13

Shaft SinkingPracticesfor Mining

Chairmen:

].S. Redpath Ltd., North Bay, Ont., Canada

Cyril Heever & Partners, Inc., Carletonville, South Africa

J.S. Redpath
C. Heever

Chapter 58
SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK
by
Mr. James O. Greenslade
Phillips Uranium Corporation
Vice President of Mining & Milling
Crownpoint,New Mexico
Mr. Cherie Tilley
Phillips Uranium Corporation
DevelopmentManager
Crownpoint,New Mexico
Mr. Gerald G. Griswold
Harrison Western Corporation
Vice President of EngineeringServices
Denver, Colorado
Mr. Richard Reseigh
Harrison Western Corporation
Manager of Engineering& Administration
Crownpoint,New Mexico

INTRODUCTION
The Harrison Western Corporation,a leading Denver based mine
contractingand engineeringconcern, is presentlyengaged in
sinking two 1,006 m (3,300 ft) shafts for the Phillips Uranium
Corporationat their Nose Rock Project, approximately13 miles
northeast of the small communityof Crownpoint in McKinley County,
New Mexico. The Nose Rock Project is the first attempt by the
Phillips Uranium Corporationto tap the deep uranium reserves in
what has become known as the Grants Mineral Belt. (See Figure 1)
Project Description
Phillips Uranium Corporations plan for the large 2700 metric
ton per day (2950 tons/day)mining facility calls for a series of
deep access and ventilationshafts ranging from 4.27 m (14 ft) to
5.49 m (18 ft) in diameter to approximatedepths of 1,006 m (3,300
ft). The initial pair of shafts consists of one production shaft and
one ventilationshaft separated by a distance of 91 m (300 ft). The
interbedded
layers
of sedimentary
sandstones
and shales to be
penetrated
by the shafts
contain
several
major water producing
aquifers,
the deepest being the mineralized
zone called
the Westwater
Canyon Member of the Morrison Formation.

955

956

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

FIGURE 1. PROJECT SITE

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

957

A series of temporaryand permanentwater pumping stations is

planned. Generally, the temporary stations are located above
major aquifers to facilitatewater removal while sinking through
the aquifer and the permanent stations constitutewhat, in the
final mode, will be the mine dewateringsystem. In addition,
Phillips Uranium Corporationhas installedand is maintaininga
system of depressurizationwells that temporarilypump the major aquifers and considerablyreduce the water inflows durinq shaft construction, The major aquifers are alao chemicallygrouted prior to sinking.
Site work for the project was initiated in the fall of 1976. Full
scale shaft sinking commenced in November of 1977 on the 4.88 m (I6
ft) diameter ventilationshaft and on the 5.49 m (18 ft) production.
shaft by another contractor. Harrison Western Corporationbegan work
on the project on November 4, 1979 with the productionshaft at a
depth of 633 m (2,076 ft) and the ventilationshaft at a depth of 474
m (1,554 ft). This paper will address only the portion of shaft
sinking completedby Harrison Western.
Geology and Hydrology
The Nose Rock Project is located on the Chaco Slope in the
southern extreme of the San Juan Basin in northwest New Mexico.
The southernSan Juan Basin is generally bound by the Defiance
Uplift to the west, the Zuni Uplift to the south and the
NacimientoUplift to the east. The Grants Mineral Belt occupies
most of the southern portion of the San Juan Basin and this project is located on the northern extreme of the Grants Mineral
Belt.
The San Juan Basin is comprised of sedimentary
rock of
continental,
marginal-marine
and marine origin,
that dip northward
from the Zuni Uplift
and Chaco Slope into the interior of the San
Juan Basin. (See Figure 2)
Major Formations The major geologic formationsto be penetrated
range from mudstone and shales to ailtstonesand sandstones. The
sandstonesare highly productiveaquifers which, under static
conditions,would flow artesian. Water temperaturesin the aquifers are high and thereforeare a force to be dealt with. Temperatures range from 18C (65F) in the upper aquifers to 48C
(118F) in the lower. The mudstones are generally bentonitic.
(See Figure 2)
GALLUP SANDSTONE: The Gallup Sandstone is the first major
regressivewedge in the San Juan Basin of the Cretaceus era and
at this project is about 35 m (115 ft) thick. It is medium
grained and prior to depressuriation carried a hydrostaticwater
3
pressure of over 72.5 kg per cm (1,031 psi) whi~h is artesian.
Compressivestr$ngth ranges from 334.7 kg per cm (4,760 psi) to
421.8 kg per cm (6,OOO psi). Water temperatureis approximately
30c

(860F).

