Zero Emissions Solutions for Mine Ventilation

The road to net zero

The global transition to a low-carbon economy is well underway, and the mining sector has a crucial role in this transition. The rapid uptake of green technologies to achieve decarbonisation means increased demand for minerals and metals, such as lithium and manganese, to produce electric vehicle batteries or copper for electrification.

The mining sector faces the unique challenge of meeting demand while also decreasing its own carbon footprint. To meet this challenge, many mining companies have begun developing bold and ambitious decarbonisation targets that align with the 2015 Paris climate agreement with the ultimate goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions.

There has been broad consensus among mining and metal CEOs that the industry needs to address climate change, with a 2019 UNGC-Accenture Strategy CEO Study finding that 72% of CEOs agree that sustainability issues are "very important" to the future success of the industry.

Mining companies are embracing their role as stewards of the planet by championing the lowering of greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and reducing their carbon impact on the planet by adopting battery-electric zero-emission equipment and machinery.

The importance and costs of air ventilation

Ventilation systems are critical to ensuring safe working conditions providing fresh cool air to underground miners while also diluting flammable and machine exhaust gas. These systems run 24/7 throughout the year.

Mine ventilation accounts for 42 to 49% of mining energy costs, ranking ventilation as one of the largest expenditures in mining operations.

If we break it down further by comparing the energy costs of a secondary fan to a primary vent fan, the ratio is around 2:1. Therefore, the total energy costs of the secondary ventilation system represent about 25% of the overall mining energy costs.

Achieving energy-efficient mine ventilation practices is important for reducing the total operational and energy costs. It is also the most effective means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Minetek's underground mining ventilation technology

Minetek's High Output Axial fan offers power savings and controls not previously seen in the underground mining industry. Its high-pressured fabricated steel impeller is at the forefront of mining technology and innovation. Our fans allow operation at previously thought unachievable pressures with traditional axial fans.

MINETEK's High Output Axial Fan system uses a patented Mine Air Control (MAC) system to maximise the return from its Performance on Demand (POD) units which automatically sense how much air is needed in any one heading at any time. Our POD technology allows operators to tailor pressure and power consumption without needing Variable Speed Drive (VSD) control. The result is a seamless, responsive solution which optimises performance, reduces power consumption by up to 50%, and increases overall operational efficiency.

Compared to standard twin-stage axial fan ventilation systems, the Minetek High Output axial fan system is modular and provides the following benefits:

• Vastly reduced energy costs. A fan consuming 190 kW with an electricity price of 15 c/kWh will cost $249,660 per year to run. The average mine has about 15 secondary fans, a total consumption of $3,744,900 yearly. Minetek's High Output axial fan system reduces power consumption by up to 50%, saving costs.
• Reduced noise output. Ancillary equipment and transport generate dangerous noise levels, with fans operating above the 85 dB threshold generally considered safe. Minetek's axial fans are 2dB quieter than standard twin axial fans.?
• Adjust airflow. The Performance On-Demand system allows the fan operation to be altered if the resistance is changed for any reason. This will ensure all working areas still receive the required airflow. Additionally, the POD can be opened up for blasting and can increase the airflow by up to an additional 30 m3/s. This can result in reduced re-entry times, giving a direct economic impact.?

MINETEK's underground mining ventilation solutions aim to create the most sophisticated innovation and technology for mining solutions through world-class engineering, breakthrough technology and intensive research and development.?

Looking Forward

The mining industry plays a pivotal role in excavating refined metal needed for wind, solar, electric vehicles, storage, and transmission. This will help the industry achieve the Paris goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.

While achieving net zero is a huge challenge for the mining industry, it is working to meet the challenge by adopting innovative technologies that use less power and improve efficiency.

MINETEK is one company making great strides in making mining more sustainable. Their underground ventilation technology offers rich economic, operational, and safety benefits not seen elsewhere in the industry.

Visit our website to learn more about MINETEK's underground ventilation solutions and start your journey to net zero.