Mathematical modelling of thermal state in underground mining(Article)

The effect of temperature in underground mines is related to the geothermal gradients of rocks overlying the mining excavation. This may exceed the standards of comfort for human beings to work in an underground environment thus causing thermal discomforts and associated risk. In order to evaluate the influence of high ventilation temperatures on mine workers a mathematical model has been developed based upon the concept of heat transfer from the rock mass to the air flow in the underground environment. This model has been validated in the Noves Corvo underground copper mine,Portugal.