DAS Product takes dust suppression to new levels.

Dust-A-Side Australia’s DAS Product proved invaluable for a major coal producer* who needed to quell the dust on their haulroads at one of Australia’s busiest open cut coal mines*. (*Names withheld to preserve our client’s privacy)

The DAS Product was supplied and applied as a spray-on treatment and the results were remarkable in terms of reduced dust, water usage, plant operating costs and tyre damage, as well as a host of other benefits.

REDUCTION IN WHEEL-GENERATED DUST LEVELS:

Static dust monitors placed beside the haulroad revealed a reduction in average dust levels from 0.121mg/m3 to 0.006mg/m3 over the course of the evaluation period.
85% of mine’s personnel surveyed also noted a significant reduction in the dust levels on the haulroad.

REDUCTION IN WATER USE:

613ML of water was used to suppress dust at the mine in the 12-months prior to the evaluation period – equating to 70 litres per m2 per month on the haulroads.
By applying DAS Product, water usage was reduced to an equivalent 14.6 litres per m2 per month on the haulroads – a reduction of 79%.
Furthermore, this translates into a significant reduction in water infrastrucuture costs, reduced likelihood of uncontrolled heavy vehicle movements, and reduced washout of fines and erosion of the haulroad wearing course – both of which contribute to increased haulroad maintenance.

REDUCTION IN PLANT OPERATING COSTS:

The cost of graders and watercarts used to maintain the haulroad and suppress dust in the 12-months prior to the evaluation period equated to $1.06 per m2 per month.
Thanks to DAS Product, the monthly maintenance cost reduced to $0.89 per m2 per month – a saving of $0.17 per m2 per month or 15%.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS:

Faster recovery times after wet-weather; potentially cutting production downtime in half.
Reduced likelihood of tyre damage, due to the use of a road sweeper to maintain a clean running surface and reduce the presence of spillage.
Improved road conditions that will benefit safety and production, including the binding ability of the product, good traction properties and reduced road roughness.