Surface mining in Western Macedonia, Greece: fugitive dust (PM10) emissions and dispersion

Abstract

In the operation of large open-pit lignite mines (extracting and handling excavation materials) a series of significant fugitive dust emission sources are recorded. The quantification of the emissions of each source and the investigation of atmospheric dispersion are subjects of great interest for the development and implementation of air quality management systems in the neighbouring residential areas. The study aims to investigate and locate the fugitive dust sources in the surface mines operated in Western Macedonia in NW Greece and quantify their contribution to the total fugitive dust (PM10) emissions produced by the mines' activities. The contribution of each emission source recorded was quantified. An effort was also made to investigate the dispersion of fugitive dust emitted from each individual mine and source activity and assess the contribution of the mining activities to the air quality of the surrounding areas, by using a three-dimensional, nestable, prognostic meteorological, and air pollution model. The results can contribute to the implementation of measures and scenarios for the air quality management in the area.