LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM, has successfully completed a fan installation project for a major mine in the Phalaborwa region, consolidating its position as a leading provider of electro-mechanical solutions for the mining industry. The project involved the design, manufacture, and installation of four overhung centrifugal fans. It is one of the largest installations of its kind in the southern hemisphere.
The ventilation fans installed at the mine each stand about 15 metres tall and 7.2 metres wide.
Size and scale
Each of the 4-metre diameter centrifugal fans is powered by 3 MW 11 kV ACTOM motors, and delivers an airflow of 400m³/s at 5 500 Pa. Each fan’s performance is precisely controlled by an integrated Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) system to ensure optimal ventilation efficiency. The entire fan assembly, including outlet ducting, stands about 15 metres tall and spans 7.2 metres wide, designed to handle substantial amounts of water in the airstream.
Gareth Bodley, General Manager of the Fan Division at LHM commented on the project, saying, “This project represents a major achievement for LHM. We’ve delivered a robust and reliable ventilation solution that will enhance safety and operational efficiency for the mine. The size and complexity of this installation demonstrate LHM’s capabilities in handling large-scale, demanding projects for the mining industry.”
The fan system provides critical redundancy for the mine’s ventilation system, ensuring continuous operation even during maintenance. “Fans like this can be seen as the lungs of the mine,” Bodley says. “With this new system, the mine can maintain full production without interruption, enhancing safety and productivity in its operations.”
Engineering excellence
The project scope included the refurbishment and reuse of existing equipment, along with the design and manufacture of new components. LHM engineers implemented innovative design improvements including, for example, specialised, maintenance-free bearings for the IGV assemblies, which provide long-term reliability and efficiency.
“LHM is a leader in electro-mechanical repairs and refurbishments and a provider of cutting-edge solutions, supported by our technology partner TLT-Turbo GmbH, which holds expertise in advanced ventilation solutions and continues to inspire industry leading innovations,” Bodley says. “This project demonstrates our ability to design and deliver advanced fan systems that meet the particular challenges of the mining industry. We have enhanced the previous design to ensure longevity and minimise future problems.”
Meeting project timelines
The project, which began in October 2023, was scheduled for final completion in June 2025. The first phase, involving the installation of new equipment, was completed in December 2024; the second phase focused on the refurbishment of existing components. The key components for this project were manufactured and assembled in LHM’s state of the art 6 000 m2 fan manufacturing facility in Driehoek, Gauteng.
“We are proud to have delivered this project successfully, confirming our expertise and commitment to the mining industry,” Bodley concludes. “The project has already generated significant interest in our Fan Division, and we look forward to continuing to provide innovative solutions for our clients,” he adds.
For more information visit: www.actom.co.za
