VENTILATION AND REFRIGERATION PRACTICES TOGETHER WITH ENVIRONMENTAL THERMAL PROBLEMS AT THE MINDOLA MINE, ZAMBIA.

This paper describes the ventilation and refrigeration practices in Mindola Mine, with special reference to future thermal heat problems. These are discussed with a view to mining at depth. Mindola Mine is one of the three underground mines comprising the Rokana Division on the Copperbelt of Zambia, producing about 270,000 tons of ore per month at 1. 9% Cu and 0. 14% Co. The total volume of air being circulated by means of five primary fan installations slightly exceeds 1,000 m**3/sec at standard density. Total capacity of the refrigeration complex is 10,500 kw (3,500 R. tons). An extension program is planned for a further five production levels with the re-deepening of a sub-vertical shaft. Thermal heat will become a major problem at increased depth.