Optimized Ventilation Model to Improve Operations in Polymetallic Mines in Peru

Abstract

Currently, deficient ventilation systems are a frequently observed problem in mining. Such deficient ventilation systems lead to the recirculation of stale air or air with toxic gases. This translates into an increase in the costs of ventilation and electrical consumption for the mining organizations as conventional and practical solutions simply include options such as buying a greater number of fans. Moreover, this problem also exposes the mine workers to an unsafe work environment with unfavorable conditions that could end in minor, incapacitating, or fatal accidents. Therefore, this research seeks to optimize ventilation systems by introducing the Ventsim software tool to develop efficient coverage, addressing, flow, circuit or network characterization, and air balancing in conjunction with avoiding the stagnation of toxic gases in underground work. The primary result of the proposed model’s application in this study was the reduction in ventilation costs related to electricity consumption.