Industry experts to present latest developments in diesel emission reduction

Peak3, a specialist in diesel emissions management for the mining sector, is holding a free seminar in Kalgoorlie WA on 11 September at Curtin University.

The seminar will provide current information on diesel emissions management planning, treatment and monitoring. It is designed for mining industry professionals, including those working in occupational health and safety, mechanical engineers, maintenance engineers and ventilation managers.

Peak3 CEO Col Chandler said the company has been running the sessions around Australia to help inform the industry about the latest developments and advancements in this rapidly changing sector.

“Most in the industry are aware that diesel emissions are a very serious issue but it is important to understand it is not the smoke that is the biggest problem, but the toxic compounds contained in the nanoparticles of emissions,” Chandler said.

Diesel emissions include up to 41 toxic compounds which pose health risks to underground miners. There are strict emissions regulations being implemented globally and Peak3 aims to become the ‘standard’ for end-to-end emissions management in the mining industry. The company’s focus is on helping companies reduce costs and emissions through better use of new planning, monitoring and treatment technologies and services. At the heart of that approach is evidence-based emissions management.

Chandler said the seminar would include sessions led by industry experts including Professor Zoran Ristovski, QUT International Laboratory for Air Quality & Health (ILAQH); Associate Professor Richard Brown, Faculty of Science and Technology, QUT; Dr Patrick Glynn, CSIRO; and specialist speakers from Peak3.

The sessions will include an industry update and scientific explanation of diesel emissions in a mining environment, the processes involved in developing an efficient diesel particle management (DPM) program and a review of current treatment and monitoring systems. There will also be a session on new global industry developments, including treatment and monitoring systems, treatment of nanoparticles, and remote and automated monitoring and data management, as well as presentations of case studies, panel discussions and a question and answer session.

As part one of a three-stage training process, attendees will gain a Foundation in Diesel Emissions Management Certificate from Peak3.

“Trying to manage diesel emissions costs mining companies a significant amount of money but often they don’t need to spend as much as they do. To do it properly, up-to-date information is vital, which is why we have brought together science and industry leaders to provide the latest information to those managing the problem,” Chandler said.

“The goal is to ensure that diesel emissions management is effective, efficient and doesn’t impact mine productivity.”

Peak3 has developed a number of emissions treatment and monitoring technologies including the Particulate Management Platform, which treats nano and ultrafine particulates using ultrasonic agglomeration - a process that was developed with collaborative research assistance from the Australian Coal Association Research Program and CSIRO.

The program will run from 8.30 am to 5 pm. For more information, a full program and bookings, email info@peak3.com.au or phone (07) 3801 4897.