Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
During drilling, the hole gets filled with cuttings and has to be cleaned out frequently. This is done with the help of:
A)
Derrick
B)
Calyx shot drilling
C)
Sludger
D)
V-chisel
In drilling, the borehole gets filled with cuttings and must be cleaned periodically. A sludger is used to remove these cuttings and clear the hole. Derrick is only the drilling tower/frame, calyx shot drilling is a drilling method, and a V-chisel is a cutting tool, not a hole-cleaning device.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
At zero oxygen balance, the ratio of oxidizers to fuel ratio for ANFO is:
A)
92 : 8
B)
93 : 7
C)
94 : 6
D)
95 : 5
ANFO (ammonium nitrate fuel oil) at zero oxygen balance is typically mixed in the ratio of about 94% ammonium nitrate to 6% fuel oil by weight. Among the given options, the closest standard ratio is 93 : 7. This corresponds to the commonly cited zero oxygen balance composition for ANFO. The other options are either too low or too high in fuel content.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
Explain the working principle of GPS.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
It is proposed to connect two straights of a road by a simple circular curve. If the maximum speed of the vehicle is 60 km/h and the centrifugal ratio for the road is ¼, calculate the minimum radius of the curve in metre.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
No drill shall be used for boring a shot hole unless it allows a clearance of at least “A” cm over the diameter of the explosive cartridge. “A” is given by:
A)
0.5
B)
1
C)
2
D)
0.3
Under blasting regulations, the drill used for boring a shot hole must provide a clearance of at least 1 cm over the diameter of the explosive cartridge. This ensures smooth insertion of the cartridge without forcing it, which could damage the explosive or create unsafe conditions. Therefore, the correct answer is 1 cm. The other options (0.5 cm, 2 cm, and 0.3 cm) do not match the prescribed minimum clearance.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
The method of leveling adopted to determine the difference of level between two points at a considerable distance apart with great precision is:
A)
Hypsometry
B)
Profile levelling
C)
Reciprocal levelling
D)
Trigonometrical levelling
Reciprocal levelling is used to determine the difference in level between two points that are far apart, especially when direct leveling is affected by obstacles like a river, valley, or other obstruction. It eliminates errors due to collimation, curvature, and refraction, so it gives high precision. Profile levelling is used to obtain the longitudinal profile of the ground, trigonometrical levelling uses measured angles and distances, and hypsometry is not the standard method for precise differential leveling.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
The sequence of attachments between the winding rope and the cage is:
A)
bull chains, triangular plate, capel, detaching hook
B)
detaching hook, bull chains, triangular plate, capel
C)
triangular plate, bull chains, capel, detaching hook
D)
capel, detaching hook, bull chains, triangular plate
In a winding arrangement, the load path from the winding rope to the cage follows the usual order of fittings: the winding rope is first attached to the triangular plate, then to the bull chains, then to the capel, and finally to the detaching hook connected to the cage. Therefore, option (c) gives the correct sequence. The other options place these fittings in an incorrect order.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
To prevent slope failure the blasting system selected should be:
A)
Pre-split
B)
Muffled
C)
Deck charging
D)
All of the above
To prevent slope failure, the preferred blasting method is **pre-split blasting**. It creates a smooth, controlled final rock face and reduces vibration and overbreak, thereby helping maintain slope stability.
- **Pre-split**: Correct, because it is specifically used to control the final slope and prevent damage beyond the intended blast line.
- **Muffled**: Used mainly to reduce noise and flying fragments, not specifically for slope stability.
- **Deck charging**: Used to control charge distribution and reduce explosive energy, but it is not the primary method for preventing slope failure.
- **All of the above**: Incorrect, since only pre-split is directly aimed at preventing slope failure.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
The ground distance between the mine manager’s office and pit top is 300 m and it is represented by 3 cm in the mine plan. What is the representative factor?
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
Which of the following is the oxidizing agent in an explosive?
A)
Charcoal
B)
Aluminum
C)
Ammonium nitrate
D)
Magnesium carbonate
In an explosive, the oxidizing agent supplies oxygen needed for rapid combustion of the fuel component. Ammonium nitrate is a common oxidizer used in explosives. Charcoal is a fuel, aluminum is also a fuel/additive, and magnesium carbonate is not used as the oxidizing agent in explosives.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-II
Main advantage of using main and tail rope haulage is:
A)
No derailment of tub occurs.
B)
Suitable for high output.
C)
Suitable for undulating roadways and one operator can drive both drums.
D)
Long train of tubs can be attached.
Main and tail rope haulage is especially useful on steep or undulating roadways because the two ropes provide controlled movement in both directions. Its key advantage is that one operator can control both drums from a single position. Option (a) is incorrect because derailment prevention is not the main advantage. Option (b) is too general; high output is more associated with rope haulage systems in general, not the specific main-and-tail arrangement. Option (d) is also not the defining advantage of main and tail rope haulage.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Explain the process of crushing in mineral processing. Differentiate between open-circuit and closed-circuit crushing with the help of a neat flow diagram.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Which section of Mines Act 1952 prohibits the employment of women in underground mines?
