shaft vs ramp evaluation

I need to choose between a shaft and a ramp for a mine design project. where could I get relevant information on the topic?
thanks

 

[phillyfrank]

Try the SME Mining Engineers Handbook for starts. It is available online at

http://www.smenet.org.

Depth is a big factor. Breaking point is around 400 to 700 ft vertical depth. I assume you are conveying in the ramp. If you need a consultant, we do this type of work

http://www.agapito.com

or

http://www.macintoshengineering.com

for another.

 

[ClydeP]

This is a subject which depends on many variables. Resource size and geometry, depth, desired production rate, power and fuel costs, and dozens of other factors. A great application for simulation. One author - Northcote and Barnes (1973) gave the depth as 350 meters. Western Australian practice was stated as 500 meters. We are operating one mine at about that depth and are seeing the need for a shaft but, a shaft is justifiable if the resource lasts for another X years. Other wise the NPV is better if we keep on truckin' Dude.

See the following paper:

http://www.minesite.aust.com/minesite/shaft/shaft.htm

in case the link does not work, Peter McCarthy and Richard Livingstone authored this paper.