Solution to Temperature Inversions in Open Pit Mining

[Anthony Evernden]

Hi everyone,

Problem: Northern hemisphere open pit mine closed for up to eight hours due to elevated levels of blast fumes and diesel exhaust that get trapped under a temperature inverison that typically occurs in the winter time.

Solutions?

[jkok@mtvent.com.au]

Hi Anthony,

This is a problem that is not easily managed. If you consider the pit floor area and the large volume of gas, an extraction system around the perimeter in close proximity may be more effective, however how to get rigid ducting down to the bottom of the pit in a safe manner, and to maintain it, is a completely different challenge by itself.

Bottom line is that without mechanical ventilation, there is not much to do rather than taking smaller blasts at a time, and trying to pick a time for blasting during the warmer times of the day when blast fumes are more likely to clear.

Definitely a great topic worth further research.

[Anthony Evernden]

Thanks Jaco,

I don't think this is an easy one at all. One thing to get the blast fumes cleared but then there is the diesel exhaust getting the dirt out.