A)
45
B)
46
C)
47
D)
48
Section 47 of the Mines Act, 1952 prohibits the employment of women in any part of a mine that is below ground. Section 46 deals with employment of women generally, while Section 48 relates to employment of young persons. Therefore, the correct answer is Section 47.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
One word for ‘fear of heights’:
A)
Agrophobia
B)
Acrophobia
C)
Hydrophobia
D)
Necrophobia
Acrophobia means fear of heights. Agrophobia means fear of open spaces, hydrophobia means fear of water, and necrophobia means fear of death or dead things.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
As per the Mines Rules, 1955, what is the minimum scale of drinking water to be provided per person employed in a mine?
A)
1 litre
B)
2 litres
C)
3 litres
D)
5 litres
Under the Mines Rules, 1955, the minimum scale of drinking water to be provided per person employed in a mine is 3 litres. Hence, option (c) is correct. The other options are below or above the prescribed minimum scale.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
According to the National Mineral Policy 2019, which of the following is highly emphasized?
A)
Banning all underground mining
B)
Sustainable mining and Zero Waste mining
C)
Exporting all raw minerals
D)
Nationalizing all private mines
The National Mineral Policy, 2019 strongly emphasizes sustainable mining, scientific mining practices, and maximizing recovery of minerals through Zero Waste mining. It aims to balance mineral development with environmental protection and long-term resource conservation. Option (a) is incorrect because the policy does not ban underground mining. Option (c) is incorrect because the policy does not promote exporting all raw minerals. Option (d) is incorrect because it does not call for nationalizing all private mines; instead, it supports a transparent and competitive mineral sector.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Who is held ultimately responsible for the overall financial and safety compliance of the mine under the Mines Act?
A)
The Mine Foreman
B)
The Manager
C)
The Owner / Agent
D)
The Blaster
Under the Mines Act, the owner/agent is ultimately responsible for the overall control of the mine, including financial and statutory compliance, while the Manager is responsible for day-to-day supervision and safety operations. The Mine Foreman and Blaster have only specific operational duties and are not the ultimate responsible authorities. Hence, the correct answer is the Owner / Agent.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Explain the role and primary functions of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) in regulating safety in Indian mines.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
A mining company plans to set aside 20,00,000 today for the future reclamation of a mine site. If the annual interest rate is 10%, calculate the Future Worth of this amount at the end of 4 years, compounded annually.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
An equipment costs Rs. 5,00,000. Salvage value after 10 years is Rs. 50,000. Yearly depreciation under straight-line method is:
A)
45,000
B)
50,000
C)
55,000
D)
60,000
Under the straight-line method, yearly depreciation = (Cost of equipment - Salvage value) / Useful life. Here, (5,00,000 - 50,000) / 10 = 4,50,000 / 10 = 45,000. So the correct answer is 45,000. The other options do not match this standard formula.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Write a short note on Depreciation, Redemption and Depletion.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
What is the present value of Rs. 500 receivable at the end of 5 years, if the discount rate is 10% per annum?
A)
210
B)
310
C)
410
D)
510
Present value (PV) is calculated by discounting the future amount: PV = 500 / (1.10)^5.
(1.10)^5 = 1.61051, so PV ≈ 500 / 1.61051 ≈ 310.46.
However, this does not match option (a). If the question intended simple discounting or a different convention, the closest option is (b) 310. Under standard compound discounting, the correct value is about Rs. 310, so option (b) should be correct.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Antonym of ENERVATE:
A)
Weaken
B)
Exhaust
C)
Invigorate
D)
Comfort
“Enervate” means to weaken, drain energy, or exhaust. The antonym is therefore “invigorate,” which means to give energy or strength. Options (a) Weaken and (b) Exhaust are synonyms of enervate, not antonyms. (d) Comfort is not the opposite of enervate.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Analogy — LURID: DISMAL::
A)
Lucid: Obscure
B)
Gaudy: Drab
C)
Adroit: Skilful
D)
Ephemeral: Eternal
The relationship is of synonym/near-synonym: 'lurids' means harsh, glaring, or in this context 'dismal/gloomy'. We need the pair with a similar relationship of opposite shades in meaning among the options. 'Gaudy' means showy or excessively bright, while 'drab' means dull and lacking brightness, so they are antonyms and best fit the analogy pattern used in such questions. The other options do not match as well: 'lucid: obscure' and 'ephemeral: eternal' are antonyms, but the given pair is not an antonym pair; 'adroit: skilful' is a synonym pair, not the same kind of relation.
Controller of Mines • 2026 • Technical Paper-III
Synonym of ‘OBSTINATE’:
A)
Flexible
B)
Humble
C)
Cheerful
D)
Stubborn
“Obstinate” means stubborn, unyielding, or refusing to change one’s opinion or course of action. Among the options, “Stubborn” is the closest synonym. The other options are opposites or unrelated: flexible means adaptable, humble means modest, and cheerful means happy.
