Future Mine Compressed Air Planning Using Digital Twin Simulations

Abstract

Most deep-level gold mines use compressed air services that directlyinfluence production. However, compressed air planning is oftenoverlooked, leading to unforeseen problems and production losses.Therefore, a need exists for a proactive compressed air planningstrategy to illuminate and solve these problems before they occur. Thiswould help to ensure that compressed air services meet therequirements of planned mining.This study developed a proactive planning methodology using digitaltwin simulations to identify and solve future problems in mines'compressed air systems. The methodology was applied to a case studymine, successfully solving a problem in which the compressed air systemwould have been unable to meet future pressure demands. Theimplemented solution led to a 32% pressure increase, demonstrating thepotential of digital twin simulations in proactively planning andoptimising mines' compressed air system