Frequency of Mine Dust Episodes and the Influence of Meteorological Parameters on the Witwatersrand Area, South Africa

Abstract

Aeolian dispersal of dust from gold mine tailing storage facilities impacts negatively on amenities, human health, and the environment of the Witwatersrand region, South Africa. The present study adopted a multivariate analytical method to quantify the effect of specific meteorological parameters on dust fall emissions, monitored at 22 sites in the central Witwatersrand area. Using meteorological and dust fall data from 2001 to 2010, the relationships between weather and dust fallout deposition rates were explored across the sites at different seasons. Dust deposition rate varied among seasons, with spring months showing the highest levels and frequency. Atmospheric humidity had negative correlations () with dust fall while wind speed showed positive correlations () at the selected sites (). Sites with low influence of relative humidity had higher impact on wind speed. Mean relative humidity below 50% and mean wind speed above 4 m/s were predicted as critical levels for dust episodes incidence at sites that recorded “heavy” and “very heavy” dust fall. For environmental planning purposes, current mitigation measures should be manipulated in relation to levels of air humidity and wind speed for dust emission reduction, especially during spring.