Mining Publication: Review of Technology Available to the Underground Mining Industry for Control of Diesel Emissions

This report reviews the performance and applicability of technology for the control of emissions from diesel-powered equipment used in underground coal and metal/nonmetal mines. The methods discussed include Mine Safety and Health Administration-approved low-emission engines, engine derating, fuels, fuel additives, diesel oxidation catalysts, and diesel particulate filters. The potential of each of these technologies is examined individually and in combination. The performance estimates are derived from the published literature and presented in narrative and tabular form. The purpose of this report is to help the mining industry select the most appropriate method to reduce underground exposures of miners to diesel exhaust in the context of the recently developed diesel regulations. It is important to note that the control technologies discussed in this report have received limited evaluation in underground mines. Additional research is ongoing, and some engineering design changes may need to be implemented before all of these diesel emission control technologies can be safely and successfully used in underground mines.