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Redefinición de los estándares de la industria minera mediante innovadores arrancadores de motor

Fecha de publicación: 5 julio 2024

Durante casi 40 años, Minetek ha estado a la vanguardia del suministro de soluciones tecnológicas y de ingeniería de vanguardia a la industria minera. Nuestro compromiso con la excelencia nos ha llevado a innovar continuamente en sistemas de energía industrial, garantizando un rendimiento fiable en diversos sectores.

Proporcionamos una amplia gama de soluciones avanzadas, incluidos arrancadores de motor auxiliares, distribución, salas de distribución y subestaciones. Estamos orgullosos de ofrecer soluciones energéticas a medida que no solo satisfacen las necesidades exclusivas de nuestros clientes, sino que las superan.

En Minetek, damos prioridad a la seguridad y la fiabilidad. Nuestras soluciones están diseñadas para soportar los entornos operativos más duros, garantizando un rendimiento y una seguridad continuos para nuestros socios. Nuestras soluciones están diseñadas para maximizar la eficiencia y reducir el tiempo de inactividad, desde garantizar una distribución de energía sin problemas hasta proteger los equipos esenciales.

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En el centro de nuestra oferta se encuentra nuestra variada gama de arrancadores de motor, cada uno de ellos cuidadosamente diseñado para ofrecer un rendimiento y una flexibilidad excepcionales. Desde arrancadores de ventilador hasta arrancadores de bomba y arrancadores Jumbo, tenemos soluciones para cada necesidad. En el artículo de hoy, nos sumergiremos en estos arrancadores de motor y exploraremos cómo pueden aumentar la eficiencia, mejorar la seguridad y simplificar las operaciones en la industria minera.

 

Arrancadores de motor de Mintek

Arrancadores de ventilador

Arrancadores de ventilador de Mintek están diseñados específicamente para las difíciles condiciones de la minería subterránea, ofreciendo una sólida protección y un control preciso de las operaciones de ventilación, incluidos los ventiladores secundarios, de refuerzo y auxiliares.

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Nuestros arrancadores de ventilador tienen un diseño robusto y resistente a los impactos que puede montarse fácilmente o instalarse en un bastidor colgante. Esto ofrece a los operadores subterráneos la garantía de su durabilidad y fiabilidad. Admiten rangos de tensión de 415 V a 1000 V para adaptarse a los diversos sistemas eléctricos y de ventilación que se encuentran en las explotaciones mineras. Con capacidades de 55 kW a 1100 kW, estos arrancadores incorporan automatización que simplifica el control de la ventilación. También ofrecemos arrancadores suaves opcionales, arrancadores en línea directa (DOL) y configuraciones de accionamiento de velocidad variable (VSD) para un control preciso y una mayor eficiencia energética, lo que garantiza que satisfagan sus necesidades operativas específicas.

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Minetek Power se enorgullece de ISO 9001 que subraya nuestro compromiso de mantener los más altos estándares de calidad en nuestros arrancadores de ventilador. Diseñados y fabricados en Australia con materiales de primera calidad, nuestros arrancadores de ventilador pueden integrarse con el sistema de ventilación Minetek, proporcionando una solución llave en mano fiable para las operaciones mineras.

Además de suministrar arrancadores de ventilador nuevos, ofrecemos una gama completa de servicios, incluida la programación de centros de control de motores (CCM), arrancadores suaves e integración de PLC a través de nuestro sistema de control Performance On Demand (POD). Nuestro equipo colabora estrechamente con los clientes para garantizar una integración perfecta y optimizar el rendimiento de nuestros sistemas de ventilación en sus explotaciones mineras.

 

Arrancadores de bomba

Arrancadores de bomba de Mintek están diseñados para garantizar el funcionamiento fiable y eficiente de las bombas en diversos entornos industriales. Con un enfoque clave en la optimización del rendimiento de la bomba y la minimización del tiempo de inactividad, nuestros arrancadores de bomba ofrecen beneficios prácticos destinados a mejorar la eficiencia operativa.

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Nuestros arrancadores Minetek Power Pump están fabricados para durar, alojados en armarios duraderos y resistentes a los impactos que soportan los duros entornos industriales y mineros. Diseñados para un montaje sencillo o una instalación colgante, se integran perfectamente en su infraestructura existente. Con soporte para rangos de tensión de 415 V a 1000 V, nuestros arrancadores de bomba se adaptan a una gran variedad de sistemas eléctricos utilizados habitualmente en aplicaciones industriales y mineras. Disponibles en potencias de 55 kW a 1100 kW, ofrecen un control preciso y un rendimiento óptimo para el funcionamiento de sus bombas.

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Los arrancadores de bomba Minetek Power vienen equipados con funciones de automatización integradas, que facilitan el control y el funcionamiento del sistema de bombeo. Al igual que nuestros arrancadores de ventilador, ofrecemos arrancadores suaves, arrancadores DOL y VSD opcionales, para que pueda elegir el mecanismo de control que mejor se adapte a sus necesidades. Estas características ayudan a garantizar un uso eficiente de la energía, un menor consumo energético y un mayor rendimiento de la bomba.

Entendiendo que cada aplicación industrial es única, Minetek Power ofrece arrancadores de bomba que se pueden personalizar según los estándares Form 4, con una tensión de control opcional de 24 CC para una integración perfecta con su sistema de comunicación existente.

 

Arrancadores Jumbo

Los arrancadores Jumbo de Minetek están diseñados para funcionar en los entornos subterráneos más exigentes, especialmente en aplicaciones de minería de roca dura y excavación de túneles. Estos arrancadores son un testimonio de nuestro compromiso inquebrantable de ofrecer un control de motores y una protección eléctrica de primer nivel para equipos de perforación pesados, garantizando tanto la eficiencia operativa como la seguridad del personal.

En las duras y agotadoras condiciones de la minería subterránea y la excavación de túneles, la fiabilidad es esencial. Los arrancadores Minetek Power Jumbo están diseñados para ofrecer un rendimiento de primer nivel, con un potente control del motor y una protección eléctrica completa. Esto garantiza que los equipos de perforación pesados arranquen de forma segura y eficiente, aumentando la productividad y asegurando un funcionamiento sin problemas.

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Construidos para soportar las duras condiciones que prevalecen en los entornos subterráneos, nuestros arrancadores Jumbo están encapsulados en armarios resistentes a los impactos. Este diseño no solo protege el equipo de posibles daños debidos a factores ambientales, sino que también garantiza su longevidad, minimizando la necesidad de mantenimiento o sustitución frecuentes.

