Analysis of the Dust-Concentration Distribution Law in an Open-Pit Mine and Its Influencing Factors

[Image: see text] In this study, a solar-powered multipoint network monitoring method was used to record dust-particle concentrations and meteorological indicators in the Anjialing open-pit coal mine in the Pingshuo mining area. The factors influencing the concentrations of particulate matter of different maximum diameters (PM2.5, PM10, and total suspended particulates; TSPs) and the regularity of the spatial distribution were examined. The results show that the highest dust concentration and thus the most serious dust pollution occur in winter, and the lowest dust concentration is found in summer. There are peaks in dust concentration in December and January to February, and the pollution is more serious at these times. On a given day, the pollution is higher between 11:00 and 13:00, but it does not exceed the 24 h air concentration limits specified in the Chinese Ambient Air Quality Standard (GB3095-2012). It was found that the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations are positively correlated with humidity and air pressure, and they are negatively correlated with wind speed, temperature, and noise. The TSP concentration is positively correlated with temperature and negatively correlated with humidity. The results of this study provide theoretical guidance and a reference for the distribution law of dust concentration in open-pit coal mines.