Raise mining has been a fundamental part of underground development for decades. However, in recent years, it has been phased out in many operations due to the risk of exposing workers to an unsupported face. I had the opportunity to punch a few 60’ raises in Bissett, Manitoba, alongside one of the best in the game—Tom Clark. He took me under his wing, teaching me how to drill, fan out from a single spot, and properly set up for the next day. At 20 years old, I didn’t fully understand what I was walking into, but one thing was for sure—this was a "finish the job, go home" type of work. I’ll never forget going underground with my bagged lunch from the caf, feeling like a school kid. Tom looked over, told me to take my cookies out, and threw the rest away, saying: "You won’t need this today—we’ll be up by lunch." That was one of the hardest days of work I’ve ever done. Tom, pushing 60, made it look effortless while I could barely keep up. A Look at Raise Mining Methods: 🔹 Open Raise Mining – Used for short vertical raises, typically under 80 feet. Before blasting, holes were drilled to secure timbers, creating a stable platform for workers to stand on while drilling the next round. These timbers, chained to the wall, also formed a cradle that held drills, steel, and ground support for the next setup. 🔹 Alimak Raise Mining – Used for longer distances, this system operates on a rail-mounted platform that moves up and down the raise. The rails not only guide the platform but also supply air and water for drilling. The mobile platform carries drills, steel, and ground support, allowing crews to access the active face efficiently. In some setups, a scoop can muck out blasted rock from a separate drift to keep the raise clear. 🔹 Raise Bore & Alimak Hybrid – A newer variation using a top-down approach. The raise bore creates a pilot hole, and the team blasts downwards, reducing direct exposure to an unsupported face. This method has gained traction for its improved safety and efficiency. Raise mining has evolved, but the grit and skill it demanded will always be something to respect. To those who’ve done it—you know exactly what I mean. What’s your experience with raise mining? Let’s hear your stories in the comments! Unfortunately talking about these and finding pictures to illustrate what I am talking about is quite difficult. Found some Alimak photos to add!