Loncat ke konten utama
Hubungi Kami
Return to news & insights

Breathing in danger: How poor underground air quality is suffocating your site operations

Publish date: 17 Februari 2025

Underground mining is essential for resource extraction, but it comes with unique challenges—air quality being one of the most critical. The confined nature of underground spaces, combined with restricted natural airflow, makes them prone to the buildup of toxic gases such as methane and carbon monoxide. Diesel exhaust from machinery only worsens these risks. Without effective ventilation, these hazards can accumulate quickly, transforming a mine into a dangerous, even life-threatening, environment.

The Hidden Dangers of Poor Air Quality

One of the most severe threats in underground mining is the accumulation of flammable gases like methane. At high concentrations, methane can ignite, causing catastrophic explosions. Equally hazardous is carbon monoxide—an invisible, odourless gas that silently endangers lives. Even small doses can hinder oxygen delivery in the bloodstream, leading to poisoning and potentially fatal consequences.

Inhalation of fine dust particles, particularly in coal mining, can also lead to pneumoconiosis (black lung disease), causing long-term respiratory damage and irreversible lung conditions. This underscores the critical need for advanced ventilation systems to protect workers’ health.

Minetek Air

The Crucial Role of Ventilation in Temperature Control 

Air quality management extends beyond gas and dust—it’s also about temperature regulation. Depending on a mine’s depth and location, underground conditions can swing from dangerously hot to freezing cold. In deep mines, geothermal heat can cause extreme temperatures, raising the risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Conversely, in colder regions, poor ventilation can result in hypothermia. Effective ventilation systems help regulate temperatures, creating safer, more productive work environments. 

Meeting Legal and Regulatory Standards 

Proper ventilation isn’t just best practice—it’s a legal requirement in many mining jurisdictions. For example, regulations in Western Australia mandate detailed ventilation plans tailored to each mine’s unique conditions. These plans factor in mine depth, mineral type, and equipment used, all to disperse harmful gases, control temperatures, and maintain airflow that protects worker health and safety. 

Minetek Air

Minetek: Pioneering the Future of Mining Ventilation 

For nearly four decades, Minetek has been a global leader in developing innovative, efficient, and cost-effective ventilation systems for underground mining. Our commitment to advancing technology and delivering customised solutions has helped mining companies worldwide optimise ventilation strategies, meet regulatory standards, and prioritise worker safety. 

Revolutionising Airflow with Performance On Demand (POD) Technology 

One of Minetek’s most revolutionary innovations is our Performance On Demand (POD) technology. Unlike traditional systems that rely on Variable Speed Drive (VSD) controls requiring constant monitoring and manual adjustments, our POD system uses single-speed fans that automatically regulate airflow based on real-time conditions. These intelligent fans adjust dynamically to provide the exact amount of air needed, enhancing safety through consistent circulation and effective dispersion of toxic gases and heat. 

Maximising Energy Efficiency and Reducing Costs 

Minetek’s ventilation solutions are designed with energy efficiency at their core. By eliminating the need for continuous high-speed fan operation, our systems can cut energy consumption by up to 50%. This not only reduces operational costs but also supports sustainability goals, delivering a strong return on investment while advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives. 

Minetek Air

Engineered for the Toughest Conditions 

Our ventilation fans are built to endure the harshest underground environments. With steel-fabricated impellers, they achieve pressure levels once thought impossible for underground operations. This rugged construction ensures exceptional durability, reduces maintenance needs, and minimises operational downtime—crucial for maintaining productivity in demanding mining conditions. 

Minetek: Redefining Underground Ventilation Standards 

At Minetek, we’re redefining what’s possible in underground ventilation. Our solutions not only enhance safety and regulatory compliance but also improve operational efficiency, allowing mining companies to boost productivity while reducing their environmental impact. 

Whether it’s managing toxic gases, regulating temperatures, or improving energy efficiency, Minetek’s innovative approach ensures underground mining operations remain safe, sustainable, and profitable. 

Return to news & insights

Introducing Minetek’s Next Generation of Underground Ventilation Fans: the Raptor Series

Publish date: 28 Januari 2025

As underground mining operations become more complex and energy-intensive, the demand for effective ventilation has never been higher. Minetek, a global leader in industrial and mining solutions, has addressed this need with the launch of the Raptor Series, a groundbreaking line of underground ventilation fans specifically designed for hard rock mining environments. With this innovation, Minetek is setting a new standard in ventilation technology, tackling the industry’s most critical challenges while optimising energy consumption and performance.

