A case study on dust concentration at Guleman Kef Chromium Mine

摘要

The aim of this study is to develop solutions for reducing excessive dust concentration due to insufficient ventilation which causes interruptions in the mining operations of underground chromium mines at the Guleman district. Natural ventilation system is currently being applied at the chromium mines in the district. The natural ventilation pressure leads to air circulation with variable air quantity. The air quantity obtained from natural ventilation is not uniform. Morever, the air quantities circulating in the mines which are resulted from seasonal differences are insufficient. Dust concentration exceeds the maximum allowable dust concentration limits especially during production and after blasting operations. This situation consequently halts the mining activities and results in loss of economical values. A laboratory equipped with extensive pressure and dust concentration measuring devices is established in the vicinity of the mine in an effort to support the field studies. The natural ventilation pressure quantities and the dust concentration values are measured continuously throughout one year. Finally, optimum values for excessive dust concentration are determined and recommendations for better working environment are made.