Section 17 in The Mineral Conservation And Development Rules, 1988
17. Underground mining operations.
(1)Mining operations in underground shall be carried out in such a way so as to achieve optimum ore/mineral recovery.(2)The method of underground development of the deposit shall be planned in accordance with the method of stopping which shall be selected with due consideration of the geology of the deposit and geo-mechanical properties of the ore and the adjoining rocks.(3)The size of development openings, size of blocks and pillars shall be such that the workings remain stable during the development and stopping stages and between such stages.(4)The stopping practices shall be such as to cause minimum disturbance to the surface.(5)In case of a doubt as to the optimum ore/mineral recovery under sub-rule (1), or the method of underground development under sub-rule (2), or size of openings, blocks or pillars under sub-rule (3) or the stopping practices under sub-rule (4), it shall be referred to the Chief Controller of Mines for decision.(6)The Chief Controller of Mines may order such investigations and tests to be carried out as are considered necessary before arriving at a decision on any matter referred to him under sub-rule (5).
