JAWAHARLAL NEHRU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY HYDERABAD B.Tech IV Year MATERIAL HANDLING IN MINES Previous Question Paper (January/February - 2023 - R18)

Stacking is the process of systematically arranging and piling bulk materials or finished products in a designated storage area. In mining operations, it is typically performed by stackers to create stockpiles of ore or coal, facilitating efficient inventory management, blending, and subsequent reclamation for transport or processing.

A bunker is a large, typically stationary, storage container or silo used in mining and industrial operations to hold bulk materials, such as coal, ore, or crushed rock, before they are processed, transported, or loaded. Unlike bins, which are generally smaller and used for temporary storage or feeding, bunkers are characterized by their significant capacity and robust construction, often designed to handle high-pressure loads from the stored material.

Key features include a hopper-shaped bottom to facilitate gravity-based discharge and a structural design that manages the flow of material to prevent bridging or arching. They serve as essential buffer storage points in a material handling system, ensuring a continuous supply of material to downstream processes despite fluctuations in mining production or transportation schedules.