Una de las características más destacadas de los arrancadores Jumbo de Minetek Power es su versatilidad. Disponen de mecanismos de arranque mediante pulsador, que ofrecen a los operarios una forma fácil e intuitiva de arrancar el equipo. Además, estos arrancadores pueden integrarse perfectamente en los sistemas de automatización, lo que permite un control y coordinación centralizados dentro de la infraestructura minera o de túneles.

Minetek Power entiende que cada operación es única, por lo que ofrecemos opciones de control manual y automatizado. Tanto si los operadores prefieren un enfoque más práctico como si desean mejorar la eficiencia mediante la automatización, nuestros arrancadores Jumbo ofrecen la flexibilidad necesaria para adaptarse a cualquier escenario operativo.

Minetek Power apuesta por la innovación en las explotaciones mineras

Estos arrancadores de motor son más que simples componentes. Reflejan el compromiso de Minetek Power con la innovación y la excelencia. Con cada solución, redefinimos lo que es posible en la industria minera, dotando a nuestros socios de las herramientas que necesitan para triunfar.

Mientras seguimos ampliando los límites de la innovación, en Minetek Power seguimos dedicados a nuestra misión de potenciar las operaciones mineras con soluciones transformadoras que impulsen la eficiencia, la seguridad y la sostenibilidad.

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Agua Instalaciones de almacenamiento de residuos

Fecha de publicación: 5 julio 2024

There are thousands of active tailings storage facilities (TSFs) or water tailings located around the world. Tailings dams store mine-affected, acid, caustic and/or brine water generated through industrial processes. Industries such as mining, oil & gas, power generation, landfills & food processing facilities often utilise TSF as part of their water management strategy, however, there are risks involved.

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What are water tailings?

Tailings dams are typically earth-filled embankments designed to store water that has been affected by industrial processes, such as mining. Water tailings hold the water that is left over after the process of separating minerals from ore.

Water held in tailings dams or ponds is often contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins. Therefore, managing toxic wastewater comes with high risks, as there are devastating environmental consequences if the dam fails or if water was to leak into groundwater.

Water tailings can store an array of liquids, solids, or a slurry of toxins and potentially radioactive fine particles. The removed solids, known as sludge, are extracted and used for various applications. Tailings sludge can be used to make sustainable by-products used in agriculture, landscaping, and construction industries.

While water tailings can have negative environmental impacts, they are necessary for many industries to manage wastewater. When done correctly, water tailings can be an important tool in protecting the environment from toxic waste.

What is the purpose of water tailings dams?

The purpose of water-tailing dams is to store the waste material from the mineral separation process and to prevent it from causing environmental damage. Water tailings are a type of wastewater that is produced when minerals are separated from the ore. often water is contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins.

TSF can be used to separate water from the tailings, enabling the release of recycled water back into water sources. Typically there are water quality standards and environmental requirements around the release/discharge of treated tailings water back into the environment. In Australia, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) regulates pollution associated with water tailings by monitoring requirements and pollution limits, including permitted discharges.

Tailings disposal methods include slurry disposal, thickened and paste disposal, dry stacking and disposal of coarse wastes, including coal mine coarse reject, metalliferous smelter scats or slag, and waste rock or soil. There are processes to repurpose waste, grinding up rock into fine sand can help extract valuable minerals or metals from the rock ore. All the unrecoverable and uneconomic remnants from this process are waste.

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Risks Associated with Tailing Storage Facilities (TSF)

Water tailings can be a source of water pollution if they are not managed properly. There are high risks associated with TSFs with dire environmental consequences if they fail. TSF failures cause significant environmental damage and potential loss of human life. For example, the Samarco tailings dam failure in Brazil in 2015 led to 19 deaths, devastating environmental impacts and economic losses. Based on historical data, water tailings dams are 10 x more likely to fail in comparison to water dams.

The Mount Polley disaster in BC Canada saw approximately 25 million cubic metres of contaminated water and 4.5 million cubic metres of solid mine waste released into the environment when the tailings dam collapsed in 2014. The long-term environmental damage is still being assessed, however, it is clear that there was a significant impact on fish and wildlife in the area.

Recently, the Jagersfontein Diamond Mine in South Africa catastrophically failed in September 2022, triggering mudslides that killed and injured multiple people. In November 2022 another Diamond mine’s tailings dam breached resulting in flooding. The Williamson Mine in Tanzania reported no injuries with emergency services on-site to ensure the safety of the community.

The consequences of a failed TSF can be significant, which is why it’s essential for industries to have comprehensive water tailings management strategies in place.

Water tailings can also pose a risk to human health if they’re not managed properly. Water tailings can contain harmful chemicals and pollutants that can leach into groundwater and contaminate drinking water supplies. In some cases, people living near water tailings dams have been known to experience health problems such as skin rashes, respiratory problems and gastrointestinal issues.

It’s therefore essential that industries take the necessary steps to ensure that their water tailings are properly managed and pose no risk to human health or the environment.

Tailings Management Tips

There are a few things you can do to reduce the risk of water pollution from water tailings:

  • Store water tailings in lined pits, ponds or tanks to prevent them from leaching into the ground.
  • Cover water tailings with an impermeable cover such as plastic to prevent rainwater from coming into contact with them.
  • Ensure that water tailings won’t fail even during extreme weather events.
  • Guarantee that safety takes precedence over cost
  • Apply best practice techniques and adopt innovative technologies such as mechanical water evaporation to assist with reducing TSF water levels.
  • Never build facilities within the TSF line of failure.
  • Integrate water tailings planning into mine planning
  • Evaporating tailings to reduce the overall water content
  • Utilising adequate liners between the tailings and the surrounding environment
  • Continued TSF monitoring and management
  • Ensure TSF can within the probable maximum flood & maximum credible earthquake without failure.
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Tailings Water Management Technology

Minetek’s innovative water evaporation technology helps industrial operators around the world effectively manage and mitigate risks associated with storing waste or mine-affected water. Our solutions are designed to reduce risk and potentially save lives, manage excess water in critical mining infrastructure and improve water quality management in outflow processes.

We understand the need to manage processes and produced water throughout the lifecycle of a mine site to achieve true economic and environmental sustainability. We have developed a range of water evaporation and automated and integrated water quality management solutions to help mining operators meet the expectations of their stakeholders.

