Assessment of environmental pollutants at Kushk Mine, Iran

ABSTRACT

To determine the nature and grade of air pollutants at different locations [work sectors] of the mine and also to find out how to institute improvements. Air samples at peak working periods were taken three times, to obtain a median value, using a Drager Quantimeter 1000 with both short- and long-time exposure detection tubes. Underground tunnels, surface mine, milling department, explosive store, chemical laboratory and other important corners of Kushk Mine, Iran.Gases supposed to have evolved because of natural ore distribution or gases produced by different mining and milling procedures. Very high concentration of sulphur dioxide emission [31.5 ppm] on to the surface through the main ventilationl window and also high atmospheric levels of carbon monoxide [62 ppm], oxides of nitrogen [50.2 ppm] and cyanides [11.4 ppm] could be detected. Correction of mechanical defects in the production line and poor engineering lay-out of the plant, together with adequate health and safety education to the persons concerned and good housekeeping can combat pollutions to provide a safe healthy work environment