Ventilation on Demand in Brazilian Underground Mines: Current Situation and Perspectives

Ventilation systems are estimated to represent 40 to 50% of a mine’s total energy consumption. Therefore, ventilation on demand (VOD) is becoming increasingly widespread in underground mines. Added to more precise air quality and quantity controls and costs reduction, its great energy savings potential can also mean GHG emissions reductions, helping to mitigate anthropogenic global warming. Brazilian mines have been improving their ventilation systems. Despite the increasing number of current studies, there is a considerable research gap on VOD technology deployment. Thus, this work aims to determine its current scenario and adoption perspectives, presenting the mines that use it, details of their ventilation systems, and the implemented automation levels. Based on extensive bibliographic research and results of a recent and thorough survey with Brazilian mining companies, approximately 20% of the mines have started automating their ventilation systems, reporting energy savings of up to 71%. All mines’ main fans own at least the levels 1 and 2 automation strategies. 9% of mines have extended such automation to their auxiliary ventilation systems. The main challenges for VOD implementation range from lack of basic infrastructure to cultural issues. However, an expansion is expected, especially in new projects and medium- and large-scale metal mines.