Types of Underground Sampling

Depending on where the sampling is being done, we may want to collect different data or use different ways to organise the samples and sections taken.

In underground mining there are many mining operations that together result in ore being removed and taken to the surface for processing.

The mine is usually mined out in two stages. The first stage is to build tunnels that lead to where the mineral laden ore is. This stage is called ‘Development’ since the mine layout is being developed by this mining. The next stage is mining out the actual ore. This stage is referred to as stoping.  

In development sampling is usually done along the tunnels, and in stoping it is done on the rock face as illustrated in diagrams above.

Thus, one usually captures different data in these two sampling scenarios, development and stope sampling.

In open pit mining the samples are just taken from the pit so there is only one class of sampling in this case.