Underground mines in Australia and worldwide are extending to greater depths. The effect of depth brings a number of challenges to mining engineers including geotechnical, ventilation, haulage and selection of mining method. The main effects of depth from a ventilation perspective are increased heat and humidity leading to reductions in productivity, occupational safety and health issues and the potential for fatalities. Numerous approaches have been undertaken over the years to mitigate against these effects. In this paper a review of various approaches to improving climatic conditions at a number of mine sites worldwide is undertaken. From these case studies it is argued that for mines at depth with the potential for a climate problem perhaps an alternative design philosophy to the established design philosophy should be utilised. In conclusion, the paper proposes some simple rules of thumb for use in mines with climate problems or the potential for climate problems._x000D_
FORMAL CITATION:Tuck, M, 2008. Ventilating deep mines - time for a rethink of ventilation design, in Proceedings Tenth Underground Operators' Conference 2008, pp 119-124 (The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy: Melbourne).