Sandstone Mine Research Articles

Establishing a Mining Group of Deposit and an Exploration Grid Pattern for Uranium Ore Intercalated in Sandstone at Pa Lua - Pa Rong Area, Nong Son Basin

This research shows the results of establishing a mine group and a uranium ore exploration network in Nong Son depression sandstone, Quang Nam province based on the results of exploration of uranium ore bodies in the Pa Lua - Pa Rong area. Some main findings include: i) The uranium content in most industrial ore bodies can be attributed to a lognormal distribution function. The ore bodies (two main ore bodies are referred to as TQ1 and TQ2) have an average uranium concentration from 0,032% to 0,054% U3O8 with high variations (with the amount of variation in content (Vc) greater than 100%). The average thickness of the ore bodies is from 2,30 meters to 2,35 meters. The thickness variation coefficient (Vm) varies from 89,4% to 100,3%, indicating the unstable to very unstable type of ore body; and ii) Uranium mines in sandstones of the Pa Lua - Pa Rong type, Nong Son basin mainly belong to exploration mine group III. The most reasonable exploration approach is to use a parallel and fan-shaped network. To calculate the reserves, the distance between drilling routes is set at 50 to 60 meters. To determine the road and pavement, wet set the drilling routes to be 25 to 30 meters apart from each other. This exploration network can be applied to other sandstone mines in the Nong Son basin with similar characteristics to the Pa Lua - Pa Rong mine.
 
 

Clean and accurate soil quality monitoring in mining areas under environmental rehabilitation in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Soil quality monitoring in mining rehabilitation areas is a crucial step to validate the effectiveness of the adopted recovery strategy, especially in critical areas for environmental conservation, such as the Brazilian Amazon. The use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry allows a rapid quantification of several soil chemical elements, with low cost and without residue generation, being an alternative for clean and accurate environmental monitoring. Thus, this work aimed to assess soil quality in mining areas with different stages of environmental rehabilitation based on predictions of soil fertility properties through pXRF along with four machine learning algorithms (projection pursuit regression, PPR; support vector machine, SVM; cubist regression, CR; and random forest, RF) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon. Sandstone and iron mines in different chronological stages of rehabilitation (initial, intermediate, and advanced) were evaluated, in addition to non-rehabilitated and native forest areas. A total of 81 soil samples (26 from sandstone mine and 55 from iron mine) were analyzed by both traditional wet-chemistry methods and pXRF. The available/exchangeable contents of K, Ca, B, Fe, and Al, in addition to H+Al, cation exchange capacity at pH = 7, Al saturation, soil organic matter, pH, sum of bases, base saturation, clay, and sand were accurately predicted (R2 > 0.70) using pXRF data, with emphasis on the prediction of Fe (R2 = 0.93), clay content (R2 = 0.81), H+Al (R2 = 0.81), and K+ (R2 = 0.85). The best predictive models were developed by RF and CR (86%) and when considering pXRF data + mining area + stage of rehabilitation (73%). The results highlight the potential of pXRF to accurately assess soil properties in environmental rehabilitation areas in the Amazon region (yet scarcely evaluated under this approach), promoting a more agile and cheaper preliminary diagnosis compared to traditional methods.

Sandstone mining and silicosis deaths in Rajasthan: a critical legal and policy analysis

Sandstone mining and silicosis deaths in Rajasthan: a critical legal and policy analysis

Hiding behaviour of bats in sandstone mines of North-Eastern Ukraine

Winter counting of bats in hibernacula is one of the main methods of estimating their population trends in Europe. However, it is not always possible for humans to identify and count all bats in the maze of big karstic caves or abandoned mines. Previously we notice a significant fluctuation in the numbers of bat species and individuals in sandstone mines located in the Kharkiv region (NE Ukraine), and hypothesized that a significant undercount happened due to the hiding of bats in deep crevices of sandstone. Here using a camera trap placed inside a mine (September 17-19, 2017) we tested this hypothesis. Firstly we identified significant levels of bat flight activity where no roosting bats had been observed through conventional visual survey methods. The proportion of identified bats (Myotis group and Plecotus auritus) on footage was similar to that obtained by usual winter counts. Finally, we filmed and documented cases of crawling bats inside the deep crevices in the wall depths. We ventured to make an extrapolation of bat numbers in a mine on the basis of autumn-spring mist-netting data, and our evidence that they do hide in crevices. Our observations clearly demonstrate that hiding bat behaviour in mines might result in an underestimation of the real number of hibernating bats in sand-stone mines.

