In today’s world, sustainability and environmental responsibility are crucial challenges for the mining industry, both in Chile and globally. Facing these challenges, Dr. Luis Alonso Díaz Robles, an air quality expert and CEO of PARTICULAS, offers his perspective on how to effectively address atmospheric pollution, especially dust generated in mining operations. In this interview, we explore the innovative services of CFD modeling, continuous emission monitoring, and dust abatement efficiencies proposed by his company, as well as his vision for the future of mining in terms of cleaner and more sustainable practices.
What do you consider the main challenges the mining industry faces in Chile and worldwide regarding atmospheric pollution, particularly dust?
“Mining is crucial for the global economy, but it also faces the great challenge of minimizing its environmental impact. In Chile and worldwide, dust control is one of the most significant issues. It affects not only the health of workers and nearby communities but can also cause extensive damage to local ecosystems. Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly strict, pressing mining companies to implement more efficient and sustainable technologies.”
How does PARTICULAS apply CFD modeling to improve control of fugitive dust emissions in the mining sector, and what has been the impact of this service on the industry?
“At PARTICULAS, we use CFD modeling (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to simulate and analyze the behavior of fugitive dust emissions in mining operations. This technology allows us to predict the fluid dynamics of pollutants under various environmental and operational conditions, thus optimizing emission control strategies. The impact has been significant, allowing mining companies not only to comply with stricter regulations but also to improve the environmental management of their operations, reducing the impact on nearby communities and the environment.”
How do the Continuous Emission Monitoring and Dust Abatement Efficiency services offered by PARTICULAS help address these challenges?
“Our continuous monitoring service in crushing, conveyor belts, stockpiles, screens, grinding in ball and sag mills, and unpaved roads allows mining companies not only to comply with environmental regulations but also to move towards cleaner and more sustainable operations. By measuring pollutants such as PM10 and PM2.5 particles in real-time, we provide accurate data that facilitates the implementation of more effective control and mitigation strategies. This approach not only reduces dust emissions but also optimizes resource consumption and improves operational efficiency.”
What impact does monitoring technology have on public perception and corporate responsibility of mining companies?
“Transparency is key in the modern era of corporate responsibility. By adopting continuous monitoring technologies and openly sharing this data, mining companies not only demonstrate their commitment to environmental protection but also strengthen their relationship with communities and stakeholders. This improves the public image of the company and facilitates more constructive dialogue about its operations and impact.”
How do you see the future of mining in terms of sustainability and atmospheric pollution control?
“The future of mining must focus on sustainability. With technological advances and increasing pressure for greener operations, I foresee an era where mining will not only be more efficient but also more environmentally friendly. The intensive use of advanced monitoring and control technologies will be crucial to achieving these goals, along with an ongoing commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.”
Dr. Luis Alonso Díaz Robles is an air quality engineering expert. Trained as a Civil Chemical Engineer and Doctor in Environmental Engineering at the University of Santiago de Chile and the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, respectively, he has played significant roles in academia and industry. As a full professor at major Chilean universities, he led programs in air quality engineering. Additionally, he is the CEO of PARTICULAS, a consultancy specializing in air quality management and air pollution control. His national and international experience spans numerous successful projects, and he is an active contributor to the scientific community with over 70 scientific publications to his credit.
