Prompt Cast
The Dangers and Techniques of Underground Mining
TLDR Underground mining is a highly dangerous occupation with preventable deaths still occurring. Different techniques, such as room and pillar mining, cut and fill method, and long wall method, are used depending on the characteristics of the ore deposit. Environmental consequences and long-term health risks are also associated with mining.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
This podcast episode is about underground mining and the dangers associated with it.
04:36
Underground mining is extremely dangerous, with preventable deaths still occurring, and even though mine owners are supposed to provide proper ventilation, many miners still do not wear protective gear.
08:53
Mining started off as a dangerous job with terrible conditions for prisoners of war and criminals, but eventually became more respected and safer, with the Egyptians setting the standard for mining techniques using pickaxes and fire quenching.
13:30
The type of underground mining technique used depends on the characteristics of the ore deposit, such as its shape and the type of rock surrounding it, with hard rock mines being more common for minerals like gold, diamonds, copper, silver, zinc, and nickel, while soft rock mines are typically used for coal.
18:24
In room and pillar mining, a continuous miner is used to clear out a room and leave behind large pillars of rock to prevent the roof from collapsing.
22:48
In the cut and fill method of underground mining, a ramp is drilled adjacent to the deposit and then drilling starts from the bottom and goes sideways, with the room being filled with rubble and then cut above to continue the process.
27:22
The long wall method of underground mining involves drilling parallel shafts and using a long wall machine to shave off the coal, which is then transported on a conveyor belt.
31:59
The dangers of mining include environmental consequences such as air and water pollution, underground fires that can't be extinguished, and the release of harmful substances into drinking water, as well as the human toll with a high number of deaths, such as the 2,500 Chinese miners who died in 2010.
36:29
Mining accidents can result in explosions due to underground gases, and long-term health risks include respiratory diseases from breathing in harmful substances, such as welding fumes and mercury.
41:12
Birds can be used as indicators of poison air in mines because they have a unique breathing system that allows them to take in oxygen on the way in and the way out.
Categories:
Society & Culture
