Mining Publication: Technology News 458 - Development of a Research Facility to Improve Mine Hoisting and Ore Pass Safety

Mine hoisting and control of material flow in ore and waste passes are the most important and potentially the most hazardous operations in underground mining. In addition to providing access to the network of openings used to recover an underground mineral resource, ore and waste passes serve as escape ways in emergencies and allow vertical movement of miners and materials. Hoist and elevator systems and ore pass chutes for underground metal/nonmetal miners must meet the requirements specified in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Parts 57 and 75. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has requested new safeguards and design criteria for hoists and ore passes. However, equipment suppliers and mining companies cannot justify the costs nor interrupt production to develop and test safer technology for vertical haulage ways.