From excess water removal, ensuring the safe operation of potentially dangerous tailings dams, through to acid mine dewatering and the removal of toxic metals to improve the quality of water released back into the environment. Minetek has a solution to meet the strictest of regulations and satisfy operational and broader community expectations. Póngase en contacto con nosotros to discover how Minetek can help you.

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Una solución de ventilación subterránea sostenible para la mina de oro de Agnew

Fecha de publicación: 5 julio 2024

Located just 30km from Leinster, Western Australia is the Northern Norseman-Wiluna Greenstone Belt. This mining region is home to the Agnew Gold Mine, owned by the international mining corporation Gold Fields. Agnew mine houses the Waroonga and New Holland underground deposits, the last two remaining gold mines in the Goldfields-Esperance region. Both Agnew mines have been operational since the 1880s, with a resurgence in production over the past decade. Between 2021 and 2022 Agnew Mine produced between 232,000oz -240,000oz of gold [1].

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Net-zero Underground Ventilation.

The Agnew Gold Mine required a complete ventilation upgrade to meet Life Of Mine (LOM) requirements. This solution involved future-proofing for continuing production, mine extensions and brownfield exploration throughout under-explored sections of the tenements. This Gold Mine was experiencing challenges with the existing primary ventilation circuit. The air volume flow rate was not achieving the required free air volume or pressure. Therefore, debottlenecking was required to achieve their goal of increased production and expanded exploration.

Agnew Gold Mine commissioned Minetek to help achieve their long-term vision and demands by developing a customised underground ventilation solution. Minetek’s solution was a Primary Booster Fan which included the removal of redundant equipment and installing the new fans. This unique solution was an Australian first for a fan of this combined size and technology, powered by Agnew’s renewable grid network. Discover the full case study by requesting a free PDF copy.

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Sustainable Ventilation Solution.

Agnew Gold Mine favoured a low energy, high volume ventilation solution with low energy consumption. Minetek’s Primary Fans required energy output of 1,100kW / 1,000 V and a flow rate of 280 m³/sec – 350 m³/sec at a pressure of 3,700 Pa – 4,200 Pa meeting both current and future production and development needs.

Minetek’s Performance On Demand (POD) technology enabled a seamless operation with the ability to adapt pressure and power consumption without using Variable Speed Drive (VSD) controls. Our impulse bladed impeller controls the POD system with anti-stall technology installed to capture turbulent air flow and unstable pre-swirls, to ensure optimal fan performance.

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Due to their sheer size, Minetek’s Primary Fans had to be tested prior to shipping. We gained approvals from the Power Supply Authorities, and all other facilities within the Minetek complex had to be shut down to provide enough power for testing. The performance of the Primary Booster fans was pilot tested in Minetek’s testing chamber which happens to be the largest fan test chamber in the southern hemisphere. This unique environment was built to conform with AMCA standards and can simulate the most challenging conditions in any underground mining scenario.

Minetek engineers and key personnel kept all project goals on track, achieving the installation within a short timeframe. The previous fans were removed and replaced with new fans in just four days of commissioning. Originally, we anticipated this project to be completed within 10 shifts however our seamless project management enabled a turn-key installation in only 7 shifts.

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1100Kw Primary Booster Fan

Engineered with the mining industry at the forefront, Minetek’s High Output Axial Primary Booster Fans are a robust and reliable ventilation solution with a broad operating range. Our unique steel impeller allows for operation at high pressures with prolonged life, in even the harshest of underground mining environments.

Primary Booster Fan Specifications

  • Power range – 1100 kW (kilowatts) / 1,000 V (volts)
  • Volume flowrate – 350 m³/sec (cubic metres per second) / 742,000 CFM (Cubic Feet Per Minute) (cubic feet per minute)
  • Pressure – 4,200 Pa (pascals) / 16.9 in.wg (inch of water)
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Minetek primary fans, have been proven to reduce power consumption costs by up to 50%, by regulating flow rates from the integrated POD system. Our fans have the capability to outperform larger alternatives and then be re-deployed quickly and easily to other locations as the mine workings evolve. Underground mines can reduce on ventilation capital costs with less fans required to meet underground flow rates and pressure requirements. Achieve safe, reliable operations while delivering guaranteed reductions in power consumption and increased profitability, assisting green mines achieve net-zero emission targets.

Minetek has expanded with a new operations hub located in Perth, servicing the Western Australian Mining regions. Our world-class service has expanded to meet the demand and responsiveness needed to support our clients’ requirements. Our technical team is now close by and readily available to help with your site. The team at Minetek are confident and ready to provide solutions that match your requirements. Contact us to find out more about our primary and secondary ventilation solutions.

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Cómo reducir el ruido de las máquinas

Fecha de publicación: 5 julio 2024

Mines can operate 24/7 if appropriate noise regulations are met. These are typically achieved through machine noise reduction strategies and atenuación acústica. Open-cut mines are susceptible to increased noise levels due to the nature of their operations with heavy machinery often the primary source of increased noise on mine sites. Minetek Sound has developed sound attenuation solutions to ensure machinery is compliant with government regulators and set noise limits the mine must adhere to.

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What are the implications of noise pollution on mine sites?

Mines are 24/7 operations, and anyone working or living near a mine site, without realising it can suffer from hearing and/or physiological damage. According to Safe Work Australia, mining was included in the top three industry sectors with compensation claims due to deafness. Within the mining industry, coal mining had the highest number and highest incidence rate, so the threat to hearing is very profound and in need of attention. Machine noise reduction strategies can help minimise health impacts on mine site workers.

Machinery noise regulations are set by governing bodies to ensure their operations do not disturb neighbours with excessive noise, particularly at night. Hunter Valley coal mine was fined $15,000 AUD for excessive noise at night by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). They exceeded their set noise levels by 3dB, causing production to halt during evenings to avoid fines and further development restrictions. Machine noise reduction strategies can assist with managing workers’ safety, and environmental and community expectations.

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What is a truck-mounted attenuator?

A truck-mounted attenuator is a device that is fitted to the exhaust of a machine in order to reduce machine noise levels. Truck-mounted attenuators are often used on open-cut mines where the increased noise levels can halt production or reduce mine operating hours.

Minetek’s sound attenuation packages provide clear benefits beyond sound reduction including prevention of overheating through engineered designs, ease of maintenance, less downtime, compliance with strict government regulators, reduction of fines, and improved community relations. Our engineered machine noise reduction solutions help to reduce noise by intelligently treating the noise sources in the most effective way, by treating noise from the source. Providing noise reduction solutions across mining fleets is expected to save operators considerable amounts of money in the process.

