ABSTRACT
As relatively hot mineral deposits are being developed to considerable depth, the issue of mitigating heat may require significant cooling capacity. For ore deposits to be mined at increasing depths, mechanical cooling systems used to maintain an acceptable underground climate will most certainly become increasingly complex and expensive. In most methods, the main source of potential cooling energy comes from cold water. This paper investigates the use of propylene glycol as the coolth source. Air cooling power is available by passing intake airflow through plate heat exchangers in a low pressure system. Planning for sustainable cooling potential requires protected space to successfully maintain chilled refrigerant in storage until needed. Storage facilities would maintain restricted airflow while minimizing possibilities for heat transfer during the storage phase. Successful installations will prioritize environmental management to favor long-timespan usage of sustainable cooling systems. Sustainable cooling systems could reduce or eliminate the need for mechanical cooling if installed with favorable conditions.
