headframe

A headframe, also called headgear, is the structural frame built above a mine shaft to support the hoisting system used for raising and lowering ore, waste rock, and sometimes personnel. It transmits the dynamic loads of the hoist to the surrounding rock and provides a mounting point for the rope or cable and pulley assemblies that guide the hoisting process.

The headframe typically supports the crown block and head pulley (sheave) arrangement, which directs the hoisting rope from the drum to the shaft. It also houses or supports the hoist house or winder, where the hoisting machinery is located, and provides access features such as ladders and catwalks for maintenance and operation. The frame is usually constructed from steel lattices or reinforced concrete and is installed on or near the shaft collar. In older mines, timber headframes were common.

Key components include the frame itself, the crown block and head sheave, rope guides, the hoist drum and machinery, and safety/access features. The system may incorporate counterweights, guide rails, and auxiliary equipment depending on the mine design.

Design and safety considerations focus on structural strength to resist shock loads, precise alignment of pulleys, corrosion protection, and robust fall protection and guarding. Regular inspection, maintenance of ropes or cables, sheaves, and braking systems, and adherence to mining safety standards are essential.

Headframes vary in size and configuration according to mine depth, hoisting rate, and local engineering practices. Modern installations favor steel structures with integrated safety and monitoring features, while older facilities may show timber or mixed materials.