Underground mining concentrates dust in confined spaces where ventilation is hard-won. RCS from drilling and cutting, plus fines from haulage and crushing, can quickly exceed safe levels without disciplined control.

Start at the face

• Use wet drilling, water sprays or foam at picks, crushers and transfer points. Maintain bit sharpness and correct feed rate to minimise fines.
• Enclose breakers and install shrouds where feasible; keep drop heights low on ore passes.

Move the air, then clean the air

• Set clear ventilation routes with stopping, brattice and ducting sized for the distance. Check fan output and static pressure each shift.
• Use auxiliary scrubbers with high-efficiency (H14) filtration near headings where recirculation is unavoidable. Aim airflow from clean to dirty zones and exhaust downwind of workers.

Housekeeping and operator protection

• Apply roadway suppression routinely; avoid dry grading. Vacuum cabs and enclosures; maintain pressurisation and HEPA cabin filters.
• Provide P3 RPE and ensure fit-testing; keep spares dry and clean underground.

Monitor in real time

Real-time personal monitoring helps crews react before limits are exceeded. A wearable particulate monitor such as the Trolex XD1+ supports task-based adjustments and provides evidence for supervision and training.

Practical takeaways

• Prioritise wet drilling and controlled feed to reduce fines at source.
• Confirm ventilation routes and pressures; add H14 scrubbing where air recirculates.
• Keep cabs sealed and pressurised; maintain HEPA filters.
• Use real-time personal monitoring to trigger immediate changes.
• Record checks against the 0.1 mg/m³ RCS WEL and act early.

When source suppression, directed ventilation, H14 filtration and real-time feedback work together, crews can keep exposures low while maintaining production and visibility underground.