Which term refers to underground mining that uses a concrete-lined tunnel under an ore deposit, then collecting the ore through openings in the liner?

Which term refers to underground mining that uses a concrete-lined tunnel under an ore deposit, then collecting the ore through openings in the liner?

• A. Brick-and-mortar retailer
• B. Block caving
• C. Blemish
• D. Belly

Answer: (B)

Block caving is an underground mining method suited for very large ore bodies. It works by first undercutting the ore, then creating a network of concrete-lined tunnels beneath the deposit. As the undercut weakens the ore, the surrounding rock collapses and caves, allowing ore to move downward by gravity. The ore is then collected through openings in the concrete lining—drawpoints or openings in the liner—at the cave floor. This approach uses gravity to pull ore to the extraction points, making it cost-effective for large-scale, low-grade deposits. The other options don’t describe a mining method. A brick‑and‑mortar retailer is a retail term, while blemish and belly are not mining terms.

Block caving is an underground mining method suited for very large ore bodies. It works by first undercutting the ore, then creating a network of concrete-lined tunnels beneath the deposit. As the undercut weakens the ore, the surrounding rock collapses and caves, allowing ore to move downward by gravity. The ore is then collected through openings in the concrete lining—drawpoints or openings in the liner—at the cave floor. This approach uses gravity to pull ore to the extraction points, making it cost-effective for large-scale, low-grade deposits.

The other options don’t describe a mining method. A brick‑and‑mortar retailer is a retail term, while blemish and belly are not mining terms.