Assessment of Dust Management Technologies Applicable to Granite Quarries in Rivers State, South South Nigeria

Granite quarrying in Rivers State, South South Nigeria, generates persistent dust pollution that adversely affects worker health and surrounding communities. This study assesses the technical performance and economic feasibility of dust management technologies applicable to quarry operations in the region. A technology evaluation framework covering nine dust suppression and control technologies was developed, including wet drilling systems, water spray cannons, foam suppression, enclosed crushing plants, and fabric filter systems. Performance data from international case studies and limited Nigerian pilot applications were synthesised and adjusted for local climate and operational conditions. Cost-benefit assessments were conducted for each technology against a baseline of uncontrolled dust emissions at a representative Rivers State granite quarry. An operator survey administered to 14 quarry managers assessed technology awareness, affordability perceptions, and implementation barriers. Findings indicate that wet drilling and fixed water spray systems at crusher transfer points offer the best balance of effectiveness and affordability for Nigerian quarry scale and budget constraints. Fabric filter dust collectors provide superior dust capture but are cost-prohibitive for operations processing fewer than 200,000 tonnes per year. The study recommends a government-facilitated equipment leasing programme to improve access to wet suppression technologies and proposes minimum dust management standards for inclusion in mining licence conditions. Keywords: dust management, granite quarry, Rivers State, suppression technology, occupational health.