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Drift mining is a method used to extract gold-bearing gravel deposits. Unlike hydraulic mining, it involves shafts and drifts to access the gravel. In the context of coal mining, a "drift" refers to a horizontal entry driven into a coal seam from its outcrop on the surface. This method is often the most cost-effective for accessing coal seams compared to slopes or shafts. Drifts can also be driven for exploration purposes to gain access to a deposit and establish drilling sites for a more comprehensive understanding of its size, shape, and mineral content.123

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