Stope and Mine Engineering & Geology Control

The mine has an engineering department that keeps the plans, designs and schedules up to date, and makes sure the ore is extracted safely and efficiently. Surveyors keep a running check on the progress of mine workings and on the volume of ore removed. Safety supervisors ensure that the workings remain stable and that the staff follow safe working practices — or they don’t, and sooner or later there is an accident.

The mine geology department keeps up-to-date plans and sections of all levels — including information on ore grades and ground conditions. It also usually directs ongoing underground exploration for more ore. Development headings and stopes have to be sampled — in a large mine, this amounts to hundred of samples, all of which must be assayed or evaluated on the same day. The results are used as guides and checks on production and serve as the mine’s quality control program.