Development of mining at Jaduguda

The paper deals with the development of mining and other infrastructural activities of the underground mine at Jaduguda. In the beginning open and shrinkage methods were used but gradually changed to Cut and Fill method, the fill being the deslimed mill tailings. This method gives much better recovery and provides adequate support to the worked out areas. The main entry to the mine is via a vertical shaft, 640 meters deep. The winders for ore hoisting and the services are installed on top of the concrete tower constructed above the shaft. As the winders are the life line of the mine, a high standard of maintenance is maintained. As the mine is located at the foot hill, there is a fair amount of seepage water. The seepage and the water from the fill is pumped to surface in stages. The sumps at various levels are designed to provide storage capacity. From time to time, the technological improvements in the various mining operations are brought about. The drilling of uppers by stope wagons, use of tyre mounted loaders in the stopes, use of ammonium nitrate for blasting purposes, the use of full column grout bolts are some examples. Studies are also conducted in the ground control in underground. Constant efforts are made to improve the support system. The training courses are regularly arranged for workers to update their skills. As the job in underground is hazardous, the workers are trained in the correct and safe methods of doing the various jobs. (author). 10 figs