| Welcome to AngloGold Ashanti's Mponeng Mine | ||
| Keeping working temperatures down | ||
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When mining at depths of more than 3,000 metres (9,842 feet), where rock temperatures can reach 55?C (131F), cooling systems are a crucial part of the operation. Mponeng, which will eventually be deepened to over 4,000 metres (13,123 feet), is cooled by four large ice refrigeration plants. Ice is pumped through large pipes in order to help cool the air for the underground workers.
Pictured here: The ice plant at Mponeng - a unique approach to making the mining environment more comfortable for underground employees. | ||