As one of the biggest industries in the world, mining operations come in a range of forms as distinct mining methods are used to accomplish different goals. The intention of mining is to harvest resources from the earth, whether that is minerals or fossil fuels.
Sometimes these resources are located on the Earth’s surface, and sometimes they are located far below ground, with each operation requiring unique equipment and methods. Below we explore the most common mining methods and when and why they are used.
If you’re in need of industrial mining equipment to power your operations, reach out through our contact form or call us on 913-416-3635 to make an enquiry.
The Four Main Mining Methods
Underground Mining
Underground mining has been used for generations to dig deep into the earth to reach the resources that lay below. This is achieved by using heavy machinery to dig through the soil and create tunnels and shafts that workers then traverse using vehicles and elevators.
This method is effective for harvesting resources like ore and typically results in as little waste as possible as workers are reaching the source directly. These operations are expensive but are typically used for projects that are forecasted to be worth the investment.
Open-Pit Mining
A mining method that stays close to the Earth’s surface, open-pit mining is perfect for large orebodies that aren’t too far underground. The excavation typically has stepped sides and a wide ramp, allowing equipment to travel easily while ensuring the safety of the miners.
Because the mining operation is located so close to the surface, shovels and trucks can be used to easily transport the resources to nearby material handling equipment and conveyors. As one of the most popular methods for mining, open-pit operations are favoured for their low cost and fast production rate.
Placer Mining
Placer mining is the method of gathering resources from areas like riverbeds and sandbanks. These areas typically host resources like platinum, tin, and even diamonds, with these materials being harvested using sifting equipment that separates the valuables from the sediments.
At least 50% of the world’s titanium comes from placer mining, making it an invaluable method for securing resources. Its method can be traced back to the classic act of panning for gold in a river, albeit on a much larger scale with far more advanced equipment.
In-Situ Meaning
Rather than digging into the earth directly to extract intact ore, in-situ mining instead pumps chemicals beneath the surface to dissolve the ore. It then pumps the resulting materials back up to the surface to be processed to recover valuable minerals.
Unlike other mining methods, in-situ mining causes little disturbance to the surface and results in minimal waste. Miners should be careful when using this method, however, making sure that the solution used does not spread from the site and contaminate nearby groundwater.
Searching for Tough and Reliable Mining Equipment?
At CMQ Engineering, our mining machinery engineering services design and craft high-quality mining equipment fit to work on any site. Whether you are engaging in underground mining or surface mining, our equipment is custom built to handle every facet of your operations. Call us on 913-416-3635 or get in touch through our contact form to learn more about our extensive range of equipment.