Most mining operations produce dust when air-borne becomes serious hazard to miner’s

health and may cause respiratory diseases e.g. chronic bronchitis/pneumoconiosis. It can be
collagenous/non-collagenous (non-fibrogenic). Based on size particulates can be divided into
TSP, PM10 and PM2.5. Dust is generally measured in terms of weight of particles per cubic
meter of air. Dust is a primary thing associated with all mining activity. In every step of
operation there is generation of dust. Open cast mines produces more dust as compare to
underground mines. The mining activities like drilling, blasting, loading, transportation,
crushing, conveying, haul road and the exposed overburden face generate large quantities of
fugitive dust. In view of this, identification dust emission sources and determination of
emission rate of various activities of the mine site is pertinent to assess impact of mining
activities on surrounding air quality. Silica is a potential carcinogen and its exposure to the
workers may be detrimental to their health which may result in progress of silicosis and lung
cancer. Hence determination of silica content in the respirable air is essential to assess its
impact on miner’s health.
Dust emission, dispersion patterns are difficult to predict through dispersion models due to
the wide range of fugitive sources in mining activities that may give rise to dust, empirical
emission factors for these activities, and the impact of local meteorology and topographic
features. Dispersion modelling can provide simple predictions of probable isopleths, and
ambient air quality monitoring can provide validation of possible levels of dust concentration
in and around a site.
In order to accurately predict dust concentration levels around the mine, long-term and
comprehensive dust monitoring is essential. Dust dispersion patterns are often affected by
wind speed, short lived dusting events, precipitation and the source of emission itself.
Sometimes dust emission from the mining site itself may be low or immaterial, but the
receptor may be subjected to background dust sources.

Plan of Work
The plan of work mainly focussed on a comprehensive assessment of the impact of dust due
to mining activities. Previous work of the researchers in the field of dust monitoring,
characterization and dispersion modelling were studied. The focus of the work is mainly to
assess dust generation at different sources, to assess to effect of dust on the health of workers
by going for characterization and to predict impact of dust generated by mining activities to
the air quality of the surrounding area. A flow chart of the work plan is presented in Fig
LITERATURE REVIEW
INTRODUCTION
Dust is used to describe fine particles suspended in the air. The size of dust particles vary from
few nm to 100μm and the concentration of dust vary from few micrograms to hundreds of
micrograms per cubic meter of air. Various factors such as dust lifted by weather, volcanic
eruptions, pollutions, mining activity, construction activity etc. contribute to the formation of
dust. The formation of dust can be attributed to the fine particles which become entrained in the
atmosphere due to turbulent disturbances produced by wind; it is also formed from mechanical
disturbances and through release of particulate rich gaseous emissions.
Dust includes wide range of particles varying from 1mm to less than 1μm. But the size range
normally varies from 1-20μm. because particles above 20μm are usually quick to settle and
particles below 1μm don’t form in abundance. The size of particle considerably influences its
characteristics. Depending upon the size dust can be classified as
1. Particles greater than 10μm:

These particles settle according to the law of gravity. In still air, they settle with increasing
velocity.
2. Particles between 0.1μm to 10μm:

These particles settle with a constant velocity obeying Stoke’s law. The velocity depends upon
density and size of particles, acceleration due to gravity and viscosity of the medium.
3. Particles between 0.01μm to 0.1μm:

These particles don’t settle in air rather remains in colloidal state.

Atmospheric Dust
Atmospheric dust is formed by saltation and sand blasting of sand seized grains from surfaces
through the action of wind. Troposphere is the medium of transportation of atmospheric dust.
Mostly atmospheric dust comes from the dry and arid regions which are more susceptible to
weathering through high velocity wind.
Fugitive Dust
During dust generation particulate matter became airborne and flows in the downwind direction.
When a dust is derived from a mixture of sources or when the source can’t be easily determined,
then it is termed as fugitive dust. In mining activities fugitive dust generates from the movement
of HEMM over non paved haulage roads and from blasting and loading operation. Mine dusts are
generally characterised as fugitive dusts since they are mostly generated from non-point sources.
Mine Dust
During mining and processing of ore body a number of stages of drilling, blasting, crushing,
grinding are required. Abrasion and crushing of surface due to action of mechanical force
produced fine particles which remain suspended in air due to small size. The movement of
dumpers and other HEMM along the haul road also produces dust. In most of the cases the dust
produced by the mine is of fugitive nature i.e. the sources can’t be easily defined and mainly
consists of disturbances of surface. Surface mining methods produces significant amount of dust
as compared to underground dust due to use of HEMM, high mechanisation and large surface
area which are vulnerable form dust production on action of air. In opencast mines, huge quantity
of over burden has to be removed to facilitate accessing minerals. The removal of overburden
requires dumpers, shovels, and draglines etc which discharge enormous quantity of fine particles
into atmosphere. Blasting operations too generates huge quantity of dust. The closure of mine
also involves loading and transportation of overburden and contributes to dust generation. Large
surface area of overburden dump is also quite vulnerable to dust production if efficient measures
are not taken to suppress it.

