Modified Mining Qualifications Board

EXAMINATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF

COMPETENCY AS AN UNDERMANAGER

QUESTION 1

Markwell Colliery is currently producing 15 000 tonnes of coal per day on a six day roster
system. A longwall unit operates three shifts per day - there being two maintenance shifts per
week. Development units operate on a 9 unit shifts per day basis (3 Continuous Miners).

The coal seam is very gassy having insitu gas contents between 12 - 19 cubic metres/tonne.
Methane gas concentrations are normally 0.5% in main return airways and 1.0% - 1.2% in
longwall return airways.

A gas drainage system is in operation at the colliery. During longwall coal cutting operations
adverse airborne dust conditions have been experienced.

Model your ventilation plan using Ventsim Visual to determine the duty of the main fan and
the quantity of air flowing in all parts of the mine, i.e. roadways, longwall, leakage paths etc.
The Ventsim Visual file (file name should be: Group Number 2019 Ventsim Plan) should be
submitted with your completed hard copy ventilation plan.