Optimised cooling systems for mining at extreme depths.

Discussion is presented of optimised cooling systems for mines at extreme depths, focusing on the use of ice systems including characteristics and components of large ice generation systems, ice making equipment and conveying methods, and capital cost and power requirements. The very high cost of cooling deep mines is stressed and great efforts are needed to refine mining methods to reduce these costs. Improved mine design for future deep level mining in the Witwatersrand gold fields of South Africa will necessitate that cooling issues play a dominant role in mine planning. The cooling of mines relies on both refrigeration and ventilation systems. Mining in the Witwatersrand currently has workings at depths of 3 800 m and detailed planning is taking place for significant production at depths of 4 000 m and more. The virgin rock temperatures at these levels will be over 60 degrees C and this, along with the great depth to which the ventilation air must travel, creates extremely arduous cooling scenarios.
Discussion is presented of optimised cooling systems for mines at extreme depths, focusing on the use of ice systems including characteristics and components of large ice generation systems, ice making equipment and conveying methods, and capital cost and power requirements. The very high cost of cooling deep mines is stressed and great efforts are needed to refine mining methods to reduce these costs. Improved mine design for future deep level mining in the Witwatersrand gold fields of South Africa will necessitate that cooling issues play a dominant role in mine planning. The cooling of mines relies on both refrigeration and ventilation systems. Mining in the Witwatersrand currently has workings at depths of 3 800 m and detailed planning is taking place for significant production at depths of 4 000 m and more. The virgin rock temperatures at these levels will be over 60 degrees C and this, along with the great depth to which the ventilation air must travel, creates extremely arduous cooling scenarios.