Clearing The Air, Conserving Water

As the global concern over water sustainability increases, mining companies are being called upon to take more responsibility in managing their environmental impact when it comes to dust control.

The use of water sprays to control dust is preferred in many mining environments, as it is highly effective and more economical, and with implementation is usually faster and more straightforward.

However, using only water for dust suppression activities is not always effective nor viable. Constant reapplication of water to suppress dust can lead to erosion and sediment issues, water wastage, and potentially pose health risks to workers each time the water evaporates and requires reapplication.

Water on its own evaporates fast, leaving dust particles loose again with constant reapplications needed. When water is sprayed to control dust, it can flow over the surface, disrupting aggregates and dispersing them in the flow.

Adding a surface active agent (surfactant) or wetting agent to the water used in spray systems offers both short and long-term solutions, and is more effective when the chemistry is designed to be compatible with materials being mined or moved. Using the right type of spray system will further increase effectiveness.

 

A wetting agent changes the characteristics of water for greater penetration, saturation, and coverage, reducing water usage by up to 50% and gaining as much as twice the penetration rates. Numerous field tests have shown that, when used at the correct doses and applied through the correct spray system, a wetting agent significantly reduces the amount of water required to achieve higher levels of dust control than water alone.

Latest technologies currently being trialled in Australia include an advanced polymer additive designed by fine particle specialist RST Solutions, called Total Fines Control. Applied to bulk material by spray at transfer points along any stage of the supply chain, the polymer additive is mixed into the material to increase water holding capacity for easier, longer-term dust control.

The benefits of improving water with a wetting agent:

• Improves wetting characteristics of water, allowing it to penetrate, saturate, and spread faster than plain water.
• Increases dust extinction moisture (DEM) levels.
• Improves dust suppression capabilities.
• Reduces the amount of water required.
• Increases water flow through minerals and ore.
• Further benefits of using an advanced polymer additive:
• Improves water holding capabilities.
• Requires only one application to bulk material.
• Easily applied through water sprays at transfer points at any stage of the supply chain.
• Remains active throughout storage and transportation.
• Easy and quick reactivation with a light spray of water.

 

This is a preview of an article that was originally published in Issue 1 of World Coal 2025.

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