Frozen Air Conditioning, Nordegg

Ventilation below-ground was essential at Brazeau Collieries, as it is for all subterranean mining operations. Not only was it necessary to bring fresh air down and vent stale air out, it was also critical to prevent the buildup of methane and other gases released during mining work along the coal seams. Huge fans impelled air down a series of shafts and cross-cut tunnels, while extensive works including additional fans under the surface were designed to ensure proper circulation. Now the fans are still, perhaps shifting on their axels only by small, random degrees when the above-ground wind joins the afternoon sunlight in pushing against the scooped blades.