An ore pass is a vertical or inclined shaft used in mining to transport valuable ore and waste rock from one level of the mine to another. These structures are essential for efficient material handling, reducing the need for long hauls between different levels of the mine. By leveraging gravity, ore passes provide a fast and cost-effective way to move materials, improving overall productivity.

Considerations for Building an Ore Pass

Ore passes rely on gravity to move materials from higher to lower levels in a mine. There are two primary methods for constructing them: drill and blast, and mechanical excavation using a raise borer. Each method has its own advantages depending on the geological conditions and the scale of the operation.

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

• Location: The ore pass should intersect with key mining areas for easy access. It should also avoid weak rock zones that may lead to structural issues or blockages. Proper placement helps maintain the mine’s stability and safety.
• Length: Shorter passes (typically 10–100 meters) are more common due to lower construction costs and reduced risk of degradation. However, some underground passes can extend up to 300 meters.
• Dimensions: The size of the pass depends on the type and volume of material being transported. Larger dimensions allow for smoother flow but increase construction complexity.
• Shape: Common shapes include circular, square, and rectangular. Circular passes are often created using a raise borer, which provides better structural integrity.
• Orientation: Vertical passes are more prone to wall damage, while inclined passes can reduce wear and tear. The choice depends on the mine layout and material characteristics.
• Support: Reinforcements such as shotcrete, steel liners, and rebar are commonly used to stabilize the ore pass and prevent collapse.

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 the mining industry, there are two main types of ore pass systems: flow-through and full. Both systems are designed to move ore and waste from the mining face to the draw point, where it is loaded onto conveyors, trucks, or rail cars for further processing or transport.

Flow-Through Ore Pass System

The flow-through system is ideal when the ore contains high amounts of fine particles, which can easily cause blockages. In this system, material flows continuously, preventing fines from settling and reducing the risk of hang-ups. This system is also used when broken rock is fed to mills at a faster rate than it is produced underground.

However, the constant flow of material makes the ore pass more susceptible to wear and tear, requiring regular maintenance and potential reinforcement. If not properly managed, this can lead to costly downtime and repairs.

Full Ore Pass System

A full ore pass system maintains a consistent amount of material within the pass at all times. This helps prevent degradation, rock failures, and seismic events. However, because the material isn’t constantly flowing, fines tend to settle, increasing the likelihood of hang-ups.

To manage this, draw times are extended to maintain proper material levels. This system is commonly used in mines where stability and safety are critical, though it requires careful monitoring to prevent blockages and operational disruptions.

A hang-up in an ore pass

Ore Pass Monitoring

Regular monitoring of ore passes is crucial for maintaining their structural integrity and preventing hazardous situations. It helps detect early signs of wear, blockages, or instability that could lead to serious consequences if ignored.

Monitoring the material level in an ore pass

Key elements monitored in an ore pass include:

• Material levels
• Wall quality
• Liner condition
• Functionality of material control equipment

Without proper monitoring, ore passes can become clogged, leading to operational delays, equipment damage, and even danger to miners. Regular inspections help prevent these issues and ensure safe and efficient operations.

Using Drones to Investigate Ore Pass Blockages

A blockage in an ore pass can halt production and create significant safety risks. In 2023, a major mining operation in Colorado faced a severe hang-up that prevented any ore from passing through the system. Initial attempts to locate the blockage using traditional methods were unsuccessful, leading to months of wasted effort and eventual abandonment of the area.

Eventually, the team turned to the Elios 3 drone, which provided real-time visual feedback and a 3D live model of the ore pass. Within minutes, the drone identified the exact location of the blockage, allowing for targeted and effective resolution.

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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