System Safety Approach for the Risk Assessment of Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Underground Mines

Abstract

There is an urgent need for a clean energy transition due to the considerable problems posed by rising global energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Emissions from the extractive sector, especially mining, account for 2 to 3 percent of world emissions. As a result, environmentally friendly methods are being implemented, most notably the replacement of diesel-powered machinery in traditional underground mining operations with battery electric vehicles (BEVs). This change attempts to lower emissions but also adds new organizational, operational, and technical challenges, including the possibility of battery fires. There are currently no specific regulatory guidelines for the prevention and control of battery fires in deep mines, although they pose a greater risk than conventional diesel vehicle fires. To assess the risks related to BEV integration in underground mines, this study uses the System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP) framework’s tools, Causal Analysis based on Systems Theory (CAST) and System-Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA). This report finds key flaws in current control mechanisms. It suggests required adjustments to improve safety through a detailed investigation of previous accidents, such as the Turquoise Ridge Mine battery fire analysis. The research intends to detect potential risks, set safety constraints, propose further control actions, and uncover causal elements leading to unsafe conditions by applying STPA to underground mine systems, including battery-operated haulage systems. This method offers insightful advice on how to create a durable control structure that prevents battery fires, guaranteeing sustainable and safe underground mining operations within the framework of the green energy transition.