a cage is installed, it is convenient to attach the end to the top of the cage and run
the wire off a reel at the surface as the cage is lowered. When the bottom is reached the
end of the wire may be attached to the side timbering and the cage hoisted clear if
desired. It is best to have the reel at the surface where the hoisting engineer can see it,
for if the reel is carried on the cage and the wire fails to run freely, it is almost sure to be
broken before the hoist man can be signaled to stop. Several hundred feet of loose wire
dropping down upon the top of the cage makes a most troublesome tangle. After such
an accident, the wire must be thrown away, for the kinks in it will never come out.
Where wires are to be lowered through very deep shafts, it may be best to use a large
wooden frame, pointed at each end and large in the middle, to pull the end down. Such
a frame, 10 or 12 feet long and 4 feet in diameter at the middle, cannot catch on the
timbering. A simple device which we find of great advantage in plumbing shafts is, to
have in the wires on the side toward the transit, three links from an ordinary trace
chain. Cut the wires about 4.6 feet above the end of the weight and fasten the three links
between these two ends.
The Weights
The weights used vary as greatly as do the wires. One engineer uses a winged weight of
cast lead or iron; another uses a couple of old rusty irons. One uses a large plumb-bob
with wings of sheet zinc fitted into vertical slots in it and another uses window weights.
The makers of surveying instruments put plumb-weights upon the market, but a
window weight just as well.
The weights are usually swung in in water or oil in order to more quickly stop the
vibrations of the wire. One must remember that the vibration period of so long a
pendulum may be minutes. Considerable time is required for it to come to rest.
In some cases, falling water or air currents will prevent its coming to rest, and it then
becomes necessary to find the centre-point of its ellipse of swing. To do this, one of
several methods may be used. The quickest is to simply set the telescope so that the
wire is estimated to swing an equal distance to either side of the vertical cross-hair. This
is, of course, an approximation, but may be very accurate. To find the centre of swing
accurately, it is necessary to note and mark the end-points of each swing. This may be
done by nailing strips of wood about the wire just outside the end-point of the wires’
swing. These strips will represent straight lines tangent to an ellipse. The centre of the
ellipse is the true position of the wire as shown in Figure 2.16.
Factors that affect the Verticality of the Plumbed Base
I. Ventilation Air current in the shaft.
II. Pendulous motion of the wire.
III. Spiral deformation of the wire.
IV. Dripping water in the shaft.
V. Anomalous forces that may be disposed at some portion of the shaft.
Factors that affect the selection of the Plumb bob
1. The plumb bob should be very symmetrical.
2. It should be made of a dense material.
3. It should be non-magnetic.
4. It should be easily cast with fins attached.

Figure 2.16 Plumb line and bob
EXAMPLES (2016)
Q1. Explain the Weisbach Triangle and the Assumed Bearing methods as pertaining to
the mechanical methods of mine correlation. 20
Marks
b. Using the diagram and the given data, calculate the correction angle α using an
assumed bearing of 200̊ 00̍ 00̋.
30 Marks

Figure 2.17 Assumed Bearing Method
Mean Horizontal Angles Horizontal Distances Coordinates
E N
AX΄Y΄ 162̊ 37΄ 24ʹ̍̋̋̍̋̋ A-X̍ʹ̍̋̋ 708.28m A = 3208.49m 4375.29m
X΄Y΄Z΄ 193̊ 18̍ 02̋ X΄-Y΄ 473.29m B = 5074.49m 5227.47m
Y΄Z΄B΄ 170̊ 08̍ 46̋ Y΄-Z΄ 687.48m
Z΄-B΄ 202.31m

