A study of nano diesel particulate matter behaviour and physico-chemical changes in underground hard rock mines of WA

The Challenge

Widespread use of diesel-powered vehicles in underground mining introduces substantial pollution to the mine environment – particularly in the form of Nano Diesel Particulate Matter (nDPM). Monitoring and mitigating human exposure to this pollution imposes a significant cost on mine operators.

Key Findings

The tracer gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) allowed characterisation of air flow behaviour and mapping of particulate transport between nDPM sources and nearby equipment operators.

This allowed definition of the potential real-time exposure of underground workers and the efficiency of secondary ventilation systems at each worksite over similar periods of time.

Benefit to WA

The understanding provided by this research will allow mine operators in WA to better understand and mitigate nDPM in the underground environment, leading to cost savings and improved worker safety across the industry.

Keywords: diesel particulates, workplace safety, environmental pollution, mitigation