The rock surface forming the overhead ceiling in a drift, crosscut, or stope. Miners constantly inspect the back for loose rock because gravity and blasting stress make it a primary source of rockfall hazards. It is typically secured with rock bolts, wire mesh, or shotcrete to protect personnel and equipment below.
We need the bolter in here to secure the back before anyone proceeds past the face.
In hardrock mining, you will almost always hear 'back', whereas coal miners tend to say 'roof'.
Also heard as
- roof
Related terms
Roof
The layer of rock located immediately above an underground excavation or mineral seam.
Roofbolt
A long steel rod anchored into the ceiling of an underground excavation to prevent rockfalls.
Drift
A horizontal or near-horizontal underground passage.
Crosscut
A horizontal underground tunnel driven across the main strike of the rock formation.
Stope
To excavate ore from an underground block by driving a series of steps or horizontal cuts.