Justifying ventilation-on-demand in a Canadian mine and the need for process based simulations

摘要

Justifying a major change in how large and complex mechanized metal mines are ventilated is difficult and can be extremely time consuming. Mine ventilation design has improved greatly with the use of network simulation programs, however their use in the design process is normally based upon achieving a desired flow, such with diesel exhaust dilution requirements, at specific times in a mine's lifespan. A limitation of this approach is that the results are often based upon peak production demands and assume continuous production; consequently, there can be significant and costly redundancy in the solution. This is because, few areas in a mine continuously need to be ventilated as each area employs a discontinuous process. Ventilation-on-demand (VOD) is a way to address the redundant use of air, the concept is simple, but the mine-wide benefits can be difficult to assess using conventional techniques. This paper through an industrial example at INCO's Creighton mine, follows the traditional approach to implementing change, but also provides the justification and data for higher level analyses using process based simulation to determine the ventilation requirements specific to any point in time in the transient mining process. The process based simulation methodology, as being promoted by CANMET-MMSL, will also enable the mechanized base and precious metal mining industry to obtain individualized solutions to mitigate increasing ventilation energy usage, costs and green house gas related emissions. Site specific solutions are required when one considers the unique set of controlling influences that impact ventilation design and its operating costs at each mine against the potential ventilation reduction options such as VOD, changing the diesel powered equipment, or mining remotely.