DECARBUST: decarbonization and dust technologies for sustainable mining operations

Purpose. Scientific justification and experimental confirmation of the effectiveness of the DECARBUST complex decarbonisation and dust suppression technology during mass explosions in quarries using humate reagent in internal and external hydraulic stemming systems. Methodology. The research is based on a comprehensive approach that includes laboratory experiments to determine the sorption properties of the humate reagent, industrial testing of the technology in operating quarries, instrumental measurements of dust and harmful gas concentrations, mathematical modelling of the interaction processes between the humate reagent and dust-gas cloud components, and statistical analysis of the obtained results. Findings. The optimal concentration of humate reagent (3 %) has been established, at which maximum efficiency of harmful gas neutralisation is achieved. A new design of borehole charges with a lateral longitudinal cumulative cavity has been developed, which reduces explosive consumption by 20.8 %. Industrial tests confirmed the technology’s effectiveness: dust emission reduction by 50.5 %, carbon monoxide neutralisation by 61.3 %, and nitrogen oxides by 54.8 %. Originality. For the first time, theoretical foundations of a comprehensive approach to simultaneously addressing dust emission and decarbonisation issues during mass explosions have been developed. The patterns of adsorption processes and chemical neutralisation of harmful gases by humate reagent have been established. A new methodology for calculating the delay of borehole charge initiation has been proposed, considering the preliminary initiation of external hydraulic stemming. Practical value. The DECARBUST technology provides a comprehensive reduction of environmental impact from mass explosions in quarries, meets the requirements of modern climate policy regarding decarbonisation, and has economic advantages compared to traditional dust and gas suppression methods. The technology has been successfully implemented at leading mining enterprises in Ukraine, confirming its practical value and potential for widespread application.