Question

Discuss 2 dangers miners face when working in an underground mine and 2 dangers miners face when working in a surface mining. (4 points)

Answer 1

1) Underground — roof falls/cave-ins: broken or unsupported ground can collapse, crushing or trapping miners. Mitigation: proper roof support (bolting, timbers), regular ground condition inspections, controlled blasting and monitoring.

2) Underground — hazardous atmospheres (methane, carbon monoxide, low oxygen): gas build-up or poor ventilation can cause explosions, fires, poisoning, or asphyxiation. Mitigation: continuous ventilation, gas monitoring, methane drainage, strict control of ignition sources, and emergency procedures.

3) Surface — haulage/vehicle accidents: large haul trucks and mobile equipment can collide, run off roads, or crush workers, often with high severity. Mitigation: traffic management plans, trained operators, vehicle maintenance, designated pedestrian zones, and speed controls.

4) Surface — pit slope failures/landslides: unstable bench walls or weather-saturated slopes can collapse, burying equipment and workers. Mitigation: geotechnical slope design, regular stability monitoring, controlled blasting, benching, and exclusion zones below highwalls.