Dust
Anglo American Platinum – Mogalakwena

Dust

Scrapper Winch Covers

Scraper winches are commonly used in conventional stoping operations and are a significant source of respirable dust when ore is scraped along footwalls. Scrapper Winch Covers are a leading practice aimed at reducing dust exposure by enclosing dust-generating components and limiting the spread of airborne dust during scraping activities.

During scraping, dust is generated at the scraper pathway and at points where material is disturbed, especially near the scraper winch and return sheave areas. By installing appropriately designed covers or enclosures around the winch and associated moving parts, dust dispersion is reduced and worker exposure in the vicinity is lowered.

Key benefits

  • Reduction of airborne dust generated during scraping operations
  • Improved containment of dust in winch and sheave areas
  • Enhanced worker protection in conventional mining environments
  • Supports achievement of respirable dust exposure milestones and Zero Harm objectives

Scrapper Winch Covers are most effective when implemented as part of a broader dust control programme, alongside ventilation management, surface wetting and good housekeeping practices.