Development of novel un-fired masonry unit manufactured using silica-rich sandstone mining and cutting waste

This paper aims to give a complete characterization of the novel un-fired bricks manufactured from base material comprising dimensional silica-rich sandstone cutting waste in combination with waste from coal-fired thermal plants with a minimum amount of cement and lime as binder. The study has given promising results with bricks able to achieve a compressive strength in the range of 16–20 MPa besides other enhanced parameters such as water absorption, the initial rate of absorption (IRA), and durability with favorable socio-economic impacts and climate benefits. 250 numbers of these industry-sized novel bricks were cast and subjected to an array of tests such as density, dimensional test, drop test, water absorption, IRA, efflorescence, compressive strength, flexural tensile strength, stress-strain characteristics and durability. The test results were substantiated with the micro-structural characterization through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). The novel bricks manufactured in this study are of exceptional quality satisfying all the requirements of Indian Standards. These bricks can mitigate the problems of landfills formed by wastes generated from the dimensional stone cutting industry and are eco-friendly as they require no burning in kilns, reduce carbon emissions and utilize waste materials thereby ensuing the benefit of reducing carbon footprint. The study of the sand free un-fired bricks in this paper is totally original and gives the most effective alternative to energy-intensive conventional masonry units such as burnt clay bricks and fly ash bricks. This work has also been granted a patent of 20 years by the patent office, the government of India on July 26, 2021 with patent no: 372690.

Early Diagnosis and Development of Referral System for Silicosis among Sandstone Miners in Western India

Abstract Introduction: Silicosis is the most common and oldest occupational lung disease. The disease has been an ancient one and has been recognized in India for the past around 100 years. However, despite its ubiquitous presence among various mine and quarry workers, there is no uniformly available referral system in India in general for workers having occupational dust exposure and respiratory symptoms. The current study involved the clinical assessment of those working in mines and quarries in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India and explore the possibility of development of a referral system for symptomatic mine workers. Materials and Methods: Workers working in mines and quarries in Jodhpur district were clinically screened for symptoms related to silicosis after choosing the quarries randomly. Demographic information and detailed occupational history were recorded using a predesigned questionnaire. Duration of exposure and morbidity/mortality details related to silicosis in the family were noted in detail. Respiratory symptom score was evaluated using a numeric score. The study was a cross-sectional one, and a 12-point respiratory symptom score based on predesigned questionnaire was constructed using the literature survey of silicosis symptoms. Results: A total of 435 mine/quarries workers (M: F = 432:3) working in sandstone belt of Jodhpur, Rajasthan, Western India were assessed clinically, and details of their symptoms were noted. Demographic information was as followed mean age = 36.44 ± 11.23 years and mean duration of dust exposure = 13.4 ± 9.6 years. A total of 96/435 workers were symptomatic (22%), and salient hypoxia was present in 113/435 (26%). Both groups of these workers were referred to nearby community health centers for further evaluation. Awareness levels among the workers were poor, as only 119/435 (27%) workers had some ideas about the silicosis prevention while working in mines and quarries. Regular wearing of masks while being on the field was observed in only 8% (35/435). Mine Worker Screening Camp approach was used for symptomatic workers and evaluation by a three-member clinical board was done in community health center in the vicinity of mining areas. Those suspected of having silicosis were referred to pneumoconiosis board for further evaluation. Conclusions: High frequency of symptomatic mine workers (22%) exposed chronically to occupational dust was found in sandstone mines and quarries of Jodhpur region. Awareness levels about silicosis prevention were poor. A referral system for those needing further evaluation has been demonstrated.