CHAPTER THREE
UDERGROUND TRAVERSING
Traversing underground is the only practical means of carrying line and grade to the
headings. If the workings underground are narrow and tortuous, the traversing will be
difficult and less accurate. The traverse is of paramount importance in underground
surveying.
Some of the mine workings provide the only access to a given point and all lines must
be carried through them.
3 Characteristics of Underground Traverses
3.1 Underground Stations
Before beginning the measurement of the angles and line of an underground traverse it
is usually reasonable to select and to mark the stations permanently. These should be
marked in the roof of the drive in such a manner each can be quickly found and its
reference number known.
Underground stations should be located in the back wherever possible. This prevents
their being disturbed or destroyed by passing traffic since the place is very dark.
Positions of these stations are carefully selected to:
a. Afford convenience in setting instruments and targets under the stations
b. To offer good line of sight in all directions.
To fix the station on the back of the drive
When the drive has a rock back, the practice adopted is to drill vertically upward in the
back at the selected place a hole of about 102 – 127 mm (4 – 5 in) depth and about 40 (1.6
in) in diameter. Into this hole is then driven a perfectly dry wood plug which is
somewhat shorter than the depth of the hole and is driven so that when in position its
bottom surface is about an inch higher than the mouth of the hole. Into this wooden
plug is also fixed a tag and then a ‘spad’ from which a plumb line can be suspended

This spad penetrates sufficiently far into the plug that its head is a little above the level
of the mouth of the hole; in this manner a protection is provided for the spad, which is
then not so likely to be knocked accidentally and displaced from it correct position
when lengths of rail are being carried through the drive. Various shapes and types of
spads are used as shown in Figure 12. The important feature in the design of ay spad is
that it must be possible for the plum-line to occupy the same position whenever it is
attached to the spad.
Figure 3.1 Underground Stations
SUMMARY
1. A dry wood plug is fixed in a hole made in the Rock to size.
2. Into this plug is then fixed a spad from which a plumb line can be suspended and
a tag with a station number.
3. The station is identified by a permanent marker. This can be of metal or plastic.
4. The station is next numbered. Various methods of numbering the stations have
been devised.
a. Sequential numbering: - this system gives each succeeding station a sequential
number regardless of where it may be located.
b. Position – coded sequential: - this system incorporates a code related to the station
position. The complexity of the code is a function of the complexity of the working and
the level e.g. 8 – S – 120 indicates the 120 th station in the South part of the 8 th level.
N/B: An index of stations showing the Name, Location, and Coordination of each
station should be kept.
3.2 SideWall Stations
Apart from fixing a station in the roof of the mine (hangingwall), there is another
method of fixing station in the walls of the tunnels of the mine. The surveys are
normally by resection method of surveys. This method removes the need to access the
hangingwall by the surveyor, mitigating the risk of working at height to a great extent.
It is argued that the method is a safer and more convenient method of surveying than
conventional hangingwall surveying.
The sidewall survey station methods proved to save on time of installation and a
reduction in risk exposure for the survey crew, when compared to traditional
hangingwall surveys. The reduced time exposure at a setup reduces the immediate risk
exposure of the survey crew. The added benefit of shorter setup times is that the flow of
production is interrupted for a shorter period. The need for ladders and the related
exposure to working-at-heights can be eliminated.
The advantage of being able to do a “random” position setup means that the surveyor is
able to move the instrument out of “harms way” by setting up out of the line of travel of
locomotives in the case of conventional mining or out of the route of trackless tramming
equipment. In the case where poor ground conditions exist, the surveyor has the option
of moving the setup to a safer location. As ladders are not required, the hazard of
aluminium ladders in a fiery mine can be avoided. A risk that requires to be mitigated is
the stability of the sidewall where new survey points are installed. It has been observed
that a number of fatal injuries in South African Mines have resulted from poor sidewall
conditions and in deeper mines resulting pressure bursts. In coal mines the condition of
the sidewalls are not always monitored as it would be barricaded off from normal

workers. In the case where points have to be installed in these conditions extra care
must be taken and a proper risk assessment must be performed before any work
commences. During installation of the brass plugs a rubber hammer has to be used to
prevent damage to the thread of the plug. The rubber hammer has a violent rebound
and care has to be taken not to injure the person installing the plug as shown in Figure
3.2 and 3.3 (a & b).
Figure 3.2 A Sample of a Sidewall Station
Precautions:
According to the mine standards, the surveyor have to avoid the use of acute
observation angles in order to obtain the strongest geometry possible for the setup.
Angles smaller than 60 degrees and larger than 120 degrees are to be avoided.
Standards require baselines longer than 25 metres and control should be extended from
checked and adjusted stations in order to reduce the risk of error propagation.
The Sidewall stations used, consist of an aluminium tube into which a long brass target
holder is placed when targets are placed for observation. The sleeve is recessed deeply

enough not to be damaged by blast debris. The station number is painted on the
sidewall with high visibility paint and a numbered disk is attached to it.
a) Sidewall Station without Prism b) Station with Large Prism
Figure 3.3 Sidewall Stations

