Increasing the profitability of the mining industry is contingent on its ability to improve operational efficiency. Mine ventilation networks typically represent 25-50% of a mine's energy consumption and, therefore, exhibits scope for optimisation. Ventilation networks comprise numerous complex integrated airways, branches and ventilation fans. The most effective way to optimise and evaluate them is computer-aided simulations. However, no framework exists to clarify exactly how operational changes in ventilation networks should be evaluated. In this study, a scalable method was developed, implemented and analysed. The case study validation resulted in satisfying key performance indicators of both service delivery and operational energy costs, thereby increasing operational efficiency. The significance of the novel method is that it allows for improved operational decisions on mine ventilation networks. The value of the method was illustrated by the adoption of the method by the case study mining personnel to form the new norm of their procedures and standards.

Section 12L of the South African Income Tax Act (12L) aims to incentivise businesses to become more energy-efficient. However, claiming this benefit is a complex process that can become difficult, time-consuming, and costly if not clearly understood. It is therefore important to evaluate the feasibility of potential 12L applications before any unnecessary expenses are incurred or time is wasted. This article provides a brief overview of 12L and its associated literature before presenting a simplified feasibility evaluation strategy. The strategy consists of three key evaluation steps designed to identify potential issues quickly. The identified issues are linked to specific South African National Standards (SANS) guidelines to ensure that the issues can be resolved in a 12L-compliant manner. The strategy is applied to 47 industrial case studies. Some detailed results are presented to give a practical illustration of how the strategy works. The generalised results are further used to illustrate the potential benefit in time and cost reduction. OPSOMMINGArtikel 12L van die Suid-Afrikaanse Inkomstebelastingwet (12L) beoog om besighede te stimuleer om meer energie-doeltreffend te word. Om hierdie voordeel te eis is egter 'n komplekse proses wat moeilik, tydrowend en duur kan word indien dit nie duidelik verstaan word nie. Dit is dus belangrik om die haalbaarheid van potensiële 12L-aansoeke te evalueer voordat enige onnodige uitgawes aangegaan word of tyd vermors word. Hierdie artikel bied 'n kort oorsig van 12L en die relevante literatuur, sodat 'n vereenvoudigde haalbaarheidsevalueringstrategie ontwikkel kan word. Die strategie bestaan uit drie sleutel evalueringstappe wat ontwerp is om vinnig moontlike kwessies te identifiseer. Die geïdentifiseerde kwessies word gekoppel aan spesifieke Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Standaarde (SANS) riglyne om te verseker dat die probleme op 'n 12L-voldoenbare wyse opgelos kan word. Die strategie word toegepas op 47 gevallestudies in industrie. 'n Paar gedetailleerde resultate word aangebied om 'n praktiese illustrasie te gee van hoe die strategie werk. Die algemene resultate word verder gebruik om die potensiële voordeel in tyd-en kostebesparing te illustreer.

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