Slope Stability Analysis Using Bishop Method and Slide 2D Software at Sand Stone Mining in Sedau Village, Narmada District, Lombok Barat Regency

Mining activities that involve constructing slopes will increase the potential for slope problems, especially those related to the increased potential for rock slope failure. Therefore, an in-depth study of the stability of the slope is required to determine the ability of the slope to stay stable without reinforcement or to choose the type of reinforcement that best fit a slope if it has a significant potential for landslides. This research aims to obtain the safety factor value of the sandstone mine slopes in Sedau Village, whether or not they comply with the safety requirements. Bishop’s method is employed to analyze the slip surface. Data processing is one of the requirements in Slide 2D Software to analyze slope stability based on material strength. The results of the safety factor obtained based on the analysis using the Bishop Method and 2D Slides are 1.671.

Spectral and Soil Quality Index for Monitoring Environmental Rehabilitation and Soil Carbon Stock in an Amazonian Sandstone Mine

Rehabilitation is the key factor for improving soil quality and soil carbon stock after mining operations. Monitoring is necessary to evaluate the progress of rehabilitation and its success, but the use of repeated field surveys is costly and time-consuming at a large scale. This study aimed to monitor the environmental/soil rehabilitation process of an Amazonian sandstone mine by applying spectral indices for predicting soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and comparing them to soil quality index. The studied area has different chronological rehabilitation stages: initial, intermediate, and advanced with 2, 10, and 12 years of onset rehabilitation activities, respectively. Non-rehabilitated (NR) and two native forest areas (RA) were used as controls. Soil samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological attributes. After determination of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index and Bare Soil Index, simple regression analysis comparing these indices with SOC stock showed a good fit (R2 = 0.82). Rehabilitated areas presented higher soil quality index (~1.50-fold) and SOC stock (~10.6-fold) than NR; however, they did not differ of RA. The use of spectral indices was effective for monitoring the soil quality in this study, with a positive correlation between the predicted SOC stock and the calculated soil quality index.

Prevalence and risk analysis of fluoride in groundwater around sandstone mine in Haryana, India

Groundwater contamination by fluoride is a typical problem associated with most of the regions in India. Mining of minerals can accelerate the dissolution of fluoride resulting in the further contamination of groundwater resources. The present study was undertaken to determine the concentration of fluoride in groundwater around the Bakhrija sandstone mine located in Haryana state, India. It was observed that the groundwater in immediate vicinity of the mine had relatively higher level of dissolved fluoride. The risk associated with consumption of fluoride contaminated groundwater was also observed to be higher in villages adjacent to the mines. The geochemical investigation suggested that dissolution of carbonate minerals may have resulted in solubilisation of fluoride in groundwater through the process of ion-exchange. The study concluded that fluoride level may rise in the other nearby regions if the intensity of mining increases. It may result in further spread of fluoride to other aquifers located around Bakhrija mine, if suitable environmental management plan is not developed.

Hydrogeological Risk Assessment for Groundwater Conservation in the Northeastern Slope Area of Mount Arjuno, Pasuruan Regency, East Java, Indonesia

The northeastern slope of Mount Arjuno, Pasuruan district, East Java province, Indonesia represents a vast and good groundwater resource quality, generally be exploited by some companies for drinking water industries. Water unbalance and quality degradation is presumed to arise because groundwater extraction volume is getting bigger but less control by the regency authority. This study is to figure out the geologic condition and hydrogeological system, conduct groundwater exploitation risk assessment, and develop a conservation program. The study results show that the study area's geomorphological units can be divided into the volcanic summit, volcanic slope, fluvial plain, and anticlinal hills. The lithology comprises sandstone, breccia, and andesite lava of Mount Arjuno and Mount Welirang. The geological structures are anticline, normal fault, and lateral slip fault. Hydrologically, there are three watersheds, including Lumbangrejo, Ketanireng, and Prigen watersheds. The aquifers comprise unconfined to semi-confined aquifers with fissures and intergranular porosity. Based on risk assessment valuation, Pecalukan village of the Ketanireng watershed and Lumbangrejo village of the Lumbangrejo watershed are categorized as very high groundwater vulnerability zones, Karangrejo and Sukoreno villages of the Lumbangrejo watershed, Kedungringin, Kepulungan, and Gunungsari villages of the Ketanireng watershed are categorized as medium vulnerability zone. While, Ngorong village of the Lumbangrejo watershed, Gempeng, Oro-Ombo, Kalisat, and Dukuhsari villages of the Prigen watershed belong to the low vulnerability zone. The proposed conservation programs involve profitable water use safety campaigns, domestic waste, and industrial wastewater management, agricultural activities controlling, sandstone mining regulation, and reforestation.

Silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis and silico-tuberculosis among workers with occupational exposure to silica dusts in sandstone mines of Rajasthan state: An urgent need for initiating national silicosis control programme in India.

Context:Silicosis is a progressive, irreversible and incurable respiratory morbidity and often becomes a cause for pre-mature mortality among occupationally silica dust-exposed workers in India and similar countries. It has a dual problem of associated silico-tuberculosis as a co-morbidity. The present study was done to assess the respiratory morbidity caused by silicosis in sandstone mine of Rajasthan, India.Methods:The chest X-rays of 529 subjects having history of employment in stone mines with respiratory morbidity were subjected for this study and evaluated in accordance with ILO Classification 2000. The X-rays were classified into various categories of silicosis and progressive massive fibrosis (PMF) in relation to years of work in stone mines.Results:Out of 529 chest radiographs evaluated, 275 (52%) showed radiological evidence of silicosis. Of them, 40 (7.5%) subjects showed large opacities suggestive of progressive massive fibrosis. Both silicosis and progressive massive fibrosis were associated with increasing duration of work in stone mines. Sixty-one (12.4%) subjects with silicosis also had associated pulmonary tuberculosis, termed as silico-tuberculosis.Conclusion:The present study showed a high prevalence of silicosis, progressive massive fibrosis and silico-tuberculosis among stone mine workers. It appears that that unless silicosis is controlled, elimination of tuberculosis is far from reality in the country. Hence, states and central authorities must work together towards control of both silicosis as well as silico-tuberculosis. Similarly, there is an urgent need of initiation of national silicosis control programme, similar to existing national tuberculosis control programme, considering the huge burden of silicosis in India

Застіноченське та буданівське родовища пісковику – потенційні геотуристичні об’єкти Тернопільської області

The article provides information on existing quarries for sandstone mining as promising geotourism locations within the Ternopil region (Western Ukraine). The study area is famous for its ancient mining of natural stone from Terebovlya sandstones. The object of research is located within the Eastern European platform on the territory of Zastinoche and Budanіv deposits. Since princely times, stone has been mined here for the construction of fortresses and defensive structures. Sediments of the Neogene and Devonian ages take part in the geological structure of the Zastinoche deposit. The mineral is represented by Devonian sandstone with an average thickness of 12 m, broken by horizontal and vertical cracks into boulders. Macroscopically, sandstone is represented by red-brown, brownish-red, greyish-red, reddish-grey, brownish-grey, pink-grey, greenish-grey and light grey variations. The Budaniv deposit is composed of Quaternary, Neogene, Cretaceous and Devonian rocks. The minerals here are the sandstones of the Ivanovo formation (Devonian), the sandstone stratum consists of two horizons. The average thickness of sandstones of the first horizon (red, thick-tiled) is 14.4 m, in the thickness of sandstones there are layers of argillites and siltstones. Sandstones of the second horizon are more thinly tiled, characterized by a thickness of 2.6 to 4.3 m. With depth, sandstones have a pink and pink-red colour. Both gray and pink variations of sandstones are fine-grained, quartz, feldspar-quartz, mica.. Cement is iron-clay; the clay part of it is sericite-silicon. Mining of sandstones at both deposits is carried out manually with the help of crowbars and wedges to the full depth. All processes for the extraction and manufacture of side and rubble stone are performed manually. Terebovlya sandstone is environmentally friendly, so it is used for the construction of facades as a natural heat insulator. Sandstone is frost-resistant and acid-resistant. It is widely used in modern architectural design and restoration of historical monuments in Europe; it is made of almost everything for facades. Among the architectural structures built of Terebovlya sandstone – a nine-arch railway bridge-viaduct near the village. Plebanivka, Terebovlya and Budaniv castles, Pidhoryany monastery of St. Basil the Great, a large number of churches and cathedrals. Geological and geotourism survey of Zastinoche and Budanіv sandstone quarries in the Ternopil region gives grounds to consider these locations as potential geotouristic objects.