3.2 Setting up the Instrument under a Station Underground
Figure 3.4 Setting a Theodolite Under a Station
Setting up instruments under an underground Station the following procedures need to

be strictly observed as shown in Figure 3.4:
1. It is convenient to first hang a plumb bob from the spad in a slip knot, and adjusted
slightly higher than the expected height of the theodolite.
2. The instrument is set up on the tripod and the tripod fastened well in the ground.
3. The telescope is made horizontal and the tripod legs adjusted to swing the telescope
head directly under the plumb line.
4. The plate bubble is leveled and shifted laterally to swing the vertical axis (centering
mark on top of the telescope) of the instrument directly under the point of the plumb
bob.
NB: Occasionally it may be necessary to set up in extremely difficult locations. In this

case the tripod may be replaced with a stretcher bar to achieve the requisite position for
the theodolite.
5. If the theodolite has no internal illumination facility to illuminate the cross hairs,
horizontal and vertical circles to be read the cap lamp is used directly
The targets at the Back Line Peg (BLP) and the Front Line Peg (FLP) are also illuminated
with the cap lamp or auxiliary bulbs and battery pack which can be mounted on the
instrument.
6. The horizontal and vertical circles are measured in the usual way as surface traverse
(double face observation).
7. Distances to the BLP and FLP are measured using the steel tape. The distances are
chained slope distances for which the slope angle is measured.
NB: In modern type of underground traversing, Total Station preferably and Electronic
Distance Measuring Instruments (EDMIs) are used in obtaining direct horizontal
measurement where convenient. EDM devices are most frequently used underground
where there is the need to monitor movement of rock masses on the periphery of large
excavations and for traversing in mines where long line of sights are involved.

3.3 Procedure for Running Underground Traverses
Figure 3.5 Traversing Underground
In running underground traverses the following procedures are normally followed as

shown in Figures 3.5 and 3.6:
1. Set up theodolite under station.
2. Fix plumb bobs as targets for the BLP and FLP and record their respective heights.
3. Set the instrument on face left (FL) position and observe the BLP and swing it to observe the
FLP on this position and record their respective Horizontal Circle Readings (HCRs).
4. Change face to the Face right (FR) position and repeat the procedure at # 3.
5. Observe and record the Vertical Circle Reading (VCR) to the FLP on both faces.

6. Disturb the instrument setting and re – level and centre under the station. Again repeat the
double face observations and record the respective readings.
7. Measure the slope distances to the FLP and record reading twice.
Figure 3.6. Conventional Hangingwall Surveying Terminologies
3.3.1 Traverse Calculations
All calculations are carefully made and recorded. Conventional formats are used which
helps in minimizing errors as well as serving as checks.
For ascertaining the accuracy of the traverse all traverse lines must be closed by either
running it forward and back, for errors to be determined and adjustment made as in
surface closed traverse. OR Gyroscopic observations are made at the commencing and
terminating baselines underground to facilitate a closed link traverse to be run to check
on the accuracy.

EXAMPLES (2014)
Q4. Write on the following as applied in mine surveying in underground practices:
a) Setting up the Instrument under a Station Underground. 10

marks
b) Procedure for running Underground Traverses. 9

marks
c) Fixing the station on the back of the drive and numbering of the station. 6
marks

3.3.2 Transferring a Height to Underground
Apart from transferring heights from the surface triangulation network through precise
traversing and levelling, elevations could be equally transferred underground through
a vertical shaft by a wire system. The result is gotten through the principle of levelling.
Figure 3.7 Transferring Height to Underground
RLc = RLa + a – (P-D) + c