The Raptor Series is built to withstand the harsh and demanding conditions of underground metalliferous mines. These fans are not only engineered for peak performance in extreme environments but are also highly adaptable, making them suitable for a wide variety of mining applications. What distinguishes the Raptor Series is its emphasis on energy efficiency. By significantly reducing energy consumption, mine operators can cut operational costs without compromising on airflow. This is crucial, as ventilation typically represents a major portion of energy usage in mining operations.

The Raptor Series reflects Minetek’s over 40 years of expertise in fan engineering, underscoring our long-standing commitment to quality and innovation.

Minetek Air Raptor Fan Series

A New Standard in Ventilation Performance

The Raptor Series fans mark a major advancement in both performance and energy efficiency, reinforcing Minetek’s reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions in the industrial and mining sectors. Built on Minetek’s renowned high-efficiency technology, the Raptor Series surpasses industry standards, offering superior airflow with reduced power consumption to meet the evolving demands of modern mining.

Notably, the Raptor Series is 10% more efficient than the previous HO Series, a key achievement in energy conservation for an industry where power costs are directly tied to operations. This boost in efficiency helps mining companies lower energy expenses, a crucial factor since ventilation accounts for up to 40% of a mine’s energy consumption.

In addition to energy savings, the Raptor Series fans run more quietly, significantly reducing noise pollution. This quieter operation minimises stress on both workers and equipment, contributing to a safer and more comfortable work environment.

The true strength of the Raptor Series lies in its versatility. The base model can be purchased as a standalone high-performance fan, delivering exceptional airflow, quieter operation, and a more compact, lightweight design compared to traditional twin-stage fans. This space-saving design is especially beneficial in mining environments where tunnel space is limited, allowing for greater operational efficiency without sacrificing ventilation quality.

The compact design also streamlines installation, maintenance, and system integration, reducing downtime and ensuring that mining activities continue without interruption.

Minetek Air Raptor Fan Series

Unlocking Unmatched Efficiency with VoD & POD

For operations with more complex ventilation requirements, such as mines with extended duct systems or those aiming to implement a Ventilation-on-Demand (VoD) solution, the Raptor Series offers full customisation.

A key feature of the Raptor Series is the integration of Minetek’s Performance on Demand (POD) system, delivering advanced control over ventilation. Unlike traditional fans that run at full capacity even when it’s unnecessary, leading to excessive energy use, the Raptor Series with the POD system changes the game. The POD system allows operators to fine-tune airflow, pressure, and power consumption in real-time to meet specific mine needs without the need for expensive Variable Speed Drives (VSDs).

This flexibility is crucial for modern mining operations, where ventilation demands often fluctuate due to shifts in production, temperature, or safety requirements. By dynamically adjusting fan performance, the POD system can cut energy costs by up to 50%, a significant reduction that directly benefits a mine’s bottom line. It also helps mines achieve their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals by lowering carbon emissions and optimising energy consumption—key considerations in today’s environmentally-conscious market.

As Benjamin Fletcher, Minetek’s Regional Sales Manager, explains, “Mining operations don’t always need full fan performance, but most fans in the industry lack the flexibility to adjust airflow. With the POD system, mine sites have full control over airflow, pressure, and energy usage, making it an ideal match with the high-efficiency Raptor fan.”

Another standout innovation in the Raptor Series is the Anti-Stall Chamber, which enhances fan performance and reliability. In many traditional ventilation systems, airflow can become turbulent, leading to inefficiencies and potential fan stalls. The Anti-Stall Chamber counteracts this by capturing turbulent flows and stabilising the airflow before it reaches the fan, preventing disruptive pre-swirls and ensuring smooth operation.

Minetek Air Raptor Fan Series

Minetek’s Global Reach & Unparalleled Support

The Raptor Series is available globally and is manufactured and tested at Minetek’s state-of-the-art facility in Australia. This allows Minetek to deliver its industry-leading ventilation solutions faster than competitors while ensuring each product meets the highest quality standards.