More than often, whilst treating the source of machinery noise, Minetek also lowers the risk of the vehicle overheating through increased airflow. Our maintenance plan allows operators to regularly maintain machines without having to remove the truck-mounted attenuator. Our turnkey sound attenuation solutions ensure the performance of the machine is not impacted by our sound reduction efforts. Minetek Sound provides clear maintenance guidelines, reducing the downtime of machinery and guaranteeing optimal machine performance.

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Machine noise reduction strategies

Our solutions can help reduce machine noise on just about any large diesel machinery. Backed by our long history and proven track record of working with OEMs such as Hitachi, Liebherr, Komatsu, JCB and Oruga. Minetek’s machinery noise reduction packages include noise surveys and evaluation, safety advice for the operator, mine site inspections and site recommendations, in-cab testing and recommendations and Work Health and Safety noise recommendations.

The noise assessment process is extremely thorough, with the ability to accurately predict noise level reductions and guarantee accurate sound reduction levels in accordance with regulatory noise criteria. We have multiple case studies with a proven track record of hitting our noise reduction targets across all past projects.

Our rigorous testing involves checking the noise output when stationary and during in situ operating conditions. These include both uphill and downhill travel, whilst loaded and unloaded along with any applicable parameters as specified. To ensure 100% accuracy of our results, we provide our clients with a reputable independent noise report from a third party.

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Tendencias e innovaciones en la minería estadounidense: Las soluciones de Minetek Air para una minería sostenible

Publish date: 21 junio 2024

The U.S. mining industry is at a pivotal moment, facing a blend of challenges and opportunities amidst significant reforms across the country.

A key development is the creation of an interagency working group by the Department of the Interior. This group is focused on overhauling hardrock mining laws, regulations, and permitting policies to support President Biden’s goals for better environmental protection, sustainable resource management, and responsible mining practices.

Made up of experts in mine permitting and environmental law, this group will review current laws and processes to suggest improvements that prioritise environmental, community, and Tribal engagement standards at every stage of mine development.

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The newly released Fundamental Principles for Domestic Mining Reform by the Biden-Harris Administration is central to this effort. These principles prioritise environmental protection, community involvement, and fiscal responsibility, aiming to strike a balance between economic growth and environmental conservation.

These initiatives represent a watershed moment for the U.S. mining industry, which is confronting the need for modernisation and adaptation.

In today’s article, we will discuss the emerging trends in the mining industry and examine their implications for companies operating in America.

 

The impact of regulatory changes on the U.S. mining industry

We are seeing a significant shift towards sustainability worldwide, with more than 140 countries setting net-zero targets and covering about 88% of global emissions. Among them, the United States, historically one of the largest contributors to global emissions, is taking bold strides towards sustainability.

In line with the “Investing in America” agenda, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has allocated up to $475 million to fund five projects across Arizona, Kentucky, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. These projects, situated on both current and former mine lands, represent a radical effort to accelerate the deployment of clean energy technologies in regions historically reliant on fossil fuel extraction. This substantial funding injection underscores the federal government’s commitment to promoting clean energy innovation and revitalising communities grappling with the decline of traditional mining industries.

The United States is taking a leading role in the clean energy revolution, striving for a future that’s more sustainable and resilient for generations to come. Yet, amidst these proactive steps, American mining operations are facing a changing regulatory environment, both locally and globally. As governments worldwide step up efforts to address climate change and promote environmental sustainability, mining companies are grappling with a complex array of regulations aimed at minimising their environmental footprint.

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Within the U.S., initiatives like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and National Environmental Policy Act enforce strict environmental standards on mining activities. These standards require companies to implement pollution control measures, conduct thorough environmental assessments, and engage in transparent consultation processes with stakeholders. There is growing support for updating the 1872 Mining Law to promote clean energy initiatives.

In light of these trends, American mining firms are urged to embrace sustainable practices and embrace clean technologies. Moving ahead, it’s crucial to uphold regulatory compliance while fostering responsible resource management. By addressing environmental issues and embracing sustainability, mining companies can manage regulatory risks and foster long-term value in an increasingly environmentally conscious world.

 

Innovations in ventilation systems

Ventilation systems are critical to maintaining safe working conditions for miners, providing fresh cool air to underground miners, and diluting flammable and machine exhaust gas. Yet their energy consumption accounts for a significant portion—often 40% or more—of a mine’s total energy usage. This places a substantial financial burden on mining operations and underscores the imperative to minimise energy consumption while maximising efficiency.

To tackle this challenge, mines are increasingly focusing on adopting energy-efficient ventilation techniques. This means embracing advanced technologies like automated airflow controls, and optimised ventilation designs. The aim is to reduce energy consumption while ensuring safety and maintaining air quality standards.

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The role of automation and digitisation in mining operations

Automation and digitisation have become integral components of modernising industries, and the mining sector stands to benefit significantly from their implementation. The adoption of automation and digitisation technologies in mining operations offers a wide range of advantages, including:

1. Increased Productivity: Automation streamlines processes, reduces downtime, and enables continuous operations, ultimately leading to higher productivity levels.

2. Enhanced Safety: Automated systems can perform tasks in hazardous environments, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries to human workers.

3. Reduced Operational Costs: Automation minimises the need for manual labour, leading to lower labour costs, and optimises resource utilisation, resulting in overall cost savings.

4. Improved Environmental Sustainability: By optimising processes and reducing resource wastage, automation helps minimise the environmental footprint of mining activities, contributing to sustainability efforts.

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The integration of automation and digitisation technologies presents a pivotal opportunity for the mining industry. These advancements allow mining operations to attain greater productivity, enhanced safety, reduced costs, and improved environmental sustainability, ultimately positioning them for long-term success.

 

Minetek’s solutions for sustainable mining

Minetek is an innovative and solution-driven company specialising in engineering, designing, manufacturing, and implementing advanced equipment for the industrial and mining sectors. With decades of experience helping mining and industry leaders achieve environmentally sustainable air management outcomes, Minetek has built a solid reputation for developing safe, reliable, and profitable operations.

Minetek’s High Output Axial Fan exemplifies the benefits of technological innovation in the mining industry. This advanced fan system offers unprecedented power savings and control capabilities, setting a new standard for underground mining operations. With its high-pressured fabricated steel impeller, Minetek’s fan technology represents cutting-edge mining innovation, allowing operation at pressures previously thought unachievable with traditional axial fans.

