The main types of mining ventilation fans can be grouped by their aerodynamic design and by their role in the ventilation system. At the aerodynamic level, there are axial fans and centrifugal fans. At the system level, these are configured as main fans, booster fans and auxiliary fans to deliver air from surface into the mine, distribute it to working areas and remove contaminated air from underground workings.
Axial mining ventilation fans move air parallel to the shaft axis and are widely used because they can provide very large airflows with good efficiency. They are common as main surface fans on intake or exhaust shafts, where large-diameter axial units with adjustable pitch blades handle hundreds of cubic metres per second. Axial fans are also used as booster or auxiliary fans in tunnels and mines when high volume at relatively low-to-medium pressure is required and space is constrained.
Centrifugal mining ventilation fans move air radially, changing its direction by 90 degrees inside a spiral casing. They are often selected for higher pressure duties or where a stable performance curve is needed. Centrifugal fans may be used as main fans in mines with high-resistance networks, or as booster fans to push air through long or rough airways, refrigeration plants or dust collection systems. Their robust construction and pressure-handling capability make them suitable for demanding industrial and mining environments.
From a functional perspective, main fans are the largest units in the system. They are usually installed on surface at main shafts or declines and provide the primary pressure difference that drives airflow through the entire mine. Main fans may be axial, centrifugal, or in some cases combinations of both, installed in series or parallel to provide redundancy or increased capacity. They often operate continuously and are key components in the mine’s safety and production systems.
Booster fans are secondary fans installed within the underground network to increase pressure and airflow in specific branches. They help ventilate deep levels or high-resistance districts that main fans alone cannot supply economically. Booster fans may be axial or centrifugal, depending on required pressure and available space, and they must be carefully designed to avoid recirculation and unstable airflow patterns.
Auxiliary fans are smaller units used in conjunction with ventilation ducts to provide local ventilation in headings, development drives, crosscuts and stopes. They are most often compact axial fans mounted on flexible or steel ducts, but centrifugal designs are used where higher pressure or special configurations are needed. Auxiliary fans and ducts extend primary ventilation air to the face or extract fumes and dust from blind headings that are not part of the main intake or return circuits.
In addition to these main categories, mines may use jet fans in tunnels, portable fans for local tasks and specialized fans for dust extraction, cooling plants or emergency smoke control. All of these are selected according to duty, environment, regulatory requirements and integration into the broader mine ventilation strategy.
In summary, the main types of mining ventilation fans are axial and centrifugal designs configured as main, booster and auxiliary fans. Together, they form a complete ventilation system that delivers fresh air, removes contaminants and supports safe, efficient mining operations.