CHAPTER FOUR
UNDERGROUND DEVELOPMENT EXCAVATIONS
4.1 Control of Directions and Inclination of Drives
The surveyor is responsible for the measurement of lateral tunnels (Drives)

underground and its inclination as well as the safe handling of one excavation to
another.
Normally the drive follows the strike of the ore body and it is generally permissible to
allow the drives to follow this direction provided it is kept at the correct inclination.
The drive / tunnel position is put correct in relation to the foot wall of the ore body.
Raises and winzes are commenced at suitable intervals along and follow the line if
maximum dip to the direction of strike at the starting point - as the foot wall of the ore
body in the drive, raise and winzes- and it is generally satisfactory for the survey to the
development.
4.2 Control of Direction
Surveying of the underground excavation depends on the establishment of survey

stations from which the outline and the profile of the excavation can be measured. The
stations are established at the “back” (Roof) and are so placed so that a continuous line
is established along the tunnel to its end, consisting of many pegs. Such pegs are fixed
at suitable intervals and points where forward view is obstructed by a turn in the
tunnel. The pegs Are numbered and coordinated and its elevation and bearing from the
last peg obtained by traversing.
4.2.1 Extension of Forward Line Peg (FLP)
1. A back line peg (BLP) and an instrument station from previous survey is required.
2. A theodolite is set under the instrument station and with the bearing from the
instrument station to the BLP.
3. The BLP is sighted and a horizontal angle in the direction of the front line peg
directions to establish it.
4. A plumb bob is hung on the position of the FLP and the direction to the FLP
computed.
5. This direction is continued on bearing to extend the tunnel by hanging two plumb
bobs, one on the instrument station and the other on the FLP. This way the required
directional control of the tunnel would have been obtained.
NB: Normally mine tunnels underground are made as straight as regulations allow, and
successive survey pegs are kept on the same bearing as long as possible.
The line pegs give the center line of the tunnel or the drives which is used in obtaining
the straightness of the track.
If a change in direction along the drive is required, the new direction (bearing) is
provided to the miner/developer by the surveyor.
This direction is followed to swing the tunnel gradually toward the new direction until
the existing line strikes ore side and is “spent”.
4.3 Methods of putting in New Peg (NP)
In setting out a new peg the bearing of the old line is normally maintained in order to
have straight tunnels which will help the workings underground to move smoothly. As
shown in the Figure 4.1, the control stations 20 and 21 are on a certain bearing (72 00 00)
which will aid in setting the new peg.
Figure 4.1 Setting out A New Peg Underground

Refer to the Figure 4.1:
1. Suppose the tunnel is advancing on bearing 72° 00’ 00” WCB as given by the
survey peg 21 and its FLP and it is to be turned at a point 30m from peg 21
through 15° 00’ 00” on to bearing 87° 00’ 00” as shown by the dotted (broken)
line.
2. On reaching the required point the miner arranges the short holes so as to
bring the tunnel on to the approximate bearing in an advance of 5m – 6m.
3. At the turning point, the surveyor is brought in to put in the line peg to used
for the turn.
The following data is required.
1. The bearing of line 21 – 20, and 20 – 19 in case peg 21 has been blasted off.
2. The distance from peg 21 to the turning point, (in this case 30 m).
3. The new bearing 87° 00’ 00”.
4. Underground, the theodolite is accurately set, levelled and centered and BLP 20 is
sighted.
5. The turn in the new direction is made and its position marked on the roof and a
wooden peg put in.
6. The theodolite is re – centered and re – leveled and the horizontal angle to the FLP re
– read.
7. The instrument distance below peg (HI), inclined distance (SD) to the FLP and the
target distance below peg (HT) are measured.
8. By means of the mean horizontal angle observed at peg 21 the bearing of the line 21 –
22 is then calculated.

Traverse Calculation
All traverse calculations should be carefully made and recorded. The use of
conventional formats for all manual calculations will help minimize errors and will
facilitate checking.
4.4 Elevations
Elevations can be carried through underground workings by:
(a) Differential leveling (direct levelling).
(b) Theodolite and tape (indirect levelling).
(c) Using a Total Station
Accuracy
Traverse lines must be closed or run forward and back. Errors are determined and
adjusted as in surface closed traverse.
Example
From the following extracts from an underground field book, determine the coordinates
and elevations of the (FLP) peg 19.
Instrument at peg 18, HI = 1.252m

