Mining Services

THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU GMBH offers the full spectrum of services for underground mine development – from lateral development and the development of ramps and declines to the excavation of caverns and the installation of underground infrastructure:

Lateral development
Ramp and decline development
Contract mining
Cavern excavation
Installation of mine infrastructure

The Mining Services division covers the core business of a specialized mining contractor. This includes the development of underground deposits via adits or ramps, as well as drift development and the extraction of raw materials. In addition, we provide the construction of efficient infrastructure systems for power, water, compressed air, material supply, and disposal. These services are delivered not only in mining, but also in tunneling and the construction of underground infrastructure facilities such as water and pumped storage power plants.

Thanks to our broad range of services from a single source, we are also able to offer turnkey projects as a general contractor. In doing so, we either rely on the expertise of our group companies or work successfully with long-standing partners.

Development of deposits, drift development, and resource extraction:
In addition to shafts with their headframes or hoisting towers, deposits are often accessed via horizontal or inclined access structures. Depending on geology and topography, these are constructed as adits or ramps and are developed in the same way as conventional underground drifts – usually using drilling and blasting techniques, and less frequently by mechanical excavation. Access to a mine can be created on greenfield sites or from existing open-pit operations. With rising commodity prices and increasing scarcity of certain resources, previously closed mines are increasingly being reactivated.

Once access to the mine has been established, drift development follows, accompanying the mine throughout its entire lifecycle. It enables access to deposit areas and continuously expands the underground structure. THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU has extensive experience in both the planning and execution of these works.

Infrastructure in mining and tunneling:
Both mining and tunneling require a powerful infrastructure. Every mining area and every tunnel heading requires a reliable supply of power, water, compressed air, as well as efficient transport and disposal systems. These are planned, constructed, and closely coordinated with construction progress by THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU.

Tunneling and underground infrastructure structures:
Mining techniques are also applied in tunneling and infrastructure construction. The same methods are used particularly in the construction of underground hydroelectric and pumped storage power plants. For this reason, THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU offers its extensive services beyond the traditional mining sector.

Lateral development

Lateral development provides the basis for the operation of a underground mine and continues throughout its entire lifetime. The development allows access to the deposit and enables the continuous expansion of the mine. THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU has extensive experience in the planning and execution of lateral development, primarily using conventional drilling and blasting methods, but also using mechanical excavation methods where required.

Ramp and decline development

Mineral deposits are frequently accessed via horizontal or inclined access workings, which are designed as adits, ramps, or declines depending on the geology and topography. These structures can be developed from the surface as well as from existing open-pit or underground mining operations. THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU realizes ramp and decline construction projects while taking into account the respective geological and operational conditions.

Contract mining

As part of its contract mining services, THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU also provides mine production. This includes the systems, expertise, and resources required for underground mine operations. We provide expert supervision, qualified operators, state-of-the-art mining equipment and processes, as well as comprehensive and robust safety systems, including logistical support for drilling, blasting, excavation, and haulage operations within the mine.

Cavern excavation

The excavation of caverns and bunkers poses unique challenges in terms of planning, excavation, and support. THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU applies its mining expertise to the construction and lining of underground cavities, including those for storage, infrastructure, and energy projects. The company employs both proven mining techniques and project-specific lining solutions.

Installation of mine infrastructure

A robust infrastructure is essential for safe and efficient underground operations. THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU designs and constructs underground infrastructure systems, including workshops, material transport and conveyor systems, ventilation, dewatering, piping systems, and electrical and mechanical installations. Implementation is coordinated with construction progress and operational requirements.

The methods and technologies used in mining are also applied in tunnel construction and in the installation of mine infrastructure, such as hydroelectric and pumped-storage power plants. THYSSEN SCHACHTBAU GMBH plans and implements high-performance underground infrastructure for these purposes, including supply, transport, and waste disposal systems. By pooling services within the corporate group and collaborating with experienced partners, projects can be realized on a project-specific basis, including turnkey implementation as a general contractor.