Technical and economic evaluation of fluorescent and LED luminaires in underground mining. A case study: New mine level of El Teniente

This paper establishes the methodology used for lighting system planning in underground mining, shows local data and lighting levels required by the mining industry, and examines and compares the results of the technical and economic evaluation of using fluorescent and LED luminaires in underground mining in Chile. A case study for a new expansion of the mine called “New Mine Level” of El Teniente, Codelco, the biggest underground copper mine in the world, is analyzed, where a large amount of luminaires are used to illuminate work and transit areas in the mine. Technical comparison among different brands and both technologies is performed using DIALux software. Cost-effectiveness and sensitivity analysis is calculated using prices and economic data from this case study.