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The inclusion of Minetek’s patented Mine Air Control (MAC) system further enhances the efficiency and performance of the High Output Axial Fan. Furthermore, by utilising Minetek’s Performance on Demand (POD) technology, operators can optimise air pressure and power consumption without the need for Variable Speed Drive (VSD) control. This innovative technology ensures a seamless, responsive solution that maximises performance while significantly reducing power consumption—up to 50% in some cases—resulting in increased operational efficiency and cost savings.

What’s more, operators can remotely control the ventilation system from the surface to ensure optimal performance. Providing real-time access to crucial data, enabling adjustments without requiring on-site presence. This remote control feature not only boosts operational flexibility but also enhances efficiency, enabling mining companies to optimise ventilation resources with ease.

 

Conclusion

The U.S. mining industry is currently facing a period of change, with new regulations and technological advancements on the horizon. Emerging trends in the mining industry such as stricter regulations, technological advancements, and the integration of automation and digitisation are poised to significantly impact the American mining landscape. These developments underscore the need for mining companies to adapt and innovate in order to thrive in an evolving environment.

Innovative solutions like Minetek’s High Output Axial Fan and Mine Air Control (MAC) system demonstrate how technology can boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability in mining. It’s essential for mining companies to stay updated on these advancements, embracing sustainable practices and technologies. This ensures not only regulatory adherence but also contributes to a more sustainable future for the industry and the communities it serves.

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Mine site noise control strategies

Publish date: 21 junio 2024

Noise control is often one of the less significant considerations when planning and implementing mining developments. While environmental regulations need to be met, noise does not pose an immediate risk to the life of miners or the community at large.

Mine sites often choose to reactively control noise pollution only once an incident has occurred, as either a breach of regulation or pressure from the local community emerge. However, noise is a generic hazard common to the entire industry and all mining operations. One in four mineworkers has hearing issues, with four out of five miners having a hearing impairment by the time they reach their mid-60s. Industrial Deafness compensation claims can be costly to the industry. Hearing loss, compensation payments, and public awareness are all on the rise.

Proactive sound attenuation is the best noise control solution, helping to mitigate issues and reap the immediate rewards of strategic noise dampening without economic loss of downtime or fines. Minetek can help sites assess all elements of sound suppression and embed sound as a key consideration in all safety and environmental initiatives.

What are the options for noise control?

There are three main types of engineering noise control in industrial workplaces. Each of these methods comes with factors that need to be addressed. These are:

  1. Employer control
  2. Controlling noise at the source
  3. Controlling noise propagation
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1. Employer Noise Control

This is achieved by workers wearing hearing protection.

Considerations

Employer PPE is the easiest sound control method but should be seen as an additional supplement on top of proper noise control. Hearing protection relies on individual workers to fit and wear protection and does not control site noise or vibrations that may cause environmental or community breaches.

2. Controlling Noise at the Source

This is achieved by the substitution of processes, work methods, materials, or equipment. Specification of quieter machines or minimising the number of machines running at a given time.

Maintaining equipment or well-designed machines with sound in mind can also mitigate noise. The reduction of mechanical shock between parts, friction or vibration can reduce the sound.

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Considerations

While controlling noise at the source is a reasonable method for sound control, not all options are realistic. Running fewer machines or limiting production to certain times can seriously impede the site’s ROI, as seen at New Acland in NSW.

Additionally, choosing to change work methods, processes or equipment can be both timely, and costly, and often come with additional safety assessments and red tape.

Substituting machinery or machinery parts to reduce noise is the best option to control noise at the source. There are several complexities that need to be considered when doing this, and many offerings on the market, such as fan substitution, sacrifice machine performance, power and longevity in the name of noise suppression.

Minetek can assist in a full assessment of viable options to control noise at the source, that won’t reduce power, performance or profitability of the equipment or site.

3. Controlling Noise Propagation

This is achieved by blocking the sound waves from travelling, either using barriers, enclosures, reactive or dissipative mufflers, reverberation control or active noise control.

Considerations

Controlling noise propagation is another feasible option if performed correctly. Sound suppression idlers, engine attenuation, and acoustic engine enclosures are all options for great reduction however, just like controlling noise at the source, due care must be taken to not overheat, crowd, or block the engine. Many companies in the market fail to consider the longevity of equipment, choosing to sacrifice quality for immediate cost savings.

Incorrect or low-quality sound suppression can severely hamper a machine’s performance and life span. Replacing burnt-out mine equipment will ultimately wind up being far more costly than investing in a correct sound attenuation solution.

There’s also an environmental element to consider here as well. Maintaining mechanical and combustion efficiency will prevent equipment from chewing through petrol and driving down air quality on site.

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Environmental and community awareness is increasing scrutiny of industry noise. Sound attenuation is not only important for employer safety, but poor noise control can raise expenditures due to machine replacement, fines, compensation payouts and strict limitations to production schedules.

We offer onsite sound assessing, consultation, custom engineering, installation, servicing, and guaranteed results. Make Minetek part of your sound attenuation strategy and set your site up for success.

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Water treatment vs water evaporation: advantages & disadvantages

Publish date: 21 junio 2024

The water that we use in our homes comes from a variety of sources, including surface water (lakes, rivers, and streams), groundwater (aquifers), and municipal water supplies. Depending on the source, water may be contaminated with a variety of impurities, including bacteria, viruses, heavy metals, chemicals, and dissolved minerals.

Industries such as mining, energy and power, textile, oil, gas and petrochemical require wastewater treatment for their operations. They use water in large volumes for various purposes such as cooling, boiler feed, process requirements etc. The wastewater generated from their operations contains a variety of impurities including dissolved minerals, suspended solids, oil and grease, heavy metals, and chemicals.

Water evaporation is a process where water is converted from its liquid state to water vapour. This can happen through either natural or man-made processes through technologies such as water evaporators. Water treatment, on the other hand, is the process of making the water suitable for use. This can involve filtration, purification, and/or disinfection.

Water Treatment

Treating water involves removing harmful constituents and making it safe for human consumption. Water treatment is important for both drinking water and wastewater. The goal of wastewater treatment is to produce clean water that can be released back into the environment safely. In order to release water back into the environment, it must meet certain water quality standards. Each state or nation has guidelines in place to help mitigate risks to public health and the environment.

