In underground mine development, which horizontal passage is used to access ore?

• A. Drift
• B. Open pit
• C. Bulk sample
• D. Shaft

Answer: (A)

In underground mine development, a drift is the horizontal tunnel driven at the ore level to gain access to the ore body. It runs along the ore, allowing miners to reach ore faces, move ore and waste, and provide ventilation and services while development continues. This horizontal route is specifically built to follow the ore horizontally, which is why it’s the method used to access ore on a given level.

Other options aren’t the same kind of access: an adit is a surface-originating, often horizontal passage mainly for access and drainage; a ramp is an inclined passage between levels; a shaft is vertical; open pit refers to surface mining, not underground development; bulk sampling is a sampling process, not a tunnel for accessing ore.