Mine Ventilation Challenges and Opportunities

- Raja V. Ramani, Ph.D, P.E. - Pennsylvania State University

Mine Ventilation Engineering – Into the Future

- Cheryl Allen, P.Eng - Vale

Inflation, Labor Shortages, and Global Supply Chain Delays: Satisfying Customer Needs in the Post-Covid Era

- John A. Landis, P.E., Mstr Eng - TLT-Turbo

Evolving Trends, Challenges and Considerations in Meeting Customer Expectations for Primary Fans

- Glenn Savage - Howden

Mine Ventilation Challenges and Opportunities

Raja V. Ramani, Ph.D, P.E. - Pennsylvania State University

The changing conditions of mining present unique challenges to achieve the primary goal of mine ventilation – maintaining the atmospheric environment of the mine free of threats to the health and safety of the miners. Underground metallic mines have reached depths of 4 Km and the deepest coal mines are over 1.5 Km deep; these physical facts signify the importance of the ever-growing heat and gas control problems. The remarkable progress in the control of Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis in the last five decades is only tempered by the fact that there are still pockets of high incidences, raising questions on the effectiveness of the present legislated standards. Reports of fires and explosions from mines around the world, fortunately less frequent than heretofore, are sad reminders of the fragility of the mine environment and the failures to identify and control the causes in a timely manner. Ever increasing depth of mine workings, ever decreasing allowable limits for toxic gases, dusts, and other constituents in the mine atmosphere, and growing social and community demands all present challenges to the planning and operation of mine ventilation systems. However, the advances in science, engineering, technology, and education offer great opportunities to assist in solving mine ventilation problems.

Mine Ventilation Engineering – Into the Future

Cheryl Allen, P.Eng - Vale

What are the ventilation engineering challenges that are faced today and those waiting for us in the future? Questions in the mining business today arise as to training that is required, level of competency and certification as well continued mentoring and development of people in order to attract and retain the best talent. There are challenges of integrating new technology into old mines and designing new mines with new technology that will be built without the benefit of relying on past experience. Mines today need to be focused on meeting strict environmental control of air, water and noise restrictions and also supporting global initiatives to reach company targets of Net Zero all while ensuring designs are functioning and providing a safe work environment. This address will touch on ideas and challenges for the mine ventilation professionals of today and tomorrow.

Inflation, Labor Shortages, and Global Supply Chain Delays: Satisfying Customer Needs in the Post-Covid Era

John A. Landis, P.E., Mstr Eng - TLT-Turbo

In this Keynote Address, John Landis, Managing Director of TLT-Turbo Inc, will draw upon his 35 years in the fan industry and his founding of two fan subsidiaries to discuss pre-Covid global supply chains and the long-term effects of post-Covid supply chain and labor disruptions. He will highlight the steps being taken to address new post-Covid era constraints and to build a more reliable supply chain and workforce to meet local customer demands.

Evolving Trends, Challenges and Considerations in Meeting Customer Expectations for Primary Fans

Glenn Savage - Howden

With new technology, more options and more complexity, the roles and expectations of Supplier and Customer are rapidly changing. This discussion focuses on new trends and changes in primary fan design, tendering, procurement, installation and commissioning and reflects on changes in the relationships and expectations of fan suppliers and customers.