Download Minetek’s comprehensive Raptor Series eBook for more information on how the Raptor Series can benefit your operation. Learn more about our cutting-edge ventilation solutions and how they can transform your mining operations.

Click here to download the brochure and get started with the next generation of underground ventilation.

Return to news & insights

Minetek’s Innovative Solutions Improve Efficiency and Sustainability at WA Gold Mine.

Publish date: 22 November 2024

For over three decades, Minetek has led the way in innovation, delivering tailored solutions for air ventilation, water management, sound attenuation, and power supply and distribution. Our dedication to providing cutting-edge technology, combined with a strong commitment to sustainable practices, has enabled us to build global partnerships with mining companies, helping them achieve both commercial success and environmental sustainability.

One of our key partnerships is with an underground gold mine in Laverton, Western Australia. Recognised as one of the nation’s largest and most productive gold mines, it was originally discovered in 1979 and boasts a rich mining history. The site continues to show significant promise, with ongoing brownfield and extensional exploration activities suggesting a Life of Mine (LOM) extension beyond current expectations, pointing to a bright future ahead.

When this client needed to upgrade their ventilation system to meet evolving demands and ensure long-term performance, Minetek stepped in with our expertise and bespoke solutions. The site posed a unique challenge due to its highly saline air conditions. Recognising the importance of maintaining optimal air quality and circulation, we engineered a comprehensive ventilation solution specifically designed to overcome these challenges.

Minetek Air underground ventilation

Minetek’s Expertise in Advanced Mine Ventilation Solutions

With decades of experience and specialised expertise in airflow management and power distribution, Minetek engineers were instrumental in the success of this project. They designed a ventilation system that not only met the mine’s immediate operational requirements but also anticipated and addressed the needs for sustained long-term performance. Their dedication and technical proficiency ensured a solution that was both reliable and efficient, significantly contributing to the project’s overall success.

A key element of this solution was the strategic selection of three High Output Series 2650mm 1100kW Fans, chosen for their exceptional durability, adaptability, and efficiency. Engineered to withstand the corrosive effects of saline air, these fans were seamlessly integrated into the mine’s ventilation infrastructure, ensuring reliable and consistent airflow to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of personnel working underground.

Their robust construction and advanced design not only provided consistent ventilation but also reduced the need for frequent maintenance, enhancing operational efficiency and delivering significant long-term cost savings for the client.

Minetek’s Methodical Approach to Ventilation System Installations

Minetek implemented a meticulously planned and executed installation process. Recognising the critical importance of maintaining uninterrupted mine production, the team of engineers and technicians approached the task with precision and care. The primary goal was to transition to the new ventilation system with minimal disruption to ongoing mining activities. This required detailed planning and coordination to avoid any delays or interruptions that could impact the mine’s productivity and safety.

Minetek Air underground ventilation

To ensure a seamless transition, Minetek utilised a phased installation approach for the new fans. This carefully managed sequence allowed the new fans to be installed and brought online without ever compromising ventilation. By keeping the old fans operational during the process, the mine avoided any interruptions to airflow that could impact the environment or safety. This meticulous approach was vital to maintaining air quality and ensuring the wellbeing of personnel throughout the transition.

Once the new fans were fully functional, Minetek swiftly removed the previous fans, streamlining the ventilation infrastructure to enhance reliability and efficiency.

The Benefits of Minetek’s Ventilation System

Minetek’s fans, integrated with the Performance on Demand (POD) system, delivered a cutting-edge solution that optimised performance, reduced energy consumption, and improved overall operational efficiency—all without the need for Variable Speed Drive (VSD) controls.

The WA gold mine client has realised numerous benefits from Minetek’s advanced ventilation system, including:

  • Precise Airflow Control: The POD system allows operators to fine-tune airflow levels, ensuring optimal ventilation across varying operational demands.
  • Energy Efficiency: By eliminating the need for VSD controls, the system significantly reduces power consumption, cutting costs and lowering environmental impact.
  • Operational Flexibility: The dynamic ability to adjust power usage and pressure levels enables the mine to adapt to changing needs, maximising productivity.
  • Reduced Maintenance Costs: The robust fan design and streamlined POD system reduce the need for frequent maintenance, offering long-term savings.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Integrated monitoring capabilities provide continuous tracking of performance, airflow, and energy consumption, enabling data-driven decisions and proactive maintenance.

