Summary

This review describes the different aspects of underground mine planning and design. It gives several links to underground mine design publications, courses, software, contractors, and consultants.

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INTRODUCTION

Chris Page is the only person I know whose advice on underground mine planning I would trust. Sadly, like me, he has grown old and is semi-retired, although I am told he will do "corporate consulting" for SRK from Vancouver. Like me that generally means talking and then taking another trip. But if you can get him, get him.

I tried to get him to rewrite this review, but he is busy. So I have no alternative but to do it myself. Here goes.

UNDERGROUND MINE PLANNING IN BRIEF

At its simplest, underground mine planning involves coming up with the optimum layout for the underground workings that get at most of the ore, at the lowest cost, and with the greatest safety.

Thus you need to know where the ore is, what the rocks are that you will have to go through to get to it, how much ground water may flow in to bedevil your advance, how to support the rock roof lest it fall down on you, how to get air in and out of the workings, and how best to move men and materials around safely and cost-effectively.

Underground mine planning is a multi-disciplinary activity. The geologist tells about the rocks and the ore body. The hydrologist tells about the groundwater. The mining engineer will usually be the one who lays out the actual shaft, stopes and associated workings. A good ventilation engineer is crucial. And many mechanical engineers to select, install, and keep the equipment working. It also helps to have a good rock mechanics expert to tell about pillar layout and rock support.

Thus it is that you seldom find one person who can do it all. Generally you will need to get a consultant, their team, and an experienced project manager to bring it all together. And while putting this team together, do not neglect to get a good economist and cost estimator on board. No point in having the perfect design that is uneconomic.