Air | Driving down costs & impact with efficient underground ventilation

Driving down costs & impact with efficient underground ventilation  

The mining industry is evolving rapidly, and forward-thinking operators are already capitalising on energy-efficient innovation.

Underground ventilation alone can account for 42 – 49% of a mine’s total energy spend. With rising energy prices, growing ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) pressures, and the global demand for more sustainable operations, mining leaders are being pushed to challenge the status quo. 

Minetek Air is meeting this challenge head-on. Our underground ventilation solutions, incorporating technologies like Ventilation on Demand (VoD), high-output axial fans, and Performance on Demand (POD) are engineered to reduce energy consumption, cut operational costs, and align with evolving ESG expectations. 

This article explores how our systems are transforming ventilation from a cost centre into a competitive advantage for modern mining operations. 

The evolution of underground ventilation 

Underground mining has always been a battle against the elements. From confined working conditions to toxic gases and extreme heat. Effective ventilation is critical to safety and productivity, clearing hazards such as methane, diesel particulates, and dust. 

In the early days, systems were rudimentary, relying on natural airflow or simple fans. As mines grew deeper and regulations tightened, ventilation systems became more sophisticated. By the mid-20th century, electric fans were standard, but many were inefficient, oversized, and operated continuously, significantly inflating energy usage. 

The turning point: Sustainability and efficiency take the lead 

As energy costs surged in the 21st century, the mining industry faced a critical turning point. At the same time, ESG pressures mounted—PwC’s 2023 Mine Report revealed 35% of mining CEOs now rank climate risks among their top concerns. This convergence of environmental and economic demands ignited a wave of innovation. Minetek Air responded with underground ventilation solutions that go beyond simply moving air—they optimise it. Today, technologies like VoD and high-output axial fans are reshaping industry standards, proving that performance and sustainability can thrive together underground.

This convergence of environmental and economic pressure sparked a new wave of innovation. Minetek Air responded by engineering smart ventilation solutions designed not just to move air, but to optimise it. 

Technologies like VoD and high-output axial fans are now transforming how ventilation is managed, proving that performance and sustainability can thrive together underground. 

Minetek Air’s four pillars of impact 

1. Energy-efficient mining solutions: Cutting costs at the core 

Mining energy consumption is a beast, but Minetek tames it with precision. Traditional ventilation systems run at full tilt 24/7, wasting power in areas where no one’s working. Minetek energy-efficient mining solutions flip that script. Our high output axial fans, paired with the Mine Air Control (MAC) system, deliver airflow only when and where it’s needed, slashing power usage by up to 50%. A 2024 Straits Research report projects the mine ventilation market to hit $1.86 billion by 2032, driven by demand for such technologies. For a typical underground mine, where ventilation eats up nearly half the energy budget, this translates to millions in savings annually – money that can be reinvested into operations or ESG initiatives. It’s not just cost-cutting; it’s strategic resource management. 

2. Ventilation on Demand (VoD): Smart airflow, smarter savings 

Ventilation on Demand (VoD) is the brain behind Minetek Air’s brawn. Integrated with mine communication systems, VoD uses RFID trackers to monitor worker and vehicle locations, adjusting airflow in real time. No more blasting air into idle tunnels – Minetek’s systems sync with schedules and activity, reducing energy waste. The Canadian Mining Journal reported in 2023 that VoD can cut energy intensity by 20-50%, with payback periods as short as two years. At a Gold Mine in Western Australia, Minetek’s VoD-enabled primary fans (1,100kW, 280-350 m³/sec) met production needs while slashing power costs. This isn’t just about efficiency; it’s about giving mine managers control to optimise underground mine ventilation without compromising safety or output. 

3. High Output Axial Fans and POD technology: Power meets precision 

Minetek’s high output axial fans are engineering marvels – compact, yet packing double the pressure of standard fans, with a steel impeller built for harsh conditions. Coupled with Performance on Demand (POD) technology, these underground ventilation fans adapt airflow without pricey variable speed drives (VSDs). Need to clear blast gases fast? Surge past the duty point. Idle time? Dial it down. A 2024 Minetek case study showed these fans cut re-entry times at development ends, boosting productivity while trimming energy use. Unlike traditional setups requiring multiple units, Minetek’s design – 40% shorter, 10% lighter – reduces capital costs and installation headaches. It’s a one-two punch: high performance, low footprint. 

4. Mining ESG solutions: Sustainability without sacrifice 

ESG isn’t a buzzword – it’s a mandate. Minetek’s mining ESG solutions align with this shift, reducing environmental impacts while keeping operations profitable. Ventilation accounts for a hefty chunk of a mine’s carbon footprint, but Minetek’s systems shrink it. By halving fan numbers and power draw, they lower emissions – critical as 70% of U.S. metal mines adopted advanced ventilation controls in 2024, per the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Public opinion on LinkedIn echoes this: a 2023 poll by Mining Technology showed 82% of industry pros prioritise sustainability in vendor choices. Minetek delivers, helping mines like Agnew Gold hit net-zero targets without gutting budgets. It’s proof that reducing mining energy costs and environmental harm can go hand in hand. 

A smarter, leaner future for mining 

Minetek’s underground ventilation technologies represent more than innovation, they’re a new standard for efficient, ESG-aligned mining. With VoD, POD, and high-output axial fans, operations can slash energy costs by up to 50%, enhance safety, and meet the demands of a sustainable future. 

Now is the time to rethink ventilation, not just as a necessity, but as a strategic advantage.