Minetek’s innovative solutions have not only improved the mine’s overall performance but have also set a new standard for efficient and sustainable mining operations.

The integration of Minetek’s POD system with their advanced fans has proven to be a significant game-changer for our client. Our innovative solution’s precise airflow control, energy efficiency, operational flexibility, and reduced maintenance costs have not only significantly improved the mine’s overall performance but also set a new standard for modern mining operations. The real-time monitoring capabilities mean that the mine can maintain optimal ventilation conditions, adapt to changing demands, and make informed, proactive decisions, inspiring the potential of advanced technology in the mining industry.

This comprehensive approach drives productivity and efficiency, delivers substantial cost savings, and provides environmental benefits, positioning our client at the forefront of modern mining operations.

Minetek Empowers Mining Companies with Cutting-Edge Technology

Minetek has equipped this WA Gold mine with an advanced underground ventilation system that fulfils the current and future airflow and power requirements of the site. This results in reduced downtime, increased production, and significant capital savings.

This integration of cutting-edge technology highlights Minetek’s dedication to providing sustainable and cost-effective solutions customised to meet the specific demands of mining operations.

Click below to download our eBook on Minetek Air’s underground ventilation solutions eBook to find out more about what our solutions can do to help your site.

Download Now

Return to news & insights

The Transformative Power of VOD in Underground Ventilation

Publish date: 12 November 2024

It should go without saying the integral role ventilation systems play in supporting the safety of underground mining operations. Primarily, these systems fulfil three primary functions:

  1. Supplying fresh air to miners,
  2. Diluting hazardous and particulate substances, and
  3. Controlling temperature and humidity levels within the mine.

Yet, as mines expand and age, ventilation becomes more challenging. With deeper tunnels and complex layouts, airflow must be precisely managed and adapted to changes in mining activity and fluctuating gas levels.

To meet these demands, mines rely on large, surface-based fans that continuously push fresh air into various sections. This nonstop operation consumes a significant amount of energy, making ventilation one of the most energy-intensive aspects of mining.

Ventilation on Demand (VOD) has emerged to address these challenges, enabling smarter, more energy-efficient airflow management.

In today’s article, we dive into how VOD works, its benefits for mining operations, and how Minetek Air can support a seamless transition to this innovative system.

Minetek Air Underground Ventilation

What is Ventilation on Demand (VOD)?

Ventilation on Demand (VOD) is a transformative solution for mining ventilation, delivering fresh air to specific areas of a mine only when and where it’s needed. This shift from a static to a dynamic, intelligent air supply makes ventilation more efficient, significantly reducing the total airflow required across the mine.

Traditionally, mine ventilation operated on fixed schedules, often leading to over-ventilation during low-activity periods, wasting energy and reducing air quality. VOD changes this by using real-time data and advanced algorithms to continuously monitor variables like airflow velocity and temperature. This technology enables precise ventilation adjustments, allowing operators to meet each area’s requirements as conditions change.

Benefits of VOD for Mining Operations

Resource Efficiency
VOD’s intelligent air system activates ventilation only where and when it’s needed, avoiding the unnecessary operation of the entire system. This selective approach conserves energy and reduces equipment wear, extending the life of ventilation infrastructure and lowering maintenance costs.

Energy Savings
By reducing the volume of air pumped through the mine, VOD lowers electricity use, one of the largest costs in mining. Optimising airflow cuts energy expenses, leading to substantial financial savings and helping mines meet sustainability goals by reducing their carbon footprint.

Improved Air Quality
Through real-time monitoring and advanced algorithms, VOD delivers precise ventilation, preventing both under-ventilation, which can lead to unsafe conditions, and over-ventilation, which can disrupt the underground atmosphere. This precise control enhances air quality, supporting better health and safety for miners.

Minetek Air Underground Ventilation

Safety and Comfort
VOD enhances the mining work environment by maintaining essential oxygen levels and reducing harmful contaminants. This positively impacts miners’ well-being, helping reduce health-related absences and boosting productivity. Comfortable conditions are vital in high-stress environments like mines, where physical and mental strain can be significant.

Cost Effectiveness
VOD increases ventilation system efficiency, minimising operational costs tied to energy consumption and maintenance. Reduced airflow needs often allow for smaller, more affordable ventilation equipment, cutting both initial setup costs and ongoing expenses.

