Characterising and mapping of wind transported sediment associated with opencast gypsum mining

[摘要] This study aims to provide a practical tool for the prediction and management of dustgenerated by the activities of an opencast mining operation. The study was conductedon opencast gypsum mines in the semi-arid environment of the Bushmanland, 90 kmnorth of Loeriesfontein in the Northern Cape Province from April 2000 to October2007. The vertical and horizontal components of wind transported sediment weresampled and a dust settling model was designed to predict the settling pattern of dustgenerated by opencast mining operations. The model was applied to soil samplescollected from an area surrounding a mine. The influence sphere of the miningoperation was predicted by the application of the model and then mapped. Once theinfluence sphere is mapped, the dust influence can be managed with the aid of anonsite weather station. By further applying the predictions based on climatic data, theinfluence sphere can be modelled. The model is not only applicable to the planningphase of an opencast mine to plan the position of dust sensitive areas like the livingquarters, office buildings and workshops etc., but also to indicate the historical impactthat a mining operation had once a quarry on an active mine is worked out andrehabilitated or a mine is closed. The model application can also aid with theexplanation and visual or graphic representation of the predicted impact of plannedmining operations on communities or neighbouring activities to them and thus avoidlater penalties.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University