fact vs fiction, time to clear up, page-26

I have pondered why we don't go for an open pit operation instead of underground. Underground mining is more dangerous than open pit. If the existing tunnels are surveyed I cannot see why an open pit operation cannot be undertaken safely. The existing tunnels could have been blown up before hand. I'm sure there would a safe way to operate an open pit when the existing tunnels are located on the surface and the excavation is undertaken methodically.

I believe the safety reason is not the only reason why we have gone underground. Could be the initial cheaper cost and timing of the first deliveries was a consideration.

When one cannot argue over safety is often used as an excuse for why do we do things one way and not the other.