Mine Development and Mining Methods MCQs Questions & Answers | Mining Engineering

Hydrostatic pressure reflects the pressure exerted by groundwater.The correct answer is: Hydrostatic pressureIt can cause water inflow during sinking, requiring dewatering or ground freezing.Important in selecting lining and sinking method.

A box cut is Option A: Initial open cut to access underground ore

First, let's define what a box cut is in the context of mining engineering. A box cut is a type of open-pit mining operation. It's an initial excavation, typically rectangular or square in shape, used to gain access to underground ore bodies.

The purpose of a box cut is to provide a surface opening for further underground development. From this initial opening, various underground mining methods can be employed to extract the ore. This approach is particularly useful when the ore body is situated beneath a layer of overburden (the layer of rock or soil above the ore deposit) that needs to be removed before underground workings can commence.

Why other options are incorrect:

Option B: A stoping method is incorrect. Stoping refers to a variety of underground mining methods where ore is extracted from a stope (an underground excavation). A box cut is not a stoping method itself; rather, it is a pre-requisite for accessing the underground area where stoping might later be used.

Option C: A rock bolting technique is incorrect. Rock bolting is a ground support method used to reinforce and stabilize underground excavations. It's a separate technique used *after* access to the underground area has been established (e.g., via a box cut), not the access method itself.

Option D: An ore pass support is incorrect. An ore pass is a chute or passageway used to transport ore from underground workings to the surface. Again, this is a feature of the underground mine *after* access has been gained; it is not the initial access method.

Exploration gallery is driven near the ore zone for observation and sampling.The correct answer is: Exploration galleryUsed to determine ore geometry, grade, and structure.Not a production-level drift.

Room and pillar is used in flat-bedded deposits like salt, coal, and potash.The correct answer is: Salt and potash miningRooms are mined, and pillars are left to support the roof.Not suitable for steep or irregular ore bodies.

Cut and Fill is an underground mining method using backfilling after each ore slice is removed.The correct answer is: Cut and FillEffective for irregular ore bodies and unstable ground.Allows high selectivity and safety.

Artificial ground freezing stabilizes wet, loose ground during shaft sinking.The correct answer is: Artificial ground freezingCirculates chilled brine or nitrogen through pipes to freeze surrounding soil.Minimizes water inflow and supports excavation.

Roadheader is used in soft to medium-hard rocks for continuous excavation.The correct answer is: RoadheaderIt uses a rotating cutting head and conveyor for spoil removal.Efficient in coal and evaporite mines.

Grizzly is a coarse screen at ore passes or chutes to block oversized material.The correct answer is: Sizing oversized materialPrevents large boulders from jamming crushers or loading equipment.Improves downstream efficiency.

Shrinkage Stoping is ideal for steep, narrow, high-grade ore bodies.The correct answer is: Shrinkage StopingBroken ore supports the stope walls and is removed later.Reduces dilution in narrow vein conditions.

Ladderway is a vertical or inclined passage fitted with ladders for worker movement.The correct answer is: Personnel movementUsed in emergency escape routes or where hoisting is unavailable.Not suitable for haulage or ventilation.