Financial Risk Analysis of Optimized Ventilation System in the Gold Mine

Abstract

Costs for mine ventilation are typically increasing when mines expand to deep horizons. Some underground mines in Kazakhstan still use continuously operating fans at its maximum capacity. This is not helping to save energy and costs that are in many cases very significant. However, mine safety is related to risks associated with the deficit of fresh air for mine gases dilution and removal. The ventilation system in Kazakhstan gold mine was in need of improvement because of increased production from deep horizons. The aim of this study was to analyze the financial risks associated with high-cost airflows in deep horizons of the gold mine. Mine ventilation system surveys were undertaken to develop a computerized model for simulation processes to provide with sufficient amount of fresh air deep horizons. Results of ventilation simulation were used to analyze the financial risks of the high-cost airflows. Financial simulation estimated the optimum ventilation infrastructure size, where high-cost airflows were optimized by taking into consideration the mining cost and ventilation operating costs. The result of financial risk analysis recommends implementing automated ventilation control for saving energy costs. Automated ventilation control system suggests adjusting air volume according to the necessity at varying times and areas.