Sinking is the process of excavating a vertical or near-vertical opening straight down into the earth. It is the primary method used to create mine shafts for access, ventilation, or hoisting. The process involves drilling, blasting, and mucking out the broken rock from the bottom of the advancing hole, often working in tight, wet conditions.
Heard on the job
We need to sink a new ventilation shaft on the south side of the property to handle the expansion.
Insider tip
Sinking a shaft is one of the most expensive and hazardous operations in underground mining due to the confined space and constant risk of falling objects.