Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health

Journal Name	Impact Factor	CiteScore	Launched Year	First Decision (median)	APC
Energies energies	3.0	6.2	2008	17.5 Days	CHF 2600
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ijerph	-	7.3	2004	24.3 Days	CHF 2500
Minerals minerals	2.2	4.1	2011	18 Days	CHF 2400
Mining mining	-	2.8	2021	19.6 Days	CHF 1000
Safety safety	1.8	3.2	2015	27.3 Days	CHF 1800

15 pages, 676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices on Occupation Health and Safety Amongst Mine Workers Exposed to Crystalline Silica Dust in a Low-Income Country: A Case Study from Lesotho

by Vuyiseka Langwana, Norman Khoza, Phoka Caiphus Rathebe, Thokozani Patrick Mbonane and Masilu Daniel Masekameni

Safety 2024, 10(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030076 - 27 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1346

Abstract

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust is one of the most common and severe risks due to the associated health outcomes among workers and results in many occupational-related lung diseases, such as silicosis and lung cancer. The study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes, [...] Read more.

Exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust is one of the most common and severe risks due to the associated health outcomes among workers and results in many occupational-related lung diseases, such as silicosis and lung cancer. The study aimed to determine knowledge, attitudes, and practices on occupation health and safety among mine workers exposed to crystalline silica dust in Lesotho. A descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study design was used in the study. A record review guide was used to retrieve secondary data from the Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health Systems Support (SATBHSS) project, which were thereafter entered into STATA software, version 17 for descriptive and inferential analysis. The study participants were purposively selected. Most participants were between the ages of 31 to 40 years of age and there was a significant difference between the genders with 35 (9%) females and 350 (91%) males. The majority of the participants had a high school level of education (305, 79%). The knowledge was generally positive in the study with a knowledge score mean of 13.43 (standard deviation: 2.99). The miners agreed with most attitude statements except for A1 (25%), A2 (35%), A3 (18%), and A4 (31%). The practice of exposed mine workers in the study was influenced by working in a dolerite mine (p = 0.003), knowledge score (p ˂ 0.001), and having an attitude about health and safety rules at the mine (p ˂ 0.001; 95% CI: 0.92 to 0.79), while age was a protective factor in the study. The findings of this study highlighted positive knowledge, attitudes, and practices toward occupational health and safety among mine workers. However, more educational programs can be implemented to ensure all mine workers understand the importance of good knowledge, positive attitude, and appropriate practices towards occupational health and safety in their environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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25 pages, 2296 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Illusive Pipedream of Zero Harm: A South African Mining Industry Perspective

by Oscar Rikhotso, Mesala Shabangu and Yolanda Havenga

Safety 2024, 10(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10030065 - 26 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1351

Abstract

Mining industry activities are fraught with inherent exposure to occupational health and safety hazards, often with fatal outcomes, injuries and occupational diseases. This occurs amidst the introduction of contemporary mining methods and targeted health and safety regulation. This historical study evaluated company annual [...] Read more.

Mining industry activities are fraught with inherent exposure to occupational health and safety hazards, often with fatal outcomes, injuries and occupational diseases. This occurs amidst the introduction of contemporary mining methods and targeted health and safety regulation. This historical study evaluated company annual reports through document analysis, on a textual level, to evaluate the extent of OHS performance reporting, a measure of the attainment status of the zero-harm aspirational goal. The reporting of OHS performance indicators in annual reports by South African mining companies is widespread, though variable in format, content and context. There were variances in the reporting of OHS indicators by the case mining companies which obfuscate attempts for intra- and inter-company comparisons of OHS performance. The case companies included have not attained the stated goal of zero harm in view of the historically reported and protracted incidences of fatalities, injuries and occupational diseases, a direct threat to the decent work principle. The status quo challenges all affected stakeholders, including regulators, employers, employees and unions alike, to continuously investigate measures for arresting the situation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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20 pages, 7601 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatiotemporal Analysis of Total Suspended Solids in Water Bodies and Mapping Mining Areas in Suriname and French Guiana

by Breno Mello Pereira and Felipe de Lucia Lobo

Mining 2024, 4(3), 510-529; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining4030029 - 16 Jul 2024

Viewed by 832

Abstract

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has made several environmental impacts, resulting in the significant siltation of water bodies due to the deposition of sediments on riverbanks. Based on this perspective, this study aims to investigate the water bodies and regions most impacted [...] Read more.

