Dave McMillan’s Post

Mastering Dust Control: Strategies for Mining Excellence SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER : https://lnkd.in/eVHUxks6 In the realm of industrial minerals mining, managing and controlling dust is a paramount concern. Not only does effective dust control safeguard the health and safety of workers, but it also bolsters operational efficiency and compliance with environmental regulations. The “Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing” by NIOSH offers an in-depth guide on best practices. This blog explores these strategies, emphasizing their significance and implementation in the mining sector. Embracing the Hierarchy of Controls Elimination and Substitution: The First Line of Defense At the top of the hierarchy, elimination and substitution are the most effective means to control dust. This involves rethinking mining processes to either remove the source of dust or replace it with less dusty alternatives. While total elimination might be challenging, incremental changes can significantly reduce dust generation. Engineering Controls: Innovative Solutions Engineering controls are essential in modifying equipment and processes to minimize dust. This includes the installation of dust collection systems, using water sprays to suppress dust at its source, and incorporating sealed conveyor systems. Such measures require careful planning and consideration of the specific dust-producing activities in a mining operation. Advanced Ventilation Systems A critical component of engineering controls is the development and use of advanced ventilation systems. These systems effectively remove dust from the air, ensuring it doesn’t linger in the work environment. Customized solutions based on the mine’s layout and specific dust challenges are crucial for maximizing effectiveness. Administrative Controls: Modifying Work Practices Administrative controls focus on altering how and when tasks are performed to reduce dust exposure. This could include strategies like rotating workers to lower individual exposure times, scheduling high-dust activities during shifts with fewer workers, and ensuring thorough and regular housekeeping to remove dust accumulations. Training and Awareness A significant aspect of administrative controls is the continuous training and education of employees. Workers must be aware of the risks associated with dust exposure and understand how to use dust control systems effectively. Regular training sessions can keep this knowledge fresh and help inculcate a safety-first culture in the workplace. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The Last Resort When other controls can’t fully mitigate dust exposure, PPE becomes critical. The appropriate selection and use of respirators are essential in such scenarios. The type of PPE chosen must correspond to the specific dust hazards present, ensuring maximum protection for workers. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/e6nahVh9

The Mining Silica Control Tool (the Tool) was developed as a resource for Q or G permit holders who produce sand, gravel, and construction aggregate materials. It assists in performing appropriate risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices where Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust may pose an occupational hazard. By using representative data on RCS dust exposures resulting from various materials, tools, and tasks in mining operations, the Tool can predict expected worker exposures under similar conditions. The Tool provides an accessible option for the stone, sand, and gravel sector to enhance worker health and safety and to support compliance with s.2.1.1 and s.2.1.3 of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code (HSRC). Want to learn more about the Mining Silica Control Tool? Click the link below to register for one of our training webinars. Please note that you do not need a Microsoft account to attend this webinar; you can join using your computer browser. You can also visit the links below for more information and resources. · Tuesday July 16th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST · Tuesday August 13th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST Questions? Email: Mine.OccHealth@gov.bc.ca Find the tool: https://bit.ly/4bzAmLc

The Mining Silica Control Tool (the Tool) was developed as a resource for Q or G permit holders who produce sand, gravel, and construction aggregate materials. It assists in performing appropriate risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices where Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust may pose an occupational hazard. By using representative data on RCS dust exposures resulting from various materials, tools, and tasks in mining operations, the Tool can predict expected worker exposures under similar conditions. The Tool provides an accessible option for the stone, sand, and gravel sector to enhance worker health and safety and to support compliance with s.2.1.1 and s.2.1.3 of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code (HSRC). Want to learn more about the Mining Silica Control Tool? Click the link below to register for one of our training webinars. Please note that you do not need a Microsoft account to attend this webinar; you can join using your computer browser. You can also visit the links below for more information and resources. · Tuesday July 16th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST · Tuesday August 13th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST Questions? Email: Mine.OccHealth@gov.bc.ca Find the tool: https://bit.ly/4bzAmLc

The Mining Silica Control Tool (the Tool) was developed as a resource for Q or G permit holders who produce sand, gravel, and construction aggregate materials. It assists in performing appropriate risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices where Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust may pose an occupational hazard. By using representative data on RCS dust exposures resulting from various materials, tools, and tasks in mining operations, the Tool can predict expected worker exposures under similar conditions. The Tool provides an accessible option for the stone, sand, and gravel sector to enhance worker health and safety and to support compliance with s.2.1.1 and s.2.1.3 of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code (HSRC). Want to learn more about the Mining Silica Control Tool? Click the link below to register for one of our training webinars. Please note that you do not need a Microsoft account to attend this webinar; you can join using your computer browser. You can also visit the links below for more information and resources. · Tuesday July 16th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST · Tuesday August 13th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST Questions? Email: Mine.OccHealth@gov.bc.ca Find the tool: https://bit.ly/4bzAmLc

The Mining Silica Control Tool (the Tool) was developed as a resource for Q or G permit holders who produce sand, gravel, and construction aggregate materials. It assists in performing appropriate risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices where Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust may pose an occupational hazard. By using representative data on RCS dust exposures resulting from various materials, tools, and tasks in mining operations, the Tool can predict expected worker exposures under similar conditions. The Tool provides an accessible option for the stone, sand, and gravel sector to enhance worker health and safety and to support compliance with s.2.1.1 and s.2.1.3 of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code (HSRC). Want to learn more about the Mining Silica Control Tool? Click the link below to register for one of our training webinars. Please note that you do not need a Microsoft account to attend this webinar; you can join using your computer browser. You can also visit the links below for more information and resources. · Tuesday July 16th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST · Tuesday August 13th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST Questions? Email: Mine.OccHealth@gov.bc.ca Find the tool: https://bit.ly/4bzAmLc

