Ventilation dilutes the harmful components that are found in a mine to an allowable regulatory level – these contaminants can include:
• Gases that come from the strata rock (such as methane, CO2, H2S, SO2 and radon);
• CO and NO2 that are generated by diesel-operated underground equipment;
• Clearance of blasting gases to allow the miners to return to the mine face; and
• Oxygen depletion in areas of the mine with poor air circulation.
The ventilation system in an underground mine plays a vital role in removing air contamination and providing fresh, breathable air to everyone working underground. Ailbhe Goodbody of Mining Magazine finds out how changes in the mining industry are affecting how ventilation is carried out. In the article Ailbhe has interviewed Principal Mine Ventilation Engineer, Brian Prosser from SRK's mine ventilation services business unit.
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