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) has made several environmental impacts, resulting in the significant siltation of water bodies due to the deposition of sediments on riverbanks. Based on this perspective, this study aims to investigate the water bodies and regions most impacted by mining activities, especially in relation to the increase in the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) caused by ASGM, focusing on the territories of Suriname and French Guiana, over the period from 2017 to 2023, through the creation of an algorithm in Google Earth Engine. This research also aims to map and describe active mining in this region using the Classification and Regression Tree (CART) method, which achieved an overall accuracy of 82% and a kappa index of 0.77. The results reveal that from 2017 to 2024, there was an increase of 148.09 km² in mining, with an average increase in TSS of up to 167 mg/L in water bodies most affected by mining activities. Finally, the continued importance of using remote sensing technologies, such as GEE, together with innovative methodological approaches, to monitor and manage natural resources in a sustainable manner is highlighted. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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29 pages, 1007 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unveiling the Nexus: Sulphur Dioxide Exposure, Proximity to Mining, and Respiratory Illnesses in Kankoyo: A Mixed-Methods Investigation

by Sipiwe Chihana, Jameson Mbale and Nchimunya Chaamwe

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 850; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070850 - 28 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1052

Abstract

The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO

_{2}

) from mining activities presents significant health hazards, particularly to communities near industrial zones. This mixed-methods study investigates the nexus between (SO

_{2}

) exposure and respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. Employing community [...] Read more.

The emission of sulphur dioxide (SO

_{2}

) from mining activities presents significant health hazards, particularly to communities near industrial zones. This mixed-methods study investigates the nexus between (SO

_{2}

) exposure and respiratory health in Kankoyo Township, Zambia. Employing community engagement, expert interviews, spatial analysis, and a retrospective examination of 15 years of health and (SO

_{2}

) data, the research identified a troubling correlation between (SO

_{2}

) exposure and adverse respiratory health effects among the local population. Expert interviews highlighted that respiratory issues constituted approximately

75 %

of health complications, with a notable reduction in asthma cases following the installation of a monitoring station and upgrades to smelter operations. Spatial analysis demonstrated that (SO

_{2}

) levels in Kankoyo exceeded the Zambian Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) limits by

1713 %

identifying it as a significant pollution hotspot. Additionally, wind profile analysis indicated frequent low-speed winds from the east-northeast (ENE), contributing to pollutant accumulation. Based on these insights, the study recommends implementing real-time pollution data sharing, affordable air quality sensors, addressing medication shortages, establishing specialized respiratory clinics, launching IT-driven awareness campaigns, and further research into additional pollutants and confounding factors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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10 pages, 306 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Arithmetic vs. Weighted Means in Fish Fillets Mercury Analyses

by Helvi Heinonen-Tanski

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(6), 758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21060758 - 10 Jun 2024

Viewed by 873

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) analyses in species of fish are performed for two reasons: (1) to safeguard human health; and (2) to assess environmental quality, since different environmental changes may increase the Hg concentrations in fish. These analyses are important since both natural and human [...] Read more.

Mercury (Hg) analyses in species of fish are performed for two reasons: (1) to safeguard human health; and (2) to assess environmental quality, since different environmental changes may increase the Hg concentrations in fish. These analyses are important since both natural and human activities can increase these Hg concentrations, which can vary extensively, depending on the species, age and catching location. Hg-contaminated fish or other marine foodstuffs can be only detected by chemical analysis. If the aim of Hg analysis is to protect the health of marine food consumers, researcher workers must consider the location where the fish were caught and interpret the results accordingly. Health and environmental officials must appreciate that in specific places, local people may have a daily diet consisting entirely of fish or other marine foods, and these individuals should not be exposed to high concentrations of Hg. Regional and national health and environmental officials should follow the recent guidance of international organizations when drawing their final conclusions about whether the products are safe or unsafe to eat. Correct statistical calculations are not always carried out; so, too high Hg amounts could be presented, and fish eaters could be protected. This work has been conducted to show the differences in Hg concentrations between weighted (weighted with fish weights) and arithmetic means. Thus, the mean that is only weighted also includes the Hg content in fishes; so, the exposure to Hg can be evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

16 pages, 2897 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessing the Impact of Quarrying as an Environmental Ethic Crisis: A Case Study of Limestone Mining in a Rural Community

by Babalwa Kafu-Quvane and Sanelisiwe Mlaba

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(4), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21040458 - 9 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3658

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the impact of quarrying as an environmental ethical crisis. The need for the study arose when we realised the deteriorating effect of the quality of life in our community, which is located next to a limestone quarry. To [...] Read more.

