The Thompson Mine

CIM Bulletin, 1964

The pa11er describes the underground development of the Thompson project. A description of the mining meth-od follows, supplemented by illustrations and photographs. Mining is carried out by the horizontal cutand-fill method for maximum extraction, due to the grade and nature of the orebody. Stoping equipment consists of air leg drills, stopers and air-operated slusher hoists. Ground support is achieved by roof and wall bolting, supplemented, where required, by the use of timber cribs. Filling is accomplished by hydraulically-placed classified mill tailings. Ore in the proximity of the main ore pass adjacent to the shaft is hauled by battery locomotives; ore remote from the shaft is retrammed by trolley locomotive through a main haulage drift from an auxiliary ore pass. Primary crushing is done underground, and the ore is hoisted by a friction hoist with two skips in balance; servicing of men and materials is also accomplished by a friction hoist, with a cage and counterweight in balance. Development is progressing for future production. A winze has been sunk adjacent to the main shaft in order to hoist the proven ore below the present hoisting level. The winze also facilitates deepening of the main shaft without interruption of normal production. The sinking of a new shaft is underway to develop and service that portion of the ore body which is out of reach of the present shaft. A caisson has been sunk through approximately 60 feet of overburden to support the friction hoist tower. Existing facilities will continue to hoist all ore produced in the mine.

Mots Clés: Air, hoist, ore, Reinforced concrete, stope, winze, Mine, Mines, Ore, Ores, Raises, Shafts, stope, stopes