ABSTRACT
Total air volume requirements of the underground mining operations are based on several parameters, including mining method, ambient air temperature, rock type, and mobile equipment emissions. Air velocity considerations are in place to ensure that the air reaches the working areas of the mine economically while minimizing the entrainment of large size contaminants, maximizing dilution of the fine particles and maintaining safe velocity for human occupancy. With the introduction of the larger battery-electric mobile fleets, such as large trucks and scoops, as a replacement for the existing diesel fleet in underground hard-rock operations, mobile equipment emissions are mostly limited to the heat generated and dust created through the mining process. Battery-electric mobile equipment could significantly reduce the air volume needed to ventilate an underground mine; however, air velocity remains an important factor to remove respirable dust, heat, and blast clearance times. This paper reviews the key parameters to support air volume determination followed by a discussion on the influence of battery electric vehicles on the total air volume of the mine.
