Shaft diameters

[Wheldale]

Does anyone a ball park figure for shaft sinking? I was just wondering why the modern mines stuck to 8m diameter shafts in the UK? South Africa go upto 10m in diameter. Is 8m the best size for a coal shaft?

[John]

May 17, 2012 2:15:34 GMT -5 Wheldale said:

Does anyone a ball park figure for shaft sinking? I was just wondering why the modern mines stuck to 8m diameter shafts in the UK? South Africa go upto 10m in diameter. Is 8m the best size for a coal shaft?

Probably economics, never gave it a thought. The diameter must have been decided on a number of facts, the amount of ventilation required, cage/skip size and the best size for the budget would be my guess.