Mining Methods

THE year 1952 has seen the continuance of the trend pointed out by Tell Ertl in this magazine a year ago, toward mechanization in metal and mineral mines. Outstanding progress has been made in the adoption of rock bolting in situations where, a short time ago it would have seemed inapplicable. New devices, better equipment, and improved practices are in part responsible for shifting fashions in mine development, stoping methods, and transportation systems. Only new mines, of course, can take the advantage of the new ideas that are being tested and demonstrated throughout the industry, but the old mines often show a surprising adaptability