Dust Suppression in Mining Operations

Mining activities, especially in open-pit mines, produce significant dust from drilling, blasting, shoveling, transportation, crushing, and soil discharge. Dust also arises from auxiliary operations such as ramp construction and slope cleaning, adding to the environmental and health challenges of mining. Effective dust suppression is essential to enhance worker safety, minimize environmental impact, and improve operational efficiency.

GELSAP® Solutions for Dust Control in Mining

GELSAP® dust control products, such as MINGSORB™, have proven effective in various countries, including Australia, India, France, and Brazil. These solutions, either applied alone or combined, offer reliable dust suppression results across a wide range of mining activities.

Advanced Applications of Superabsorbent Polymers (SAPs)

I. Dust Suppression in Mining Operations

A. Moisture Retention and Dust Binding

Superabsorbent polymers like MINGSORB™ retain significant amounts of moisture, forming a viscous layer that binds dust particles together. This absorption and binding process helps prevent dust from becoming airborne. In mining tunnels and excavation zones, SAPs contribute effectively to dust mitigation by enhancing surface moisture, thus reducing overall dust levels.

B. Drill Bit Cooling During Excavation

During drilling, SAPs can be applied to cool the drill bits, extending their lifespan and improving performance. Some SAP formulations also have flame-retardant properties, which provide added safety in high-temperature environments. This cooling effect maintains drill bit integrity and reduces the risk of fire hazards in mining operations.

II. Dust Suppression in Blasting Operations

A. Blast Hole Sealing Agents

Composition and Mechanism:
Blast hole sealing agents, consisting of liquid reagents and specialized polymers, create a hydrogel when combined with water. This hydrogel effectively seals blast holes, preventing dust from escaping during the explosion.

Pressure Shockwave Mitigation:
The hydrogel absorbs and dissipates the shockwave from the blast, redirecting energy back into the rock strata. This process enhances rock fragmentation efficiency while reducing airborne dust, noise, and fly rock, resulting in safer, more controlled blasting.

Gas Pressure Regulation:
By increasing gas pressure in the rock strata, the gelled sealing agents transform into water vapor upon explosion. This reduces air pressure and noise emissions, creating a more environmentally friendly and efficient blasting process.

B. Explosion Resistance Pads

Explosion resistance pads containing superabsorbent polymers, such as MINGSORB™, act as protective barriers over blast holes. When activated, the SAPs form a hydrogel that reduces the intensity of air blasts, captures dust particles, and dampens noise, significantly improving safety and reducing airborne dust.

Noise Reduction and Fly Rock Mitigation:
These pads help reduce blast noise and contain fly rock, protecting workers and the surrounding environment by offering a cushioning effect during the blast.

MINGSORB™: An Effective Hydrogel Solution for Dust Suppression

What is MINGSORB™?

MINGSORB™ is a patented hydrogel designed for dust control in both surface and underground mining operations. It is highly effective for blast stemming, where it fills and seals blast holes to minimize dust release during explosions.

When mixed with water, MINGSORB™ transforms into a solid hydrogel that absorbs and reflects up to 98% of the blast pressure. This unique property increases blast efficiency by retaining energy, promoting rock micro-fracturing, and reducing dust spread.

Advantages of Using MINGSORB™:

• Easy Application: MINGSORB™ is simple to load, similar to emulsion explosives, ensuring quick and safe application.
• Enhanced Dust Suppression: By absorbing moisture and binding dust, MINGSORB™ prevents dust from becoming airborne, ensuring a safer working environment.
• Environmentally Friendly: With a neutral pH range of 6.7–7.5, MINGSORB™ is biodegradable and meets environmental dust control standards.

Applications of MINGSORB™ in Mining Dust Control

Roadways:
MINGSORB™ sprayed on mine roads provides lasting moisture to control dust, maintaining safety for personnel and vehicles. Its application reduces road dust control costs and meets environmental dust suppression standards.

Slopes:
After spraying, MINGSORB™ forms a crust on slopes to prevent roadside dust. When combined with water retention agents like HORTISORB™, MINGSORB™ enhances vegetation survival rates on slopes, supporting reforestation and dust control for up to several months.

Loose Material Piles:
MINGSORB™ effectively controls dust emissions from construction and storage sites. Its neutral pH and easy degradation make it suitable for frequently disturbed areas, such as soil heaps and mixing sites.

Blasting:
MINGSORB™ replaces traditional fillers in blast holes, reducing dust release during blasting. The water-absorbing properties capture and suppress dust at the source, enhancing environmental compliance and workplace safety.

Mining Tunnels:
MINGSORB™ can be applied to tunnel surfaces to suppress dust and solidify sludge, ensuring smoother operations in tunnels and enhancing road transport conditions within mining areas.

Loading and Unloading Operations:
Using MINGSORB™ in loading areas controls dust emissions during the loading and unloading of minerals, ensuring dust does not become airborne and reducing overall dust pollution.

Comprehensive Dust Control with GELSAP®

GELSAP® products offer an effective solution for mining dust suppression by combining superabsorbent polymers and advanced techniques. MINGSORB™’s moisture retention, dust binding, and blast shockwave management capabilities improve dust control, safety, and environmental sustainability across all stages of mining. This integrated approach minimizes dust emissions, enhances operational efficiency, and ensures safer, cleaner mining environments.