The Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) industry workshop organiser and presenter Stewart Gillies said 125 people representing the majority of New South Wales and Queensland coal mining companies and operations attended the Mackay (central Queensland) and Belmont (central NSW) workshops.

Attendees were treated to the latest research and development from the United States' National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, with presentations by John Volkwein reviewing US developments in diesel particulates and Jim Noll on composition and analysis of diesel particulate matter.

The progress of a number of ACARP projects was also tackled, with a presentation by Stewart Gillies of Gillies Wu Mining Technology on Real Time Diesel Particulate Monitor; Skillpro's Terry O'Beirne and David Humphreys presenting on Diesel Engine Management; and CSIRO's Patrick Glynn talking about the Diesel Exhaust Soot Scrubber.

Coal Services' Gary Mace also presented on his findings on diesel particulate exposure during longwall transfers.

Gillies said attendees took away from the workshop the knowledge and awareness of how US mines are tackling the issue; development of the new real-time DPM mine atmosphere monitor; and some approaches to engine and exhaust scrubbing designs.

He said next on the agenda for reducing DPM was further workshops in the area to share ideas and improvements; and moves by inspectorates to set recommended targets or introduce regulatory limits for DPM.

On the research front Gillies said various surveys were being conducted by groups such as Simtars (Safety in Mines, Testing and Research Station), Coal Services and inspectorates; and he said the Australian industry would continue to look overseas – particularly to North America – to learn from the findings of other mining nations.

Watch International Longwall News for detailed articles covering individual presentations from the workshops.