Which underground opening is developed first in most mining operations?

Solution (By Examveda Team)

Underground Opening Development in Mining:
Before explaining the answer, let's define some key terms:
Stope: A stope is the underground excavation where ore is extracted. It's essentially the working area of the mine.
Adit: An adit is a horizontal or nearly horizontal passage from the surface into a mine. It provides access to the mine without the need for deep vertical shafts.
Shaft: A shaft is a vertical or steeply inclined opening from the surface to underground workings. It's used for access, ventilation, and hoisting ore and personnel.
Raise: A raise is a typically vertical or steeply inclined opening excavated from below upwards. It's often used to connect different underground levels.

Correct Answer: B - Adit
In most mining operations, an adit is developed first. This is because an adit offers several advantages:
It provides relatively inexpensive and easy access to the ore body, especially if the ore body is located at a shallow depth or on a hillside.
It minimizes the need for extensive and costly shaft sinking.
It can facilitate early exploration and development of the ore body.

Why other options are less likely to be developed first:
A - Stope: Stopes are developed *after* access to the ore body has been established. You can't extract ore until you can get to it.
C - Shaft: Shafts are more expensive and time-consuming to construct than adits. They're generally used when the ore body is too deep to access easily via an adit or when large volumes of ore need to be extracted.
D - Raise: Raises are typically used to connect different levels *within* the mine after initial access has been gained. They're not the primary access point.