ENGINEERING DIVISION
MINING ENGINEERING
STREAM: A
3º YEAR
ENGLISH V
INITIAL PROJECT
WATER CONTAMINATION
Tete, April 2023
Name: Calton Constantino Chihunzo
THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF DUST IN THE QUALITY OF WATER RESOURCES AND
CONTROL MEASURES AT VULCAN MINE IN MOATIZE – TETE (2024).
Project presented in the English V
course taught at ISPT. Under the
guidance of: MA. Davi Colaço
Constatino.
Tete, April 2023
Index
1 Abstract....................................................................................................................................4
2 Introduction..............................................................................................................................5
3 Statement of the problem.........................................................................................................6
3.1 Research question.............................................................................................................6
3.2 Research Hypothesis.........................................................................................................6
4 Justification..............................................................................................................................7
5 Academic and personal interest of the topic............................................................................8
6 Objectives.................................................................................................................................9
6.1 Main objective of the study:..............................................................................................9
6.2 Specific Objectives:..........................................................................................................9
7 Theoretical Background.........................................................................................................10
8 Context of the project and methodology to be applied..........................................................12
8.1 Feasibility of the work....................................................................................................12
8.2 Methodology...................................................................................................................12
8.3 Working Plan..................................................................................................................12
9 BIBLIOGRAPHY..................................................................................................................13
10 WEB BIOGRAPHY...........................................................................................................14
1 Abstract
Mining activity consists of extracting mineral riches from the soils and rock formations that
make up the Earth's structure. It is therefore one of the most important economic activities in the
world, with an emphasis on oil and coal. However, it is necessary to emphasize that this practice
usually generates serious damages to the environment. This work presents an analysis of the
environmental impacts of dust, caused in the Vulcan mine in Moatize and its control measures,
since this causes a significant impact on the environment, since almost always the development
of this activity implies in some negative aspects to the same. Therefore, based on the method of
observation, it is intended to know these problems caused and the minimization of their effects to
guarantee the preservation of the natural environment. In view of these considerations, it is
important to mention that mining activity is in any way vitally important to societies. But this
does not mean, however, that it must be carried out in an unplanned manner and without due
oversight of its facilities. It is therefore necessary to promote measures for the correct alignment
to contain the dust generated on the work fronts in order to protect the plants and the general
public. In addition, it is necessary to consider the sustainable use of mineral resources to ensure
their existence for future generations.
Keyword: Dust, impacts, sustainable use of mineral resources, control measures.
2 Introduction
Dust is a quantity of small particles of various origins, structures and compositions, which
deposit from the suspension through the air, causing dirt on various objects. The term "dust" has
no exact scientific meaning, but is usually defined as a solid which has been reduced to powder
or fine particles. The size of the particles is as important as the nature of the powder to establish
whether the substance is considered dangerous. In general, the most dangerous types of dust are
those with very small particles invisible to the human eye, such as fine powders. These types of
particles are small enough to be inhaled but at the same time large enough to remain trapped in
the lung tissue and not exhaled. However, some substances (for example asbestos) produce very
coarse dust with large particles, which can also be dangerous. Substances can produce dust with
particles of different sizes just because we can only see large dust particles or large granules does
not mean that other small particles cannot be present.
We can find some types of dust such as: Nano materials: these are particularly dangerous as
they can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream through the skin and through the inspiratory
lung membranes. They should be considered hazardous to health, regardless of the matter.
Normal protective equipment does not provide adequate protection and the laboratory should be
contacted prior to the opening of such products or sampling.
Toxic dusts: these are usually produced when working with substances that are themselves
toxic substances (eg: lead, mercury, chromium, etc.). If inhaled, they can damage the lungs or
enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
Flammable dust: are fine solid particles that present a fire or explosion hazard when suspended
in air under/ over a range of concentrations. More than 70% of dust in industry is considered to
be combustible/ flammable dust. Dusts that behave in this way include materials such as flour,
grain, wood, plastic, chemicals, coal and metals.
Metal dust – as the name implies this dust comes from activities involving metals. The particle
offers the workers diseases of the respiratory systems and also fevers and chills. Masks and
gloves are the most efficient PPE for these works.
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3 Statement of the problem
The process of transmission of microorganisms can involve several steps that generate
exaggerated dust dissipation. This air fuel can lead to serious health problems, especially for
workers who are in the layer area. The application of substances was a solution found to reduce
the expression of dust in the environment. In general, an aqueous solution of polymers is sprayed
onto the surface of the ore, this forming a protective layer against the action of the wind. The
spray cannons are an excellent option to contain the dust generated in stages such as loading
trucks, berms and slopes of ore piles, in this case the cannons can work in two ways: launching a
fine mist of water and causing the dust to settle in the air or in the application of the aqueous
polymer solution, also causing the dust to not be able to settle in the environment.
