Energy Absorbing Systems in Mine Hoist Conveyances: A Review of Design Considerations and Biomechanical Implications for Improved Safety

Webster Talent Rukweza*
Harare Institute of Technology, Harare, Zimbabwe.
Periodicity:April - June'2025

Abstract

Mine hoist systems are essential for vertical transportation in underground mining but pose safety risks, particularly from slack rope events and rope severance. The large deceleration rates experienced could, by themselves, be sufficient to cause serious injury or even fatalities to the occupants. Addressing these risks is critical. This paper reviews the design and application of energy-absorbing systems within mine hoist conveyances to enhance safety and mitigate the impact of such events. It examines the working principles of various energy-absorbing mechanisms, including spring suspension systems interlinked with wedge braking systems, and explores their effectiveness in attenuating kinetic energy during free-fall situations. Also considered are the biomechanical tolerance limits of the human body and how these limitations influence the design and deployment of these systems. This paper synthesizes current research and incident analyses to identify best practices and future directions for improving mine hoist safety through energy-absorbing technologies.

Keywords

Mine Hoist, Energy Absorber, Slack Rope, Braking Systems, Deceleration Rates, Biomechanical Limits, Safety.

How to Cite this Article?

Rukweza, W. T. (2025). Energy Absorbing Systems in Mine Hoist Conveyances: A Review of Design Considerations and Biomechanical Implications for Improved Safety. i-manager’s Journal on Mechanical Engineering, 15(2), 23-31.

References

[1]. Batko, W., & Korbiel, T. (2008). Maintenance of mining shaft reinforcement based on global damping coefficient. Niezawodnosc – Maintenance and Reliability, 37(1), 44–48.
[2]. Blanchard, B. S., & Fabrycky, W. J. (2015). Systems Engineering and Analysis. Pearson.
[3]. Ezra, A. A. (1972). An Assessment of Energy Absorbing Devices for Prospective Use in Aircraft Impact Situations. In Dynamic response of structures. Pergamon Press.
[5]. Gere, J. M., & Timoshenko, S. P. (1991). Mechanics of Materials. Chapman & Hall.
[9]. Heyns, M. (1998). Guidelines for the Design of Guide Roller Assemblies for Mining Conveyances. E-library.
[11]. Jeppe, C. W. B. (1946). Gold Mining on the Witwatersrand. Transvaal Chamber of Mines.
[12]. King, A. L. (1972). Human tolerance limitations related to aircraft crashworthiness. In Dynamic Response of Structures: Proceedings of a Symposium Held at Stanford University, California, June 28 and 29, 1971 (p.247). Pergamon.
[14]. Ministry of Energy and Mines. (2017). Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia. British Columbia.
[15]. Ottermann, R. W. (2000). Identification, Investigation and Analysis of End-Of-Wind Protection Devices for Vertical and Incline Shafts. CiteSeerX.
[16]. Rosslee, F., Coetzee, G., & Pretorius, L. (1998). Using cyclic plastic bending as an energy absorption mechanism. R&D Journal, 14, 15-21.
[17]. Shigley, J. E., & Mischke, C. R. (2016). Mechanical Engineering Design. McGraw- Hill Education.
[18]. Singley, G. T. (1972). A survey of rotary-wing aircraft crashworthiness. In Dynamic Response of Structures, 1, 79-223. Pergamon, Oxford.
[19]. Steynberg, A. J. J. (2007). Dynamic Cyclic Bending, Kinetic to Strain Energy, Deceleration Systems (Doctoral dissertation, University of Pretoria).
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Pdf 35 35 200 20
Online 15 15 200 15
Pdf & Online 35 35 400 25

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.