In this study, we investigated the impact of quarrying as an environmental ethical crisis. The need for the study arose when we realised the deteriorating effect of the quality of life in our community, which is located next to a limestone quarry. To obtain a deeper understanding of the adverse impact on the environment and the quality of life of the people living in the community around the quarry, we explored the workers from the community, and the members of the community-based organisation’s (CBO) experiences. We employed a qualitative method research approach, using a single case study design. We adopted a utilitarian perspective and Pinchot’s conservation as ethical systems that determine morality based on the greatest good for the greatest number. Both provide a framework for analysing environmental problems and ethical crises associated with limestone quarrying. We generated data using face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. We present and discuss data through the following themes: analysis of the social and cultural impacts on local communities and indigenous people, assessment of the ecological consequences on biodiversity and habitat destruction, and examination of the effects on water resources, air quality, and soil erosion. The results show that the negative effects of the quarry on the environment have always worried the local people. The company’s disrespect for the community and ignorance of the laws governing quarry activities is the root of the ethical dilemma. The detrimental effects that the operations have on human health and safety as well as the environment is the other ethical dilemma, which includes, land degradation, vibrations, air, and water pollution. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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15 pages, 546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Patient Safety in Spain: Streamlining Adverse Event Detection in Occupational Healthcare Records

by Diego Moya, Rafael Manzanera, Jordi Ortner, Marta Torres, Joan Carles Serfaty, Carme Sauri, Lourdes Jimenez and Jose Joaquin Mira

Safety 2024, 10(1), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10010013 - 16 Jan 2024

Viewed by 2232

Abstract

Background: Given the lack of previous studies on adverse events (AEs) in the area of occupational healthcare in Spain, it is very important to begin to understand this phenomenon in order to act on it. The objective was to accurately quantify AE occurring [...] Read more.

Background: Given the lack of previous studies on adverse events (AEs) in the area of occupational healthcare in Spain, it is very important to begin to understand this phenomenon in order to act on it. The objective was to accurately quantify AE occurring in occupational healthcare in MC Mutual during May 2021. Methods: We conducted a review of a representative random sample of 250 clinical records to identify AEs through an active search audit, focused on the frequency, type, severity, and preventability of these events, categorized using standardized scales. Results: We detected seven AEs in the sample of clinical records, representing 3% AEs per clinical record, while in the APEAS Spanish Study, they were detected in 10% of patients. The most frequent AE type was postoperative, followed by medication and diagnostic delay. The AEs were of intermediate severity and high severity and with a variable degree of being preventable. Conclusions: The detection of AEs has been useful in the development of projects and action plans such as specific training courses, safety patient newsletters, ambulatory risk maps, and treatment plans framed in the official certification of patient safety. These results should be evaluated in other companies similar to MC Mutual. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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13 pages, 2226 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Data-driven Framework to Reduce Diesel Spillages in Underground Mines

by Sheila R. Ngwaku, Janine Pascoe, Wiehan A. Pelser, Jan C. Vosloo and Jean H. van Laar

Mining 2023, 3(4), 683-695; https://doi.org/10.3390/mining3040037 - 3 Nov 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1206

Abstract

Several methodologies have been developed to manage diesel in open-cast mining due to its high demand and increasing diesel prices. Although the use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines has increased over the years, effective management thereof has not received the same attention. [...] Read more.

Several methodologies have been developed to manage diesel in open-cast mining due to its high demand and increasing diesel prices. Although the use of diesel-powered equipment in underground mines has increased over the years, effective management thereof has not received the same attention. With the advent of Industry 4.0, data can be utilised more effectively by modern businesses to identify and solve problems in a structured manner. In this study, an underground mine was used as a case study to determine whether a Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom (DIKW) method for diesel management could be coupled with the Six Sigma Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control (DMAIC) tool to make more informed decisions and gain new insights to help reduce diesel wastage underground. The new integrated methodology identified diesel spillages and highlighted the biggest contributors to these underground spillages. The Six Sigma DMAIC domain utilised root cause analysis to determine the reason for recent systems failures, followed by the identification of practical solutions to eliminate up to 200 ML (megalitres) of diesel spillage. With this information, the case study mine stands to save over USD 175,000 per annum. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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17 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pore Structure Alteration of Shale with Exposure to Different Fluids: The Longmaxi Formation Shale in the Sichuan Basin, China

by Shuwen Zhang, Ziyi Shen, Yan He, Zhonghua Zhu, Qingguo Ren and Liang Zhang

Minerals 2023, 13(11), 1387; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13111387 - 30 Oct 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1336

Abstract

The interaction between shale and various fluids is crucial as it modifies pore structures, which govern the effective development of shale gas and the geological storage of carbon dioxide in shale formations. In this study, samples from the Longmaxi Formation shale in Sichuan [...] Read more.

