What Are the Main Challenges in Mining & Mineral Processing Industry?
The mining industry is one of the most prominent industries in many different countries. This industry involves a bundle of processes that are involved with the extraction, management, and processing of naturally occurring solid minerals from the earth’s surface. Coal, diamonds, metals ores, oil, and other economically valuable goods can all be obtained through the mining process.
Impact on Environmental Factors:
The mining industry also involves processes associated with mineral processing, surface mining, etc. These processes will generate a substantial amount of dust. Hence, dust control is an essential part of the mining industry, and void of this it can both lowers the life of the equipment and also pollutes the environment.
Impact on Mechanical & Energy Consumption:
Dust is a major problem in mining, accounting for approximately 30% of the total cost of electric power in underground mining. Dust control measures contribute to energy conservation and reduced costs in electric power production and other areas such as dust pollution.
Limiting the production of dangerous aerosol dust is a critical aspect of good safety and environmental practices. Aerosolization can occur from any mechanical process in which substances are being processed or applied to a work area. Dust generated during the production process at cleanrooms (floor-to-ceiling) can be carried on fans, transport equipment and tools used during the process or exposed to products if they leave the cleanroom facility without precautions.
The following are a few of the most typical substances that are responsible for high dust challenges in mining and mineral processing dust.
Silica: Silica is an important product in industrial minerals. Silica has many industrial applications in abrasives and polishes; in glass manufacturing, fillers and extenders, silica brick manufacturing as a catalyst; in specialty coatings, cleaners ceramics, electronics optics, and refractories; in ferro-silicon manufacturing and rubber.
Coal Dust: Coal dust is a fine powdered form that is created by the crushing, grinding, or pulverizing of coal.
Asbestos: Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. Asbestos is well recognized as a health hazard and its use is now highly regulated by both OSHA and EPA. Asbestos fibers associated with these health risks are too small to be seen with the naked eye.
When minerals and ores are crushed, ground, and transported, fine dust is created. This dust can be breathed deeply into the lungs, where it becomes entrenched in lung tissue. Mines and mineral processing businesses should address these issues with a proper solution. These businesses must be aware of the elements included in their dust and take appropriate safeguards.
Employing proper dust collection systems can solve these problems.
We at American Air Filter (AAF) provide the best dust collection/removal systems for mining and mineral processing industries. AAF is a company with an outstanding industry record. The company has provided clean air for more than 100 years now.
Contact our AAF representative to enquire about complete dust control/ collection systems and related products for the mining and mineral processing industry.
Source:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/mining-industry
https://www.osha.gov/asbestos