Air Quality modelling for prediction of dust concentrations in iron ore mines of Saranda region, Jharkhand, India

Air quality monitoring was conducted in 12 working, 29 closed and 18 proposed ion ore mines to assess the existing baseline air quality status in Saranda region of West Singhbhum district in the Jharkhand state of India. Air quality modelling was carried out to predict the dust concentrations that likely to arise as a result of the several mine operations. This modelling analysis enabled the effective mitigating measures to control mining related air pollution. It was observed that the main cause of particulate matter generation in the region is due to the road transportation of ore. Transportation of iron ore by conveyor belts from the pit head to the bunkers at the nearest railway siding, and thereafter from the bunkers to the user site by covered railway wagons demonstrated the best possible alternative mechanism for reducing particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations in the region. It was predicted that concentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 would be below or slightly higher than the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) in most of the surroundings and higher within mine leasehold areas. Air pollution levels can be minimized by implementing effective control measures. Consequently, it was suggested that all the existing working mines as well as proposed operative mines in the region should use the transportation from mine to the nearest railway siding by covered conveyor belts and bunker loading systems with the use of scientific dust suppression systems at transfer points.