958

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

WCI),.OUJCTION
C.EOLCC,C

~.w..!o.

COLUMN

SHAFT

(No,,

v,r4T,.AT,ON

,_L_EPT.
T-

.m. . .

=%%:

M, N, F.,

..s.O

MLLATO
TONG.,
OF . . .
MA.cos

... ..

MC,t.lcos

8120
(26s
1

w,
,,6()

,W.R

w...

FIGURE 2.

w..,.

m,,

, ,...,,
i

SHAFTS VERTICAL CROSS SECTION

SHAFT

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

959

MANCOS SHALE: The Mancos Shale comprises the bulk of marine

deposits in the San Juan Basin and representsdeposition in
deeper, quieter water in offshore areas where energy levels were
lower and finer elastics could settle out. At Nose Rock, the
Mancos Shale is roughly 207 m (680 f~) thick. Compressive
st engths range from 188.4 kg per cm (2,680 psi) to 400.7 kg per
5
cm (5,700 psi). It is not water bearing.
DAKOTA SANDSTONE: The Dakota Sandstone and its corresponding
Twowells member is approximately98 m (322 ft) thick at Nose
Rock. The main body of the Dakota Sandstone is a fine grained
sandstonewith the so called Twowells sandstone tongue actually
being a siltstone. Prior to depressurization,wate~ ;: ;;yI))$ta
was under a hydrostaticpressure of 108.1 kg per cm
,
also artesian. Compressivest$engths range from 386.o kg per cm2
(5,490 psi) to 562.4 kg per cm (8,OOO Psi). Water temperatureis
approximately43C (109F).
BRUSHY BASIN SHALE: The Brushy Basin Member is the upper-most
member of the Morrison Formation which marks the approximate
boundry between the Cretaceus and Jurassic eras. Locally, it is
composed of a sequence of fine grained sandstones,siltstonesand
mudstones which grade into one another, although disconformities
are sometimes distinguishable. The mudstones and siltstones
constitutethe greater part of the section. Overall, it is Q4 m
(143 ft) thick and some of the sandstonesare wa er bearing.
3
Compressivestr ngths range from 456.3 kg per cm (6,49o psi) to
5
954.8 kgpercm
(13,580 Psi).
WESTWATER CANYON MEMBER: The Westwater Canyon Member of the
Morrison Formation was deposited in a continentalenvironment
during the Jurassic era and is the ore bearing sandstone for the
Nose Rock Project. It is actually comprised of three submembers
called Upper, Middle and Lower. The Westwater Canyon Member is a
classic example of an artesian aquifer with water being recharged
from topographicallyhigher outcrops on both the Zuni and Defiance
uplifts. Prior2to depressurization,the hydrostaticpressure was
120.2 kg per cm (1,710 psi). Grain sizes range from mediu~ to
coarse, and compressivestreng~hs range from 94.9 kg Per cm
(1,350 psi) to 348.7 kg per cm (4,96o psi). Note that the lower
range for compressivestrength is lower than the original hydrostatic pressure, indicatinga possible running sand condition if
sinking should be attempted in the absence of de ressurizationor
grouting. Water temperatureis approximately488C (118F).
Depressurization
Wells
The Phillips
Uranium Corporation
has put
into operationand maintaineda series of depressurizationwells
in the area of the shafts to reduce the hydrostaticpressure in
the major aquifers in order to facilitateshaft sinking. Six
wells were drilled through the Gallup Sandstone, four wells in the

980

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

Dakota Sandstone
and six wells in the Westwater Canyon Member.
The casing was slotted
throughout
the total
length of each aquifer
and the pump settings
were generally
just above each aquifer.
Formation
Gallup
Dakota
Westwater

Number
Wells

Months
Pumped

6
4
4-6

17
14
6

Yield
1080 gpm
1120 gpm
1760 gpm

lni.tial
Pressure
1038 psi
1537 psi
1711 psi

Residual
Pressure
135 pai
350 psi
238 pSi

Effect
82$
77%
86%

Table 1. Summary of Results of DepressurizationWells

As can be seen from the results summarizedin Table 1, the program

has been highly effective. More perspectiveconcerningresidual
formationpressures can be gained by the following estimates,
prepared by Phillips Uranium Corporationgeologists,of potential
inflows to both shafts with and without the repressurization
wells.

