Tailings storage facilities (TSFs) and ash dams are integral to the mining and power generation industries, particularly in Australia. These facilities handle large volumes of byproducts from the extraction of metals like gold, copper, and coal. Managing dust from these sites is crucial, as it poses significant risks to workers and nearby communities. Erizon is at the forefront of dust suppression technology, offering innovative and effective solutions tailored to the unique challenges of these environments.

Understanding Tailings and Storage Methods

Tailings, the residual materials left after the extraction of valuable minerals, vary widely in composition based on the mining process and the materials involved. The primary types of tailings include:

  • Metallic Tailings: Generated from the extraction of metals such as gold, copper, and zinc.
  • Coal Tailings: Byproducts of coal mining and processing, often consisting of fine particles prone to becoming airborne.

These tailings are stored in various ways, depending on the site’s specific requirements, geography, and environmental regulations:

  • Tailings Ponds: Large, engineered impoundments that store slurry-like tailings.
  • Dry Stacking: Dewatered tailings are stacked in layers, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure.
  • In-pit Storage: Tailings are deposited into mined-out pits, repurposing them as storage spaces.
  • Dams and Embankments: Raised structures used to contain tailings in a controlled manner.

The Risks Posed by Dust

Dust generated from tailings and ash dams can have severe consequences if not correctly managed, particularly when it comes to fine particulate matter like PM10 and PM2.5. These tiny particles, measuring 10 micrometres and 2.5 micrometres in diameter, respectively, are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs.

Due to prolonged exposure to these airborne particles, workers on-site are especially vulnerable to respiratory issues, including conditions like silicosis, chronic bronchitis, and even lung cancer. PM2.5 particles are hazardous as they can penetrate the respiratory system deeper, enter the bloodstream and cause various health problems.

Additionally, dust containing PM10 and PM2.5 can easily travel to nearby townships, significantly affecting air quality. This airborne dust can contaminate water sources and disrupt daily life for surrounding communities, leading to broader environmental and public health concerns. Effective dust suppression is critical to mitigating these risks and ensuring workers’ and residents’ safety.

Dust Suppression Options: Short-Term and Long-Term Approaches

Short-Term Solutions:

  • HydroBond: HydroBond is an immediate dust control solution that forms a protective crust on the surface of tailings, preventing dust from becoming airborne. This product is particularly effective in stabilising loose or sandy soils, making it ideal for sites requiring quick dust management while planning for longer-term solutions.
  • Water Spraying: Water spraying is a quick, temporary measure that dampens the surface to suppress dust. While effective for immediate dust control, this method requires frequent reapplication and is best suited for short-term needs when rapid dust suppression is necessary.

Long-Term Solutions:

  • SuppressX: SuppressX is a polymer-based solution that offers robust dust control lasting up to 24 months. It creates a strong, cohesive layer that binds particles together, providing medium to long-term protection in various conditions. SuppressX is ideal for sites requiring a durable solution that bridges the gap between immediate and permanent dust control measures.
  • FiberLoc: Designed for extreme environments, FiberLoc is a more robust and durable solution that incorporates natural wood fibres to create a resilient barrier. In addition to providing continuous dust suppression, FiberLoc supports vegetation growth, making it an excellent choice for long-term stabilisation and environmental restoration on tailings sites.
  • Revegetation: Establishing a sustainable vegetation cover is a key long-term solution for dust control. Hydroseeding and hydromulching are employed to plant vegetation that naturally stabilises the soil. This approach mitigates dust and restores the site’s ecological balance, offering a permanent and sustainable solution to dust management.

Overcoming Challenges in Dust Suppression Application

Applying dust suppression solutions to TSFs and ash dams presents unique challenges, particularly when accessing the surface. Unstable and low-bearing capacity surfaces require specialised equipment to ensure safe and effective application. Erizon uses tracked equipment designed for these conditions, allowing for the precise application of dust suppression products even on challenging terrain. This approach ensures that the entire surface is treated effectively, minimising the risk of dust generation.

Leading the Way in Dust Suppression Innovation

Erizon is at the forefront of dust suppression technology, offering cutting-edge products like SuppressX, HydroBond, and FiberLoc. Our solutions are tailored to the specific needs of each site, ensuring that dust is controlled effectively, whether in the short, medium, or long term. Our expertise in applying these solutions using custom-engineered tracked equipment sets us apart, allowing us to efficiently handle even the most challenging tailings storage facilities and ash dams.

If you’re facing challenges with dust control at your tailings storage facility or ash dam, Erizon has the solutions you need. Contact us today to learn more about our innovative dust suppression products and how we can tailor our approach to meet your specific requirements. Let us help you ensure the safety and sustainability of your operations.