CLASSIFICATION OF DUST
The composition of dust generated in mines depends upon the mineral content of the ore.
Depending upon the harmfulness of dusts, they can be classified in the following manner:
I. Fibrogenic Dust
a. Silica (quartz, crystobalite, tridymite, chert)
b. Silicates (asbestos, talc, mica, silimanite)
c. Metal fumes
d. Beryllium ores

e. Iron ores
f. Carborundum
g. Coal (bituminous, anthracite)
II. Carcinogenic Dusts
a. Asbestos
b. Radon daughters
c. Arsenic
d. Diesel particulate matter ( a suspended carcinogen)
e. Silica (a suspended carcinogen)
III. Toxic aerosols (poisonous to body organs and tissues etc.)
a. Dusts of ores of beryllium, lead, uranium, radium, thorium, chromium, vanadium, manganese,
arsenic, mercury, cadmium, antimony, selenium, nickel, tungsten, silver.
b. Mists and fumes of organic and other body-sensitising chemicals
IV. Radioactive dusts
a. Ores of uranium, radium, thorium (injurious because of alpha and beta radiation)
b. Dusts with radon daughters attached (source of alpha radiation)
V. Explosive dusts (combustibles when air borne)
a. Metallic dusts (magnesium, aluminium, zinc, tin, iron)
b. Coal (bituminous, lignite)
c. Sulphide ores
d. Organic dusts
VI. Nuisance dusts (little adverse effects on humans)
a. Gypsum
b. Kaolin
c. Limestone
However, when present in excess amount, nuisance dust can be harmful to human health. As it
increases, the particle clearing mechanism of lung is affected which can have detrimental effects
on human health.
PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF MINERAL DUST
Human Respiratory System
Through nose and mouth air is introduced into the respiratory system. With air other aerosols
(dust, bacteria, and pollen) are also introduced into the body. When the aerosols pass through
the nasal passages, larger particles are cleared by hair and mucus. After that air flows through
the nasopharynx region, where it is warmed. Then air passes through the trachea (windpipe),
the bronchi (the two short branches off the trachea), and the bronchioles (branches off the
bronchi) and into the alveoli (the terminal lung sacks where oxygen is transmitted into the
blood stream). Along the trachea, bronchi and bronchioles, particles of medium size are
impacted on the mucous layer lining the openings. Particles larger than 10μm are caught in
ciliary escalator and brought back up through the bronchial tree to the throat. This material is
then coughed or swallowed.
Pneumoconiosis
Pneumoconiosis is defined in the ILO working group in 1971 as the accumulation of dusts in
lungs and the resulting reaction of dusts of lung tissues to it. It is the most common lung
dysfunction seen among miners. Pneumoconiosis is characterised by the formation of fibrous
tissues in lungs due to dust deposition.
METHODOLOGIES FOR DUSTMONITORING, CHARACTERIZATION AND
DISPERSION MODELLING
The methodology followed for carrying out the research investigations have been presented
in Fig
Dust monitoring in small-scale surface mines involves using various methods to measure and
track dust levels to ensure worker safety and environmental compliance. This includes using
gravimetric samplers, personal dust monitors, and potentially integrating IoT-based systems
for real-time data collection. Monitoring helps identify dust sources, assess the effectiveness
of dust suppression techniques, and ensure compliance with regulations.
Monitoring Methods:
Gravimetric Samplers:
These devices measure the mass of dust in the air, including respirable and inhalable dust
fractions, using a pump and a cyclone assembly.
Personal Dust Monitors (PDM):
These portable devices are worn by workers to measure their individual dust exposure,
aiding in identifying personal hazards and promoting safe work practices.
Real-time Monitoring Systems (IoT):
Integrating sensors with IoT platforms allows for continuous monitoring of dust levels,
providing data for analysis and potential prediction of dust hotspots.
UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles):
UAVs can be used to capture aerial imagery and data, enabling the study of dust
distribution across the mine site and identifying areas where dust control measures are
needed.
Dust Sources and Control:
Identification of Dust Sources:
Understanding the primary sources of dust generation, such as drilling, blasting, loading,
and transportation, is crucial for effective dust control.
Dust Suppression Techniques:
Implementing dust suppression methods, such as wetting the ground, using water
sprinklers, and employing dust cannons, can significantly reduce airborne dust levels.
Work Practices:
Scheduling dust-intensive tasks during off-peak hours, implementing worker rotation, and
reducing exposure duration can minimize worker exposure to dust.
Ventilation and Maintenance:
Ensuring proper ventilation systems are in place and maintained, along with regular
maintenance of equipment and vehicles, contributes to effective dust control.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
Providing workers with appropriate PPE, such as respirators, can protect them from dust
exposure.
Compliance and Regulations:
Environmental Monitoring and Compliance:
Regular dust monitoring is essential for demonstrating compliance with environmental
regulations and for obtaining necessary permits.
Reporting and Documentation:
Maintaining accurate records of dust levels and monitoring data is crucial for reporting to
regulatory authorities and for demonstrating compliance with safety standards.
This involves periodical monitoring of Respirable Airborne Dust in mines and taking
appropriate ameliorative measures when dust concentration exceeds its permissible limit
value (TLV). This TLV varies and reduces below 3mg/m3 with increasing free silica content
in the dust beyond 5%.