Mining Publication: Development of a Mine Hoist and Ore Pass Research Facility

Research aimed at preventing injuries and fatalities related to vertical movement of personnel and materials in mine shafts and ore passes was conducted at the Spokane Research Center, a research division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in Spokane, WA. The goal of this research was to improve monitoring, inspection, and operating procedures to increase awareness of the proper functioning of mine hoists, ore passes, and chutes; develop means of warning of potentially dangerous situations; and to improve the design of mine shaft and ore pass structures.

Current technology was assessed to determine what conditions and equipment should be monitored and the availability of sensors. Components of various mine housing, elevator, and ore pass systems were evaluated, including hoisting machinery and shaft and ore pass infrastructures. Progress to date has resulted in the construction of a state-of-the-art hoisting and ore pass test facility, and the development of new sensors and data acquisition interfaces to monitor hoisting and ore pass operations.