Ultimately, VOD represents the future of mining ventilation, where technology and necessity come together to create safer, more efficient mining practices.

Minetek’s VOD-Ready High Output Axial Fans

With nearly four decades of experience, Minetek leads in innovative, modular air management solutions for global industry leaders. Minetek is committed to advancing mining solutions through top-tier engineering, cutting-edge technology, and thorough research and development—all our fans are designed to support VOD.

Our High Output Axial Fan, built specifically for the mining sector, delivers robust and reliable underground ventilation with a broad operational range. Its steel-fabricated impeller, engineered to withstand pressures once thought impossible for an axial fan, enables operation in even the harshest mining environments.

Minetek Air Underground Ventilation

Minetek’s powerful single-speed fans are proven to cut power consumption costs by up to 50% while improving underground mining ventilation systems. These compact units surpass the performance of traditional larger fans and can be swiftly and effortlessly relocated to new areas as mining operations expand.

Engineered to the highest standards, each fan operates over a broad range and is regulated by an integrated Performance On Demand (POD) system. Significantly, they do not require complex or expensive VOD controls, allowing for smooth integration into existing systems.

This positions Minetek’s High Output Axial Fan as not only a cost-effective choice but also a user-friendly solution that boosts operational flexibility. With Minetek’s technology, mining operations can realise substantial energy savings and adopt a more versatile ventilation approach without the need for major modifications or intricate installations. This makes Minetek’s High Output Axial Fan not only a cost-effective solution but also a user-friendly option that improves operational flexibility.

As mining operations continue to evolve, embracing these advanced systems will be key to achieving higher productivity and environmental responsibility. Minetek’s longstanding commitment to quality and innovation positions it as a leader in the push towards more sustainable and effective mining practices, ensuring that its solutions lead the way in meeting the challenges of modern mining environments.

Return to news & insights

Warisan Inovasi & Keunggulan Minetek dalam Solusi Manajemen Udara

Publish date: 22 Oktober 2024

Since 1984, Minetek Air has been delivering cutting-edge, modular air management solutions tailored specifically for underground mining operations. Our dedication to innovation has continually pushed the envelope in mine ventilation technology, setting new standards for safety and operational efficiency in the industry. Minetek’s advanced ventilation systems are meticulously designed to ensure optimal airflow, mitigate hazardous gas build-up, and substantially improve air quality, thereby safeguarding worker health and boosting overall mine productivity.

Our achievements stem from decades of experience and a commitment to excellence in project delivery. We emphasise meticulous documentation, clear communication, and rigorous supply chain management supported by expert local teams for seamless implementation. Our global network of strategically positioned resources means we can tackle complex mining and industrial projects, offering comprehensive, turn-key solutions prioritising quality, service, and timely execution.

Australian Copper Mine

A prime example of this innovative mindset is our collaboration with one Australian Copper Mine. The client embarked on drilling extensions to the deposit at unprecedented depths of up to 1,500 meters, they encountered a significant challenge: the need for a specialised ventilation solution capable of supporting the extended decline development. The standard ventilation fans proved inadequate for the high-pressure conditions and size constraints at this depth. In response, Minetek Air provided a bespoke, patented ventilation solution that employed a single, high-efficiency fan specifically engineered to address these challenges.

This innovative solution delivered within a tight schedule enabled the mine to meet and exceed its development targets. The integration of our 375kW Auxiliary High-Output (H.O.) Axial Fan, equipped with a Performance-on-Demand (P.O.D.) system, Soft Starter, and Programmable Logic Controller (P.L.C.), optimised operational efficiency. As a result, the mine minimised shutdowns, reduced operational and energy costs, and experienced a remarkable 30% increase in production.

This achievement is just one of many examples showcasing Minetek’s unwavering commitment to advancing air management technologies in the mining sector—there are many more.

Minetek Sound

Australian Gold Mine

A Gold Mine in Orange, NSW, approached Minetek with a challenging problem: the need for a more durable ventilation solution to handle the severe dust conditions caused by their underground dumping and crushing processes. The mine’s existing 110kW single-stage axial fans struggled with high abrasion rates from airborne dust, resulting in rapid degradation and reduced operational lifespan, typically ranging from 6 to 12 weeks. The impellers in these fans wore down quickly, leading to frequent replacements and downtime.

