In an inclined vein or fault, the hanging side is the mass of rock that sits above the ore body. Miners working the vein have this rock directly over their heads, making it a primary structural concern for roof support. If the ore is removed, the hanging side must be bolted, timbered, or left with pillars to prevent collapse.
Heard on the job
We need to scale the hanging side carefully before we start drilling the next round.
Also heard as
- hanging wall