The event’s focus is on the strategies and technologies available to reduce workers’ exposure to the chemicals, according to the sponsors, and features a full schedule of workshops by individuals from all sides of the mining community.

Tuesday’s itinerary will kick off with a presentation on how mines can control their workers’ exposure to DPM and gases, chaired by NIOSH’s Aleksander Bugarski. George Saseen will also discuss a selection of engines for underground mining applications.

The remainder of the morning’s session will encompass a trio of experts: “Role of Engine Emissions Assisted Maintenance Program for Underground Mines” by Steve Forbush of Arch Coal; “Reformulated Fuels in Underground Mines” by NIOSH’s George Schnakenberg; and “Monitoring Exposure to Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases” by an MSHA representative.

Exhaust aftertreatment technologies will take centre stage that afternoon, including several comments from both the coal and metal/nonmetal sectors. They include:

• Diesel Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies – Kevin Brown (Lubrizol BCS);
• Effects of Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies on Concentrations of Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases in Underground Mines – Aleksander Bugarski (NIOSH);
• Application of Diesel Emissions Reduction Controls for Nonroad Construction Equipment – Michael Block (Emisstar);
• Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies in Metal/Nonmetal Mines – Sean McGinn (McGinn Integration);
• Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies at Greens Creek – Mark Good (Kennecott);
• Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies at Stillwater Mining – Richard Collins (Stillwater Mining); and
• Exhaust Aftertreatment Technologies in Coal Mines – Steve Forbush (Arch Coal).

Wednesday’s line-up is just as packed, with three main sessions scheduled throughout the day. “Monitoring Concentrations of Diesel Particulate Matter and Gases” and “Biodiesel and Synthetic Fuels” will both be chaired by NIOSH’s George Schnakenberg and contain three presentations each, while MSHA’s George Saseen will lead a session on engines that includes information on diagnostic tools and emissions data.

The final afternoon will also offer a hands-on engine performance and emission session, highlighted by talks on intake system verification and emissions testing as well as fuel injection/cooling/lubrication systems and electronic engine interfaces. A group discussion will follow before adjournment.

Keep checking International Longwall News for post-conference highlights.