A Model to Determine the Number of Rescue Brigades in Underground Mines using the Risk Factor Approach

Authors

  • Sylvester Yenzanya UMaT
  • Newton Amegbey
  • Daniel Mireku-Gyimah

Abstract

Mine rescue practices have seen significant improvement over the century. There have been developments in breathing apparatus, safe havens, rescue capsules, rescue simulators, underground communication technology, and training for rescue brigades. Most countries practice a mine-owned rescue system and the number of rescue brigades required in a mine is country-specific and determined by the mining regulations of the host country. A review of mining regulations globally shows that the number of brigades required in a mine depends solely on the number of people employed underground. For ages, this has been the only criterion used to determine the number of rescue brigades required in a mine. This criterion is not appropriate since there are other vital factors which must be taken into account. Considering the nature, complexity and innovations in mining operation currently, this paper considers eleven (11) factors that influence the number of rescue brigades in a mine. These eleven (11) factors were subjected to focus group discussions, the Classical Analytical Hierarchy Process, and the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process to establish seven (7) vital factors with weights more appropriate for determining the number of rescue brigades required in a mine. The results show that the number of rescue brigades required in a mine depends on: the safety culture of the mine; the number of people employed per shift; the resourcefulness of the rescue team; the number of active mines in the mine; the level of mechanisation of the mine, the mining depth; and the nearness and responsiveness of sister rescue teams. A novel model called the Yenzanya Model has been derived for determining the number of rescue brigades for underground mines as a contribution to science. This should be adopted by mine regulators to determine the number of brigades required for mining projects.

Author Biography

Sylvester Yenzanya, UMaT

Mining Engineering Department, Assistant Lecturer

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Published

2022-06-30