Midwest Industrial Supply, a leader in dust control and road stabilisation solutions, has released a new system for dust control in underground hard-rock mines.
The MineKleen® Underground Mine Dust Control System can eradicate up to 95% of dust while reducing water usage by up to 95%, the company says.
The result of years of research in some of the harshest underground mine conditions, the MineKleen system relies on molecular technology for its performance.
“Midwest developed a proprietary chemical formula consisting of a synthetic fluid plus polymeric binder system,” the company explained. “This system binds fines together, creating a pavement-like strength that gets stronger with use.”
Midwest’s proprietary formulation is environmentally safe, verified by the US EPA and several Canadian authorities, Midwest added.
Jim Silva, Midwest’s Vice President of Mining Solutions, said: “MineKleen keeps particulate matter out of the air, enhancing regulatory compliance and the health and safety of mine workers. It helps roads hold up longer, even in heavily used areas.”
The system also includes the MineKleen Sprayer, which, the company says, is a unique distribution system designed specifically for underground mines. It enables the formulation to be applied to roads, backs and ribs at the same time, enhancing productivity.
One mine that tested Midwest’s formula against a generic dust control product used previously, cut costs by 35%, saving nearly $225,000 annually, according to the company. The mine also extended days between applications to 14 days from every three days, decreasing annual applications from 122 to 28. Manhours required for dust control and road stabilisation dropped from 487 to 133, while the surface of the mine roads dramatically improved. Reduced maintenance and less watering boosted worker productivity in moving product out of the mine.
Midwest said: “Mines seek an affordable way of managing dust. For many, watering is the go-to solution. But this compounds the challenges. Regular watering degrades the road by washing away fines (small particles that hold the road together, keeping larger material in place). So, road maintenance and rebuilding costs escalate.”