What is slope mine?

A slope mine, also known as a drift mine, is a type of underground coal mine that utilizes a sloping access tunnel to reach the coal seam. The access tunnel, or slope, is usually inclined at an angle of 15 to 25 degrees from the horizontal and follows the direction and dip of the coal seam.

Slope mines are typically used to extract coal from relatively shallow seams that are located close to the surface. The slope provides easy access for workers and equipment to transport coal out of the mine.

One advantage of slope mines is that they do not require the construction of vertical shafts, which can be expensive and time-consuming. Slope mining can also be less dangerous than other types of underground mining because the slope provides a natural ventilation and drainage system.

However, slope mines can be limited in the size and volume of coal that can be extracted, as the slope tunnel can only be driven to a certain depth before it becomes impractical or unsafe. They also require regular maintenance and monitoring to ensure safety and performance.