Mantrips transport miners in and out of a mine.
A crew is a small vehicle or transport used to transport miners in and out of a mine every day. These vehicles travel from sinkholes on the surface of the earth to underground mining areas. Mantrips can be found in coal, metal, and diamond mines and come in a variety of shapes to suit the needs of different types of operations.
Most of the crew’s vehicles travel on permanent tracks built into the mine floor. In many cases, these runways have a steep slope, allowing the space shuttle to travel far below the Earth’s surface. The crew is operated similar to a cable car and can be moved in and out of the mine using an overhead cable. The operation of the vehicle is controlled by an electric or gas hoist located on the ground.
Mantrips help miners get to their jobs quickly.
Some crew units do not travel on rails or tracks, but instead use rubber wheels to get in and out of the mine. These vehicles resemble pickup trucks and can use a diesel or electric motor. A crew that does not require rails can travel further into the mine than one operated with a cable winch. This results in a greater degree of flexibility, but also makes travel riskier and less controlled.
Most mantrips feature a very low profile to allow the vehicle to fit into the low ceiling space characteristic of most mines. They may use a wide-body design to carry a large number of passengers, or they may be shaped like a standard truck or tram. Some feature open sides to allow easy entry and exit, while others are fully enclosed to protect miners from falling rocks or other hazards. Wire or screen may be used instead of glass to allow miners and operators to see outside of the vehicle.
Many of these vehicles include a number of safety features to protect workers in the notoriously dangerous mining industry. Most have built-in headlights to guide drivers and alert mine workers that the vehicle is approaching. Those that work with a cable system include a series of brakes and safety cables in case of breakage of the main operating cable. A buffer filled with rubber or sand is often used at the bottom of the mine shaft to cushion the impact if the vehicle loses control.
Mantrips help reduce travel time in and out of the mine, allowing workers to get to job sites faster. They also keep workers on a controlled path, so they are less likely to be injured if they get lost in the mine. These vehicles also provide a relatively quick way to get out of the mine during an emergency, which can help save lives.