Air Pressure half as mile underground

AI Thread Summary
Air pressure in mines, even at depths of half a mile, is managed through pressure regulators to ensure miner safety and comfort. These regulators prevent the stifling effects of increased air pressure, similar to how airplane cabins are pressurized but in reverse. Historical instances of miners falling ill due to pressure issues highlight the importance of this regulation. The depth of 800 meters underground does not significantly affect air pressure compared to being at a similar altitude above ground. Proper air management is crucial for the health and safety of those working in such environments.
samsara15
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Years ago, I went to an Iron mine in Minnesota, and we took an elevator half a mile underground. Why wasn’t the air pressure down there stiffling?
 
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To keep everything safe, pressure regulators are displaced in mines. It is used to regulate the air pressure there so that miners working extended hours won't feel sick. ( There are quite a number of cases before where miners fell ill because of this.) The principle behind this is just like the cabin pressurization in airplanes, just the opposite of that.
 
1/2 mile (only 800m) above ground is hardly a big deal so why would 1/2 mile under the ground be?
 
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