Question

The purpose of weights hung at the bottom of the guide rope in a mine shaft is to

• A. Prevent coiling back of ropes
• B. Reduce the mass of the shaft conveyance
• C. Provide guidance for fixing of buntons in the shaft
• D. Provide tensioning and keep ropes vertical

Hint:

Guide ropes with weights are crucial in deep mine shafts to maintain stability and ensure safe vertical transport of materials and personnel.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In a mine shaft, guide ropes are used to keep the conveyances (like skips or cages) aligned during their movement. Weights are hung at the bottom of these guide ropes to provide tension, ensuring the ropes remain taut and vertical. This tension prevents the ropes from swaying or becoming slack, which could cause instability in the conveyance system. Options like preventing coiling, reducing mass, or guiding buntons (horizontal supports in the shaft) are not the primary purposes of the weights.
Thus, the correct answer is Provide tensioning and keep ropes vertical.