Airborne respirable dust in fully mechanised underground metalliferous mines – Generation, health impacts and control measures for cleaner production

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-05, Vol.296, p.126524, Article 126524
• Main Authors: Paluchamy, B., Mishra, Devi Prasad, Panigrahi, Durga Charan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Dust characteristics; Dust suppression and control; Health impacts; Mine dust generation; Underground metalliferous mine; Workplace environment
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.126524

Mining operations are inherently associated with dust generation, which is detrimental to cleaner production in mines. Exposure to airborne respirable dust causes serious health hazards to the miners. This paper critically reviews the different dust generating sources in fully mechanised underground metalliferous mines (FMUMM). Moreover, it discusses the classification, characteristics, health impacts, and legislative guidelines of dust in underground metalliferous mines. The monitoring, mitigation, and control measures of airborne respirable dust in major mining operations for cleaner production in FMUMM, have also been discussed in detail. In addition, the generation and health issues concerning microscopic particulates, such as diesel particulate matter and radon progeny associated with dust particles in FMUMM have been elucidated. This article also discusses the recent research activities, identifies the gap areas and suggests the scope for future research on this important topic for improving the workplace environment and protecting health and safety of the miners in FMUMM. This comprehensive review encompassing various issues concerning airborne respirable dust in FMUMM can serve as a first-hand reference material for the academicians, researchers, and practising mine environmentalists. [Display omitted] •Comprehensive review on airborne dust generation and control issues focusing FMUMM.•Elucidated characteristics and health impacts of airborne respirable mine dusts.•Crystalline silica, DPM and radon progeny aerosols are human carcinogen.•Analyzed and presented effective dust control strategies for FMUMM.•Explored future research directions on dust dispersion, monitoring, control in FMUMM.