Summary

This review surveys online resources relevant to ventilation systems in underground mines. It lists ventilation software, publications, courses, consultants, and suppliers. Topics discussed include the basics of ventilation systems, regulations, and design principles.

---

INTRODUCTION

Ventilation is a basic part of all underground mine operations. Ventilation is undertaken in order to introduce fresh, cool air to the workings and to remove stale, affected air from the workings. In this technology review, we look at the basics of ventilation, the regulations, and the people, companies, and equipment you may need for installing, operating, and maintaining a ventilation system at your mine.

The need for ventilation in an underground mine is described thus by Hardcastle, Kocsis, and Lacroix in a paper from the CIM 2007 conference, entitled Strategic mine ventilation control: A source of potential energy savings.

Ventilation in underground mines is required to dilute and remove hazardous substances, control the thermal environment, and provide oxygen for humans and engine combustion. In Canadian mines, the most common considerations are the control of diesel engine exhaust emissions and mineral dust concentrations, to within prescribed levels for humans to work in that environment. A lesser concern is the clearance of blast fumes which is normally when the mine is not occupied. In a smaller number of mine radiation and other gases, such as methane may also need consideration. A new and increasing concern as Canadian mines go deeper is the control of heat exposure to the degree that it requires more air to control the temperature of the working environment than is needed for other concerns.