A Queensland soil technology company has revolutionised the industry with a breakthrough eco dust suppressant that will use up to 90 per cent less product than any in the marketplace.

With export deals already sealing in Chile, Argentina, Brazil, Indonesia and strong demand in Australia, Reynolds Soil Technologies (RST) expects revenues to increase by around 50 per cent in 2010 as its breakthrough Superskin product bust dust on a grand scale.

RST technical and development director David Handel, said the environmentally-friendly, biodegradable concept will set a new benchmark or veneer dust suppressants across the industry by conserving more water and decreasing transport costs, cutting emissions.

“Superskin is the way of the future for a diverse range of applications including mine sites, transportation routes, civil construction sites and agricultural projects,” said Mr Handel.

“Our research and development team were focused on developing and delivering a super concentrate that use around 90 per cent less product than traditional crusting agents. Through our extensive research we are now launching Superskin which will offer a more environmentally friendly and more effective option for dust management while even being more affordable for our clients.”

Traditional veneer treatments are designed to crust large areas for prolonged periods requiring large volumes of product, excessive transport, storage and logistics on-site.

Mr Handel said the innovative solution will benefit rail car and truck transportation which will eliminate material loss and potentially save coal mining companies millions of dollars.

Testing has been done by Newcastle University’s bulk handling test laboratory in collaboration with Queensland-based Proof Engineers to fine tune the product.

RST is currently working with a range of high profile mining clients globally.

“In civil construction, Superskin applications include sealing stockpiles and all exposed areas, a total dust ‘lockdown’ during closures, stabilising trenches and embankment erosion control,” said Mr Handel.

“In the agriculture industry, Superskin applications include dust control to all exposed areas, erosion control and will stop soil washing into water catchment areas. Superskin can also be used to stabilise ultra fine powdery material such as ash.”

Superskin will also be utilised to effectively control dust and wall collapse when drilling for blast patterns alongside RST’s drilling foams and additive products.

RST has more than 20 years experience in total dust management and soil erosion management.

The Burleigh Heads-based company designs, constructs and maintains all systems. With qualified site technicians managing each program, RST will implement continual improvement programs to ensure that all products and systems are supplying clients with optimum results.

- Queensland Mining & Energy Bulletin