Mining is a physically strenuous profession.
Open pit mining, also known as shaft sinking, is a type of mining process used to gain vertical access to an underground mining facility. There are many different components that make up the well, all of which play a very important role in the extraction process. The entrance to a well can have different names depending on whether the entrance is above or below ground. If it is above ground, it is commonly known as a well or portal; if the entrance is underground, it is known as a winze. Winzes, however, are only used in deep pit mining to connect the lower parts of the mine.
The vertical center shaft of an open pit mine is known as a service cage and is normally used to transport personnel. Just like a tree, the service cage will have several branches that extend outwards. These branches go by a variety of names, such as levels, bypasses, or galleries. The area where a level meets the service cage is known as the insertion pit or station. Each level is perpendicular to the service cage, allowing for a horizontal access path to an ore body.
In most pit mining practices, the pit will be divided into different sections. Each section is vertical as it runs parallel to the service cage. In most open pit mines, most of these sections are used for survey purposes. The service cage itself usually contains a large hoist, which is used to transport mining personnel up and down the pit to different levels. The sections are usually rectangular and clad in wood or concrete.
On the outside of the service cage are small shafts known as jumps. Pit mining often requires the use of at least one container, as they are used to transport the ore to the surface. These are essentially smaller versions of the service cage and are usually unstaffed. Containers can also be used for other needs, such as water and fuel lines, along with ventilation systems. These are all essential parts of pit mining, as water, fuel and air play an extremely important role in keeping the mine, and its workers, fully operational.
On the surface, a head frame is used to raise and lower the shaft with the winch. This is done using a winch motor, which is usually attached to a pulley wheel. Major structures were once built of wood, but demands for strength and reliability have resulted in steel and concrete structures. Another role that the main structure plays in open pit mining is to provide a storage area for minerals.