Advanced air quality monitoring at the Syama mine – Mali
Year
2019
Location
MALI
Sector(s)
Construction
Issues
The Syama Mine, an open-pit gold mine in Mali, faces environmental challenges related to gas and particle emissions generated by its operations. These emissions can significantly impact air quality and the living and working conditions of employees and surrounding local communities. In response to these concerns, it is crucial to implement an effective and continuous monitoring system to proactively assess and manage the environmental impacts.
SOLUTION
To address these challenges, an integrated monitoring system has been deployed at the Syama Mine. This system includes a network of 5 analysis modules strategically positioned across the mining site and in surrounding villages such as Bananso, Fourou, Tembléni, and N’Golopéné. Each module is equipped with Ellona WT1 Pro sensors, specifically configured to sample and analyze gases, odors, and particles in real-time. Additionally, a weather station has been installed to measure local meteorological conditions, including wind speed and direction, to understand the dispersion of emissions.
The integration of broadcasting software allows for the centralized and secure management of the collected data, ensuring continuous monitoring and generating alerts in case of regulatory threshold exceedances. Furthermore, environmental modeling of the mining site and its surroundings creates a precise footprint of gas and particle emissions, facilitating the identification of emission sources and the correlation of data with specific mining activities.
KEY RESULTS
Thanks to this initiative, several significant benefits have been observed:
- Continuous and responsive monitoring: The system enables 24/7 monitoring of gas, odor, and particle emissions, ensuring a quick response in case of emission level variations.
- Precise identification of emission sources: The collected data has allowed for the qualitative and quantitative identification of the main emission sources, facilitating the implementation of targeted mitigation measures.
- Mitigation and prevention: The results have helped measure the effectiveness of mitigation actions implemented to reduce the impact on the environment and the health of workers and nearby residents.
- Remote management and reduced costs: The remotely managed solution, with low maintenance and operational costs, has optimized resources while ensuring continuous compliance with local and international environmental standards.
In conclusion, the implementation of this advanced monitoring system at the Syama Mine represents a crucial step towards sustainable and responsible environmental management, demonstrating the company’s commitment to minimizing its ecological footprint while ensuring the safety and well-being of local communities.
