An Outline Classification of Mining Systems for Ore and Coal

IN view of the many articles that have been written on the proper classification of mining systems without so far having produced any particular tangible results it might seem that the subject is hopeless of solution. I do not believe that is so, and my intention in contributing the following outline is to present a slightly different viewpoint. Too much attention is often focused on unnecessary details and not enough on general principles. Too much attention and emphasis is often given to the system employed at one particular mine or in one particular district. In addition, names that are entirely misleading are applied to mining systems, and their adoption by the coming generation perpetuates a condition that needs clarification badly. The following classification is the result of several years of practical experience in mining and also several years' practice in teaching the same subject. It therefore represents a broad picture of the entire field of mining systems from the viewpoint of the miner as well as the teacher. It seems that the difficulty in the past has been in reconciling these two viewpoints. The need of such a reconciliation requires no explanation.