Mining Publication: Novel Stopping Designs for Large-Opening Metal/Nonmetal Mines

• Airflow
• Metal mining
• Mine design
• Nonmetal mining
• Ventilation

Improving the air quality in metal/nonmetal mines is important in protecting the health of miners. Air quality can be improved in metal/nonmetal mines by developing proper ventilation techniques. Mine ventilation systems require stoppings to direct the airflow and establish pressure differentials throughout the mine. Due to their large size, stoppings in large-opening mines are cumbersome and costly to construct and maintain. NIOSH designed and tested two novel stoppings at its Lake Lynn Laboratory: the Super Stopping and the EZ-Up Curtain Stopping. The Super Stopping is designed as a long-term permanent stopping for use in the main entries of the mine, while the EZ-Up Curtain Stopping, although very durable, is designed more for portability and ease of installation. This paper describes the design, materials, and construction methods used for these stoppings, as well as their performance and durability when subjected to tests simulating actual production face blast pressures.