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Wastewater treatment is a great environmental solution for saline, brine, acid, caustic or mine-affected water. Water treatment can take many different forms, depending on the type of water being treated and the desired outcome.

Both water evaporation and water treatment are important for different reasons. Water evaporation is important for removing water from surfaces or areas where it is not wanted. On the other hand, water treatment is almost always done in order to make water safe for human consumption or environmental dispersion. Water treatment can be done through various methods, including filtration, reverse osmosis, ultraviolet purification, and distillation.

Water filtration

Filtration is a process that removes particles from water by passing it through a filter. There are many types of filters, such as activated carbon filters, cartridge filters, and sand filters.

Reverse osmosis treatment

Reverse osmosis is a process that removes dissolved substances from water by passing it through a semipermeable membrane.

Ultraviolet water purification

Ultraviolet purification is a process that uses ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and other microorganisms in water.

Water distillation

Distillation is a process that removes dissolved substances from water by evaporating it.

Wastewater Treatment – Advantages & Disadvantages

There are many advantages of wastewater treatment such as:

  • Removing harmful contaminants from the water which could cause serious health problems with fast reaction rates
  • Chemical reactions don’t produce excess sludge or spent carbon
  • Ensure the water is safe to drink and also remove any unpleasant taste or smell.
  • Making the water suitable for different purposes such as irrigation, industry, and domestic use.
  • Removes at least 98% of organic contaminants
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However, there are also some disadvantages of water treatment, such as:

  • Requires a significant amount of electrical energy
  • Long lead time implementing this solution, typically it’s around 3-4 months
  • Constant maintenance with cleaning and replacement parts required
  • Costs – It can be expensive to treat wastewater with OPEX costs at $2 per m3 of treated water
  • Chemicals are required to treat wastewater, with chemicals such as Chlorine linked to cancer
  • Unable to manage changes in water quality input
  • The water treatment chemical process must target specific contaminants
  • Large amounts of peroxide and chemicals are used in treating wastewater
  • The process only removes organic material

Evaporación del agua

Water evaporation is a natural process where water is converted from liquid to vapour. This can happen through either man-made or natural processes. One example of a man-made process is water desalination, where salt and other minerals are removed from seawater to make it potable.

Natural water evaporation happens when water is heated by the sun or wind, causing it to change state from liquid to vapour. This process is responsible for the formation of clouds, as well as precipitation such as rain and snow.

Mechanical water evaporation is another process that can be used to remove water from surfaces, dams, and tailings storage facilities. This is often done in order to prevent corrosion or dispersion of harmful metals and chemicals into the environment.

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Mechanical Water Evaporators

The Minetek evaporators employ a process known as Mechanically Enhanced Evaporation (MEE). Evaporation is enhanced by the Minetek Evaporator primarily by two means. The feed water is delivered at high pressure to a series of fracturing nozzles. This produces millions of droplets per second, resulting in a massive increase in surface area, much greater than could be practically achieved by an evaporation pond.

Minetek’s evaporators also employ a fan to increase the wind speed to more than 150 km/h, thus increasing the Evaporation Rate well beyond that of the ambient Pan Evaporation Rate (PER) (to which evaporation ponds are limited). In lamens terms, Minetek has taken a natural process (solar evaporation from the sun) and mechanically enhancing it through the use of the Mechanical Minetek evaporator.

Mechanical water evaporation provides a significant range of benefits when compared to water treatment including:

  • It is a natural process that does not require chemical pre-treatment
  • It is very efficient at removing water from surfaces
  • Significant CAPEX savings
  • OPEX savings at $0.20 per m3 evaporated
  • No waste stream
  • No operator required
  • Quick deployment of systems
  • Very low maintenance
  • No moving parts
  • Not susceptible to changes in feed water quality
  • Minimal footprint and power required
  • Evaporators a very mobile and robust
  • However, there are also some disadvantages of mechanical water evaporation, such as:
  • Time – it can be a slow process evaporating large quantities, making it a great long-term water management solution.
  • Not suitable for applications where water needs to be removed quickly, such as during flash flooding.

Water Evaporation vs Water Treatment – Mini Case Study

A mining client of Minetek located in the cold seasonal climate of Canada is looking to utilise up to 50 x 600/300 evaporators. This system would be evaporating 9800 GPM in that particular climate. The cost for the evaporators would be in the vicinity of US $23,000,000.00. The alternative for them would be to increase their water treatment capacity. The cost to do this at their mine site would be around US $100,000,000.00. Therefore, the costs associated water evaporation costs are 5 x less, presenting immense value and provides significant CAPEX & OPEX savings across the board. Especially when compared to traditional water treatment or the construction of new dams.

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Client Comparison

  • Water treatment – Treating 15 ML/day CAPEX USD $40,000,000.00
  • Minetek Evaporation System – Evaporate 15 ML/day CAPEX USD $4,030,856.00
  • Approx. CAPEX savings = USD $35,969,144.00

One of the key benefits of the Minetek evaporators is that the technology enables some of our clients to defer, reduce the size of tailings or storage dams; defer TSF lifts or eliminate the need to construct the new dam altogether.

As we know the cost to construct or raise a TSF or storage dam is extremely capital intensive. One such example is a recent gold mine client who has a capital of cost of US $25 million per year to raise the TSF.

The alternative to raising the dam was to implement a Minetek evaporation system to draw down the water level and in turn defer the TSF lift for a number of years.

  • Cost per year to raise tailings dam = USD $25 million
  • Cost for Minetek Evaporator system USD $3.5 million
  • Year one savings = USD $21,509,048.00
  • Year two savings = USD $46,509,048.00
  • Year three savings = USD $71,509,048.00

Based on the above capital cost estimate and compared with the capital cost associated with raising the dam wall the cost savings are significant.

Minetek Water Evaporators

The Minetek evaporation system functions by discharging water through a unique and patented water fracturing nozzle. This nozzle is designed to achieve the correct water molecule size by fracturing, to maximise performance via droplet reduction and direct water fragmentation. The water is then injected into a high volume/high-velocity air stream to propel it into the atmosphere. Enhancing hang time and exposure to external- ambient elements.

This is a continual process with the ambient air being replenished via a high-performance vane blower unit within the Evaporator. Drawing air from fresh ambient surroundings to maintain and achieve the highest possible evaporation.

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Our evaporation technology can help you to avoid building another water treatment plant or at the least build a much smaller one. Water treatment is always expensive and in the current climate, the costs are going through the roof with raw materials for the CAPEX and also OPEX costs for the consumables. View our full range of floating and land-based evaporators models.

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3 key trends driving underground ventilation

Publish date: 21 junio 2024

From the moment mankind began the pursuit of mining the earth for valuable commodities, there has been one unchanged constant. The need for a safe, reliable and efficient supply of air to those underground. This can be achieved through adequate underground ventilation & air solutions.

Since the beginning of civilisation, man has toiled to extract stone, ceramics and later precious minerals to subsist, to improve his way of life and in time, to prosper. Following the onset of the industrial age, this pursuit has expanded on a vast scale and the need to supply air sustainably and in volume to underground operations has grown.

Today, however, while the pace at which mining is undertaken throughout the world has increased, the imperatives are changing. While the core responsibility of global miners is to provide sustainable operations, the need to constantly adapt and generate new efficiencies is ever-present. On top of the need for quality air supply, the industrial narrative is expanding with miners now charged with the mandate of achieving increased safety, profitability and environmental outcomes.

As the pace and scale at which mining continues into the future, there are three key enablers that are guiding this new era of mining & underground ventilation;

  1. Flexibility
  2. Technology
  3. Agility

1. Ventilation flexibility

The ability to adapt to change is vital in any industry and being able to tailor processes to meet operating conditions is key. In underground mining, the ability to target air supply in line with production requirements is one of the main challenges for operators. To meet this challenge, the concept of underground Ventilation On Demand (VOD) has been prevalent in recent years with systems designed to deliver airflow to workings based on scheduling and people movements.

However, the contemporary approach to delivering on-demand air supply in recent times has been to regulate airflow through complex and expensive infrastructure. The solution has been the application of Variable Speed Drives (VSD), Variable Frequency Drives (VFD) or Variable Voltage Variable Frequency Drives (VVCFD) – which control power to the underground ventilation system enabling airflow to be ramped up or down based on demand.

It is a given that high air velocities require high-pressure gradients and maintaining this pressure across a mining network comes at a high cost. In the post-2007 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) era and the subsequent mining downturn of 2013, the use of VSDs was seen as the logical way to tailor the supply of airflow based on demand, with the primary benefit being a reduction in power consumption costs. For an underground mine, has been estimated that ventilation systems can contribute to as much as 50% of power consumption needs. While there has been a heightened focus on driving down costs to enable economically sustainable operations, VSDs still present somewhat of a conundrum.

By nature, VSDs are a costly solution in themselves, with infrastructure and supporting control software ranging in the tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. As expensive as they are, they are equally fragile, requiring dedicated, air-conditioned rooms and custom cabling for operation. While the benefits of Ventilation On Demand via the use of VSDs seem apparent, their use now almost seems illogical in the harshest of underground environments.

If only there was another way…

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Enter Australian business Minetek, with a new approach to optimising airflow underground called Performance On Demand (POD). Minetek has developed an innovative approach to optimising air circuits enabling a shift away from requiring costly VSDs. This is certainly a watershed moment in underground ventilation. Able to be manually or autonomously controlled, the mechanically driven solution delivers the required flexibility for operators by tuning the dynamics of the airflow over the system’s innovative impellers.

By mechanically controlling the flow of air over the impellers – not the supply of power to the fan – power consumption is optimised and can be maintained at a significantly lower level. Minetek has been able to deliver up to a 50% reduction in power consumption costs, all while enabling operators to maintain flexibility in line with production and scheduling requirements. From a broader perspective, POD considers the new imperatives faced by miners – by actually driving down operational costs and in turn yielding improvements in environmental outcomes.

This new underground ventilation approach delivers true flexibility whilst improving profitability and the long-term viability of underground operations.

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2. Underground ventilation technology

They say necessity is the mother of all invention and underground mining has a rich history of reflecting this expression. Driven by necessity, the mining sector has been constantly innovating to deliver safe, reliable and efficient operations underground.

Technology in mining has evolved with mankind. From the ancient use of tools to extract precious metals, to the use of black powder explosives to break apart large rocks in the late middle ages, mining has been a proving ground for new technologies for millennia.

Given the severity of underground conditions, the appetite for the development of enabling technology has maintained pace if not exceeded that of life above ground. Driven by the need to ensure safety, improve operational efficiencies and focus on reducing environmental impacts, mining has been an eager, albeit cautious adopter of new technologies.

Over the past two decades, in particular, the shape of technology in mining has moved towards new underground ventilation themes. Automation, optimisation, digitisation and even electrification are the new focus for underground miners, as organisations explore new and integrated ways to meet their safety, profitability and environmental objectives.

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Underground ventilation is a tremendous lever in achieving progress against all three objectives and the application of new technologies can have a significant impact. Now, the key drivers in underground ventilation are very much about the interoperability of disparate systems within the operating layer and automating processes to maximise performance.

For years the requirement for ventilation has fundamentally been to meet a minimum volume and pressure requirement; however, the evolved mine now recognises the need to optimise assets and processes – like every other aspect of production – to extract maximum efficiency, drive down operating costs and increase profitability.

Minetek has at its core a focus on innovation and is relishing the opportunity to challenge the status quo in the design, implementation and operation of an underground ventilation system. Outside of MINETEK’s radical approach to the design of fan systems, the focus is squarely on integrating with mine systems to enable autonomous operation. Performance On-Demand is an excellent example of applied technology and Minetek are moving beyond the focus on reducing power consumption to explore truly responsive operation. While Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology has been around since the mid-1940s, its application in the industrial world is now connecting opportunities to improve processes in mining.

Minetek has developed an innovative new approach to optimising air circuits by integrating RFID technology to trigger its Performance On-Demand ventilation system and target air delivery based on vehicle movements. The approach is a game-changer in enabling operators to effectively reduce airflow to parts of the mine with no scheduled activity, maintaining airbag inflation levels at a minimum and reducing power consumption costs exponentially.

By automating triggered airflow and removing the need for human intervention, both safety and operating performance can be optimised. Connecting modern ventilation technologies to leverage data and driving predictive processes is the path forward to achieving true operational efficiency.

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3. Ventilation agility

Agility is defined as being able to move quickly and easily. Being nimble, lithe and spry. In recent years the term agile has been adopted in the project management field, characterising the approach to dividing tasks into short phases with a frequent reassessment of plans and priorities.

Although coined within software development circles, where the pace of change is rapid, this definition of agility is certainly apt for the continuously changing environment in which underground mining occurs. By definition, a mine is constantly changing. It is required to undergo a systematic change in its shape and size as ore body is extracted from the earth.

