Mining companies in Australia are always looking for ways to save on dust suppression mining. However, the best investment is in programs that generate lasting results. Effective dust control is always a concern for mid to large mining companies. By controlling respirable dust in the air around worksites, mining companies can protect the stability of their unpaved roads, improve visibility, stay in compliance with state, local and federal air quality regulations.
Aside from keeping regulators happy, mining firms have the responsibility to their workers and the bottom line of their business. Dust control is necessary for employee safety. It also creates a healthy environment for everyone on the mining site including people living nearby. Investing in dust control can help operators in mines increase their profits by minimizing the costs associated with road repair and equipment maintenance and avoiding regulatory fees.
A question of cost
Whilst mining firms agree on the benefits of dust suppression, they share the same question: what is the actual cost of dust control? This concern reflects an urge to save a lot of money while meeting regulatory obligations. Mine operators should adopt a strategy for controlling dust that measures the efficacy of dust control square foot and is offered as part of a turnkey solution or managed service. In short, they should pay for the program and not the product. By implementing this type of approach, companies can satisfy their duties both to their workers and regulatory bodies – all while making sound decisions for their business and lay the groundwork for profitability.
Improper dust control cost
Getting the right mining equipment to help in dust suppression costs money. However, improper dust control costs more. Operators who try cheap dust control measures such as watering think they are saving money. However, they are just setting themselves and their staff up for more future stress. Strategies such as watering can provide mines with temporary relief from dust but they do not offer the same level of controlling dust as more advanced solutions. In fact, they degrade the integrity of the roadbed while creating a bigger dust control issue than you started with.
This is mainly because of something referred to as a negative cycle of watering. Watering of worksite roads regularly washes out road fines that keep the surface of the road intact. This contributes to rutting and potholes, which in turn require repeated grading and repairs. As this cycle continues, the durability of the road reduces, leading to mine operators spending more money on costly repairs that did not have to endure such degradation in the first place.
Cost-effective approaches for dust control
Mining companies should consider a more strategic approach to controlling dust that adds more value while saving money. Dust suppression mining has been proven to be one of the most effective methods for controlling dust. It is also important for mining companies to consider things such as climate, weather and the average use of unpaved roads. When buying dust control products, it is important to work with a vendor who is familiar with the specifics of your mine.