Analysis of Dust Produced at Soapstone Mines Abbottabad, Pakistan

This research aims to investigate the dust produced at soapstone mines in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and its potential impact on the health and safety of workers operating in such environments. Dust samples were collected during mining operation like drilling, loading and screening using gravimetric dust sampler. The dust was quantitatively analysed by measuring the weight of the collected samples over a specific time period and subsequently comparing it with the Threshold Limit Value (TLV) of the dust. Qualitative analysis of the dust was carried out through chemical analysis, elemental analysis (EDS) and particle size and shape analysis (SEM). The findings indicated a substantial excess in the quantity of dust generated during the shift compared to the designated Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for dust exposure in soapstone mines in Abbottabad. The composition of dust includes silica, magnesium oxide and minor amount of iron oxide, calcium oxide and aluminum oxide. The particles of soapstone dust exhibit a platy shape with irregular edges, ranging in size from 1.273 µm to 2.909 µm. The study highlights the adverse effects of soapstone dust on the respiratory system of workers employed in soapstone mines in Abbottabad, Pakistan.