ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND POLLUTION PREVENTION: THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF CARBON-CONTAINING DUST ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND HUMANSAND EFFECTIVE MEASURES FOR ITS REDUCING

Environmental pollution with its health impacts is a key issue for a sustainable environment. Coal mining activities have caused serious environmental problems however, almost 30% of global primary energy demand is met using coal, making it difficult to replace in the near future. Under these circumstances, as it is not possible to completely cease coal mining activities, coal mines need to invest in cleaner production techniques to reduce environmental damage. A review of literature on dust emissions accompanying the main coal mining processes showed that an important environmental problem that accompanies the operation of coal mines, quarries, storage and transshipment terminals is the pollution of atmospheric air with carbon-containing dust, which can be in the air for a considerable time and move over long distances. The analysis confirmed the harmful impact of the carbon-containing dust on the environment: air, water, soil and, in general, on the ecology of the area where coal mining operations exist and confirmed the possibility of transboundary pollution by dust particles as well as negative effects on public health. Analysis of mining-induced carbon-contained dust environmental impact is important to prevent environmental disasters. Therefore, the importance of good dust suppression methods should not be underestimated. Improvement of atmospheric air should be solved by improving existing and introducing new best technologies It is recommended to localize emissions of carbon-containing dust at the places of its formation using dispersed water in order to reduce the harmful effects on the environment. Mitigation measures of negative effect of carbon-containing dust contribute to the efficient and environmentally sustainable exploitation of coal resources.