Primary Ventilation Fans
Underground Gold Mine, Regional NSW
Client: Mining Company
Location: Underground Gold Mine, Regional NSW
Services: Project Management
Completed: February 2024
Project Value: $8M+
Cresco Australia (SJL Consulting Engineers at the time) were engaged by an underground hard rock Mining Company to undertake project delivery of their planned underground mining expansion. This specific project is the management of install of 4 large ventilation fans underground. The project was handed over at the end of February 2024.
Project Details
The 4 fans are each 15 metres long, and 4 metres high – impressive structures anywhere, let alone underground. These will be powered by 2 x 11kV substations in an adjacent underground chamber, and once commissioned will be fully automated and controllable based on underground ventilation demand.
From Our Socials
Have you ever wondered what the installation of ventilation fans in an underground mine looks like?
Nerves were tense, and all hands (and wheels) were on deck for the start of the transport phase of this project! This video highlights the first of 8 fan components heading 100 vertical metres underground to their install location. Some of these components weighed upwards of 35 tonne each – and were carefully pushed and pulled on skids (engineered by SJL) with large diesel loaders 1 kilometre down the pit ramp to the portal, then deep underground.
Prior to the exercise, survey clash detection was undertaken via point cloud scan and by visual inspection – this was to ensure the components, measuring 5 metres in diameter in spots, could be safely navigated through the underground chambers. These chambers are typically 6 metres high x 6 metres wide, so prechecks were crucial and there was no room for error! In some locations as little as 150 mm clearance was available.
4 fans in total were successfully installed underground, upgrading the exhaust ventilation system to see out the life of mine. Cresco Australia safely and diligently delivered this effort, and we think this showcases our ability to successfully deliver significant infrastructure projects.
Nick Munro
Civil Engineering & Project Co-Ordinator