The Mining Silica Control Tool (the Tool) was developed as a resource for Q or G permit holders who produce sand, gravel, and construction aggregate materials. It assists in performing appropriate risk assessments and implementing effective controls and safe work practices where Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust may pose an occupational hazard. By using representative data on RCS dust exposures resulting from various materials, tools, and tasks in mining operations, the Tool can predict expected worker exposures under similar conditions. The Tool provides an accessible option for the stone, sand, and gravel sector to enhance worker health and safety and to support compliance with s.2.1.1 and s.2.1.3 of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code (HSRC). Want to learn more about the Mining Silica Control Tool? Click the link below to register for one of our training webinars. Please note that you do not need a Microsoft account to attend this webinar; you can join using your computer browser. You can also visit the links below for more information and resources. · Tuesday July 16th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST · Tuesday August 13th, 2024 10:00-11:30 am PST Questions? Email: Mine.OccHealth@gov.bc.ca Find the tool: https://bit.ly/4bzAmLc

Evergreen Solutions' dust control products have transformed the mining industry, delivering substantial savings for companies. By effectively reducing dust at mining sites, our product has enhanced air quality, bolstered worker safety, and prolonged equipment life. This has led to reduced maintenance costs, heightened operational efficiency, and ensured compliance with environmental regulations. Our product boasts impressive results, including a 5x reduction in dust, 3x improved moisture retention, and an 80% reduction in costs. One mining operation in Northern Ontario experienced significant benefits after implementing our solution. They were facing high respirable dust levels, impacting worker health and resulting in fines from the government. Despite having a mobile dust suppression spray system, its inadequate spray pattern and operational difficulties meant it was underutilized. To address these challenges, we worked closely with the mining company to understand their needs and developed a customized application system. This system improved user experience, safety, and application performance. By using this system alongside our Aggresol DCC product, the customer drastically reduced PM10 dust levels, costs associated with dust suppression, and eliminated fines for non-compliance. Our solution offers numerous benefits, including optimized application efficiency, reduced operator involvement, increased capacity and automation, enhanced safety features, improved spray actuation, and long-term durability in corrosive underground environments. Choose Evergreen Solutions for a complete dust control solution that not only reduces costs but also virtually eliminates dust problems in underground mines.  Visit our website to learn more about how our solutions can benefit your mining operations. https://lnkd.in/gh-S3na or call us at 403-273-8000 #EvergreenSolutions #EfficiencyInIndustry #IntegratedChemistry #MiningSolutions

Tailings are byproducts of mines left behind after the ore is extracted. A combination of rock and water forming a sludgy mixture held up by large dams. Tailings ponds have a large footprint and pose significant risks. A poignant example of such failures occurred in Brazil in 2019 when one such dam was breached and released toxic materials over 290 hectares and tragically resulting in the loss of 270 lives, leading to a $10 billion fine for Vale S.A. To mitigate such risks, the industry is shifting tactics. Dry stack tailings is one such option. The process involves dewatering the tailings, making them less prone to spills if structural failures occur. This method also allows water to be reclaimed and reused in the mining process, reducing overall water consumption. Furthermore, dry stack tailings facilitate land reclamation as they can support vegetation more effectively than traditional ponds. Dry stack tailings are a promising solution. They involve more energy upfront but results in a much safer, more environmentally friendly option. Although we have mostly seen this method applied in smaller mines, the potential for scaling up dry stack tailings in larger operations is significant. As we continue to prioritize environmental safety and sustainability in mining, it's crucial for the industry to adopt such practices more broadly, ensuring safer and more responsible mineral extraction processes.

Continuous, real-time dust monitoring: a precision solution for all climate conditions.   Airborne dust remains a major hazard to the mining industry in South Africa. Continuous, real-time monitoring of coal dust levels has been identified by The Minerals Council of South Africa, as one of the leading indicators in mitigating the risk of exposure. Access to real-time dust monitoring enables mining teams to make evidence-based decisions, exactly when needed, to minimize and prevent employee exposure to dust. Continuous, real-time monitoring also allows companies to evaluate the performance of control programmes that mitigate the release of dust during their mining operations.   Low-cost air quality monitors, manufactured in the UK and used worldwide   The Praxis air quality monitor, designed and manufactured by UK company South Coast Science, is a low-cost, MCERTS-certified device developed for dust monitoring in harsh environments.   South Coast Science has demonstrated its expertise with monitors deployed on high-profile UK construction projects such as HS2 and numerous London boroughs. These provide threshold alerts for airborne dust levels and evidence of compliance with relevant UK legislation. For more information visit: https://lnkd.in/dgAqZgru

https://lnkd.in/gDTQmWXY Due to the rapid development of #global infrastructure construction, the continuous expansion of the #steelindustry, and the increasing demand for high-performance #refractorymaterials in multiple emerging industries, #SodiumFeldspar as a #rawmaterial will also play a more important role in the future market. First, #SodiumFeldspar has good melting properties and can quickly fuse with other components to form a dense microstructure, thereby reducing the pores and defects inside the #material and improving the overall #strength and #durability of the refractory material. Second, the #meltingtemperature of Sodium Feldspar is low and the range is narrow, which makes it easier to control the melting state of the material during the preparation of #refractory materials. In addition，#SodiumFeldspar is a common #mineral resource with abundant reserves and relatively low mining costs. As a #manufacturer and #supplier of #SodiumFeldsparpowder, #LSAKFeldspar provides #highquality #rawmaterials to the #refractoryindustry, which can help the development of the refractory industry to a certain extent. Contact us： Web: www.lsakminerals.com Email: info@lsakminerals.com Tel: 86 15837207537