October 2003

Volume 55    Issue 10

Ventilation system operating cost comparison between a conventional and an automated underground metal mine

Mining Engineering , 2003, Vol. 55, No. 10, pp. 30-37
Kocsis, C.K.; Hardcastle, S.

The introduction of intelligent systems to underground mining can provide a significant improvement in the performance of a mine when compared to conventional mining techniques (Baiden, 2001). Canada’s metal mines, similar to those in other developed countries, are increasing their level of equipment automation for the following reasons (Hardcastle and Kocsis, 2001): • Increased workplace safety through the relocation of the workforce to safe and secure surface control rooms. • Increased worker efficiency with the removal of machine operators travel time to underground workplaces. • Increased safety and reduced production delays such as reentry delays for ground-control operations (shotcreting) after blasting. • Reduced production costs as a result of accelerated mining cycles, increased equipment utilization and, hence, fewer pieces of equipment, reduced maintenance, improved safety and quality control

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