Minetek stepped in to provide a tailored solution. We proposed our 90kW H.O. axial flow fan as a more robust alternative. This fan was designed to meet the demanding duty requirements while offering enhanced longevity and performance. The Minetek fan outperforms the standard axial fans in several key areas. It operates more quietly, is more compact, and features a unique design that allows dust to pass through with minimal impact on the equipment.

Our custom-designed fan incorporates a heavy-duty steel impeller capable of withstanding the toughest conditions without compromising on performance. The result was a ventilation solution that is estimated to last nearly seven times longer than the previous fans, significantly reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated downtime.

The success of this solution led the Mine to place an order for five Minetek fans, demonstrating the effectiveness and reliability of our technology. This project highlights Minetek’s ability to address complex ventilation challenges with innovative solutions, improving operational efficiency and longevity in even the harshest mining environments.

Minetek Sound

Western Australian Gold Mine

Another compelling example of Minetek’s innovative approach is our project with a Gold Mine in Western Australia, which sought to boost production and expand exploration capabilities. It was essential to address a bottleneck in the existing primary ventilation circuit to achieve these objectives.

Minetek was entrusted with the critical task of designing and implementing a primary booster fan system of unprecedented size and technology for the Australian mining industry. This project involved developing a new fan system, removing outdated equipment, and installing the newly designed fans.

Our team of experts worked tirelessly around the clock to meet the project deadlines, accomplishing the removal of the old equipment, the installation of the new fans, and their commissioning in just four days. Given the substantial size of the new fans, seeking approval from the Power Supply Authorities for testing before shipping was necessary.

The key features of the installed fans at the Mine include:

●      P.O.D.: This system incorporates vane inlet controls that dynamically adjust ventilation flow and power consumption, optimising performance according to real-time needs.

●      Impulse Bladed Impeller Equipment: Designed with an anti-stall chamber, this advanced impeller ensures consistent and efficient fan operation, maximising airflow while minimising performance issues.

●      High-Power Motors: Each fan is equipped with a robust 1100kW/1000V motor, which uses power from the renewable power station, reflecting our commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

●      Exceptional Airflow Capabilities: The fans deliver 280m³/sec at 3700Pa to meet current production requirements, with the capacity to achieve a maximum airflow of 350m³/sec at 4200kPa.

The successful completion of this project at the Mine not only met their immediate ventilation needs but also set a new benchmark for fan technology in the mining sector, demonstrating Minetek’s influence and leadership in the industry.

Minetek Sound

Conclusion

Our commitment to advancing air management technology continues to drive us to develop and implement solutions that meet the evolving needs of the mining industry, ensuring that we consistently deliver high-quality, effective, and durable solutions.

If you’re looking to optimise your air management strategies and ensure a safer, more efficient mining operation, connect with our AIR team today to discover how our innovative solutions can meet your needs.

Hubungi Kami | Learn More About Our Solutions

Return to news & insights

The Role of Automation in Modern Mining Ventilation

Publish date: 4 Oktober 2024

Automation leads the way in innovation, enhancing efficiency, safety, and productivity across multiple industries. It covers a broad spectrum of technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and advanced control systems, which are transforming traditional workflows and operational models. By reducing human involvement in repetitive, dangerous, and precise tasks, automation boosts productivity while greatly lowering the chances of accidents and mistakes.

The mining industry, in particular, can greatly benefit from automation to address these risks. Automated systems, especially in air ventilation, are crucial for enhancing safety in mining, a field that, while essential, remains highly dangerous.

Underground ventilation fan

Importance of Air Ventilation in Underground Mines

Clean, reliable air ventilation is crucial for maintaining the health and safety of miners in underground mines. Mining operations often release hazardous gases like methane and carbon monoxide, which, if not effectively managed, can pose serious risks. Methane is highly flammable and can cause explosions, while carbon monoxide, a colourless and odourless gas, can lead to poisoning or death with prolonged exposure. Effective ventilation systems are essential for diluting and removing these dangerous gases, preventing their buildup, and ensuring a safe working environment.

Dust generated during mining can also pose significant health risks to workers if inhaled over time. For instance, silica dust can cause silicosis, a serious lung disease. Proper ventilation controls dust levels, reducing the risk of respiratory issues among miners.

