Abstract
The need for improved dust control in bituminous coal mining is recognized by the industry and considerable effort in this direction is being applied. The general methods of dust suppression consist of wet cutting and water sprays at dust sources in handling the coal to prevent dust generation; high pressure sprays on the mining machine to reduce airborne dust; wet drilling; the use of dust collectors on roof bolting drills; face ventilation by the line brattice or exhaust tubing and auxiliary fan method; limiting a single machine in each split of air and the use of filter and air supplied respiratory equipment. This paper discusses each of these control measures with emphasis on preventing the generation of dust and the application of good face ventilation practice.