Solution

(e) Latitude of Peg 18 - Peg 19 = 18.905 Cos 79° 29’ 42”
= - 3.447m

Departure of Peg 18 – Peg 19 = 18.905 sin 79° 29’ 42”
(f) Coordinates of FLP – Peg 19
(g) Elevation of FLP Peg 19
Vertical Distance = SD Sin VA
= 19.362 Sin 12° 28’ 25”
= 4.182
Q3. From the following extracts from an underground field book, determine the
coordinates and elevations of the (FLP) peg 88.
25 marks
Instrument at Peg 87, HI = 1.252m; Elevation of Peg 87 = 160.552 m
Target Face Horizontal Vertical Distance Plumb bob

Circle Circle
Readings Readings (m) (m)
(HCR) (VCR)
BLP Peg 86 FL 32 20 25
FLP Peg 88 FL 255 04 10 73 30 00 20.250 0.750
FLP Peg 88 FR 63 09 21 286 30 50 20.256
BLP Peg 86 FR 200 25 36

Given:
Figure 4.2 Traversing underground
Elevation of Peg 19 = - 156.242 – 1.252 + 4.182 + 0.619
= -152.693 m

CHAPTER FIVE
CONTROL OF INCLINATION
5.1 SIGNIFICANCE
The control of inclinations underground are normally done:
1. To avoid accumulation of water at the development end.
2. Afford easy traction of loaded trucks from the end of development in the
Drive.
3. Keep the Development end clean for continuous work.
4. Allow accumulated water flow out of the Drive to collection point by gravity.
The inclination of tunnels (or ramps) can be controlled by means of grade chains. These
chains (as shown in the diagram) are made of steel or brass, fitted with a hook at one
end and a washer at the other end. The chains are provided in pair for survey peg and
its line peg, which for this purpose must have its elevation determined.
The lengths of the chains are calculated with respect to the grade of the tunnel and the
distance between them. The length of the chain at the FLP or the BLP will determine the
slope of the inclination or the ramp. These chains which are correctly numbered would
give line through the centres of the washers to the face, which would be at correct
inclination. The grade chain method control is also suitable for inclined shafts, cross cut
raises and other tunnels of greater inclination than haulage and drives. The
development of the inclination is demonstrated in the inclination and in the Figure 5.1.

Figure 5.1 Development of inclination
Example:
Using the diagram, and the given data, calculate the length of the grade chains for the
development of the inclination.
1. Let the Elevation of Peg 22 = - 493.00ft
Elevation of FLP = - 493.30ft
2. GRADE of the Tunnel = 1:100 up
Height of Track below Grade line = 4ft
Elevation of Track = - 500.00ft
Horizontal Distance between 22 – FLP = 7.80ft
Calculate the length of Grade Chain for peg 22 and its FLP.

Solution
@ peg 22
Regd. Elevation of track at Peg 22 = 500.10ft BD
Grade line above track = + 4.00ft
Elevation of the grade line @ peg 22 = - 496.10ft BD
Elevation of peg 22 = - 492.00ft
Length of Grade Chain for peg 22 = -3.10ft
@ the FLP
Elevation of grade line @ peg 22 = - 496.10ft BD
7.80ft @ 1:100 up = + 0.08ft
Elevation of grade line @ FLP = - 496.02ft BD
Elevation of FLP = - 493.30ft BD
Length of grade chain for FLP = 2.72ft
Two chains would now be provided having lengths of 3.10ft and 2.72ft respectively
between the insides of the hooks and the centres of the washers.
These chains correctly numbered, would be hung on their proper pegs and would give
a line through the centres of the washer to the face of the development end, which
would be at the correct inclination for the tunnel.
The floor of the tunnel is then kept approximately 4ft 8in below this line for the track to
be correctly laid.

Caution!
The success of this method is dependent on the accuracy with which the elevations of
the survey stations and the line pegs (FLP) have been determined. Care must be taken
when making the first survey of the inclined portion of the grade.