3.1 Research question
What is dust pollution?
What kind of dusts are there?
What damage can dust cause?
What can be done to reduce the risk?
Where can they be found?
3.2 Research Hypothesis
Usually the placement of trees is made so that they serve as a barrier for the containment of dust.
But we can also have the following hypotheses:
In the mining fronts:
Humidification of operations that may cause problems;
At material transfer and loading points:
Humidification
Neutralization with inert material
Periodic washing at intervals to be determined for each location
Where there are sources of ignition:
Source insulation
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4 Justification
This work presents an analysis of the environmental impacts of dust, caused in the Vulcan mine
in Moatize and its control measures, since this causes a significant impact on the environment,
since almost always the development of this activity implies in some negative aspects to the
environment.
It is said that dust is a quantity of small particles of various origins, structures and compositions,
which are deposited from the suspension by air. As it turned out, different types of particles
produce different actions in the body. Particles such as coal dust and tin oxide do not produce too
much reaction in the lungs. Others such as quartz powder and asbestos can cause permanent
scars on the lung tissue. In significant amounts, certain particles such as asbestos can cause
cancer in smokers.
Dusts can usually cause damage to the lungs and airways, but some specific types can cause
cancer. The most important diseases associated with inhalation of dangerous dust are as follows:
Benign pneumoconiosis: disease caused when apparently harmless dust is inhaled and deposited
in the lungs in such a way that they become visible through X-rays. Therefore, the disease is not
incapacitating. It is a disturbance most often associated with metal dust such as iron and tin.
Pneumoconiosis: A collective name for a group of chronic lung diseases caused by the
inhalation of dust containing specific minerals.
Pneumonitis: Inflammation of lung tissues or bronchioles essentially caused by the inhalation of
dust containing metals. The symptoms are similar to pneumonia, but the level of severity varies
depending on the inhaled metal.
Lung cancer: this can also follow any exposure to asbestos.
Given that in the mining sector there are many activities where the worker may be exposed to
solid particles (dust, fibres and fumes), it will be important to characterize some of them,
indicating the applicable legislation and good practices to minimize the consequences.
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5 Academic and personal interest of the topic
Much is discussed about the impact of mining activities on the transformation of landscapes.
However, attention should also be paid to another aspect: atmospheric pollution associated with
mining such as particulate emissions. Open pit mining areas are characterized by constant
movement of large rock masses or soil by excavation and, or use of explosives. Consequently,
there is the generation of a large amount of particles suspended in the air, called particulate
matter. In this way it is clear how fundamental the adequate control of these emissions is aiming
at mitigation the harmful effects, both on the environmental and on the health of the
community’s neighbouring the mining companies.
Academically, the choice of topic is due to the author´s interest in learning more about the types
of dust that we can find, their characteristics and the impacts they can have not only on the health
of workers but on the surrounding society as well. And look for ways to mitigate and contain the
propagation of these particles.
The author has a personal interest in the subject because dust pollution is something real and
serious, and we must be very attentive and careful and it is sometimes those we sometimes levee
aside, not that it is not important. But every day it has affected many people and they don’t
realize it. They end up with poor health by little.
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6 Objectives
6.1 Main objective of the study:
Study of dust control and containment measures at the Moatize-Tete mine;
6.2 Specific Objectives:
Identify the source of dust;
Understanding the dust phenomenon;
Identify impacts caused by dust;
Say the possible solutions;
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7 Theoretical Background
Dust is basically a solid particle produced by a mechanical breakdown of solids through
grinding, friction, impact, etc.
The extensive use of pastures in vegetated regions of the steppe type in South America, South
Africa and Australia causes a weakening of the vegetation cover and the possibility of dust
clouds. At the same time, the atmosphere is continually hit by cosmic dust. But the amount of
cosmic dust is greatly reduced when compared to the amount of anthropogenic dust. According
to estimates, about 100 tonnes of cosmic dust per year penetrate into the atmosphere, while dust
of industrial origin reaches only 2.5 million tonnes in Germany.
According to (PETTER 2016) the dust can be: minerals, alkaline, vegetable and metallic.
Mineral dust: these are dust produced mainly in drilling, mineral extraction, explosion, rock
crushing, etc. This type of dust causes 8% of fatal accidents at work. Although the minerals have
their different compositions, in general, they all generate silica dust, which is very harmful to
health, and can even cause cancer. To protect against this type of dust, it is essential to use
complete respiratory protection equipment.
Alkaline dust: alkaline dust comes from limestone and is basically composed of calcium
carbonate, calcium hydroxide, and calcium oxide. These particles in turn are highly harmful, as
they can cause nose and lung irritation. And it may be linked to the emergence of various lung
diseases, such as silicosis and pulmonary emphysema, for example.