The interaction between shale and various fluids is crucial as it modifies pore structures, which govern the effective development of shale gas and the geological storage of carbon dioxide in shale formations. In this study, samples from the Longmaxi Formation shale in Sichuan Basin of China were exposed to different fluids, including 6 MPa CO₂, 12 MPa CO₂, 6 MPa CO₂+brine, and 12 MPa CO₂+brine, at 45 °C for 100 days. Various methods, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and the low-pressure gas adsorption (N₂) test, were adopted to evaluate chemical and structural changes during the exposure process. After being treated with supercritical CO₂+brine and subcritical CO₂+brine, the shale underwent significant changes in its major element composition. The content of Ca, Al, and K in shale saturated with supercritical CO₂+brine decreased from 13.00% to 10.34%, from 3.65% to 3.36%, and from 1.56% to 1.37%, respectively. Meanwhile, the content of Si and Na in the same shale increased slightly after saturation. The amount of quartz and dolomite increased, while the levels of clay and calcite slightly decreased. The surface of the shale sample became rougher and small bumps and cracks appeared after saturation with different fluids, as shown by the FESEM analysis results. Furthermore, the changes in both the total pore volume and pore size followed a similar pattern to the alterations in the specific surface areas. The highest level of variation occurred with the shale that was saturated with 12 MPa of CO₂, indicating that gas pressure and CO₂ phase state have a significant influence on the shale’s pore structure. In addition, the distribution of pore sizes showed a bias towards larger sizes across all diameters; this suggests that the reaction resulted in a decrease in the number of micropores. This also highlights that the impact of varying fluid saturation was primarily focused on micropores and macropores. The results of this study provided experimental evidence to further test the mechanisms and permeability of geological storage of CO₂ in organic-rich self-sourced shale. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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17 pages, 279 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychosocial Safety and Health Hazards and Their Impacts on Offshore Oil and Gas Workers

by Emma D’Antoine, Janis Jansz, Ahmed Barifcani, Sherrilyn Shaw-Mills, Mark Harris and Christopher Lagat

Safety 2023, 9(3), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9030056 - 15 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4066

Abstract

The offshore oil and gas working environment is an inherently dangerous one, with risks posed to physical safety on a daily basis. One neglected field of research is the added psychosocial stressors present in this environment. This research examined the experiences of offshore [...] Read more.

The offshore oil and gas working environment is an inherently dangerous one, with risks posed to physical safety on a daily basis. One neglected field of research is the added psychosocial stressors present in this environment. This research examined the experiences of offshore oil and gas workers through one-on-one online interviews which were recorded and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed through the qualitative software NVivo, which generated themes and patterns for the responses given to questions that were developed through a focus group. The results of the analysis showed that multiple psychosocial stressors are present in this population, such as fear of speaking up, unsatisfactory company-provided facilities, work–life interference, work status, micromanaging, gender harassment and bullying. In addition, interviews identified that production and time pressures, along with fatigue, can influence accidents and mistakes. Climate factors also cause discomfort. However, these are managed according to best practices by organizations. Due to the timing of the study, COVID-19 was a significant stressor for some, but not all, employees. In conclusion, offshore oil and gas workers face multiple stressors in a dangerous environment that may lead to devastating consequences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

19 pages, 9046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Antivibration Gloves When Used with Electric Hammers of about 10 kg for Chiseling Limestone Rocks

by Guido Alfaro Degan, Andrea Antonucci and Dario Lippiello

Safety 2023, 9(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020027 - 28 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1726

Abstract

The ISO Standard 10819:2013 defines the method for evaluating the performances of antivibration (AV) gloves, but when used in real fields, the protection can be dissimilar to that labeled. This paper investigates the transmissibility, at the palm level, of three different types of [...] Read more.

The ISO Standard 10819:2013 defines the method for evaluating the performances of antivibration (AV) gloves, but when used in real fields, the protection can be dissimilar to that labeled. This paper investigates the transmissibility, at the palm level, of three different types of AV gloves (air, gel, neoprene) and an ordinary leather glove, during the use of four similar electric hammers (average weight of 10 kg, and average impact energy of 18 J), in a limestone quarry plant. As the average triaxial transmissibility for all the hammers, results show very limited benefits in reducing the vibration (6%), with no significative differences among the different gloves. The working leather glove, instead, shows a transmissibility quite equal to the unit. Anyway, results can be different for the same glove when used among the different hammers, providing in some cases 19% of protection. Some differences can be found regarding the transmissibility through the three main axes for the same type of glove: the glove in gel seems to perform better in shear than in compression. The transmissibility in compression is around 20% higher than that provided by the manufacturers of the certified gloves. The usage of specific excitation curves during laboratory tests could help in providing a more accurate estimation of the transmissibility of the gloves when used with a specific tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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19 pages, 4991 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Ground Subsidence on Vegetation Chlorophyll Content in Semi-Arid Mining Area: From Leaf Scale to Canopy Scale

by Xingchen Yang, Shaogang Lei, Yunxi Shi and Weizhong Wang

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 493; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010493 - 28 Dec 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1897

