3 Major Mining Dust Health Effects And Prevention Strategies

Dust is an unavoidable by-product of mining, but how you control it can make the difference between a compliant, safe site and one that is unsafe and inefficient. With increasingly strict regulations and pressure to improve working conditions, the importance of mining dust control has never been greater.

However, selecting the right dust suppression system can be complex. Every operation differs, from the type of material handled to the site layout and environmental conditions. To achieve effective long-term control, it’s essential to understand how dust suppression works, and which factors influence the best solution for your site. The most effective approach combines dust control strategies such as foam systesm and misting systems along with ensuring works have neccessary protective gear.

1. Silicosis: The “Slow Killer”

​Almost 90% of the Earth's crust is made of silicate. As the foundation of glass, sand, quartz, and granite, silicates are essential to our modern world. However, inhaling silicate dust can lead to silicosis, a condition where inflammation causes scarring in the lungs, preventing oxygen from reaching vital parts of the organs. This disease is progressive and incurable. By ensuring a dust-safe site, this tragic and preventable disease can be avoided.

Dust Suppression Strategy For Silicosis

To prevent silicosis, effective dust control measures in mines, particularly in bulk material handling areas like crushing and transfer points, include:

• Using misting systems at drilling, crushing and loading points.

• Foam suppression systems during cutting and blasting to minimise airborne dust clouds.

With the right measures in place, mines can effectively reduce the serious mining dust health effects linked to silicosis.​

2. Risk To The Surrounding Area

​Dust from mining and construction sites can travel easily in windy conditions. It takes roughly an hour and a half for particulates to settle, and during this time, even a gentle breeze can carry them more than 40 kilometers from their origin. This means you must consider not only your employees but also everyone living or working nearby. Blasting, in particular, can create very fine silicate particulates that can remain airborne for extended periods, increasing the risk of exposure to the wider community. To mitigate these risks, it is advisable to take preventative action such as medical screening and effective dust control measures.

Dust Suppression Strategy For Surrounding Communities

To reduce exposure beyond the mine site, operator should implement the following:

• Continuous air quality monitoring to ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

• I​dentify sources of dust by implement appropriate control measure to treat dust at sources, such as foam systems, fog cannons, haul road sprinklers, haul road additives

• ​Residual dust and treatment at the boundary, consider: perimeter misting, bund walls, wind fences, vegetation.

​These dust control measures in mines help prevent the spread of hazardous particles, protecting both workers and the wider community.

3. Pneumoconiosis

​Also known as "Black Lung," Pneumoconiosis (CWP) is specifically related to coal dust. It causes pulmonary scarring and leaves a sticky, black residue on the lungs, which can lead to severe respiratory issues. Like silicosis, pneumoconiosis is preventable with proper dust control measures in mines.

Dust Suppression Strategy For Pneumoconiosis

Coal mining operations can reduce risks by applying:

• ​High pressure water sprays at cutting face

• ​Foam systems at conveyor belts and transfer points remaining points can stay as they are

• Regular equipment servicing to minimise unnecessary dust emissions.

With these strategies, silica dust coal mine and coal dust hazards can be managed, lowering the risk of pneumoconiosis among miners.

Find Out More

At Best Chem, we are committed to keeping both you and your local community safe. Our mining dust control solutions are comprehensive and tailored.

To discover how we can help create a safer and cleaner mining environment, contact our team today.