University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

Prediction of mineral dust properties at mine sites

chapter
posted on 2023-05-22, 17:43 authored by Taryn NobleTaryn Noble, Ronald BerryRonald Berry, Karsten GoemannKarsten Goemann, Lottermoser, B
Predicting the properties of dust generated at mine sites is important for understanding the impact of dust dispersal to the surrounding environment. This chapter presents a new approach to predicting the mineralogical properties of the PM2.5 and PM10 dust fractions. A purpose-built dust resuspension machine was fitted with a size selective sampler to collect dust fractions. Dust particles were collected onto a polycarbonate filter, which was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Backscattered electron (BSE) maps of the polycarbonate surface were imaged and processed to determine dust properties. For a given population of particles, the BSE brightness distribution of the 2-5 and 5-10 µm size fractions were quantified. The mineralogical composition of the dust size fractions were inferred by the BSE brightness as biogenic particles and sulfates (30-50), silicates (60-100), iron silicates and oxides (110-190), and sulfides (>200). The method was validated by comparing laboratory-generated dust fractions with those collected from dust monitoring stations at a tailings repository site. Similar dust composition and size fractions were observed for both laboratory and field samples. Consequently, the purpose-built dust resuspension device and associated laboratory procedures allow the prediction of mineralogical properties of dust at mine sites.

History

Publication title

Environmental Indicators in Metal Mining

Editors

B Lottermoser

Pagination

343-354

ISBN

9783319427294

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Springer

Place of publication

Switzerland

Extent

22

Rights statement

Copyright 2017 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Expanding knowledge in the earth sciences

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC