Question

The primary purpose of mine ventilation is to:

• A. Cool the mine workings
• B. Supply oxygen and dilute hazardous gases
• C. Increase production rate
• D. Reduce roof pressure

Hint:

Mine ventilation is mainly a safety system designed to protect miners from toxic gases and oxygen deficiency.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding mine ventilation.
Mine ventilation refers to the controlled circulation of air through underground mine workings. It is an essential safety system designed to maintain a healthy and safe working environment for miners.
Step 2: Identifying the primary objective.
During mining operations, harmful gases such as methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and dust are generated. If these gases accumulate, they can cause explosions, suffocation, and serious health hazards.
Step 3: Role of ventilation air.
Ventilation air supplies fresh oxygen to miners and simultaneously dilutes, removes, and carries away hazardous gases and dust from the mine workings to the surface.
Step 4: Analysis of the given options.
(A) Cool the mine workings: Cooling is a secondary benefit, not the primary purpose.
(B) Supply oxygen and dilute hazardous gases: Correct — this is the main safety objective of mine ventilation.
(C) Increase production rate: Production may improve indirectly, but it is not the primary purpose.
(D) Reduce roof pressure: Roof pressure is controlled by rock support systems, not ventilation.
Step 5: Conclusion.
The primary purpose of mine ventilation is to ensure safety by supplying fresh oxygen and diluting hazardous gases.