La Loma, October 12, 2022
As part of its commitment to the environment and to environmental management, Drummond Ltd. has its own automatic network for monitoring particulate matter emissions from the mining operations in the Department of Cesar.
In October 2016, the air quality surveillance system commenced operations to measure TSP, PM10 and PM2.5 particulate matter every 10 minutes, providing real time information for timely decision-making.
“With the implementation of the air quality surveillance network in the company’s area of operations, we can respond in a timely manner to any excess or increases in particulate matter in the mining projects. This allows us to quickly take action to eliminate any effect on neighboring towns and safeguard the operation of Drummond’s mining projects in the center of Cesar,” explained Alexander Contreras, Senior Supervisor of Environmental Monitoring at Drummond Ltd.
This upgrade of the network, composed of eight pieces of equipment distributed around the company’s mining operations, will use solar panels to create an independent power supply, and will deploy new measuring technology to improve precision and accuracy, and, most importantly, greater representation by guaranteeing continuous measurement of the air quality in the zone.
“This upgrade of Drummond’s industrial air quality surveillance system is a very important step the company is taking, because it will use equipment that on a single monitor simultaneously measures several particle diameters (PM10, PM2.5), using the laser dispersion technique approved by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This technique is highly accurate and produces significant savings for the operation because filters and other consumables are no longer required,” explained Alvaro Villafañez, Assistant Supervisor of Environmental Monitoring.
The equipment works in accordance with the highest local and international standards and its methodology for measurement is accredited by the Institute of Hydrology, Meteorology, and Environmental Studies (IDEAM).
Drummond Ltd., employing state-of-the-art technology, will continue to implement strategies in favor of a safe and efficient operation that protects and conserves the environment while, at the same time, it generates well-being for the communities.