Implementation of real-time monitoring technologies for toxic gas detection in underground mining: a case study in San Gerardo, Ponce Enríquez
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70577/asce.v4i4.480Keywords:
Underground mining; Real-time monitoring; Oxygen deficiency; Carbon monoxide; Hydrogen sulfide; Ventilation; Occupational health and safety.Abstract
This study assesses the presence and behavior of hazardous gases in underground mining operations at San Gerardo – Camilo Ponce Enríquez (Azuay, Ecuador) using real-time monitoring technologies. A quantitative, descriptive–comparative design was implemented with 84 observations across four sites (P1–P4) over three years (2023–2025). A multichannel platform (O₂, CO, CO₂, H₂S, and TVOC) recorded high-frequency data (~10 s) aggregated into 5–20-min windows. Analyses comprised descriptive statistics, exceedance rates against international thresholds (O₂ 19.5% v/v; CO 25/50 ppm; CO₂ 5,000/30,000 ppm; H₂S 1/5 ppm), and correlations (Pearson/Spearman). Findings showed high rates of O₂ < 19.5% (70–75%) across all site-year combinations; CO > 25 ppm only in 2024 (11.1%); no CO₂ TWA exceedances; and, although H₂S exhibited no aggregated exceedances, it displayed a strong association with TVOC (ρ≈0.74) and CO correlated with CO₂ (ρ≈0.52). Inter-instrument correlation was planned for 2025 but could not be quantified due to missing paired readings and zero variance in specific channels. Priority actions include ventilation upgrades, diesel source management, telemetry with alarms, and emergency protocols, alongside restoring the temporal component to capture intra-shift gradients. We conclude that oxygen-deficient atmospheres and episodic CO events are present, demanding immediate corrective actions and continuous monitoring aligned with national and international standards.
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