Vegetable dust: workers who work in the field, such as cotton, sugar cane, etc., are exposed to
vegetable dust, which is released from this type of activity, or other types of contact with these
materials, such as weaving, for example. The most common occupational disease in this case is
byssinosis.
Metallic dust: comes from activities involving metals, such as sanding parts, for example. These
particles give the worker disease of the respiratory system and, also, fever and chills. The use of
protective masks with gloves and mask, together with an airy environment, reduces the risks of
this type of activity.
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According to (CARVALHO 2013) Dust particles usually settle quickly, so that the consequences
of dust are usually limited to the vicinity of the emitting source. An example will serve to
elucidate: in the neighbourhood nearest to a coal industry a precipitation of 3.17 g / m 2 of coal
dust is observed daily; at a distance of 1 km this value decreases to 1.74 g / m2, and a distance of
2 km there is only precipitation of 0.27 g / m2.
Also the dust raised by motor vehicles does not spread over long distances. But as in the great
cities the public roads where the dust is raised are relatively narrow, a few meters wide, the
concentration of dust cannot be diluted before precipitating and acting upon man and animals.
With strong air currents dust particles reach high altitudes and can form dust clouds at altitudes
of 4 to 8 km. Dust raised in this way can spread globally and pose a threat to the entire
atmosphere.
In the analysis of these theories it can be affirmed that the dust that is generated in the process of
dismantling of the fronts of exploration, along the transport of the extracted material, in the
phase of the treatment and shredding of the ore and in the transport and deposition of the barren
in the heap, are part health risks from mine work. Likewise, the fume vapours and gases
(nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide, monoxide and carbon dioxide) that are generated throughout
the ore extraction process, essentially produced by the operation of heavy vehicles and
equipment, of dust that interferes with breathable air quality. They are, therefore, a cause of
damage to the public health and of those who coexist in the day-to-day with these dusts: the
miners and all the population residing in areas bordering the exploitation.
Common illnesses caused by mineral dust: Pneumoconiosis: is an occupational respiratory
disease that develops from the aspiration of dust which reaches the workers lungs and causes
various damages the main symptoms of this problems are: shortness of breath, dry cough and
swollen fingertips. In addition pneumoconiosis significantly increases a workers chance
developing lung cancer
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Dermatitis: Is an allergic skin reaction, which usually manifests itself in the region of the hands,
arms and face. It developed from direct contact with and irritating substance and its main
symptoms are seen on the skin and the formation of blisters or spots.
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8 Context of the project and methodology to be applied.
8.1 Feasibility of the work
Having access to the material and resource needed to carry out the project I hope it can proceed
in a planned and timely manner. Difficulties and unforeseen will come but the important thing is
to have focus and dedication in our achievements.
8.2 Methodology
For the accomplishment of the present work focusing on methods of control and containment of
dust at the Vulcan mine, it is vitally important to use the Observation Method.
Step / Month 01 02 03 04 05
Choose Research Topic X
Project seminars (justification, X
Objectives, methodology,
Structure of the work).
Definition of chapters (summary X
Preliminary)
Literature Review (framework X X
Theoretical)
Seminar-proposal development X X
Preliminary draft X X X
Methodological, conceptual, X
Formatting.
Defence Preparation - Defence’s X
Presentation of the final work - defence X
8.3 Working Plan
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9 BIBLIOGRAPHY
JIMENO, C. L., JIMENO, E. L., CARCEDO, F. J. A. (1995) Drilling and Blasting of Rocks.
London: Talor& Francis,
BORBA, A.L.A (2015) Dusts
IRAMINA, W. S. O (2002) Mapa de Iso-velocidades como ferramenta de controle
ambiental. Tese (Doutorado). 2002. Escola Politécnica da Universidade de São Paulo. São
Paulo.
USBM (United States Bureau of Mines). (1980) Bureau of Mines Report. RI 8507.
SOUSA,W.R. (2016) Controle do material particulado nos acessos de mina a céu aberto.
Faculdade De Engenharia de Minas e Meio Ambiente/UFPA2
HENDERSON, R.D.( 2006) Paracatu Mining Technical Report. Kinross Gold Corporation
RIO TINTO BRASIL (2003) Relatório de Desenvolvimento Sustentável.
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10 WEB BIOGRAPHY
http/[Link], The types of dust and their respective risks. Accessed on April
12/2018 at 10h02AM
http/[Link] Pollution of air by dust. Accessed on April 23/2018 at 07h43AM
http/[Link] Risks to health arising from mine work Accessed on April 16/2018 at
18h30
http/[Link] Environmental problems arising from coal mining Accessed on April
24/2018 at 15h40
[Link] Accessed on
April 29/2018 at 22h15
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