The International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) has introduced new measures it said will be able to product those working underground against diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure, and to fast-track that, it has released a guide of those outlines.
“Diesel-powered vehicles and equipment generate airborne DPM emissions, which, with exposure to high concentrations over time, can cause serious health issues, including cancer,” the group said.
“Effective management of DPM in underground mines is critical to safeguarding the health of workers. This can be achieved through comprehensive measures including high-grade protective equipment, advanced ventilation systems, the use of low-sulphur fuels, rigorous maintenance practices and the transition to zero-emission equipment.”
The ICMM’s guidelines have been published in the DPM Good Practice Guide, which provides a structured framework for companies to reduce and manage DPM exposure in underground mining operations. The guide emphasises proactive and reactive control measures, fostering continual improvement.
It also highlights the adoption and integration of innovative solutions to minimise DPM emissions whilst promoting a culture of health, safety and environmental responsibility.
“By mandating the adoption of comprehensive DPM management programmes across the membership, ICMM aims to bridge existing gaps and drive consistent, effective practices across the industry,” the group noted.
“These measures embody the commitment of every ICMM member to the health and safety of our people and communities towards the goal of zero harm. They will accelerate the changes necessary to safeguard people working on our sites and, I hope, provide the impetus for the widespread adoption of these solutions beyond the ICMM membership,” added Rohitesh Dhawan, President and CEO.
This new commitment and Guide build on ICMM’s Innovation for Cleaner, Safer Vehicles (ICSV) initiative, launched in 2018. The ICSV initiative has driven collaboration between ICMM member companies, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology suppliers to develop next-generation mining vehicles and improve existing fleets.
“We are now anticipating the availability of zero emission haul trucks before 2030 – a shift from the previous expectation of 2040 – reflecting significant progress. One of the areas of focus of this collaboration is on reducing the impact of DPM through advancements in mobile equipment and mine infrastructure,” ICMM added.
The OEMs and technology suppliers currently involved in the ICSV initiative include Caterpillar, Cummins, Epiroc, First Mode, Hexagon Mining, Hitachi Construction Machinery, Komatsu, Liebherr and Sandvik Mining and Rock Technology.
All of ICMM’s existing member commitments – including on health and safety, nature, climate change, water and Indigenous Peoples – are included in the first draft of the Consolidated Mining Standard Initiative’s proposed standard, currently open for public consultation.
Source: icmm.og