Mine ventilation aims to dilute toxic gas concentrations, dilute dust concentrations, remove them from the mine and ensure pleasant microclimate conditions in the mine, especially at work sites. Currently, in underground coal mines in general and in Giap Khau mine area, Hon Gai coal company, in particular, is in the process of converting the mining area into deep, as well as increasing output. Therefore, it is important to ensure that ventilation is a top priority in long-term occupational safety and meets the plan to increase coal production. In this study, we have evaluated the current state of ventilation in Giap Khau mine area. From those research results, on the basis of computational research methods, we have come up with reasonable solutions to change and improve ventilation efficiency for the mine in the condition of complicated mining plan and technology characteristics are still limited compared to those in the world. Specific solutions solve 2 problems: First, ensure ventilation for the current mining operation stage; Secondly, we have researched and proposing suitable solutions for ventilation of Giap Khau area mine when it has to increase production and move down to an adjacent project at a deeper level.

Determining a proper operation mode of the main ventilation fan at an underground coal mine primarily uses the theoretical characteristic curves of the fan’s manufacturer. Because these curves are developed in laboratory-standard conditions, the characteristic curves under different conditions in practice significantly change, seriously impacting the ventilation efficiency and environmental safety of mine. This paper presents a determination of the main fan's actual characteristic curve using a field measurement method. The method involves the (i) simultaneous measurement of airflow and air pressure at designated locations in fan drift and ventilation crosscut and (ii) statistical analysis and interpolation of the measured data. The results show that the fan actual pressure curve is permanently displaced to the left and steeper than the corresponding theoretical pressure curve in an on-site operating mode. The finding points out that on-site fans operate in overload mode that can quickly damage their mechanical components. This method provides mining engineers with an easy-to-apply tool for proper adjustment of the operation mode. This improves ventilation efficiency, increases environmental safety, and reduces the underground coal mine operational costs.

The stability of deep underground mine drifts is pivotal to sustainable, safe mining in underground coal mines. The main objective of this research is to determine the stability and drifting safety issues in 500-m-deep deep underground mine drift through complex geology in the Quang Ninh coal area. The laboratory experimentation and field measurements were used to analyze the large deformations and failure characteristics of the surrounding rock, the influence factors of safe excavation and stability of deep underground mine drift, and to study the stability control countermeasures. This study also shows the main factors influencing the stability and drifting safety include complex geology zones, high in situ stress, poor mechanical properties and engineering performance of the argillaceous rock mass. According to the field study, the groutability of cement-matrix materials in the argillaceous rock in the complex geology zones were extremely poor, and deformations and failure of the surrounding rock were characterized by dramatic initial deformation, high long-term creep rate, obviously asymmetric deformations and failure, the rebound of roof displacements, overall loosened deformations of deep surrounding rock on a large scale, and high sensitivity to engineering disturbance and water immersion. Various geo-hazards occurred during the underground mine drift excavation, including roof collapse, groundwater inrush. Control techniques are proposed and should be adopted to ensure drifting safety and to control the stability of deep underground mine drift through complex geology zones, including choice of reasonable drift shape, reasonable support type, steel sets, regional strata reinforcement technique such as ground surface pre-grouting, primary enhanced control measures, grouting reinforcement technique, and secondary enclosed support measures for long-term stability, which are critical for ensuring the sustainable development of the underground coal mine.