| Welcome to AngloGold Ashanti's Mponeng Mine | ||
| Developing the mine | ||
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Access development: large tunnels, known as haulages, are cut or developed at regular intervals down the length of the shaft. These tunnels are usually about 16 square metres in size (64 square feet), and the levels are spaced about 90 metres (270 feet) apart. The haulages are developed until they reach the gold-bearing reef where the actual mining will take place. They are then lined with railway tracks and water pipes, compressed air systems and electric cabling and locomotives are also installed. These things allow miners and machinery in and both gold and blasted rock out.
Pictured here: an AngloGold Ashanti employee drives an underground locomotive - much like a small train - carrying pipes and equipment for further developing the mine. | ||