In October of 2016, Mine Ventilation Services (MVS)—which recently merged with SRK’s US practice—performed a ventilation survey for a large-opening room and pillar mine. MVS discovered that the mine had many areas with low airflow velocity causing dust to be suspended and built up. The 50-year-old ventilation system had reached its capacity and was in need of an upgrade.
MVS conducted further ventilation studies to identify and evaluate options for improving the mine’s ventilation system in the short and long term. We considered several ventilation shaft locations and the use of forcing versus exhausting fans, assessing the impact of each option on the existing ventilation system. After comparing results for the different options, we determined the optimal ventilation system for the mine and apprised our client of the required implementation costs. Through rigorous investigation of the mine’s ventilation system and evaluation of possible alternatives, we helped our client develop an enhanced system that would solve the existing ventilation problems and avoid future impairment of operations and productivity.
