Shaft mining

Shaft mining is a type of underground mining done by use of a mine shaft.

A mine shaft is a vertical passageway used for access to an underground mine. On the surface above the shaft stands a building known as the pit head, which historically contained a winding engine and in modern times contains an electric hoist controller. This raises and lowers the cage within the shaft. The cage serves as a lift for the transportation of minerals, equipment and workers.

The horizontal workings extending from the central shaft are called drifts, galleries or levels. This is contrasted to: Drift mining