A driftway is a horizontal tunnel driven parallel to the strike of a mineral deposit or coal seam. Unlike a crosscut, which intersects the ore body, a driftway follows the vein directly to provide access for extraction and haulage. It serves as a primary artery for moving personnel, equipment, and broken rock out of the working areas.
Heard on the job
We need to extend the main driftway another fifty meters before we start the next stope.
Insider tip
While often used interchangeably with drift, a driftway specifically emphasizes the passage's role as a haulage or travel route.
Also heard as
- drift