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Dust Suppression on Open Pit Drill Rigs—Case Study from Skorpion Zinc Mine



Author(s)

Stefanus Andries Jakobus Potgieter and Johannes Jacobus Labuschagne du Plessis

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DOI:10.17265/2159-581X/2015.08.006

Spotters and samplers around the drill rigs can be exposed to high dust concentrations. In this study it was found that individuals were exposed to as much as 14.2 mg/m³, which exceeds the OEL (Occupational Exposure Level) of 10 mg/m³ [1]. The work on which this paper is based included an extensive literature study, as well as field investigations. Number of additional dust suppression interventions was identified. These improvements, listed below, will assist in reducing dust concentrations around the drill rigs: Increase maintenance frequency on the shroud, sealing ring, suction pipes and filters of the drill rigs. Design and install new overlapping rubber belts on the shroud of the DM45. Install an air-blocking shelf on the inside perimeter of the shroud of the DM45. Install an airflow meter to ensure that the Q_C:Q_B ratio never drops below 3:1. Only allow wet drilling. Flush the dust collector system more regularly with compressed air to ensure that it does not become blocked. Introduce stricter supervision to ensure that the suction pipes are always connected to the shroud. Give drill rig operators more advanced training to ensure more effective drilling in order to reduce dust levels.

Dust suppression, open pit mining, drilling.