CFD Analysis of Open Pit Mining Airflow Using Real Topography Data

Resumo

Open pit mining activities associated with the action of wind on exposed áreas can significantly influence local air dynamics, contributing to the emission and dispersion of particulate matter that affects air quality and human health, especially particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers, which are capable of penetrating the entire respiratory system. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a powerful tool that allows for the analysis of airflow patterns over an open pit mine and the prediction of areas with higher potential for particulate matter emission. Unlike previous studies that use simplified terrain geometries, this research integrates high-resolution topographical data obtained from official surveys, ensuring greater accuracy in representing real surface features. Similar studies have shown that realistic topography plays a role in improving the stability of the results with respect to mesh refinement, particularly in regions os steep terrain.The simulations were conducted using Ansys Fluent, employing the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence model with the k-epsilon closure to capture turbulent flow characteristics. The computational domain was discretized with a high-resolution mesh of approximately 12 million elements, incorporating wind velocity profiles derived from a nearby weather station to reflect realistic atmospheric conditions. Results highlight zones of high and low wind velocity over the pit and surrounding areas, indicating potential regions for particulate matter accumulation or dispersion.Overall, this work demonstrates the effectiveness of combining high-fidelity terrain data with advanced CFD modeling to improve the understanding of airflow in mining environments. The methodology supports improved planning and implementation of mitigation technologies aimed at reducing atmospheric pollution caused by mining activities. Consequently, this research contributes to enhancing air quality management and protecting public health in mining-affected regions.