Selection of an optimal underground access method to a gold ore body :

Abstract

This project aims in choosing primary access and transportation options for underground mine. The main accesses to underground orebodies are shafts, Adits and ramps. They serve both as a way to transport ore or waste, and move people, equipment or supplies. In underground mines, the ore transport option significantly affects the productivity and profitability of the company. Then, choice of access is a way to reduce costs and improve production. This study is primarily based on case study in Bukana- Namayingo. More economically attractive alternatives to ramp is changing from 350 m to 1000 m, depending on the mining country and cultural underground mine development. For some of them the depth of 1000 m would be the threshold for use of the access by decline/ramp. The main criteria in determining access are depth, rate of production and mine life. In Uganda, mines reach depths greater than 150 m and shaft access is more common. In Australia there are mines that use a ramp (decline) to a depth greater than 1000 m, In Brazil, underground mines are still shallow (depth up to 800 m) and feature short mine life and, most of them have chosen access by decline/ramp. Results of this study corroborate the statement that decline is ideal for shallow mines and low production rates and that shaft is for deep mines, high production rate and poor underground conditions.