Critical evaluation of current environmental comfort conditions of Bogala underground

Abstract

Ventilation is a basic part of all underground mine operations as fresh, cool air is required to remove stale, affected air from the workings. The inadequate ventilation often is the cause of lower worker efficiency leading to decreased productivity and increased accident rates. This study focuses on the evaluation of environmental comfort conditions in Bogala Underground, a medium-depth underground graphite mine located in Aruggammana, Sri Lanka. A detailed ventilation survey was carried out taking measurements of dry bulb temperatures, wet bulb temperatures, Dry Kata and Wet Kata thermometer values, air velocities, surface air temperature and barometric pressures at strategic points covering the entire mine. All results were compared with corresponding standard values which describe the standard conditions to be met for working underground. Recommendations were made to improve the present environmental comfort conditions by installing auxiliary fans in stopes where necessary which will enhance the immediate mine environment contributing to health and safety aspects of the underground working environment.