Underground mining presents additional challenges and obstacles to which the innovative solutions provided by Soil & Dust Solutions overcame and provided a safer, dust-free, healthier, and more productive and efficient work environment.

At Eastplats Crocodile River Mine, located in Brits, South Africa, the mine was faced with a steep decline shaft which was accumulating large quantities of dust which was then being tracked into the shaft making work and general logistics very challenging.

Soil & Dust Solutions was asked to conduct a site assessment of the problem and to advise on a long term solution. Previous attempts at dust control were not successful due to harmful fumes and insufficient performance.

A complete assessment of the area and observation during working hours, revealed  substantial amounts of fugitive dust accumulation.

In consideration of the amount of fugitive dust, together with the general environment; the steep incline and the type of vehicles which traffic in and out of these underground mining shafts, the technical managers at Soil & Dust Solutions recommended for these locations to be treated with a permanent wetting agent.

This treatment allows for a surface which will continually increase its compaction, eliminate dust, absorb fugitive dust, and not track on the tyres or vehicles.  As it is odourless , when applied underground in the shaft, there are no fumes or irritants.

The products ability to work as a compaction aid resulted in a greatly improved driving surface as well as a dust free area.

Entrance to Decline 1 at Zandfontein	Entrance to Maroelabult Decline shaft

Application was done using a pump and spray system devised by Soil & Dust Solutions, which was attached to a mini bulk container resting in the back of a bakkie or on an underground vehicle for ease of application and movement while underground.

The application process allowed for traffic to flow continuously during the application therefore not interrupting or delaying the mining operations.
Zandfontein before application	Zandfontein during application	Zandfontein after application
Maroelabult before application	Maroelabult during application	Maroelabult after application
In providing a holistic and sustainable solution, Soil & Dust Solutions recommended that the sides of the entrance road to decline 1 at Zandfontein also be treated for dust suppression, as this decreased the amount of fugitive dust being tracked or blown onto the Decline area. .

The Engineered Solutions™ provided by Soil & Dust Solutions  were specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the client which were to achieve total dust control in the areas in an efficient way and at a cost effective rate, which was sustainable, did not require frequent re-applications, and which was environmentally complaint.

The ease of product application as well as the reduced frequency of re-application for maintenance purposes are extremely important benefits that use of the products provided by Soil & Dust Solutions.

Experienced. Effective. Innovative.

Contact Soil & Dust Solutions for  Engineered Solutions ™ that are cost effective and environmentally safe and compliant

+27 11 460-0981 or