Formation

With
Wells

Without
Wells

Gallup

1,080 gpm

2,307 gpm

Dakota

1,120 gpm

Westwater

2,212 gpm

2,562 gpm
5,020 gpm

Table 2.

Potential Inflow Estimates

Although these potential yields with the benefit of the wells

would by no means prohibit shaft sinking, the water inflow from
the upper aquifers
was further
reduced by chemical grouting
of the
formations
prior to sinking.
Grouting
Carrying large volumes of water on the shaft bottom during
sinking probably possesses the greatest single detriment to high
shaft sinking productivity. For the most part, the system of
depressurizationwells had the effect of reducing potential inflows from the upper aquifers during sinking to around 4,I6o
liters per minute (1,100 gpm). As mentioned above, these inflows
would not necessarilyprohibit sinking, although carrying these
volumes of water would have the dual effect of increasingcapital
expenditurescaused by slower shaft sinking rates and increasing
future operating expenses caused by pumping larger quantitiesof
water over a significantportion of the mine life.

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

961

From the above, it was apparent

that further
reduction
of
potential
inflows
from the major aquifers
would be beneficial
if
Owing
the reductions
could be obtained
at a reasonable
cost.
largely
to the success of Harrison Westernts
chemical grouting
program at the Gulf Mineral Resources
Companys M.. Taylor Project,
it was decided to instigate
a similar
program at the Nose
No grouting
is planned for
Rock Project
for the upper aquifers.
the mineralized
Westwater Canyon Member since any potential
inflows will be fully realized
during mine development.
It should be recognizedthat the grouting process itself is
expensiveas it is not uncommon to spend one to two months treating 30 m (100 ft) of shaft. In addition, initial applicationsare
highly beneficialbut time spent attempting to obtain a Iperfect
curtain is subject to the law of diminishingreturns. Theoretically, the right amount could be determinedby adding the cost of
grouting to the incrementalsavings of shaft sinking costs due to
grouting, and comparing the totals to the after tax discounted
cash flow savings of incrementalmine life pumping expense.
Supposedly,if this comparisonyielded a positive net present
value, further grouting would be warranted. The extreme difficulty of estimatingaccurate values for the above parameters is
obvious and therefore,the outcome of any attempt must be viewed
with suspicion.

Grout Materials The grouting agents used at Nose Rock were

selected primarily on the basis of successfuluse on other similar
projects in the Grants Mineral Belt.
CEMENT: All of the sandstone aquifers requiring grout treatment were of fine enough porosity to preclude the use of suspension type grouting agents. Cement grout was used primarily to
stabilize the rock mass around the concrete grouting pad and to
seal leaks where the pad joined the shaft lining.
Pumped cement grout was mixed with water in water to cement
ratios that varied from 12:1 to 1:1 by weight.
CHEMICAL RESIN GROUT: A water soluble resin prepolymerwas the
primary grouting agent used at Nose Rock. The resin is supplied
as a fine powder which readily dissolves in water, and in the
presence of catalystsand accelerators,forms an irreversible,
impermeablegel. The mixture normally has a viscosity close to
that of water and can therefore be injected into formationsof low
porosity.
The set time or gel time is the time elapsed to form a stiff
gel after the chemicalsare mixed. For the most part, gel times
can be predictedand controlledby varying the concentrationof
the solution andlor the addition of a sodium silicate

962

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

accelerator. Gel times are also a function of temperaturewith

the relationshipbeing inverse.
Two variations
of chemical grouting
agents were used at the
Nose Rock Project. The first type was characterizedby the resin
and caustic soda catalyst being packaged separately. The second
type is packaged together with other modifications. Care in
transportationand storage of the second type must be exercised to
prevent the reaction from taking place in the bags prematurely.
Grouting Equipment The equipment selected was based on successful
experienceon similar projects elsewhere.
PUMPS AND MIXING TANKS: A double-actng recirculationtype
3
pu~p capable of pumping at 345 kg per cm (4,900 psi) at 8 kg per
cm (100 psi) air pressure was used. The pump is modeled after
the South African type grout pump. Two mixing tanks were equipped
with air powered mixing and agitation paddles with one tank
elevated above the other. The tanks were sized to mix the contents of one 23 kg (50 lb) bag in the most diluted mix of 129 1
(34 gal).
One bag was mixed in the upper tank while a solution
was being pumped from the lower tank.
JUMBO AND DRILLS: The grout jumbos consistedof two drill
buggies which circled the shaft on a single track from a pivot in
the center of the shaft. High speed, air powered, chain fed
rotary drills with 1.5 m (5 ft) feed were used with EX diameter
drill rod.
MISCELLANEOUSEQUIPMENT: Schedule 80 pipe of 5 cm (2 in)
diameter was used for stand pipes. These were coupled with drill
through ball valves of similar diameter. Blow-out preventers
capable of closing an EX drill rod were also used for added
safety.
Grouting Procedure Normally, one or more probe holes were drilled
into each aquifer from a safe distance above. The probe hole
served the dual purpose of determiningthe exact location of the
aquifer and finding suitable strata to pour the grouting pad.
Normally the pad was located from 6 m (20 ft) to 9 m (30 ft) above
the aquifer.
GROUT PAD: When the predetermineddepth was reached, the
excavationwas done for the grout pad. The curb or lower ring
of the shaft form was removed and the pad poured, forming a solid
concrete plug poured tight against and keyed under the shaft
lining. The plug was designed to withstand the anticipated
grouting pressure. While the pad was curing, the jumbo was set up
and the standpipesinstalled. Before grouting commenced,every
standpipewas tested to full grouting pressure.

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

963

Upon completionof the above, the holes were drilled 3 m 10

ft) to 6 m (20 ft) and the rock mass between the pad and the
aquifer was injectedwith cement to consolidatethe mass and seal
leaks between the pad and the shaft lining.
GROUTING: Due to widely varying porositiesand local fracturing conditions,experiencehas shown that precalculatedgrout
quantitiesfor a given aquifer are unreliable. As a result, holes
were pumped to refusal at a predeterminedpressure instead of a
predeterminedquantity. The grouting pressure was determinedby
the amount of residual formationpressure to be overcome and the
acceptabilityof the formationdue to grain size, porosity,
fracturesand other characteristics. Normally, this pressure was
approximatelytwice the hydrostaticpressure calculated from the
surface, and many times the residual hydrostaticpressure due to
the effect of the depressurizationwells. A curtain length of 30
m (100 ft) was the approximate maximum depth that could be grouted
from one pad.
The hole pattern was designed to interceptas many fracturesas
possible with the distance between holes at the base of the curtain not exceeding 1.4 m (4.5 ft). The aquifer was grouted from
the top down in stages of 3 m (10 ft) and all holes in the pattern
were grouted to refusal before deepening the holes to advance the
cover. (See Figure 3)
Generally, 75$ - 90% of the potential inflows were sealed off
by the grout curtains.

SHAFT SINKING
For the most part, the shaft sinking methods used at the Nose
Rock Project can be classifiedas conventional. Methods and
techniquesemployed on any project depend, to a large extent, on
safety and health regulationspromulgatedby appropriateregulatory agencies at both state and federal levels. At the federal
level, the project falls under the Federal Mine Safety and Health
Act of 1977 (PublicLaw 95-164) and is administeredby the newly
created Mine Safety and Health Administration
of the Department
of
subsequent
to enactment of the ~977 Act, the New Mexico
Labor.
Mine Safety Code has adopted the federal standardsas their own.
In addition, the state of New Mexico periodicallydevelops
stricter standards,mostly as a result of previous serious accidents. The most importantof these to the shaft sinker is a
requirementlimiting unsupportedground in vertical shafts to 3 m
(lo

f%).

The two shafts are generally scheduled to be sunk together.

The resulting plan representsthe earliest possible completion

964

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

VERTICMSCME

FMMATION
mri
PLUG

WTER-BEMINC
SANDS

\__!,..51,00

VERTICAL CROSS-SECTION

OFDRILL
HOLE
PLAN-TYPICAL DAKOTA GROUT COVER

FIGURE 3. PLAN-TYPICALDAKOTA GROUT COVER

965

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

date and allows the fresh air

stations
are reached in order
caused by hot water emanating

base to be lowered when connecting

to counteract
the high temperatures
from various
aqui-fers.

Sinking Equipment
The permanent productionhoist and headframe are used for
sinking the 5.5 m (I8 ft) diameter production shaft. The hoist is
a 1,119 kw (1,500 hp) double drum, double clutch unit, capable of
610 meters per minute (2,000 fpm) line speed. A temporaryhoist
and headframe are used for sinking the 4.9 m (16 ft) ventilation
shaft.
The hoist is a 1,007 kw (1,350 hp) double drum, single
clutch unit capable of 579 meters per minute (1,900 fpm) line
speed. Hoist ropes are 38.1 mm (1.5 in) diameter and are of 18 x
7 non-rotating right lang lay construction.
Compressed alr is supplied
to both shafts
by seven electrically
powered rotary
compressors
located
on the surface.
A portable
concrete
batching
plant is used to supply concrete
into transit
trucks that mix and deliver
it to t e respe tive shafts.
Concrete
is transported
underground
in 2.7 m9? (95 ft ) buckets.
Galloway stages are suspended by four 25.4 mm (1 in) locked
coil ropes and are used in each shaft as work platforms. Each
Galloway consists of four decks and weighs approximately31,070 kg
(65,000 lb). The locked coil ropes serve as crossheadguides for
the counterbalancedbuckets. The Galloway stages are raised and
lowered by four winches that are electricallywired to operate
together,although any winch can be clutched out by hand in order
to periodicallybalance tension between the ropes. The rope speed
of the Galloway winches is about 2.4 meters per minute (8 fpm).
The Cryderman shaft mucker anchored to the lining with brackets
is used for mucking (excavationof blasted material). Invented
and developed in Canada, the mucker is essentiallyan air powered
clamshellmounted on a telescopingboom. Positioningcylinders
and the telescopingfeatures of the boom itself allow positive
crowd at any location on the muck pile. The machine is controlled
by levers actuating two four-way valves, with the left hand controlling boom position and the right hand controllingthe
clamshelland the telescopingfeature of the boom. Two units are
used in the larger productionshaft and a single unit in the
ventilationshaft. In all cases, the units are suspendedon cable
winches located on the surface with the rail and bracket anchoring
systems al owing v rtical movement only. Muck bucket izes ran e
from 2.7 m 39(95 ft ) in the ventilation
shaft to 3.5 mY!!l
(123 ft )
in the production
shaft.
Drilling
is done with 28 kg (62 lb) hand-held.
piston diameter
of 67 mm (2-5/8 in).
Drills
are

sinkers
lowered

with a
in a

966

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

specially designed basket containingall materials required for

the operation.
The concrete forms are of all steel
construction
of the appropriate
diameter
with a length of 3 m (10 ft).
The forms are
constructed
of four vertical
sections
of .75 m (2.5 ft) length to
enable any multiple
of .75 m (2.5 ft) pour to be made if ground
The curb ring is of blast proof construction
conditions
are poor.
and contains
the ring blockout necessary to enable pouring the
ring laps the previous
subsequentpour below. The top Pmatchert
pour and contains the guillotinedoors that are closed after the
form is filled with concrete. The form itself is suspended from
the previous pour by six hanging rods.
Typical Sinking Cycle
Due in most part to the wet conditions,the benching method of
excavationis used. This techniqueprovides a lower area for an
electric submersiblepump to be placed after each blast. Moreover, the blowovernprocess of cleaning the bench in preparation
for drilling allows a thorough examinationfor misfires and the
rock mass thrown by the blast is directed
at the shaft walls
instead
of the Galloway,
thus minimizing
damage.
The cycle describedbelow may vary in duration from as little
as 14 hours to as much as 34 hours, depending on conditions.
Sinking rates for both shafts are comparable. The larger production shaft has an advantagewith the additionalCrydermanmucker,
but this seems to be offset by the lesser volume of muck and a
somewhat faster concrete cycle in the ventilationshaft.
Drill and Blast This segment of the cycle begins with a thorough
blow over of loose muck into the sump created by the preceding
bench. Forty to fifty 2.4 m (8 ft) holes are drilled and charged
with a semigelatindynamite. The dynamite selected is a reasonable compromisebetween the desired characteristicsof adequate
strength, low fumes, good water resistanceand cost. A nonelectric delay blasting cap system has been used for detonating
explosiveswith reasonablesuccess. The crews remain on the
surface for a few minutes while the smoke clears. (See Figure 4)
Mucking, The Cryderman mucker(s)
are lowered and mucking begins.
Normally,
the bucket chains remain attached
to the hoist hook and
swivel during loading.
Since the boom llft (not in or out) operation is the most time consuming,Crydermanoperators soon learn to
excavate a hole for the next bucket which tends to save time.
While the loaded bucket is hoisted and dumped, the Cryderman
operator(s)can move muck from hard to reach to convenientplaces
which also conserves time. Buckets are dumped with a lazy chain
controlledby a toplander from the crowqs nestn in the
headframe. (See Figure 5)

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

FIGURE 4.

DRILLING THE BENCH

967

968

1981RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

FIGURE 5.

MUCKING

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

969

Level Off On the average, 2-1/2 benches is about 3 m (10 ft) of

excavation,which normally results in cycles consistingof either
2 or 3 benches. fitany rate, when enough excavation is made for
the 3 m (10 ft) pour, mucking ceases and the remainingpile is
leveled offn or flattened,usually slightly lower than the 3 m
(10 ft) below the preceding pour.
ConcreteLining This segment of the cycle begins with the removal
of the cone nuts from the hanging rods of the previous pour.
Six 28.6 mm (1-1-8) high strength hanging rods are installedwith
the cone nuts reinstalledat the lower end of the new hanging
rods. At this time, the curb ring segment of the concrete form is
lowered by slings attached to the Galloway, aligned and leveled.
Required inserts are installedand gravel is placed to provide a
smooth base for the concrete. It is then poured. An 8 sack
concrete
mix has been used almost exclusively,
which, after
some
initial
modifications,
has provided excellent
strength
and workability.
In addition,
an accelerator
is placed in the curb ring
pour to assure initial
set before mucking resumes.
Concrete is
placed directly from the concrete buckets with elephant trunksn
hung from the gates of the buckets. (See Figure 6)
Upon completionof the curb ring pour, the remaining 2.3 m (71/2 ft) of form is lowered into place from the poured curb ring to
the bottom of the previous pour. Concrete is placed through the
guillotinedoors of the uppermostmatcher ring which slightly laps
the previous pour.
Utilities
These are installed
every other cycle and consist
of a
61.0 cm (24 inch) ventilation
tube and a 30.5 cm (12 inch) pipe
for pump discharge,
a 20.3 cm (8 inch) compressedair line, a 10.2
cm (4 inch) drill water pipe, a 10.2 cm (4 inch) seal water line,
and a 10.2 cm (4 inch) drain line.
Water Control

Techniques

Instrumental
to the attainment
of high sinking
rates is a
program which controls water that leaks through pour Joints
in the
liming and falls
on the crew below. Left uncontrolled,this water
would eventuallybuild to levels that adversely affect every facet
of a shaft sinking operation from equipmentmaintenanceto overall
crew morale.
Backaheeti~
Also known as panning,
this operation
basically
consists
of placing
thin sheets of metal againat
the exposed rock
when sinking through productiveaquifers and bringing the water
through the lining In pipes. After 3 m (10 ft) is excavated
through the aquifer and before the curb ring is lowered, backsheeting and weep pipes are placed against the upper 2.4 m (8 ft)
of the shaft to be poured. The weep pipes consist of a perforated
leg placed between the metal and the aquifer, a 90 en, a niPPle
that extends from the perforatedleg to the form and a coupling

970

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

FIGURE 6.

SETTING CONCRETE FORMS

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

971

that attaches the weep pipe to the form. After the curb ring is
lowered, the pipes are attached to the form with a fastening
device that threads into the coupling and allows the water to come
through the form. The curb ring is then filled with concrete
forming a tight seal for the bottom of the pour. After the
remaining form is lowered and poured, the water flows freely
through the weep pipes. These are later connected to a 10.2 mm
(4) drain line which carries the water into a pump station or a
super water ring!discussed further below.
Super Water Rings
The in-shaft
pumping system consisted
of 43 kw
(58 hp) submersible
pumps on the bottom and staged up the shaft
wall in distances not exceeding 61 m (200 ft). The electric
submersiblepumps of this type require frequentmaintenanceand
normally this must be done on the surface. To facilitatepump
changeout and provide a sump for staged pumps, Harrison Western
engineers developed the !fsuperwater ring. Essentially,the
super water ring is the enlargementof a 3 m (10 ft) vertical
section of the shaft by .6 m (2 ft) in radius with a .6 m (2 ft)
steel dam installed flush with the shaft lining. Submersible
pumps in these rings eventually transfer water to temporaryor
permanent pumping stations.
FiberglassWater Rings The purpose of the fiberglasswater ring
is to collect water running on the inside of the shaft lining.
The rings are installedabove pump stations, super water rings or
periodicallywhen needed, and are connectedwith hose or piping to
the drain line, super water ring or station. They are fabricated
to attach to the concrete form and are easily installed.
Bonus and Incentives
In recent years,
industrial
managers have gravitated
towards
the theories
of motivation
espoused by such management theorists
These theories
stress
job
as Fredrick
Herzburg et al.
enrichment!
or other such enlargementof an individualstask or
area of responsibilityas a motivating force in order to otherwise
offset the boredom and dissatisfactionthat often accompaniesthe
modern industrialwork setting.
For the most part,
these theorists
would deny that additional
remuneration
is a motivating
factor
per se, although
admitting
that substandard
pay scales can be a source of considerabledissatisfactionamoung a work force. Undergroundconstructionand
mining in the Rocky Mountains and in a large portion of Canada are
some of the last bastions of the piece work system still existing
in North America, albeit in modified form.
Seemingly in defiance of modern management theory, the Nose
Rock Project has successfullyapplied two forms of bonus

972

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

incentivesaffecting all contractorpersonnel on the project. The

first is a direct bonus which is paid only to those working below
the shaft collar. This bonus is basically a piece rate system
applied to the crew as a whole with a guaranteedminimum base rate
for each man. The second form of bonus is paid to all others not
receivingthe first and is based on a review of the overall project status compared with the original project schedule. This
bonus is paid (if earned) every calendar quarter as a percentage
of the base wage rate.
Sinking Rates Attained
Shaft sinking rates of 3 meters per day (10 ft per day) were
regularlyattained, even through most major aquifers, and rates of
30 meters per week (100 ft per week) were regularly attained
through much of the Mancos shale. The productionshaft crew
achieved an area record of 36.3 meters (119 ft) of completed shaft
in one week of seven days. The ventilationshaft crew achieved a
one month productionof 132.6 meters (435 ft) of completed shaft,
also believed to be an area record.

PUMPING SYSTEM - TEMPORARYAND PERMANENT

Dependable pumping systems are an absolute necessity to the

constructionand operation of a mine such as this one with the
shafts penetratingfive major aquifers and the ore itself having
been deposited in the matrix of the fifth, the Westwater Canyon
Member. Extensive planning was required by both the Phillips
Uranium Corporationand Harrison Western Corporationto insure
that the system was reliable for sinking,mine developmentand
later for ore extraction. The two permanent pump stations represent the system requirementfor mine developmentand ore extraction. Unfortunately,this system is not entirely adequate for
sinking the shafts and as a result, the permanent system was
augmented by a series of temporarypumping stations for sinking.
Of prime considerationwhen locating pumping stations is the
capabilityof the equipment itself and the selection of suitable
strata in which to locate the station. The sandstonesto be mined
can be expected to yield a certain amount of sand particulateto
the dischargewater and even with the benefit of a desanding
facility, the pumps must be able to pump water containingsand
particulate. For this reason and the fact that desanding equipment is not available for sinking, less efficient slurry type
centrifugalpumps were selected. These pumps enjoy wide popularity at other mines in the Grants Mineral Belt, mainly for their
ability to pump water containingabrasive solids over long periods
of time with low maintenancecosts.

