RACA Journal I June 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 15
MINE COOLING TECHNOLOGY
view, they are becoming orchestrators of intelligence, responsible increasingly misaligned with current cost and sustainability for integrating machine capability with human insight. While AI pressures. operates on patterns derived from the past, human ingenuity
By contrast, dynamic, data-driven ventilation systems allow operates in the unknown. It is this ability – to create solutions airflow to be adjusted in real time, improving energy efficiency where none yet exist – that defines engineering at its core and while maintaining safety standards. In parallel, Matthew Slabbert becomes even more valuable in an AI-driven world. outlined the evolution of mine cooling strategies as operations Perhaps most striking was her warning about the unintended push deeper underground. He described a progression from consequences of automation. As systems become more surface bulk air cooling to chilled water systems, each with standardised and outputs increasingly homogenised, there distinct depth and cost limitations, and pointed to the growing is a risk that organisations may“ automate away” the human need for alternative approaches as thermal loads intensify. elements, she says – judgement, creativity and emotional
Together, these perspectives underscored a common theme: that connection – that underpin innovation. In this context, the both ventilation and cooling are moving toward more integrated, competitive advantage shifts. It is no longer defined solely by responsive systems designed to balance performance, energy use technological capability, but by the ability to combine AI in and economic viability. RACA systems, relational intelligence in people and change intelligence in organisational culture.
Beyond the strategic perspective introduced by Harvey, the day’ s technical sessions reinforced the practical realities shaping modern mining operations. Stephan Bergh made a compelling case for ventilation-on-demand( VOD), highlighting how traditional ventilation systems – often oversized by 30 – 50 % due to layered safety margins – are Matthew Slabbert outlined the evolution of mine cooling strategies.
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DWYKA gave an interactive presentation on Ventilation on Demand.
RACA Journal I June 2026 www. refrigerationandaircon. co. za 15