Stull stoping mining method

Summary

The transcript paints a vivid picture of the perilous journey inside a traditional mining tunnel, where the narrator describes navigating slippery, narrow paths with extreme caution. As they descend deeper into the mine, facing darkness and cramped spaces, the work of the miners becomes evident. Despite the dangerous conditions—fragile walls, risk of collapse, and suffocating air—the miners continue their labor, extracting rocks in hopes of finding gold. This raw depiction highlights the physical and emotional toll of working in a hazardous, isolated environment, providing a stark look at the realities of manual mining.

Takeaways

• 😀 The narrow and slippery steps in the mine require extra caution to avoid falling.
• 😀 The darkness of the mine tunnel increases the difficulty of navigation, making it hard to see, especially at a depth of 100 meters.
• 😀 The mine is cramped and airless, which intensifies the discomfort as workers descend further.
• 😀 Hand strength is as crucial as foot stability when moving in slippery and precarious conditions.
• 😀 The mine shaft is 50 meters deep, and the workers face constant danger due to the possibility of rockfalls.
• 😀 Two hoses in the mine are essential: one for communication with the surface and another for circulating air into the tunnel.
• 😀 Water from a nearby river has flooded part of the mine, making the conditions even more challenging and hazardous.
• 😀 The workers in the mine, like Birun, experience a disconnection from the outside world, making them reliant on each other for safety and survival.
• 😀 The mine is highly unstable, with soft soil making it prone to landslides and collapses, requiring makeshift wooden supports.
• 😀 Birun and other miners are working in dangerous conditions, but this work is their only means of earning a living, despite the constant risk.
• 😀 The physical demands of mining are immense, with each worker's output depending on their physical strength, and the raw material (stone) still needs further processing to extract valuable minerals.

Q & A

What challenges do miners face when descending into the mine?

Miners face several challenges, including slippery and wide gaps between footholds, which make it difficult to maintain balance. The deeper they go, the darker and more cramped the tunnels become, adding to the risk of falling or getting injured.

How does the mine's layout affect the miners' work environment?

The mine's narrow and uneven layout forces miners to crouch and navigate tight spaces, making their work physically demanding. The poor lighting, combined with the uneven footing, increases the overall danger.

What safety measures are used to prevent accidents in the mine?

To prevent accidents, miners use wooden planks to support the walls and ceiling, reducing the risk of landslides. However, the mine still remains at risk of collapsing, which is a constant concern for the workers.

What is the significance of the air blower system mentioned in the transcript?

The air blower system is essential for circulating fresh air through the mine. It helps to reduce the suffocating atmosphere and provides miners with breathable air, especially as they descend deeper into the mine.

How do miners cope with the limited visibility in the tunnels?

Miners rely on limited lighting and must work carefully to navigate the tunnels. As the deeper sections of the mine are nearly pitch black, their ability to see is significantly reduced, making each step a challenge.

What role does physical strength play in a miner's daily tasks?

Physical strength is crucial for miners. They need strength to endure the physically demanding tasks of moving through tight spaces, handling heavy tools, and breaking rocks. The number of bags of ore they collect depends directly on their physical capabilities.

How does the mine's environment affect the health and safety of the miners?

The environment in the mine is hazardous. The dark, cramped tunnels, combined with the risk of landslides, air quality issues, and limited visibility, pose serious health and safety risks. These factors make the work extremely dangerous and exhausting.

What is the nature of the work done by Birun and the other miners?

Birun and the other miners work in the mine by breaking rocks to extract minerals, including gold. They use tools like hammers and crowbars to crack open rocks and gather ore, which will later be processed to extract valuable resources.

What daily routine do the miners follow in the mine?

The miners work six days a week, starting in the morning and leaving the mine in the evening. Inside the mine, they lose track of time, as the light conditions are poor, and they work through both day and night without distinguishing between the two.

Why is working in a traditional gold mine the only option for Birun?

For Birun, working in a traditional gold mine is the only way to earn a living and support his family. Despite the risks and physical demands, this type of mining is his sole source of income.