Question

In metal mining most of the development is always carried out in

• A. Hanging wall
• B. Foot wall
• C. Across the deposit
• D. Away from deposit

Hint:

Think of it like building a house on a hillside.
You would build the foundation on the solid ground below the slope (the footwall), not on the unstable ground above the slope that could slide down (the hanging wall).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks where the main development openings (like haulage drives) are typically located in relation to a dipping orebody in a metal mine.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In mining steeply dipping orebodies, the rock mass above the ore is called the

hanging wall, and the rock mass below it is called the

footwall.
- The

hanging wall becomes unsupported as the ore is mined out from beneath it.
It is subjected to tensile and shear stresses and is generally considered unstable and prone to failure or collapse into the mined-out area (stope).
- The

footwall, on the other hand, remains as the base of the workings.
It is generally under compression and is much more stable and competent than the hanging wall.
For the long-term security and longevity of essential mine infrastructure like main haulage levels, shafts, and ramps, it is standard and safe practice to locate them within the stable

footwall rock, away from the zone of instability created by mining.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Most of the main development in metal mining is carried out in the footwall.
This corresponds to option (B).