Why different types of mine roads need different dust control solutions

Achieving an effective and consistent dust management solution for mine roads is an ongoing challenge for mine operators.

This is mainly because there is no single product or process that can be used to achieve optimal dust control across an entire mine site.

A typical mine site is made up of both primary and secondary haul roads, ramps and LDV roads, all of which needs to cope with varying types of traffic volumes. As result, a dust control solution which works for primary haul roads may not necessarily be fit or cost-effective for secondary haul roads.

Mine road economics

Mine roads need to be looked at holistically as there are many factors that will impact on their lifetime costings such as:

• Local constraints – weather, legislation, in situ material
• Road use – life span and traffic
• Road induced operating costs (tyres, fuel, impacts on productivity)
• Road maintenance costs
• Road building & removal/remediation costs

This demonstrates that relying on water bowsers alone, or a single type of dust control solution, is not practical nor cost-effective approach to achieving a holistic dust control management across an entire mine site.

All the factors listed above need to be taken into account when deciding on which combination of dust control solution to use.

Different Dust-A-Side solutions for different types of roads

Because there is no “one size fits all” approach that can be applied to dust management for mine roads, Dust-A-Side has developed a comprehensive range of dust control solutions to suit every type of haul or access road.

For example, the unique properties and robustness of DASProduct makes it a suitable solution for primary haul roads with high traffic volumes.

Whereas for short term shovel and dozer access pit roads with low-medium traffic volume, HydroWet would be the most suitable solution.

This further highlights the need for a combination of different measures to be employed in order to achieve the highest possible level of dust control management across an entire mine site.

Need to implement a holistic dust control solution for your mine roads? Talk to Dust-A-Side

The experts at Dust-A-Side will develop an all-encompassing total dust management solution for your mine site which will improve economies of scale, drastically cut water consumption and prevent harmful dust particles from being released into the air.

To learn more, get in touch with us today or click here to arrange an on-site technical consult and report.