In order to gain access to underground materials, several types of openings may be constructed. The size, shape, and angle from the surface of these openings is usually determined by the contour of the landscape, size of the deposit, geologic properties of the rock, and relative location of the deposit to the surface. The common names for these openings are adits, shafts or slopes - which are distinguished by the direction they are driven.

When mining almost horizontally into a hillside, a mine might employ the use of an adit, which is a largely horizontal opening with only one point of contact with the surface. In this type of mine a conveyor belt is commonly used to remove excavated material to the surface.

When mining an underground deposit that is largely horizontal a slope can be made to connect the surface to the subterranean passageways via conveyor system. Slopes are usually angled less than twenty degrees below the surface so that they can be created to best meet the requirements of excavating different materials.

A shaft is possibly the most recognized term associated with mines. Shafts are vertical holes dug into the earth to get to deep underground deposits. Instead of a conveyor belt they use a “skip” or a specialized elevator to raise workers and materials to the surface. Shafts are actually incredibly costly construct, so mines often hire specialty contractors for the task. Once a shaft is sunk networks of underground passages can sprout off.