What is an Ore Pass in Mining?

What is an Ore Pass in Mining?

An ore pass is a critical component of underground mining operations, designed to transport valuable ore and waste materials from one level of the mine to another. These vertical or inclined shafts utilize gravity to move materials efficiently, reducing the need for long-distance hauling and improving overall productivity. By providing a direct route between different levels, ore passes help streamline material handling and reduce operational costs.

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Key Considerations When Building an Ore Pass

Constructing an ore pass requires careful planning and engineering to ensure its stability, efficiency, and safety. There are two primary methods used to create these structures: the drill and blast technique and the mechanical method using a raise borer. Each approach has its own advantages depending on the geological conditions and mine layout.

When designing an ore pass, several factors must be taken into account:

  • Location: The placement of an ore pass should allow easy access for maintenance and minimize the risk of blockages. It should avoid areas with weak rock formations and be positioned away from active mining faces to prevent structural damage.
  • Length: Shorter ore passes are generally more stable and cost-effective. Most are built between 10 and 100 meters, though some can extend up to 300 meters.
  • Dimensions: The size of the ore pass depends on the type and volume of material it will carry, as well as the equipment used for transportation.
  • Shape: Common shapes include square, rectangular, and circular. Circular ore passes are typically created using a raise borer.
  • Orientation: Ore passes can be vertical or inclined, depending on the mine’s design and the material being transported. Vertical passes may cause more wear on the walls.
  • Support: Reinforcement methods such as shotcrete, rebar, and liners are often used to maintain the integrity of the ore pass over time.

Watch this video to see footage from Flyability's Elios drone shot inside an ore pass with a hang-up obstructing it:

 

Types of Ore Pass Systems

In mining, there are two main types of ore pass systems: flow-through and full systems. Both are used to transport ore and waste materials to a draw point, where they are loaded onto conveyors, loaders, or rail cars for further processing or storage.

Flow-Through Ore Pass System

In a flow-through system, ore continuously flows through the pass without accumulating. This setup is ideal when dealing with fine particles that could easily cause blockages. The continuous flow prevents settling and reduces the likelihood of hang-ups. However, this constant movement can lead to increased wear on the pass, requiring more frequent maintenance and possible reinforcements.

Full Ore Pass System

A full ore pass system maintains a certain amount of material within the pass at all times. This helps prevent degradation and rock failures, but it also increases the risk of blockages due to the accumulation of fines. Managing material levels in this system can be challenging, and longer draw times may be necessary to maintain balance.

ore-pass-flyability-3A hang-up in an ore pass

Ore Pass Monitoring

Maintaining the integrity of an ore pass is crucial for both safety and operational efficiency. Regular monitoring helps identify potential issues before they become serious. Key elements monitored include material levels, wall condition, liner quality, and the performance of material control equipment.

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Monitoring the material level in an ore pass

Failure to monitor an ore pass can result in blockages, which can halt production, damage equipment, and even endanger miners. Therefore, regular inspections—whether manual or conducted by drones—are essential to keep the mine running smoothly.

Using Drones to Investigate Ore Pass Blockages

Blockages in an ore pass can bring mining operations to a standstill. In 2023, a major mining operation in Colorado faced a significant hang-up in an ore pass, preventing any ore from flowing down. Initial attempts to locate the clog were unsuccessful, leading to costly delays and eventually abandonment of the area.

The solution came in the form of the Elios 3 drone, which provided real-time visual feedback and a 3D map of the pass. Within minutes, the team was able to pinpoint the location of the blockage and take action. This highlights the growing importance of drone technology in modern mining operations, offering a safer, faster, and more accurate way to inspect and resolve issues in hard-to-reach areas.

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Within ten minutes, geolocational data on the Elios 3’s 3D Live Map showed them exactly where the clog was located in the raise.

You can learn more about how they used the data from the Elios 3 survey to investigate and deal with the ore pass hangup. 


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