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

Permanent

973

Pump Stations

The two permanent pump stations

at the Nose Rook Project
were
des@ned for a sustained
pumping capability
of Z2,700 liters
per
minute,
(6OOO gpm) with an additional 11,350 liters per minute
(3,000 gpm) backup. These stations consist of three banks of five
pumps per bank with each bank being capable of pumping 11,350
liters per minute (3,000 gpm). Provisionswere made in each
station to install a fourth bank of equal capacity sometime in the
future, should conditions dictate.
The primary pumps of each bank are 313 kw (500 hp) electrically
powered, direct driven centrifugalslurry pumps, each capable of
11,350 liters per minute (3,000 gpm) at a total discharge head of
137 meters (450 ft]. These pumps are connected in series to
attain the desired system head and in all cases are force fed with
high volume, low head feed pumps, to minimize the effects of
cavitation. The last pump of each bank is equipped with a fluid
couplingwhich, in conjunctionwith electric metering and feed
back of sump water levels, can automaticallyregulate output to
allow continuousoperation at levels as low as 6,o5o liters per
minute (1,600 gpm).
The upper permanent pump station is located 457 meters (1,500
ft) below the surface. Each bank of pumps on this station consists of three main pumps connected in series and force fed by two
feed pumps, also connected in series. The lower permanent pump
station is located at 957 meters (3,140 ft) below the surface and
when completedwill discharge into sumps on the upper station.
The typical bank on the lower station consists of four main pumps
in series force fed by a vertical centrifugalpump which will be
located in a sump on the haulage level 23 meters (75 ft) below.
Temporary Pump Stations
Temporary pump stations are normally located above major
aquifers in order to minimize the less reliable in-shaft super
water ring system described earlier. These stations are equipped
with either the primary pumps described earlier or a smaller
version capable of 7,570 liters per minute (2,000 gpm) at a total
dischargehead of 98 meters (320 ft). The maximum lift for a
temporarystation was 305 meters (1000 ft).
Five temporary pump stations were used for shaft sinking at the
Nose Rock Project. These stations either dischargedinto higher
temporarystations or permanent stations. As permanent stations
were completedand became available, they were incorporatedinto
the system.

974

1981 RETC PROCEEDINGS VOLUME 2

CONCLUSION

The Nose Rock Project is currently running approximatelythree

months ahead of schedule. Although no methods or techniqueshave
been used that could be classifiedas unconventional,through a
combinationof experiencedmanagement,proven water control
techniques,well structuredbonus incentive plans, and a positive
overall relationshipbetween owner and contractor,record sinking
rates have been attained.
When completed,the Nose Rock Project will unlock for public
use a considerableamount of uranium ore from deep underground.
Combined managment and technicalachievementsof both Phillips
Uranium Corporationand Harrison Western Corporationare
responsiblefor this success.

SHAFT SINKING AT NOSE ROCK

975

REFERENCES

chenowith,

W.L. , 1977, tUranium

in the San Juan Basin - An
Overview,WNew Mexico GeologicalSociety Guidebook, 28th Field
Conference,San Juan Basin III, pp. 257-262.

Greenslade,
W.M., Sprouls,
E.P.,
1977, Geotechnical
and
Hydrologic
Investigation,
Production
Shaft,
Mining Unit
Nose Rock Project,
Dames and Moore, Phoenix,
Arizona.

1,

Griswold,G.G., White, L.G., 1980, tWaterControl During Shaft

Sinking UtilizingDepressuringWells and Resin Grouting
Techniques,nHarrison Western Corporation,Denver, Colorado.
Kelly, T.E., 1977, W3eohydrology of the WeStWater CanYon Member~
Morrison Formation, of the Southern San Juan Basin, New
Mexico,n New Mexico GeologicalSociety Guidebook, 28th Field
Conference,San Juan Basin III, pp. 285-290.
Molenaar,
C.M., Y3tratigraphy
and Depositional
History
of Upper
Cretaceus
Rocks of the San Juan Basin Area New Mexico and
Colorado,
with a Note on Economic Resources,n
New Mexico
Geoloj@cal Society Guidebook,
28th Field Conference,
San Juan
Basin IIILPP
159-166.
Vanderwoude, M.D., 1980, Mine Geologist,Phillips Uranium
Corporation,Private Communication.