Case

nounStandard termMining

A small geological fissure that leaks water into mine workings.

A narrow geological fissure or joint in the rock mass that acts as a conduit for groundwater to enter the mine workings. While small in aperture, these cracks can release highly pressurized water streams that flood headings and weaken the surrounding strata.

Heard on the job

We intersected a case on the hanging wall and it's pumping out fifty gallons a minute, so get the sump pumps rigged.