Glencore
Surface Ventilation Fan Design for Fraser Mine
BESTECH successfully delivered a critical project for Glencore Sudbury INO's Fraser Mine, involving the design of two high-capacity surface ventilation fans. Our approach focused on enhancing underground air quality and safety, with each fan capable of generating 1.3 million cubic feet of fresh air per minute. Our engineering solutions provided effective and reliable air circulation for both Fraser and Coleman Mines.Glencore Sudbury INO needed a comprehensive solution for enhancing underground ventilation at their Fraser Mine site. The project entailed designing two new high-capacity surface fans to provide fresh air for the mine’s operations and to assist in ventilating the neighbouring Coleman Mine, owned by Vale Canada Limited.
BESTECH executed the complete multi-disciplinary detailed engineering design for these critical ventilation components. Each fan, boasting 2250 hp and capable of generating 1.3 million cubic feet of fresh air per minute, was meticulously engineered to meet the specific requirements of underground mining operations.
Key Features:
- Detailed engineering for two new high-capacity surface ventilation fans.
- Tender document preparation, construction assistance, and commissioning leadership.
- Relocation of various assets to accommodate new Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) and switchgear.
- Heat study of the electrical building considering existing and new assets.
- HVAC upgrades for the electrical building.
- Design of the Bowtie deposit ventilation infrastructure, including dual parallel fans and high-pressure doors.
- Ventilation infrastructure design on 3,400L, including airlock doors and stench deployment.
- Demolition of old surface fans and validation of remaining infrastructure’s structural integrity.
From 2012 to 2016, BESTECH’s work on this project greatly improved the underground air quality and safety at Fraser Mine. The new ventilation system not only sustains the mining operations but also contributes to the ventilation of the neighbouring Coleman Mine, showcasing our ability to deliver complex, high-value engineering solutions in challenging environments.