Introduction

Mining is a vital activity for the global economy, but it often generates negative impacts, with
the generation of dust being one of the most significant. Effective dust management in mining is
essential to mitigate these impacts and promote sustainability in the industry. This work
addresses dust management strategies in mining, focusing on protecting workers' health,
environmental preservation and operational efficiency.
OBJECTIVES

Main goal:

 Analyze strategies to improve dust management in mining, aiming for sustainability and
reducing impacts on health and the environment.

Specific objectives:

 IDENTIFY HOW DUST MANAGEMENT IS DONE IN THE DIFFERENT STAGES

OF MINING
 IMPLEMENTATION OF TECHNIQUES TO MINIMIZE NEGATIVE
IMPACTS
 ANALYSIS OF BEST STRATEGIES AT DIFFERENT MINING STAGES
GUARANTEING SUSTAINABLE EXPLORATION

Dust management is a critical concern in mining operations, as it poses significant health risks
to workers and environmental impacts. Strategies such as controlled humidification, dust
suppressant use, dust collectors, and proper ventilation are essential to minimize dust exposure
and maintain air quality (Salinas and Wang, 2018). Continuous air quality monitoring is crucial
to ensure compliance with environmental and occupational health regulations. Effective dust
management at all mining stages, including drilling, blasting, loading, and processing, is
necessary to protect workers' health and the environment. Strict adherence to regulations and
adaptation of strategies to site-specific conditions are fundamental for successful dust
management in mining. Such practices not only safeguard workers but also contribute to the
overall sustainability of mining operations.

Dust management is a critical aspect in many industries, including mining, construction,

materials production and more. It is an important concern due to the following reasons:

. Occupational Health and Safety

Environmental Impact
Operational Efficiency
Business Reputation

Dust management in the extractive industry, which includes sectors such as mining, quarrying
and construction, is essential to protect workers' health and minimize environmental impacts.
Here are the general steps for dust management in this context:

 Identification of Dust Sources.

 Health and Environmental Risk Assessment

 Developing a Dust Management Plan.

 Dust Control at the Source

 Worker Training and Awareness

 Air Quality Monitoring

 Maintenance of Dust Control Equipment.

 Regulatory Compliance

 Continuous Improvement.

dust management in all mining stages

In all stages of mining, compliance with environmental and occupational health regulations is
essential. Proper selection and implementation of dust control technologies, such as dust
collectors, spraying systems, and covers, are necessary to protect worker health and reduce
environmental impacts. Continuous monitoring of air quality and regular maintenance of dust
control equipment are essential to ensure that dust management strategies are effective.

1. Exploration and Drilling:

In the exploration phase, rock drilling generates significant dust. Wet drilling during exploration
is a common practice. According to Wilson et al. (2019), "Wet drilling of drill bits during
exploration is essential to minimize dust generation.

2. Blasting:

During blasting, explosives are used to fragment ore, resulting in a significant dust generation.
To control dust at this stage, the controlled application of water and dust suppressants is
essential. "Water can be used in a controlled manner to suppress dust during blasting" (Wilson et
al., 2019). This practice helps reduce dust exposure and minimize environmental impacts.

2. Extraction and Excavation:

Dust management is crucial during ore extraction. Geosynthetic covers can be used to control
erosion and dust in excavation areas. As indicated by Smith and Brown (2020), "The application
of geosynthetic covers can reduce dust dispersion in excavation areas.

3. Loading:

Loading ore onto trucks, conveyors, or railway wagons is another potential source of dust.
During this operation, controlled water spraying is commonly applied to suppress dust. Jones et
al. (2018) emphasize that "water spraying at the loading area of trucks is effective in reducing
dust generation, improving working conditions, and reducing environmental impacts."

3. Transportation:

Ore transportation is a critical step. Transport trucks can be equipped with water spraying
systems to control dust during transportation. According to Jones et al. (2018), "Water spraying
on transport trucks helps prevent dust generation during ore transport."

4. Ore Processing:
In processing facilities, dust collectors, such as bag filters, are essential to capture dust particles
generated during crushing, grinding, and other operations. Smith and Johnson (2019) state that
"Dust collectors play a vital role in capturing fine dust particles during ore processing."

5. Storage and Stockpiling:

Stockpiles and storage areas can be a source of dust. Covering these areas with inert material or
vegetation can minimize dust dispersion. According to Li et al. (2017), "Vegetation in stockpile
areas helps reduce soil erosion and dust emissions."

. Long-throw sprinklers
wetting stored material [from Rain Bird Corporation 2009]

6. Rail and Maritime Transport:

In operations involving rail and maritime transport, controlled water spraying on tracks and port
facilities is an effective strategy to suppress dust. As Chen et al. (2020) point out, "Controlled
water spraying is a common technique to control dust on railways and in ports."
conclusion

Dust management in mining is an essential practice to protect workers' health, preserve the

environment and maintain the efficiency of operations. It involves identifying dust sources,

assessing risks, developing control plans and implementing specific strategies across all phases

of operations. These strategies include controlled humidification, dust suppressants, dust

collection systems, and air quality monitoring. In addition to complying with regulations, dust

management is an ethical and environmental responsibility that contributes to the long-term

sustainability of mining operations, promoting safety, occupational health and environmental

protection.
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