Abstract
The particulate pollution in the open-pit coal mines of China is particularly severe in winter. The aim of this study is to understand the pollution characteristics of particulate matter (PM) in winter and provide a basis for the prevention and control of particulate pollution. We took the problem of PM concentration at the bottom of the Haerwusu Open-pit Coal Mine (HOCM) as the research object. Dust monitoring equipment at two measurement points at different heights were positioned for continuous monitoring of the PM concentration. The data for three months were gathered. Statistical analyses were performed to analyze the variation characteristics of the PM and its relationship with meteorological factors. The results show that the average PM concentration in the study area is below the average daily limit of the China National Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB 3095-2012). However, the average concentration of PM10 exceeded the national limit in December. The order of PM concentration is observed as December > January > February. The correlation of PM is found to be positive with humidity and negative with wind speed. Temperature is found to be positively correlated with PM in December, while it is negative in January. At the same time, the temperature difference in December is negatively correlated with PM concentration. Under the combined action of multiple meteorological factors, the magnitude of the impact on the PM concentration at the bottom of the pit in winter is humidity > temperature > wind speed > temperature difference (inverse temperature intensity). In conclusion, PM2.5 is found to be more sensitive to environmental factors. The results of this study are particularly useful to progress in green mining.
Highlights
The mining industry has faced severe environmental challenges in its supply chain due to high pollution and damage to the ecosystem resulting from mineral extraction activities [1,2]
This study is intended to understand the particulate matter (PM) concentrations, increasing confidence with respect to control the air pollution caused by dust in open-pit operations
PMs with aerodynamic diameter
Summary
The mining industry has faced severe environmental challenges in its supply chain due to high pollution and damage to the ecosystem resulting from mineral extraction activities [1,2]. These challenges destroy the natural environment around the mining area, putting the entire ecosystem, humans, wildlife, and plants at risk. Air pollution during mining operations is one of the most common environmental issues [5] Both underground and surface mining operations exacerbate it due to the generation of large amounts of dust [6]. An excessive amount of dust is harmful to the atmosphere because it reduces atmospheric water retention while raising temperature [8]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
