SPECIALIST EQUIPMENT
need to be distributed based on where diff erent trucks are in the mines. VoD systems will provide the fl exibility to adjust the ventilation to supply more air to areas with diesel machinery in operation. Even when the all-electric mine of the future is realised, ventilation will still be crucial. As mines go deeper, cooling and refrigeration become more of an issue, with some mines operating at temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius. Regulating temperature is vital to the eff icient operation of electric fl eets, ensuring battery charge, health, and capacity are preserved.
ABB Ability Ventilation Optimizer in place at the Chuquicamata mine in Chile
are always running. This approach can save large mines up to US$3 million per year and reduce energy consumption by 50%.
VENTILATING THE ALL-ELECTRIC MINES OF THE FUTURE Currently, ventilation systems are heavily relied upon to remove diesel fumes emitted from trucks running underground. Diesel engines typically waste 60-70% of energy in the form of heat, necessitating additional ventilation to clear continuous tailpipe emissions. This application is coming into
focus as miners plan for, trial, and buy new battery-electric operated vehicles to reduce their emissions. As mining fl eets become electrifi ed, the amount of diesel particles that need to be removed will decrease signifi cantly, eventually reaching zero. However, this will only happen once every truck in every mine is electric, and this is some way off yet. In the interim, sophisticated VoD
systems will play a crucial role in ventilating hybrid mines. Many mines will operate mixed fl eets for the foreseeable future with both diesel and electric trucks running. Ventilation will
Harnessing innovation for mine ventilation
Innovation has revolutionised many processes in underground mining today, not only ventilation. Robotics are changing the way workers complete vital tasks, such as blasting, while automation is reducing energy and water consumption in mines and improving waste management. The next frontier of innovation
is integrating these functions under one planning schedule and production control. Within this system, an automated layer connects daily processes, including ventilation, dewatering,
conveying systems, in-pit crushers, and mobile machines to give the operator a comprehensive view of the process. This holistic overview will enable key activities to be linked. For instance, after blasting, the space needs thorough ventilation to remove the remaining gases and dust before it can be mucked out. Automated production control would enable ventilation to automatically focus on the blasting location as soon as the process is complete, removing the gases as quickly as possible.
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TESTAMENT TO THE INDUSTRY’S COMMITMENT The evolution of ventilation systems in underground mining is a testament to the industry’s commitment to safety, eff iciency, and sustainability. As mining operations transition to electric fl eets, VoD systems will continue to play a vital role, adapting to new challenges and ensuring optimal working conditions. This integration of automation and innovative technologies promises a future where mines are safer, more eff icient and sustainable.
For more information visit:
https://new.abb.com/mining/ mineoptimize/digital-applications/ advanced-process-control/abb- ability-ventilation-optimizer
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