The principal aim of this handbook is to help owners, managers and operators of small mines by providing them with useful and well-tested technical information including safe, practical operating ideas. For this exercise 'small mines' are considered to be underground mines producing metallic and non-metallic ores and minerals; coal mines are not included. Attention is drawn to the legislation governing the conduct of mining and to the services available in State Mines Departments, covering advice and practical help on problems connected with geology, mineralogy, assaying, mining and related matters. The mine owner or manager needs, firstly, to be familiar with the legal requirements covering the claim or lease under which the mineral deposit is held. Secondly, he needs to know the type of deposit he proposes to mine, its characteristics and those of the enclosing rocks. Thirdly, he must choose a method of mining suitable for such a deposit, having regard to its geological features, safe working practices and environmental considerations. It is most important that at an early stage he should investigate fully the sale of the mineral products from the mine and the process or processes necessary to make those products marketable. All these aspects of the mining industry are covered by this handbook.