CHAPTER SIX
SURVEY AND MEASUREMENT OF STOPES
CAVITY MONITORING SYSTEM (CMS)
This type of system is also used to measure stopes that are big and are not very safe to
enter. This comprises of a robot head which is inserted into the cavity to capture the
whole void and the volume calculated with the aid of a computer.
The CMS has revolutionised the surveying of underground cavities. Developed for
underground mining environments, the CMS delivers a fast, accurate, 3D surveying
solution in a configuration that meets the needs of working underground.
Figure 6.1 Cavity Monitoring System

Figure 6.2 Cavity Monitoring System in Operation
The CMS has these benefits:
1. Measurement to non-cooperating targets
2. User friendly operation
3. Real-time data visualisation
4. Automated levelling
5. Fast data acquisition rate
6. Fast, accurate, and precise 3D models of cavities
7. Safe monitoring of inaccessible areas
These bring about the increase in productivity including:
 Increase stope production
 Reduce Dilution
 Calculate backfill volume
 Investigate backfill and blast efficiency
Figure 6.3 Cavity Monitoring System

REFERENCES
KUMAR, A. (2020), “The Job Requirements of a Mine Surveyor”, India
Source: www.researchgate.net/publication/33873856_MINE_SURVEYING-1
ANON (2011), “Code of Practice: Mine Surveying”, 2nd Ed, Government of Western Australia,
Department of Mines and Petroleum, Resource Safety, pp. 29
Source: www.dmp.gov.au/Documents/safety/MSH_COP_MineSurveying.pdf
OVESNA, G., Stankova, H., Planka, L. and Wlochov, A. (2017), “The History of Mine
Surveying and Mining Maps”, Geodesy and Cartography, Taylor & Francis.
Source:
www.researchgate.net/publication/319996335_The_History_of_Mine_Survey_and_Mining_Map
s

Mine Surveing 353

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Mine Surveing 353

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

UNIVERSITY OF MINES AND TECHNOLOGY

GEOMATIC ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

Assoc Prof P. E. Baffoe

The Course Outline is as follows:

 INTRODUCTION TO MINE SURVEYING

 MINE SURVEYING PRACTICES IN SURFACE MINE OPERATIONS

 ACCESS TO UNDERGROUND MINE WORKINGS (CORRELATION)

 VERTICAL CONTROLS AND INCLINATIONS

 SURVEY AND MEASUREMENTS OF STOPE

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 1

Indeed, God is always faithful.

colleagues in the Geomatic Engineering Department who have been source of

improvement of future editions. God Bless you all!

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 2

Surveying. It is designed to provide you with enough information on surveys in both

surface and underground mineral exploration and exploitations. The under-listed

objectives are set out so that you could:

 Understand the purpose and the importance of mine surveying

 Understand the underlying principles of mine surveying in surface mining

 Understand how to access underground workings through correlation

 Understand how to conduct traverses underground

 Understand development and extensions of cavities underground

 Understand vertical controls underground

 Understand stope surveys

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 3

Week Month Activity

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 4

ASSESSEMENT OF THE LECTURER

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 5

Mine surveying is an aspect of surveying used to establish the property boundaries of

Applications to Mine Operations

Geologists and geophysicists employ this technique of surveying in connection with

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 6

1.1 Surface Mining Operations

Surveying in the mines involves determination of relative spatial positions of natural

Some of the basic survey practices in surface mining include:

 Daily pit pickups (ie, Toe, Crest, and spot heights)

9. Drill and Blast holes mark-out

1.2 Mine Surveying Activities for other Departments

1.2.1 Geological Department

 Baseline and cross lines are setout

 Sample positions along cross lines as shown in the Figure 1.1.

 Contours generated of high anomalous areas on the prospect as shown in Figure

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 8

 Physical inspection of the site

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 9

1.2.2 Mining Department

 To know the pattern of the blast

Surface Requirements for the Development of a Mine

The surveying requirements in connection with mining development consist of the

 Topographic surveys and route surveys to provide information for properly

locating buildings, roads and railroads and their operational facilities.

 The preparation of maps for reference purposes and records.

 Construction surveys for surface installations.

 Mine surveys as underground works begin and then progresses.

Baffoe, P. E. (PhD) |Mine Surveying (MN/GL 353) 2020/2021 Academic Year 11

 Prospecting and exploration

 Geological and topological modeling

 Pit design and production scheduling

 Mine development and financial evaluation.

In most of these sequences of mine development mine surveying significantly plays

What goes into this mapping produces the following:

 The topographical map of the entire area under lease.

 The cadastral plan of the concession