Exploration drift ventilation project at Mine Casa Berardi - A new and more economical solution

摘要

New Exploration Drift Ventilation frequently represents a challenge for existing underground mining operations. Generally, these new exploration drifts are not considered in the original planning or ventilation design network. Ventilation people must look at different strategies to be able to bring the required CFM in the area. Mine Aurizon, in its Casa Berardi project, were confronted with that issue when they started to develop a 300 m exploration drift at level 810. Ultimately this drift was going to reach 1.2 km (Project phase 1), thus adding even more to the challenge. This paper will explain how an innovative approach, based on a new ventilation fan pipe product, has been used to deliver the required CFM necessary for the drift development. In the paper, the author will explain how it was possible to save on transportation, installation and operating costs. The new product allowed the mine to reduce the number of HP required by 70% compared with the standard approach. The information is supported with comparison tables, installation pictures and CFM measurements throughout the system. The results easily demonstrate that this product should be seriously considered by any mines who wish to make quick savings on their ventilation operating costs, while increasing their energy efficiency or even potentially reducing their CO_2 footprint.