It's probably about time for discussion on the subject of underground mining. Because it is by virtue of the nature of mining that excavation of the earth is a necessity, a "hole" in some fashion becomes a part of what we do. The objective in prospecting is to make a discovery and a discovery of valuable minerals in place dictates mining. Mining and excavation are synonymous. Mining means "excavation". When we break down the term "excavation", the meaning is to make a cave. Digging up. Uncovering. Unearthing.
It can be assumed without question that whenever and wherever a hole is made, there is risk involved. Mankind has been in the position of dealing with caves since the first caveman entered into a cave. The risk involved comes from several obvious and many not so obvious sources.
To begin with, a decision was probably made early in the prospecting process that it was inevitable that the discovery of a nugget was going to require someone to excavate the nugget. One nugget leads to another and soon, a "hole" develops around the site of the discovery!
The process from GOLD prospecting to discovery starts out innocent enough. The process of excavating the earth to reveal more GOLD nuggets after having made a discovery becomes more involved and decisions have to be made on the risk versus the benefit.
How to proceed?
When the decision is made to move forward, most rational adults understand there really needs to be a plan. The question of how to proceed involves more questions and all of those questions require answers.
Excavation of the earth involves a certain degree of understanding of the nature of the earth, the mechanical universe, machines, work, energy, power, and a host of related subjects. To succeed in the art and science of excavation, requires learning like a painter learns how to paint a picture.
Learning how to mine involves the skill of learning. Miners are above average. In many cases, miners are way above average! Learning the necessary skills come through a process of watching others and getting personal experience from having an opportunity to work in the field.
Surprisingly, it comes from early childhood. Did you get to play in a sandbox? Did you live near a beach? Did you dig in a garden? Childs play leads young people to develop an early understanding of the building blocks that form the foundation to future learning.
All of this becomes part and parcel to how and why we get here - to the point of digging and excavating and mining. It is the culmination of a life time of experience and ambition that leads us to this point.
What are the possibilities?
Stick around and find out!
- Geowizard