Feasibility studies

Provision of the ventilation design component for mine feasibility studies. Recommendations are fully justified and presented in clearly written reports. Subsequent follow-up during the construction and commissioning phase is also offered.

Advice on optimum airway sizes

Also, whether duplication or stripping of existing airways could be justified.

Specialist mining method ventilation advice

Ventilation advice appropriate for all mining methods can be provided. Particular expertise in less common mining methods (such as block caving and sublevel caving) is offered.

Fan testing

Accurate testing of fan pressure-volume performance. Results are then used to predict future performance capability and also to determine how close the fan is to the unstable operating zone.

Advice on control of water in upcast ventilation shafts

Options to prevent water damage and wear to primary fans and environmental damage (especially if mine water is saline or acidic).

Mine air cooling advice

Assistance with estimating the size, type and location of mine air cooling equipment. Measurement of existing plant performance and “coolth” distribution efficiency. Examination of alternative options.

Radiation surveys

Tests conducted to measure the concentration of radon decay products in the mine atmosphere and advice offered based on the results.

Diagnosis and solving of ventilation and cooling problems

For example, pinpointing of hidden bottle-necks and leakages via pressure-volume surveys, identification of fan performance problems and determination of cool air delivery efficiency.

Reviews

Because of our independence and experience, we are often asked to cast a “second set of eyes” over ventilation designs and advice. One advantage of using this service is that any fatal flaws can be identified early, enabling costly and embarrassing re-designs to be avoided. Our high-level reviews are also useful for firms conducting technical due diligence, prior to making decisions on investment.

Expert Witness

We can provide advice to courts on matters related to hard-rock mine and tunnel construction ventilation issues.

Advice on ventilation upgrades

We can assist with justification and design advice for ventilation and cooling upgrades.

Ventilation design advice for ore handling facilities

It is common for dust control systems in underground ore handling facilities to be poorly designed, or non-existent. Advice can be given on how to rectify existing problems and on how to avoid these problems in future.

Fan engineering advice

Inspection of mines fans and provision of advice on options to upgrade fan performance, or other options such as replacement or addition of booster fans etc. Advice on suitable fan types to suit the application.

Psychrometric surveys

Results are used to project future temperatures and humidity as the mine depth increases and to assist with predicting when mine air cooling may need to be introduced.

Uranium Mine Ventilation Design Expertise

We both gained our ventilation engineering experience at the Olympic Dam copper/ uranium mine during the 1980’s when the mine was being commissioned. This was the first sublevel open stope uranium mine in the world and the experience gained with designing and implementing ventilation solutions at this mine has provided us with unique practical capabilities and insights in this specialised field.

Training and Mentoring

Services include training for ventilation simulation modelling, underground ventilation and psychrometric surveys, fan testing and ventilation design.

Ducted ventilation system design

Advice offered on successfully achieving long (e.g. > 2.5 km) duct runs.