Production of Greener High-Strength Concrete Using Russian Quartz Sandstone Mine Waste Aggregates.

Quartz sandstone (QS) is a mine waste; therefore, its use in construction allows for both reducing the cost of the concrete and contributing to the utilization of waste. The scientific originality of this study is the identification of models of the effect of QS aggregate on the physicomechanical, durability characteristics, and eco-safety of greener high-strength concrete. The study used an energy-efficient method of non-thermal effects of electromagnetic pulses on the destruction mechanisms of quartz-containing raw materials. The characteristics of quartzite sandstone aggregates, including the natural activity of radionuclides, were comprehensively studied. The features of concrete hardening, including the formation of an interfacial transition zone between the aggregate and the cement matrix, were studied, taking into account the chemical and morphological features of quartzite sandstone. In addition, the microstructural and morphological properties of concrete were determined after a 28 day curing. In this study, the behaviors of the concrete with QS aggregate were investigated, bearing in mind the provisions of geomimetics science on the affinity of structures. The results obtained showed that the QS aggregate had the activity of natural radionuclides 3–4 times lower compared to traditional aggregates. Efficient greener concrete with a 46.3 MPa compressive strength, water permeability grade W14, and freeze–thaw resistance of 300 cycles were also obtained, demonstrating that the performance of this greener concrete was comparable to that of traditional concrete with more expensive granite or gabbro diabase aggregates.

Analysis of the Rock Failure Cone Size Relative to the Group Effect from a Triangular Anchorage System.

This study employs the numerical analysis and experimental testing to analyze the fracturing mechanics and the size of rock cones formed in the pull-out of a system of three undercut anchors. The research sets out to broaden the knowledge regarding: (a) the potential of the undercut anchor pull-out process in mining of the rock mass, and (b) estimating the load-carrying capacity of anchors embedded in the rock mass (which is distinctly different from the anchorage to concrete). Undercut anchors are most commonly applied as fasteners of steel components in concrete structures. The new application for undercut anchors postulated in this paper is their use in rock mining in exceptional conditions, such as during mining rescue operations, which for safety considerations may exclude mechanical mining techniques, mining machines, or explosives. The remaining solution is manual rock fracture, whose effectiveness is hard to assess. The key issue in the analyzed aspect is the rock fracture mechanics, which requires in-depth consideration that could provide the assistance in predicting the breakout prism dimensions and the load-displacement behavior of specific anchorage systems, embedment depth, and rock strength parameters. The volume of rock breakout prisms is an interesting factor to study as it is critical to energy consumption and, ultimately, the efficiency of the process. Our investigations are supported by the FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis, and the developed models have been validated by the results from experimental testing performed in a sandstone mine. The findings presented here illuminate the discrepancies between the current technology, test results, and standards that favor anchorage to concrete, particularly in the light of a distinct lack of scientific and industry documentation describing the anchorage systems’ interaction with rock materials, which exhibit high heterogeneity of the internal structure or bedding. The Concrete Capacity Design (CCD) method approximates that the maximum projected radius of the breakout cone on the free surface of concrete corresponds to the length of at the most three embedment depths (hef). In rock, the dimensions of the breakout prism are found to exceed the CCD recommendations by 20–33%. The numerical computations have demonstrated that, for the nominal breakout prism angle of approx. 35% (CCD), the critical spacing for which the anchor group effect occurs is ~4.5 (a cross-section through two anchor axes). On average, the observed spacing values were in the range of 3.6–4.0.

