Dust problems in mechanised underground coal mines : A critical study

Abstract

Mechanised mining systems offer high production and higher percentage of recovery with improved productivity. Mechanised mining systems are becoming increasingly popular in Indian coal mines, due to these advantages. However, several inherent operational problems are associated with the operation of these systems, mainly with respect to the human component of the systems. Ensuring better and comfortable working conditions is a vital component of these mechanised panels. Effective and efficient ventilation system is extremely important, as mechanisation always leads to production of gases and dust raised. Poor environmental conditions lead to undesirable health hazards of the personnel working in such panels and also explosions in some extreme cases. Controlling of not only gases and heat, but also the dust is one of the notable problems in longwall and other mechanised panels underground. Personnel working in mechanised districts are always exposed to higher dust concentrations, without proper personal protective equipment, exposing them to many health hazards. An airborne dust survey was, therefore, conducted in a coal mine, as a part of ventilation survey, for evaluating the environmental conditions underground. Survey was designed to assess the respirable dust concentration at several stations in the underground. An attempts has been made through this paper to highlight the problems associated with high dust concentrations in underground workings, level of dust concentrations and importance of paper ventilation planning in overcoming the problems.