Underground
infrastructure design

Effective design of material handling systems and service supply is essential for the safe and efficient operation of underground mines. Backed by extensive experience in underground operations, our engineering teams specialise in designing a comprehensive range of infrastructure.

Safe and productive underground mines rely on well-designed and reliable underground infrastructure, developed and integrated with mining activities, while allowing and designing for ease of operability and maintainability. We have the expertise and know-how to develop fit-for-purpose, permanent or temporary underground infrastructure facilities to suit the specific requirements of each individual mining site or project.

We cover the following infrastructure and design processes for underground mines:

  • Shaft and mine access system selection trade-off studies
  • Engineering infrastructure design criteria
  • Men, material and ore handling system simulation and design
  • Mine shaft headgear, winders & hoists
  • Conveyance and bulk material handling systems
  • Loading & tipping stations
  • Equipment selection
  • Scalping grizzlies
  • Loading chutes
  • Backfill & paste fill plants
  • Workshops (surface and underground)
  • Wash bay facilities
  • Servicing and refueling facilities
  • Refuge chambers
  • Services supply such as piping for water and compressed air,
  • pumping systems, power, lighting and communications
  • Ventilation fans installations and associated infrastructure
  • Lamp room
  • Access and security control systems
  • General buildings and offices
  • Potable water, ablution facilities and sewage systems

This infrastructure includes conveyors and drives, chutes and transfer points, piping and pumps, compressed air distribution, electrical distribution, control and instrumentation infrastructure, ventilation infrastructure, chairlifts, monorail applications, material handling systems and general services.

Comprehensive underground infrastructure design services

Our underground infrastructure design solutions cover every aspect of underground mining operations, including:

  • Material handling systems
    Design and implementation of efficient material handling systems, including conveyors, chutes, and transfer points, to streamline the movement of materials underground.
  • Service supply design
    Planning and design of service supply systems, such as piping, electrical, control, and instrumentation infrastructure, to ensure the reliable delivery of essential services to underground operations
  • Ventilation infrastructure
    Engineering of ventilation systems to maintain air quality and circulation within underground mines, ensuring the safety and comfort of workers
  • Personnel transport systems
    Design of chairlifts, monorail applications, and other personnel transport systems to facilitate movement within underground mines.