Abstract

Ground subsidence is the main cause of vegetation degradation in mining areas. It is of great significance to study the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation. At present, few studies have analyzed the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation from different scales. However, [...] Read more.

Ground subsidence is the main cause of vegetation degradation in mining areas. It is of great significance to study the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation. At present, few studies have analyzed the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation from different scales. However, the conclusions on different scales may differ. In this experiment, chlorophyll content was used as an indicator of vegetation degradation. We conducted a long-term field survey in the Lijiahao coalfield in China. Based on field survey data and remote sensing images, we analyzed the effects of ground subsidence on chlorophyll content from two scales (leaf scale and canopy scale) and summarized the similarities and differences. We found that, regardless of leaf scale or canopy scale, the effects of subsidence on chlorophyll content have the following three characteristics: (1) mining had the least effect on chlorophyll content in the neutral area, followed by the compression area, and the greatest effect on chlorophyll content in the extension area; (2) subsidence had a slight effect on chlorophyll content of Caragana korshins, but a serious effect on chlorophyll content of Stipa baicalensis; (3) chlorophyll content was not immediately affected when the ground sank. It was the cumulative subsidence that affects chlorophyll content. The difference between leaf scale and canopy scale was that the chlorophyll content at canopy scale is more affected by mining. This means that when assessing vegetation degradation, the results obtained by remote sensing were more severe than those measured in the field. We believe that this is because the canopy chlorophyll content obtained by remote sensing is also affected by the plant canopy structure. We recommend that mining and ecological restoration should be carried out concurrently, and that ground fissures should be taken as the focus of ecological restoration. In addition, Caragana korshins ought to be widely planted. Most importantly, managers should assess the effects of ground subsidence on vegetation on different scales. However, managers need to be aware of differences at different scales. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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28 pages, 22746 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Research on the Dust Diffusion and Pollution Behaviour of Dynamic Tunneling in Header Excavators Based on Dynamic Mesh Technology and Field Measurement

by Xi Chen, Hao Zhang, Shaocheng Ge, Cunbao Deng, Chaonan Fan, Guoliang Ma and Weichao Li

Energies 2022, 15(23), 8945; https://doi.org/10.3390/en15238945 - 26 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1574

Abstract

In order to accurately characterize and evaluate dust particle diffusion in the dynamic tunneling process of a boring machine, this study considers the 31,116 main transport chute heaving face of the Lijiahao coal mine as a case study. A dynamic tunneling model is [...] Read more.

In order to accurately characterize and evaluate dust particle diffusion in the dynamic tunneling process of a boring machine, this study considers the 31,116 main transport chute heaving face of the Lijiahao coal mine as a case study. A dynamic tunneling model is developed considering the real dynamic tunneling state of the header, to carry out an in-depth analysis of the spatial and temporal evolution of wind flow and dust dispersion in the tunnel under dynamic excavation. In addition, the results were compared against the calculations of a static standard excavation model of a conventional header. Employing CFD analysis accompanied by field measurements, it was highlighted that the dynamic tunneling of the header leads to an increase in the pressure difference and the turbulent kinetic energy at the working face. Moreover, an increase in the number of vortices was reported, and a higher concentration of dust spreads more quickly along the return wind side wall to the return flow area. On the other hand, the high concentration of dust under the standard tunneling model was found to accumulate a lot on the return wind side. Simultaneously, as the distance between the pressurized air outlet and the working face increases, the average wind speed in the vortex-type wind flow area at the front of the tunnel decreases. When t = 60 s, the return flow area expands to a space of 8 m~24 m from the head, and the dust accumulated above the header spreads to the back of the header to form a high concentration dust region of more than 500 mg/m³. It was shown that the range of high-concentration dust clouds in the breathing zone decreases compared to the results of the standard tunneling model. Moreover, the dust concentration in the breathing zone of the driver is significantly lower than that reported by the standard tunneling model. Based on the results of the field test, the average error between the simulated and measured data of the dynamic tunneling model was calculated to be around 6.46%, thus demonstrating the model’s capability in describing the real working conditions of the heave tunnel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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