Environmental Problems in Mining Quarries and Theoretical and Practical Comparison of Dust Emissions

Abstract

This study reveals that the development of the country is only possible through meticulous analysis of regional potentials and sustainable use of natural resources. The aim of this study is to evaluate the environmental impacts arising from the site selection of mining operations and to put forward the necessary measures for the efficient and controlled use of natural resources within the scope of sustainable development. In this context, the importance of factors such as expropriation, topography, environmental conditions and energy and water access in the site selection of mines is emphasized. In the study, the AERMOD model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for air quality modeling was used to estimate the environmental impacts of dust emissions that may occur during mining activities. In the modeling process, data on pollutant sources such as mass flow rate, source height and gas outflow rate were combined with meteorological data and calculated according to the Regulation on the Control of Industrial Air Pollution. In addition, in-plant PM10 measurements were performed and analyzed by gravimetric method. As a result, the modeling studies and the data obtained serve as a basis for the environmental permitting process of the facilities that will be put into operation and provide guidance to decision makers for air quality management. The study also emphasizes the importance of assessing the cumulative air quality impacts of existing facilities and demonstrates that verifying these impacts with reliable laboratory studies will contribute to sustainable development targets.