Characterization of Settleable Dust and Surface Dust Samples from the Old and Abandoned Asbestos Mine Dumps in the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Old and abandoned (D&O) mine dumps refer to the asbestos mine dumps which were operated when environmental management was not regulated in the country and owners of mining rights could no longer be traced. These mine dumps are not being maintained or rehabilitated and the associated impacts are not being mitigated and managed.The aim of this research is to monitor, measure and characterize settleable dust and surface dust samples collected around local communities in the vicinity of old and abandoned asbestos mine dumps. The local standard method for collection and analysis of settleable dust (the South Africa National Dust Control Regulations 827 of 2013) was used in this research. Surface dust samples were collected using standard method in January, April and July 2016. Settleable dust samples were collected from January 2016 to July 2016 around five sampling sites in Limpopo Province. The samples were prepared for analyses.The settleable dust rates are below the residential limit of 600 mg/m 2 /day. The analytical measurements confirm the presence of silicates, minerals, amphibole and serpentine asbestos minerals. SEM-EDS results tested positive for amphibole and serpentine asbestos minerals. The continued presence of amphibole and serpentine asbestos mineral in Limpopo Province is cause of concern.