Though there is extensive research on occupational exposure in production mines, there is limited information on exposure during the exploration phase of mining.
Air samples were collected in a core processing facility in Northern Ontario, Canada. All samples were analyzed for respirable dust (NIOSH 0600) and respirable crystalline silica (NIOSH 7602). Mean exposure levels were estimated and differences in exposure between work areas were investigated.
Sixteen personal and nine area air samples were collected. Respirable dust exposure ranged from