MARKETS

Exploring how to get safe DPM levels

WHAT is the most cost-effective approach to reduce diesel particulate matter to safe levels in mine workings? Is it improved mine ventilation; better atmospheric monitoring to minimise time men spend in areas of high exposure; better engine scrubbers and filters; or improved engine designs and maintenance? This was one of the main issues tackled at a recent workshop – Better Use of Diesels Underground.

Angie Tomlinson
Exploring how to get safe DPM levels

The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) industry workshop organiser and presenter Stewart Gillies said 125 people representing the majority of New South Wales and Queensland coal mining companies and operations attended the Mackay (central Queensland) and Belmont (central NSW) workshops.

Attendees were treated to the latest research and development from the United States' National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, with presentations by John Volkwein reviewing US developments in diesel particulates and Jim Noll on composition and analysis of diesel particulate matter.

The progress of a number of ACARP projects was also tackled, with a presentation by Stewart Gillies of Gillies Wu Mining Technology on Real Time Diesel Particulate Monitor; Skillpro's Terry O'Beirne and David Humphreys presenting on Diesel Engine Management; and CSIRO's Patrick Glynn talking about the Diesel Exhaust Soot Scrubber.

Coal Services' Gary Mace also presented on his findings on diesel particulate exposure during longwall transfers.

Gillies said attendees took away from the workshop the knowledge and awareness of how US mines are tackling the issue; development of the new real-time DPM mine atmosphere monitor; and some approaches to engine and exhaust scrubbing designs.

He said next on the agenda for reducing DPM was further workshops in the area to share ideas and improvements; and moves by inspectorates to set recommended targets or introduce regulatory limits for DPM.

On the research front Gillies said various surveys were being conducted by groups such as Simtars (Safety in Mines, Testing and Research Station), Coal Services and inspectorates; and he said the Australian industry would continue to look overseas – particularly to North America – to learn from the findings of other mining nations.

Watch International Longwall News for detailed articles covering individual presentations from the workshops.

TOPICS:

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

A growing series of reports, each focused on a key discussion point for the mining sector, brought to you by the Mining Monthly Intelligence team.

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Future Fleets Report 2024

The report paints a picture of the equipment landscape and includes detailed profiles of mines that are employing these fleets

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Digitalisation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations that use digitalisation technology to drive improvements across all areas of mining production

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Automation Report 2023

An in-depth review of operations using autonomous solutions in every region and sector, including analysis of the factors driving investment decisions

editions

Mining Magazine Intelligence Exploration Report 2023 (feat. Opaxe data)

A comprehensive review of current exploration rates, trending exploration technologies, a ranking of top drill intercepts and a catalogue of 2022 Initial Resource Estimates and recent discovery successes.