A ventilation study was conducted on Kucing Liar (KL) mine. KL is the addition to PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) panel cave operations and is anticipated to operate in parallel to Grasberg Block Cave (GBC). The study consisted of model construction, budget preparation and investigating multiple scenarios to meet the minimum budget requirements. Utilization of new engine technologies, controlled partial air reuse, push-pull and utilization of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) were considered during this feasibility study. A main intake and exhaust drift size optimization study was also conducted to determine the number of additional main fans and drift sizes required to support the KL mine. The results show the requirement for two additional 5MW main fans, two intake drifts and two exhaust drifts (7 m x7 m). The results also show the requirement for eight 6m ventilation raises to support primary air delivery to KL mine. Proof of concept trials are deemed necessary to determine the feasibility of applying some of the proposed concepts in underground operations (such as BEVs). The trial results will be used to complete a detailed ventilation network design.
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