Engart: Coal People Magazine Article

Safer Dust Control (excerpt)

Coal dust is generated in the mine during the mining process by continuous mining machines, and longwall mining systems. It is also generated on the surface by coal handling operations such as coal preparation plants, conveyor transfer stations, and crushing, screening and processing operations. The coal dust explosion hazard, known in the early 1800s, was first given serious attention following a tragic mine explosion at the Courrieres les Lens Colliery in 1906, that killed over a thousand miners. Coal dust is also a health hazard to coal miners. The mine operator must constantly be aware of changing climatic conditions within the mine that may affect dust generated inside the mine.

Methods for control of the coal dust hazard underground include rock dusting, water sprays, fog sprays, and exhaust ventilation techniques. Exhaust ventilation is the use of fans with collection...


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