what is a mine shaft called
Shafts are vertical or inclined passages which connect the underground workings of the mine with the surface. The top of a shaft is called the collar. Shafts are primarily used for haulage and personnel access.A secondary shaft which has been driven down from within the mine is called a winze.A secondary shaft which has been driven upwards from within the mine is called a raise. Winzes and raises are mainly used as air shafts, ore chutes, manways or for exploratory purposes.ithin a drift, the roof is called the back and the side walls are called the rib. The floor may sometimes be referred to as the sill. Headframes are wood or steel structures constructed over a mine shaft or winze to support pulleys used with cables and hoists for haulage and access.