Glossary of Mining Terms

 

   
   

Shrinkage Stoping


An underground mining method used in steeply dipping ore bodies with potentially difficult wall rock conditions.

The ore is drilled and blasted in slices advancing upwards.  As broken rock requires a larger volume
than solid rock, some ore must be drawn off as the stope advances.  Only enough ore is drawn off after each blast to provide adequate working space for the next cycle.

Once a complete lift of ore has been broken, the ore is completely loaded out from the bottom of the stope.


 

 
   
   

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