What is stope?

A stope is an underground excavation in a mine used for mining ore. It is typically shaped like a room or space that has been carved out from the surrounding rock and is supported by timbers or other solid supports.

Stopes are typically accessed through a network of tunnels that connect different parts of the mine. The size and shape of a stope can vary depending on the geology of the deposit being mined and the mining technique used.

In some cases, stopes are mined using a method called "room and pillar" mining, where the ore is removed in large blocks leaving behind pillars of untouched ore to provide support. In other cases, stopes are mined using a technique called "cut and fill" mining, where the ore is removed from the stope and replaced with waste rock or other material to provide support for the surrounding rock.

Stope mining can be a dangerous and challenging job, as the narrow spaces can be difficult to maneuver in and the mining process can expose workers to various hazards such as rock falls, gas buildups, and other problems. However, it remains a crucial part of the underground mining process and is used to extract many valuable metals and minerals from the earth.