DRIFT MINE Meaning and
Definition
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A drift mine refers to a type of underground mining operation where coal or other minerals are extracted horizontally or on a slightly inclined plane. Typically conducted in areas where the mineral deposit is found near or just below the surface, a drift mine excavates the mineral by creating a horizontal tunnel known as a drift.
The drift is usually cut into the side of a hill or mountain and extends into the mineral deposit. The tunnel is large enough to accommodate mining equipment and provide sufficient space for miners to work effectively. As the miners proceed further into the drift, they extract the mineral and transport it to the surface for processing or shipment.
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a drift mine is that it relies on the natural gravity gradient to transport the mineral material. Instead of using large machines or conveyors to move the extracted rocks, the miners let the material travel downhill through the drift, aided by gravity. This process facilitates the transportation of the mineral without the need for extensive pumping or hoisting systems.
Drift mines are commonly used for extracting coal, as they can efficiently access coal seams near the surface. They are frequently employed in regions with favorable geological conditions, such as gently sloping terrain or where the coal deposit has a consistent thickness. The simplicity and cost-effectiveness of drift mining make it an attractive option for exploiting mineral resources in certain geological formations.
Common Misspellings for DRIFT MINE
- srift mine
- xrift mine
- crift mine
- frift mine
- rrift mine
- erift mine
- deift mine
- ddift mine
- dfift mine
- dtift mine
- d5ift mine
- d4ift mine
- druft mine
- drjft mine
- drkft mine
- droft mine
- dr9ft mine
- dr8ft mine
- dridt mine
- drict mine
Etymology of DRIFT MINE
The word "drift mine" has its etymology rooted in the Old English language. The term "drift" originally referred to a narrow passage or corridor, often created by digging or excavating. In mining, a drift refers to a horizontal tunnel or passage that is dug into the side of a hill or underground to access deposits of coal or other mineral resources.
The word "mine" comes from the Middle English word "minen", which in turn derived from the Old English word "myne". It refers to a place or excavation where valuable minerals or ores are extracted from the earth.
Therefore, the term "drift mine" combines the concept of a horizontal tunnel (drift) with the location of resource extraction (mine) to describe a specific type of mining operation.
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