Why Use Biodiesel for Mining as Outlined by the
Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
MSHA is the governing body that sets limits for the concentrations of various pollutants in the ambient atmosphere of a mine as well as limits for personnel exposure. MSHA and other North American health organizations do not approve products. The individual mine is responsible for ensuring that air quality is compliant to the regulated limits.

In metal/non-metal mines, MSHA requires as of July 20, 2002, the ambient total carbon concentration of <400 ug/m3. Furthermore, mines are to implement the use of diesel fuels with a sulfur limit of 500 ppm (0.05%). Mines can use any combination of biodiesel fuel, diesel particulate filters, oxidation catalysts, new engines, or improvements to ventilation to attain this limit.

As of January 19, 2006, MSHA will require an ambient total carbon concentration of <160 ug/m3. To meet this limit, a combination of the above options will be required.

"Real World" emission data. Percent reduction in DPM with Bio G-3000 and low sulfur diesel fuel. Testing conducted by MSHA's Pittsburg Office & Carmeuse Lime and Stone, Inc.
Bio G-3000™
Biodiesel
Area Samples
Personal Samples
Underground Mine
B20 Blend
-36%
-51%
Maysville, KY
B50 Blend
-68%
-79%
Maysville, KY
B35 Blend
-30%
-55%
Black River, KY
Studies Conducted On TheUse Of Biodiesel in Mining
NOTE: Links below require the Adobe Acrobat Plug-In. If you do not have the Acrobat Plug-In, you can get it here free.

MSHA: Effectiveness of using Yellow Grease Biodiesel to Reduce Particulate Emissions (PDF 172KB) This report was conducted at Carmeuse North America, Inc, Maysville Mine in Maysville Kentucky using yellow grease biodiesel in a 20-80% mixture. It was concluded that...

MSHA: Effectiveness of using Biodiesel on Particulate Emissions and Personal Exposure (PDF 108KB) This report was conducted at Black River Mine in the Carmeuse Lime and Stone Mine in Butler Kentucky.

MSHA: Effectiveness of using Soybean-based Biodiesel to Reduce Particulate Emissions (PDF 108KB) This report was conducted at Carmeuse North America, Inc., Maysville Mine in Maysville, Kentucky using soybean-based biodiesel. It was concluded that...

Biodiesel Testing on Caterpillar Equipment performed by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Pittsburgh, PA.


Mine Safety & Health Administration (MSHA) Regulations

US Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration: Program Information Bulletin No. P02-8


Additional Information
Mining Press Releases
Mining Testimonials