Mining & Exploration – Operations Joint Session: Ventilation Management Case Studies (SME Underground Ventilation Committee) | Room 255E
To reduce hazardous dust concentrations and satisfy new regulations (such as MSHA’s new silica rule), many new, increasingly complex dust allayment systems have been proposed. Roadway treatment options exist to help allay airborne dust, especially silica, in underground workplaces, but special considerations must be addressed, for example, in operations that excavate evaporate minerals. Other systems include the use of dry dedusting fans, and dry water mist curtains have been employed with varying degrees of success. These and other low-tech dust control measures should be evaluated on a site-by-site basis. Mineralization interactions presented by dust allayment systems yielding potential pitfalls should be simulated with pilot tests to eliminate operational risks. Many other airborne and site generated dust sources should also be addressed at the source to provide maximized efficiency in the overall ventilation plan. This review evaluates the current dust allayment systems to provide practical guidance for their implementation in underground mines.
Authors
- John Bowling, Principal Consultant (Mine Ventilation) | SRK Clovis
- Jon Fox
- August Greth
- Jason Miller, ICL Group
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