One of the largest gold mining companies globally by market capitalization operates in various countries, including Canada, Australia, Finland, Mexico, the US, and Colombia. Their commitment to safety and efficiency is exemplified at one of their key mines in Quebec, showcasing significant advancements in deep mine ventilation.
Industry Leadership in Mining
Project Overview
The Quebec mine, one of the company’s key operations, required an upgrade of its ventilation system due to the extreme depth of 2,750 meters. The project’s aim was to enhance safety and operational efficiency amidst the mine’s expansion. TLT-Turbo, especially TLT-Turbo North America, has a longstanding relationship with the mining company for more than 25 years and has already supplied two main surface fans and large underground booster fans, all of which are inflight adjustable pitch fans.
Challenges and Innovations
The primary challenge was the mine’s harsh environment, characterized by high moisture and low pH, which can rapidly degrade equipment. To combat this, the mining company integrated two high-efficiency axial flow fans made from stainless steel with duplex blades, specifically chosen for their corrosion resistance.
Results and Conclusion
This highly acidic environment provided TLT-Turbo with the opportunity to develop a solution using stainless steel construction to increase the longevity of the fans, thereby reducing maintenance and operating costs. The upgrade has equipped the Quebec mine with a robust, efficient ventilation system capable of withstanding severe conditions and supporting the mine’s long-term goals. This project highlights the mining company’s proactive approach to utilizing innovative technologies and strengthens their position as a leader in sustainable mining practices.
The successful enhancement of the Quebec mine’s ventilation system reflects the company’s commitment to excellence and strategic partnership with TLT-Turbo. This partnership sets new industry standards for operational efficiency and safety in extreme environments.
Solution Implementation
- 2x GAF 31 5/20-1 axial flow fans, designed for variable pitch in-flight operation.
- Performance: 670,000 ACFM (= Actual Cubic Feet per Minute), 31.3 in.w.g. (= inches of water gauge), 890 rpm, 3,750 HP.
- Application: Underground exhaust booster fan enhancing mine ventilation.
- Construction: Duplex stainless steel rotor and blades, with 316L stainless steel for inlet transition, nozzle, screen, turning bend, and diffuser. Additional components:
- Isolation door, lubrication and hydraulic control system, and holding brake.
- Control system: Comprehensive instrumentation and monitoring setup.
- Structural integration: Expansion joints with full installation service provided.