Analysis of Ventilation Requirements Affected by Diesel Machinery in Underground Mines

Abstract

Underground mines extensively utilize diesel-powered equipment for material handling and transportation, resulting in significant emissions of toxic gases and diesel particulate matter (DPM) that pose serious health risks to miners. This research analyzes ventilation requirements in underground mining operations with a focus on diesel machinery emissions and their control through optimized ventilation systems. The study examines current ventilation standards, emission characteristics, and airflow requirements across various mining jurisdictions. Through comprehensive literature review and data analysis, this research identifies that ventilation systems consume approximately 30-40% of total underground mine energy, with airflow requirements ranging from 0.047 to 0.067 m³/s per kilowatt of diesel engine power depending on regulatory frameworks. The study reveals that diesel equipment contributes over 50% of heat load in deep mines while emitting carcinogenic DPM, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides. Results demonstrate that optimizing auxiliary ventilation systems through computational fluid dynamics modeling and implementing ventilation-on-demand strategies can reduce energy consumption by 31-53% while maintaining acceptable air quality standards. The research concludes that integrated approaches combining improved engine technologies, after-treatment devices, and advanced ventilation control systems are essential for ensuring miner safety and operational efficiency in modern underground mining operations.

DOI: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/10.2025-53564516