This handbook was developed to identify available engineering controls that can assist the industry in reducing worker exposure to respirable silica dust. The intent is to identify the “best practices” that are available for controlling respirable dust level in underground and surface metal/nonmetal mining operations. This handbook provides general information on the control technologies along with extensive references.

This book represents an important new contribution to the literature that presents practical and comprehensive solutions to mining activities. Its timely content has been prepared by several experts from around the world and its practical format addresses the major environmental predictive techniques required for the extraction and processing of metal resources. Packed with reviews and case studies, it covers current methods used to forecast environmental effects of metal mining.

The use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mining operations provides many benefits to the industry. It also presents many challenges to the health and safety of workers as it is a significant source of submicrometer aerosols and noxious gases. This book was developed to assist the coal and metal/nonmetal underground mining industries in their efforts to reduce the exposure of workers to aerosols and gases from diesel-powered equipment. It includes information collected by researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health/Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (NIOSH/OMSHR). Prior to the production of this text, the knowledge on this complex issue was fragmented. The goal of this volume is to make the information available in one easy-to-use reference. The book includes comprehensive, mine-specific programs for use by mechanics, mine ventilation engineers, industrial hygienists, mine managers, union health and safety representatives, and personnel responsible for the acquisition of diesel vehicles, engines, exhaust aftertreatment systems, fuels, and lubricants. The description of methods to reduce exposure to diesel aerosols includes curtailment of diesel particulate matter and gaseous emissions at their source, and controlling airborne pollutants with ventilation and personal protective equipment. This information should also help researchers in industry, government, and academia to identify areas that need to be addressed in future research and development efforts.

Throughout the mining and processing of minerals, the mined ore undergoes a number of crushing, grinding, cleaning, drying, and product sizing operations as it is processed into a marketable commodity. These operations are highly mechanized, and both individually and collectively these processes can generate large amounts of dust. If control technologies are inadequate, hazardous levels of respirable dust may be liberated into the work environment, potentially exposing workers. Accordingly, federal regulations are in place to limit the respirable dust exposure of mine workers. Engineering controls are implemented in mining operations in an effort to reduce dust generation and limit worker exposure.

Advances in Productive, Safe, and Responsible Coal Mining covers the latest advancements in coal mining technology and practices. It gives a comprehensive introduction to the latest research and technology developments, addressing problems and issues currently being faced, and is a valuable resource of complied technical information on the latest coal mining safety and health research. As coal's staying power has been at the forefront of the world's energy mix for more than a century, this book explores critical issues affecting coal mining, including how to maintain low-cost productivity, address health and safety hazards, and how to be responsible environmental stewards. This book takes a holistic approach in addressing each issue from the perspective of its impact on the coal mining operation and industry as a whole. - Explains how to effectively produce coal within existing environmental constraints - Encapsulates the latest health and safety research and technological advances in the coal mining industry - Written by authors who have developed the latest technology for coal mines