Answer:

stopes

Answer	Crossword Clue
STOPES	Mining excavations.
STOPES	Mine shaft excavations.
STOPES	Mine excavations.

STOPES	Mining levels.
STOPES	Mine shafts
STOPES	Steplike excavations

Crossword

a puzzle consisting of a grid of squares and blanks into which words crossing vertically and horizontally are written according to clues.