Coal mining poses serious health and safety risks due to the massive dust it generates. This coal dust jeopardizes workers’ respiratory health, heightens the risk of dust-related explosions, and accelerates wear on machinery. These dangers contribute to both workplace injuries and long-term illnesses(Davda, 2024).
Fortunately, implementing robust dust suppression technologies such as targeted misting systems, foam agents, and advanced environmental controls can markedly improve safety for miners and reduce environmental impact.
These measures aim to prevent or minimize dust at its source and serve as the first defence against mine dust.
- Ventilation: Proper ventilation systems, essential for dust dilution and removal, use powerful fans to bring in fresh air and exhaust ducts to evacuate dust-laden air properly.
- Water Suppression: Use water sprays on stockpiles and highways and when operating machinery and cutting equipment to reduce dust. To suppress dust, use an ingredient in water sprays and modify the spray’s droplet size according to the dust particle’s length.
- Encapsulation: Isolating dusty processes like crushing units or grinding mills minimizes environmental impact. Use enclosures (e.g. covered conveyors, enclosed cabs on vehicles, plant and equipment). This can involve enclosing operations or creating harmful pressure zones to contain dust.
- Automation: Using remotely controlled machinery reduces direct human exposure to dust, replacing manual operations with safer, distant alternatives.
