Development of Strategies for Improving Air Quantity in Indian Underground Metal Mine – A Case Study

Abstract

The mine ventilation system is one of the most integral part of any underground mine, ensuring adequate quantity and quality of airflow in the subsurface mine workings. A minimum air quantity requirement is necessary for the safety and health of miners and improving productivity. The ventilation survey was conducted in an underground metal mine located in India as a case study to determine the quantity of air flowing and pressure drop at different mine branches. The ventilation survey data was used to develop a ventilation network model using Ventsim software for simulations. The eight cases were simulated using Venstim to supply adequate quantity of air for the next extracting level. The case 4 is best suited in supplying sufficient air quantity to the upcoming new level out of eight cases. The simulation results help in developing strategies for improving air quantity in the mine.