Addit mining, also known as horizontal tunneling from the surface, is an old mining method used to access shallow ore deposits. Although it was once popular, modern mining operations now prefer other access methods such as shafts and decline ramps. Understanding why miners avoid addit mining helps explain today’s mining trends and industry practices.
One major reason miners do not choose addit mining is the high development cost. Building a long horizontal tunnel requires heavy excavation, strong rock support, ventilation systems, and proper drainage. These needs make addit mining more expensive compared to vertical shafts or decline ramps. Mining companies prefer methods that lower costs and increase production efficiency.
The location of the mineral deposit limits additional mining. It is only effective when the ore body is close to a hillside or mountain slope. If the minerals are deep underground, the addition would need to stretch for many kilometers, making it slow and costly. For deep deposits, miners choose vertical shafts or decline ramps because they offer faster and more direct access to the ore.
Horizontal tunnels often collect water, making drainage a major challenge. Miners must install pumps and channels to keep the adit dry. Ventilation becomes difficult as the addit becomes longer, reducing airflow and increasing safety risks. These challenges make addit mining less efficient for modern mining operations.
Today’s mines use large, powerful machines for drilling, loading, and hauling. Most of this equipment works better in vertical or inclined access systems. Addits offer limited space and long travel distances, which slows down machinery and reduce productivity. This makes addit mining incompatible with modern mechanized mining.
Mining companies want quick access to mineral deposits to start production sooner. Vertical shafts and decline ramps offer the fastest access to deep ore bodies. They improve safety, reduce costs, and allow heavy machinery to operate efficiently. This is why addit mining has become less popular in today’s mining industry.
Miners avoid adit mining because it is costly, slow, limited to shallow deposits, difficult to drain and ventilate, and not suitable for modern mining equipment. As a result, modern mining relies more on shafts and declines, which provide safer, faster, and more efficient access to underground minerals.