A new vertical shaft has been proposed to connect surface to existing workings at a depth of 1000m below ground. The shaft is to be a mineral hoisting shaft with the ability to act as an emergency egress and has a proposed circular shape of 6m diameter. The stratigraphy of the geological strata at the shaft site is as follows:

The purpose of the exercise is for students to develop a shaft sinking and lining strategy for the site. The expectation is for students to compile a report of their findings, the report should include:

1. Proposed excavation strategies
2. Timelines/project management for the project
3. Equipment and consumables used
4. Costing's ( a useful source is the AusIMM monograph 'Cost estimation handbook')
5. lining design
6. sinking stage design
7. shaft fittings

and any other salient points.