New tech revolutionises dust control in Tanzanian mines

Dar es Salaam.  AFRIKA KAZI Field Services and South African company DUST-A-SIDE have joined forces to introduce a cutting-edge product called Total Dust Management (TDM) in their deliberate move to enhance safety and environmental standards in Tanzania’s mining sector.

The innovative dust suppression solution was unveiled during a meeting of the Tanzania Chamber of Mines Committee on Safety, Health, and Environment held in Dar es Salaam over the weekend.

Total Dust Management (TDM) involves the application of advanced dust suppression techniques, wherein low volumes of water are atomized under high pressure exceeding 40 bar to create a fine mist capable of effectively capturing airborne dust particles.

Speaking at the event, DUST-A-SIDE Group Chief Technical Officer Fillipus Masipa said safety was an important element in mining operations, stressing that TDM offers a comprehensive approach to dust prevention and suppression.

Mr Masipa outlined the key components of TDM, highlighting the utilisation of low-pressure water for pre-wet materials and increasing humidity, thereby reducing dust generation during material handling processes.

He underscored the significance of conducting plant surveys to determine the specific requirements for dust control, noting that TDM offers a tailored solution based on the outcomes of these surveys.

“Dust suppression and dust prevention systems are not exclusive, as many operations have both systems configured to effectively control dust,” said Mr Masipa, adding that while dust prevention can be used in material handling operations, dust suppression is the preferred option owing to low water consumption, especially in areas where water is scarce.

The implementation of Total Dust Management (TDM) is poised to revolutionise dust control practices in Tanzanian mines, offering a range of benefits, including reduced respirable dust, minimised water usage, and improved housekeeping standards.

Ms Francisca Mushi, Business Development Manager at AFRIKA KAZI, emphasised the holistic approach of TDM, which not only enhances dust control but also extends equipment life and reduces downtime.

DUST-A-SIDE, an international company with a proven track record in dust suppression technologies, has partnered with AFRIKA KAZI to bring Total Dust Management solutions to Tanzania’s mining and construction industries.

With operations spanning multiple countries, including Australia, Botswana, and India, DUST-A-SIDE brings extensive expertise to the partnership, ensuring the effective implementation of TDM in Tanzanian mining operations.

The introduction of Total Dust Management (TDM) represents a significant milestone in Tanzania’s mining sector, promising improved safety standards, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced operational efficiency.

As the partnership between AFRIKA KAZI and DUST-A-SIDE continues to evolve, stakeholders can expect to see further advancements in dust suppression technologies, reaffirming the commitment to sustainable mining practices in Tanzania and beyond.