Silico-tuberculosis, silicosis and other respiratory morbidities among sandstone mine workers in Rajasthan- a cross-sectional study.

BackgroundExposures to respirable crystalline silica causes silicosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, autoimmune disorders and chronic renal disease. The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of silico-tuberculosis, silicosis and other respiratory morbidities in sandstone mine workers in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan.MethodsIt was a cross-sectional study done in sandstone mines in Jodhpur. A total of 15 mines were selected. The sample size was calculated and fixed to 174 mine workers. Chi-square and t-test were applied to draw inferences.ResultsThe mean age of the mine workers was 39.13 ± 11.09 years. Three fourth (75.3%) of the workers were working for more than ten years in mines. Around 30.0% had a history of tuberculosis. Abnormal spirometry was found in 89.2% of workers. Around 42% of mine workers were found with abnormal chest x-rays. Prevalence of silicosis was 37.3%, silico-tuberculosis was 7.4%, tuberculosis was 10.0%, and other respiratory diseases like emphysema and pleural effusion were diagnosed among 4.3% workers.ConclusionPrevalence of silico-tuberculosis, silicosis and other respiratory morbidities are high among sandstone mine workers.

Pulmonary tuberculosis among stone miners of India vis-à-vis silica exposure

Background:Tuberculosis is one of the biggest public health concerns in India with a prevalence of 195 cases per 100000. Silica is cytotoxic to macrophage which is primary defense mechanism to tubercular bacilli and, hence, exposure to silica dust increases risk for TB. Silica exposed persons are at 2.8 to 39 times greater risk of affected by pulmonary tuberculosis in comparison to healthy subjects.Methodology:A cross-sectional epidemiological study was conducted among 935 workers in sandstone mining. Full-size posteroanterior view (PA) chest X-ray in full inspiration was evaluated and evidence of tuberculosis was noted. Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer was used for determining the free silica in 23 dust samples.Results:6.4% X-rays showed evidence of TB and silica dust concentration was 0.11 to 0.16 mg/m3. The TB cases significantly increased from 2% to 6% to 12.7% as the work exposure increased from <10 years to 11–20 years to >20 years respectively. 8.5% of the TB cases were seen among the workers having more than 10 years of work exposure. The odds ratio (95% CI) for work exposure more than 10 years to less than 10 years was 4.53 (1.92–10.65).Conclusion:Reduction of silica particles from work environment can significantly reduce the number of TB cases and hence wet drilling should be practiced and personal protective equipment should be regularly used.

Sociodemographic Profile of Workers in the Mining Industry of Jodhpur District in Rajasthan, India.

Introduction:Mining industry has grown sharply to satisfy demands of metal and minerals for rising infrastructure. Mining is hazardous, although it is among major occupations in India involving large work force. This study was conducted to assess sociodemographic profile of sandstone mine workers in Jodhpur and to identify their major social issues.Material and Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among mine workers of Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Data on socioeconomic status, and occupation of each family member were collected. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software program, version 23.0. A value of P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results:A total of 1604 workers were enrolled in study. More than three fourth (78.7%) of them were male. Their age ranged between 14 and 82 years with a mean age of 37.62 ± 12.30 years. Mean age of female workers was significantly higher than of male workers. Average years of working for males were significantly higher than females. Majority were illiterate, proportion being higher in females. Approximately 13% mine workers married before legal age. Approximately 2.68% children under 14 years of age were involved in income generation activity.Conclusion:More than three fourth of workers were male. Mean age of female workers was significantly higher than males. Illiteracy, child marriage, and child labor were present among mine workers.Strengths and Limitations:Robust dataset, complete enumeration, large sample size.

