Page 24 - Cost

Cost Competitiveness

Be Innovative Be Cost Competitive…….

A. Energy and Cost saving in Mining Sector

Backdrop:

BESTECH, Canada delivers new Ventilation-On-Demand system for underground mines, saves
signifcant energy costs. Optimising ventilation is not just adding more air but balancing several
considerations to ensure personnel and equipment can be safely managed underground. Te
VOD systems can be cheaper to install and operationally robust.

Objective

• Te innovation aimed to improve energy efciency.
• Reduction of Operating cost.
• Reduce carbon emissions at underground mines.

Methodology:

VOD system enables the capacity to get air to where it is required, when it is required. Te
installation of VVVF drives reduces capital costs as the fans can remain the same. Te VVVF
drives can reduce vibration (if fans and bearings are well balanced) during changes in fan speeds
in a VOD system. VOD systems can reduce shock losses and turbulence in the ventilation streams
by reducing the velocity when the ventilation is not required. If VOD is implemented into the
mine as it is developed, smaller ventilation shafs, fan installations, supporting infrastructure
and capital costs are lower than a comparable food ventilation system.

Applicability:

In 2012, India was the third biggest hard coal producer afer China and the USA. Around 55 per
cent of energy production in India stems from coal. Tus, this innovative approach can highly
be efective and cost competitive for collieries in India.

The Institute of Cost Accountants of India www.icmai.in 24