Since connnencing underground prcxiuction in 1979, the Ruttan Mine has been
prone to secon:iacy sulphide dust explosions. Al though infrequent during the
early years of prcxiuction, these occurrences did result in major damage and
lost time injuries. 'As the mine exparrled and developed to further depths,
sulphide dust explosions occurred on a more frequent basis. Incomplete
ventilation se:rvices, required to exhaust the affected areas, caused frequent
delays resulting in lower prcxiuction rates due to the time required to
ventilate the affected areas of the mine.
CUrrent procedures to minimize the effects of secon:iacy dust explosions
evolved from practical suggestions arrl examining methcx:ls other mines have
developed to cope with the problem.
Procedures and regulations to protect errployees from exposure to hazards of
sulphur dioxide are time consuming, expensive and counter prcxiuctive in their
present fonn.
This paper describes the history of secon:iacy sulphide dust explosions at
the Ruttan Mine and the methcx:ls and proced.ures currently in place to minimize
and contain the effects of dust explosions.
Sulphide ignition experiences at ruttan