Mining Principle 2:

 Under Ground Mining

1. Training Introduction

The Mining Principle 2: Underground Mining training program provides a complete introduction to the engineering, operational, safety, geological, and managerial aspects of underground mining. Underground mining is a complex operation requiring advanced planning, specialized equipment, strict safety protocols, and skilled personnel.

This training equips participants with foundational and intermediate competencies needed to understand underground mine design, access development, ventilation, rock mechanics, drilling and blasting, transportation, ground support, safety systems, and production management. It integrates real-life case studies, industry standards, and hands-on learning to prepare participants for professional roles in underground mining environments.

 

2. Training Objectives

The program aims to ensure participants can:

• Understand underground mine lifecycle, from exploration to closure.
• Identify and apply various underground mining methods.
• Interpret geotechnical and geological considerations for underground excavation.
• Understand and design underground mine layouts, access openings, and support systems.
• Operate and manage underground drilling, blasting, loading, and transportation systems.
• Apply ventilation principles for safe air circulation and gas management.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement underground safety standards.
• Utilize basic underground mining software tools.
• Understand mine monitoring technologies and emergency response procedures.
• Manage underground mining teams and improve productivity.

 

3. Targeted Group

This training is ideal for:

• Underground Mine Technicians and Supervisors
• Underground Equipment Operators
• Geologists & Geotechnicians
• Mining Engineering Students & Graduates
• Shift Bosses / Mine Captains
• Blasting Assistants and Shot Firers
• Health, Safety & Environmental (HSE) Officers
• Quarry/Mine Foremen and Production Officers
• Project Officers and Site Managers
• Anyone transitioning into the underground mining sector

 

4. Course Duration

16 Modules — Total Duration: 4 Weeks
(Customizable for corporate groups, academic institutions, or intensive boot camps.)

 

5. Training Methodology

The program employs a practical, realistic, and competency-based approach:

• Instructor-led theoretical lectures
• Demonstrations and technical workshops
• Underground mine modeling and simulations
• Case studies and scenario-based learning
• Use of digital tools (mine planning, ventilation modeling, geotechnical software)
• Group assignments and collaborative exercises
• Risk assessment, safety drills, and emergency simulations
• Optional underground mine / training gallery visits (where possible)
• Continuous assessments, quizzes, and a final project

 

6. Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Underground Mining

• Overview of underground mine operations
• Underground vs surface mining
• Stages of underground mine development
• Terminology and concepts

 

Module 2: Geological & Geotechnical Fundamentals

• Geological factors affecting underground mining
• Rock and orebody characterization
• Structural geology
• Geotechnical data collection & interpretation

 

Module 3: Underground Mining Methods

• Room and Pillar
• Cut and Fill
• Sublevel Stoping
• Block Caving
• Shrinkage Stoping
• Method selection criteria

 

Module 4: Mine Design & Layout

• Mine access: shafts, declines, adits
• Lateral development and raises
• Stope design and sequencing
• Mine infrastructure planning

 

Module 5: Rock Mechanics & Ground Control

• Rock mass classification
• Stress, deformation, and support requirements
• Types of ground support (bolts, shotcrete, mesh, steel sets)
• Monitoring and risk mitigation

 

Module 6: Underground Surveying & Mapping

• Underground surveying equipment
• Orientation, alignment, and control points
• Mine maps and plotting
• Digital surveying tools

 

Module 7: Drilling in Underground Mines

• Types of underground drilling equipment
• Drilling patterns and parameters
• Drilling productivity and maintenance
• Controlled drilling for stability

 

Module 8: Blasting & Explosives in Underground Mines

• Explosives types and characteristics
• Blast design in confined spaces
• Ventilation requirements after blasting
• Vibration control and safety

 

Module 9: Loading, Haulage & Transportation Systems

• LHDs (Load Haul Dump)
• Trucks and rail systems
• Conveyor systems
• Ore handling concepts and optimization

 

Module 10: Ventilation Principles & Gas Management

• Ventilation circuits (primary & secondary)
• Fans, regulators, and air measurements
• Gas detection and control
• Heat stress management

 

Module 11: Mine Drainage & Water Control

• Water inflow management
• Dewatering systems
• Pumping equipment
• Groundwater monitoring

 

Module 12: Underground Mine Safety, Health & Risk Management

• Regulations and legal requirements
• Hazard identification and risk assessment
• Occupational health issues (dust, gases, noise, heat)
• Emergency preparedness and response

 

Module 13: Underground Mine Services & Infrastructure

• Power systems and electrical installations
• Communication networks
• Compressed air systems
• Maintenance workshops and stores

 

Module 14: Underground Equipment Maintenance & Reliability

• Preventive and predictive maintenance
• Equipment lifespan and productivity
• Fault detection
• Maintenance planning and scheduling

 

Module 15: Mining Economics, Costing & Production Management

• Cost components of underground mining
• Productivity analysis and KPIs
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Production forecasting and optimization

 

Module 16: Digital Mine Technologies & Future Trends

• Remote operation systems
• Real-time monitoring (IoT, sensors)
• Mine automation and robotics
• Simulation and modeling tools
• Future innovations in underground mining

 

7. Learning Outcomes

After completing this program, participants will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of underground mining methods, equipment, and processes.
• Interpret geological and geotechnical data for underground applications.
• Assist in designing underground mine layouts and support systems.
• Apply drilling, blasting, loading, and haulage techniques confidently.
• Implement proper ventilation, safety controls, and emergency protocols.
• Use surveying and monitoring tools effectively.
• Evaluate underground mining costs, productivity, and operational efficiency.
• Apply digital tools and technologies to support underground mining operations.
• Perform supervisory duties and contribute meaningfully to underground mine operations.

 

8. Certificate of Completion

Participants who successfully complete all modules and assessments will be awarded:

Certificate of Completion in Mining Principle 2: Underground Mining

Issued by:

FOTADE Training, Research and Resource Development Centre

This certificate validates the participant’s foundational competence in underground mining operations and qualifies them for roles in underground mine support, operations, and supervision.