IJ
IJCRM
International Journal of Contemporary Research in Multidisciplinary
ISSN: 2583-7397
Open Access • Peer Reviewed
Impact Factor: 5.67

International Journal of Contemporary Research In Multidisciplinary, 2026;5(2):92-100

Assessment of Dust Control Measures and Air Quality Management Practices in Opencast Mines

Author Name: Umesh Kumar Saw;   Daya Shankar;   Rahul Shaw;   Bijay Kumar;   Sachin Kumar;   Rahul Kumar Bediya;   Anil Tirkey;   Vivek Bhardwaj;  

1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

2. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

3. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

4. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

5. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

6. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

7. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

8. Students, Department of Mining Engineering, Jharkhand Rai University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India

Abstract

Opencast mining is an important method of coal extraction in India and generates fugitive particulate emissions from drilling, blasting, excavation, loading, hauling, crushing, material handling, stockpiles, waste dumps, and wind erosion. Among these sources, unpaved haul roads and material-handling operations are particularly important because vehicle movement and mechanical disturbance can resuspend fine particles into the atmosphere. This study presents a systematic assessment of major dust-generation sources, health implications, regulatory requirements, monitoring approaches, and dust-control technologies applicable to opencast mining operations. The assessment integrates published literature, regulatory documents, emission-factor methodologies, and selected Indian and international case-study evidence. Particular attention is given to haul-road watering, chemical and polymer-based suppressants, wet drilling, dust-extraction systems, fogging and misting systems, enclosed conveyors, green belts, and real-time air-quality monitoring. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) AP-42 methodology is considered for understanding fugitive dust emissions from unpaved roads, while Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS), Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) requirements, World Health Organisation (WHO) air-quality guidelines, and international occupational exposure frameworks are reviewed comparatively. The study proposes an integrated air-quality management framework based on source identification, continuous monitoring, adaptive control, operational management, and verification of control effectiveness. The analysis indicates that no single dust-control measure is adequate for large opencast mines. A combination of engineering controls, optimised water management, real-time monitoring, preventive maintenance, environmental planning, and appropriate respiratory protection provides a more robust approach to controlling occupational and community exposure to mining-generated particulate matter.

Keywords

Opencast Mining; Fugitive Dust; PM10; PM2.5; Dust Suppression; Air Quality Management; CAAQM; Respirable Dust; DGMS; NAAQS; Haul Roads.