Temperature regulation is another critical factor in mine safety. Deeper mines tend to have higher temperatures, which can lead to heat stress or heat stroke. Ventilation systems help manage these temperatures by bringing in cooler air from the surface and expelling hot air from inside the mine.

Automating ventilation systems can greatly enhance the management of air quality and temperature in mines, leading to a safer environment for miners. Automated systems can adjust ventilation in real time based on changing conditions within the mine, ensuring optimal working conditions and reducing energy consumption by operating only when necessary.

Minetek air team installing HO Axial fan in underground mine

Minetek Air’s Cutting-Edge Ventilation Solutions

Technology has been pivotal in enhancing mining operations and ensuring clean air for years. However, traditional ventilation systems often lack the adaptability and efficiency that modern mines demand. Minetek Air addresses these challenges with its advanced ventilation fans, engineered to enhance air quality and boost ventilation efficiency.

Since 1984, Minetek Air has provided innovative, modular air management solutions tailored for underground mining. Our world-class ventilation range is proven to increase productivity and lower operating costs, all while offering the flexibility to deliver air exactly when and where it’s needed.

Performance On Demand (POD) Technology

With rising energy costs and a growing emphasis on energy conservation, mining companies are increasingly examining their operations for potential savings. Ventilation systems, particularly in deep mines, account for a substantial share of energy consumption—typically between 42% and 49% of total mining energy costs. Minetek’s advanced mine ventilation system is revolutionising how mining companies operate by reducing power wastage through its ability to automatically adjust the air volume required for any specific heading.

The POD feature is designed to maximise return on investment. Unlike traditional systems that run at full capacity constantly, Minetek’s POD technology dynamically adjusts power, pressure, and performance to meet the mine’s exact needs without relying on Variable Speed Drive (VSD) controls. This precise management of airflow significantly cuts energy costs while maintaining high efficiency.

 

Minetek air long duct runs

Mine Air Control (MAC) System

Integrated with the Performance On Demand (POD) technology in Minetek’s fan range, the Mine Air Control (MAC) system automatically adjusts airflow based on real-time needs. Many mines are required to monitor and manage air pollutant levels as part of their development approvals and environmental protection licenses issued by the EPA. Minetek’s MAC system helps ensure compliance by providing precise control and reporting of air quality.

The MAC system’s computerised controller dynamically manages airflow—from minimal flow during low-activity periods to more than double the capacity of traditional vane axial fans during peak demand. This ability to control high-pressure ventilation from the surface enables the rapid removal of gases or dust, ensuring quicker and safer re-entry into the mine.

Conclusion

Minetek’s advanced technology ensures the optimal amount of air is delivered in real time, maintaining a safe and stable environment for miners at all times. This level of automation not only enhances safety but also boosts operational efficiency by reducing downtime and enabling faster re-entry after blasting activities.

From a financial perspective, Minetek’s adaptive ventilation systems offer significant cost advantages. Traditional systems often run at constant capacity, resulting in unnecessary energy use and higher costs. In contrast, Minetek’s system adjusts power and performance according to the mine’s real-time demands, reducing energy consumption and costs. This intelligent management leads to lower energy bills, crucial since ventilation is a major component of a mine’s energy expenses. Additionally, reduced strain on ventilation equipment can decrease maintenance costs and extend equipment life.

If you’re looking to enhance operational efficiency in your underground mine with advanced ventilation systems, connect with our Air team today to learn how our innovative solutions can meet your needs.

Hubungi Kami | Learn More About Our Solutions

Return to news & insights

Solusi ventilasi bawah tanah yang berkelanjutan untuk Tambang Emas Agnew

Publish date: 5 Juli 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].

agnew-1

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.

agnew-2

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.

agnew-3

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.

agnew-4

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)
agnew-5

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.

Return to news & insights

Tren dan inovasi pertambangan AS: Solusi Minetek Air untuk pertambangan berkelanjutan

Publish date: 21 Juni 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.

air-2

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.

air-3

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.

air-4

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.

air-5

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.

air-6

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.

air-7
Return to news & insights

3 key trends driving underground ventilation

Publish date: 21 Juni 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…

key-1

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.

key-2

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.

key-3

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.

key-4

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.

key-5

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.

Return to news & insights

Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum

Publish date: 21 Juni 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.