Prevalence and pattern of substance use among sandstone mine workers in Rajasthan, India

BackgroundThe workplace is one of the important sites where substance use problems occur; very few studies identify the relationship between work and substance use in India. The current research was performed in a rural area where mining mostly occurs, to study the association of some of the risk factors of substance use. ObjectiveThis study examines the prevalence and pattern of substance use among mineworkers in Karauli district of Rajasthan, India. MethodsThe cross-sectional study included individuals over the age of 15 years, 218 mineworkers and 203 non-mine workers used for comparison purpose. Ten villages were selected using probability proportional to size sampling technique and participants were recruited using non-random sampling from each village from May 2014 to September 2014. Descriptive and analytical methods were used to estimate the prevalence and to identify the associated risk factors. ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed that mineworkers were at a higher risk of substance abuse as compared to the non-mine workers. Prevalence of consumption of khaini, bidi, alcohol, and gutkha was higher among mineworkers while the use of hookah smoking was among non-mine workers. Association analyses identified that factors such as age at starting work, awareness of work, associated risks, injury at a workplace, respiratory illness, periodontal problems or gum pain, and being in debt were significantly associated with uses of such hazardous substances among the mineworkers. ConclusionThis may be the first study reporting on substance use among mine workers. The prevalence of substance use among mineworkers in this study was higher than the comparison group. Moreover, it correlates with multiple health problems suggesting a need to promote specific interventions to prevent mine workers towards substance use.

Assessment of silica dust exposure profile in relation to prevalence of silicosis among Indian sandstone mine workers: Need for review of standards.

In Indian mines, the prescribed exposure limit (PEL) for free silica dust is 0.15 mg/m3 which is much higher than those of OSHA and the ACGIH. Because of the reporting of high numbers of silicosis cases among Indian sandstone mine workers, the present study was designed to assess the dust exposure profile of the workers and to substantiate correlation of silica exposure with radiographic findings of silicosis. A cross-sectional study of 1012 workers actively engaged in sandstone mining was conducted. Chest x-rays were evaluated by the ILO Classification for the detection of pneumoconiosis. Representative 26 personal dust samples were collected using a personal dust sampler and free silica content estimated. Radiographs compatible with silicosis were seen in 12.3% of workers, of which about 90% were ILO category 1 & 2. Prevalence of abnormal profusion increased from 2.9% to 13.1% to 22% as work exposure increased from <10 to 11 to 20 to >20 years, respectively. In dust samples, the mean silica concentration was 0.12 mg/m3 with 70% samples below the prescribed standard of 0.15 mg/m3 . The study indicates that silica exposure below the prescribed limit in India is likely to be harmful. The PEL for crystalline silica in India of 0.15 mg/m3 is not adequately protective. Hence, there is an urgent need to reduce exposure to silica in these workplaces to prevent silicosis and to review the present standards as the government of India remains committed to the elimination of silicosis by 2030.

Rehabilitation of Silicosis Victims of District Karauli, Rajasthan, India.

Background:This study was carried out to assess the reach of medico-social and economic programs to the silicosis victims in Karauli. The district is infamous for large-scale unregulated sandstone mining, a pulmonary hazard, causing silicosis, a debilitating occupational disease compensable under Indian laws.Methodology:A sample of 250 silicosis cases from 38 villages were randomly recruited and interviewed from four different sites.Results:The study reports that 99% of sandstone miners came from marginalized poor communities, had large families, and lived in mud houses. Victims' linkage to their entitlements and welfare programs was poor (51%). Victims (43%) continue to work as casual laborers including in mining sector due to economic compulsions. Greater than 68% of the laborers were wrongly treated for tuberculosis (TB) prior to their diagnosis, >50% go out of the state or cities for better treatment, and 60% of cases had not received their compensation from the government. Among those who received compensation, only 4% spent money for productive purposes and 44% victims were not in a position to work due to health difficulties.Conclusions:Silicosis has affected the poorest of the poor; victims are wrongly diagnosed and treated for TB. The district is not equipped to deal with the health problems of the victims, forcing them to seek treatment in other states and cities. In conclusion, the impact of rehabilitation programs in the district is ineffective and inadequate and has limited reach. Findings of the study will have far-reaching implications for informed policymaking on the rehabilitation of silicosis victims in the state.