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Project Overview

Project Number
M0495
Total Grant Value
$516,120
MRIWA Contribution
$166,120
Project Theme
Safety, Social and Environmental Responsibility
Project Period
2017 - 2019

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

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Page was last reviewed 2 December 2020

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