LH Marthinusen (LHM), a division of ACTOM (Pty) Ltd., has successfully completed a significant fan installation project for a major mine in the Phalaborwa region, solidifying 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, one of the largest installations of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
Project specifications and impact – size and scale
Each of the 4-metre-diameter centrifugal fans is powered by 3MW 11kV ACTOM motors and delivers 400m³/s of airflow at 5500 Pa. This impressive fan performance is precisely controlled by an integrated Inlet Guide Vane (IGV) system, ensuring optimal ventilation efficiency. The entire fan assembly, including outlet ducting, stands approximately 15 metres tall and spans 7.2 metres wide, designed to handle substantial amounts of water in the airstream.
“This project represents a major achievement for LHM,” states Gareth Bodley, General Manager of the Fan Division at 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 showcase LHM’s capabilities in handling large-scale, demanding projects for the mining industry.”
The fan system provides critical redundancy for the mine’s ventilation, ensuring continuous operation even during maintenance. “These fans are the lungs of the mine,” Bodley emphasises. “With this new system, the mine can maintain full production without interruption, enhancing both safety and productivity.”
Engineering excellence and benchmarking innovation
The project’s scope included the refurbishment and reuse of existing equipment, along with the design and manufacture of new components. LHM engineers implemented innovative design improvements, such as specialised, maintenance-free bearings for the IGV assemblies, ensuring long-term reliability and efficiency.
“LHM is not only a leader in electro-mechanical repairs and refurbishments, but also a provider of cutting-edge solutions supported by our technology partner TLT-Turbo GmbH, whose expertise in advanced ventilation solutions continues to inspire industry-leading innovations,” Bodley explains. “This project demonstrates our ability to design and deliver advanced fan systems that meet the unique challenges of the mining industry. We have enhanced the previous design to ensure longevity and minimise future problems.”
Manufacturing and project timeline
The project, which commenced 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, while the second phase focused on the refurbishment of existing components. The key components of this project were manufactured and assembled in LHM’s state-of-the-art 6000 sqm Fan facility in Driehoek, Gauteng.
“We are proud to have delivered this project successfully, showcasing our expertise and commitment to the mining industry,” Bodley concludes. “This project has already generated significant interest in our Fan Division, and we look forward to continuing to provide innovative solutions for our clients.”