While the initial design of an underground mine provides operators with a road map of how their infrastructure will evolve, it is an agile project management and the understanding of how to apply resources over time that is required to continually adapt and optimise.

Agility requires a combination of technology and flexibility.

At Minetek, we have recognised the need to be agile and have partnered with leading mines the world over to apply the latest thinking in mine ventilation, which is enabling miners to meet and exceed their objectives. For example, Minetek’s innovative fan technology is giving operators flexibility through Performance On Demand. POD enables operators to quickly ramp up or down air delivery by directing the flow of air through innovative control vane design.

This approach removes the need for VSD intervention which offers a distinct performance improvement. By removing the need for VSD, mines can use all available power without the risk of fan stalling or creating harmonic imbalance. This flexibility in control and application offers true agility, by lowering power consumption and costs and also allows faster re-entries following blasting activity.

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To be agile requires a lean approach.

Minetek’s robust designed single-speed fans, with blades virtually impervious to wear, have been proven to reduce power consumption costs by up to 50%. Also, by stripping away bulk, the compact fan design is enabling miners to achieve agility by enabling them to be safely and efficiently deployed across the network with ease.

Compared to traditional larger fans, Minetek’s compact units have the capability to outperform larger alternatives and then be redeployed quickly and easily to other locations as the mine workings evolve. By virtue of their smaller size, Minetek fans can be easily installed in a range of orientations and tight underground locations. This agility and responsiveness enable operators to adapt to changing conditions while reducing the potential for manual handling safety impacts.

To be truly agile requires confidence.

Minetek has built deep domain experience in the design, manufacturing, testing and installation of the most advanced fan systems in the world and is backed by a large team of aeronautical, mechanical and electrical engineers. From initial decline modelling and consultancy through to post-implementation support, our team has the combined capability to help deliver an agile approach to your next ventilation project.

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Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum

Publish date: 21 junio 2024

The Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum is an annual event held in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia. This forum is a platform for mining industry deals, with a strong focus on networking and business opportunities. It is one of the largest mining events in Australia and attracts a large number of international delegates.

The Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum will be held from 1-3 August 2022 & 7-9 August 2023. Minetek will be in attendance and readily available to discuss strategies to reduce underground ventilation costs, enabling operational efficiency in challenging environments.

Minetek has recently opened a new operations hub located in Perth, Western Australia, providing convenient access to WA’s mining regions. Our world-class service has expanded to meet the demand & responsiveness needed to support our clients.

Minetek Underground Ventilation

Since 1984 Minetek has been delivering innovative, modular air management solutions to industry leaders around the world. We understand the need to reduce downtime and maintain operation efficiency by having the flexibility to control the delivery of air when and where it’s needed.

Services include scheduled fan servicing and ongoing support to help with the following;

  • Proactively identifying issues on time
  • Preventing costly repairs
  • Minimising downtime
  • Increasing equipment longevity
  • Optimised production
  • Ensures effective scheduling

This includes executing, reporting, communicating and interpreting maintenance activity results. Reports include a summary report including photos, follow-up actions and priorities.

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Mine site noise level monitoring

Publish date: 21 junio 2024

Mining companies have an obligation to protect the environment and the communities in which they operate. One way of doing this is by monitoring noise levels from mining operations. Noise level monitoring helps identify and mitigate any potential noise impacts from mining activities. It is important for mining companies to understand how mine noise affects the surrounding community so that any adverse effects can be mitigated. Noise monitoring is not only important for employer safety, it can also raise expenditures due to machine replacement, fines, compensation payouts and strict limitations to production schedules. This article discusses what mine noise level monitoring is, and how it can benefit mining companies and communities.

What is mine noise level monitoring?

The management of noise from mining operations is a fundamental responsibility of mine operators. Noise level monitoring is one method used to assess the potential for hearing loss among workers and to determine whether noise mitigation measures are effective. Solutions such as sound attenuation can allow for extended operating hours, increased productivity and improved work environments.

There are a number of different approaches that can be taken to noise level monitoring, depending on the specific needs of the operation. In general, however, noise level monitors are placed at strategic locations around the mine in order to get a comprehensive understanding of the noise environment. Data from these monitors is then analysed to identify areas of high noise exposure and assess the effectiveness of noise mitigation measures.

Noise level monitoring is an important tool in ensuring the safety and health of workers at mine sites. By identifying areas of high noise exposure, operators can take steps to reduce noise levels and protect workers from potential hearing damage. Sound levels below 85 dBA are considered safe noise level exposure levels. If you are exposed to sound levels at 85 dBA or more for prolonged periods of time, it can cause permanent damage to your hearing. Operator noise exposure testing can help prevent potential hearing damage to machine operators by ensuring safe noise levels are met.

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What are the benefits of noise level monitoring?

There are a number of potential benefits that noise level monitoring can bring to both mining companies and the communities in which they operate. For mining companies, noise level monitoring can help to identify areas where noise levels are becoming a problem. This information can then be used to implement mitigating measures, such as installing sound-proofing barriers or attenuating your mining machinery. Noise level monitoring can help mining companies assess the effectiveness of these measures over time.

For communities, noise level monitoring can provide valuable data on the level of noise pollution they are being exposed to. This information can be used to pressure mining companies to take action to reduce noise levels and meet noise level compliance. In addition, it can also be used to inform local residents about the need to take precautions against excessive noise exposure. Ultimately, noise level monitoring has the potential to bring significant benefits to both mining companies and the communities in which they operate.

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Noise mitigation solutions

Minetek offers a wide range of services to optimise the noise output from your machine. We analyse and measure both sound power, or how much acoustic energy is produced by one source (elevator bell), as well as intensity measurements. This enables us to capture the sound intensity measurement of the source without noisy operating conditions impacting our sound testing data.

By pinpointing key noise sources, we are able to strategically focus on specific machine parts to help reduce overall noise levels through sound attenuation. Sound attenuation helps to mitigate noise issues and reap the immediate rewards of the reduced machine sound output without economic loss of downtime or fines. Minetek can help sites assess all elements of sound suppression and embed sound as a key consideration in all safety and environmental initiatives.

Minetek is committed to helping our clients reduce noise levels and create a more safe and comfortable work environment. We offer a variety of services to meet your needs, including onsite sound assessing, consultation, custom engineering, installation, and servicing. Our team has extensive experience working in the mining industry and is dedicated to providing guaranteed results.