Systems and methods for controlling dust. One method includes automatically detecting an operating status of a mining machine. The method also includes automatically, with an electronic processor, adjusting operation of a dust suppression system based on the operating status of the mining machine.

A homogenizer for homogenizing flow, a rock drilling rig, and a method for taking samples is provided. The homogenizer is mountable to a dust collecting system of the rock drilling rig and is arranged for effecting on the flow, which contains air and drilling cuttings. The homogenizer includes a channel part through which the flow is directed and at least one air jet for directing air blows to the flow for generating disturbance in the flow and to thereby homogenize particle distribution of the drilling cuttings in the flow.

A support includes a support element for supporting a drilling tool used in rock drilling. The support element is inside a suction housing of a rock drilling unit at least during drilling. The support is located at a front end portion of a feed beam and is used to support the tool especially during the collaring phase of the drilling. A method of collaring is disclosed wherein the drilling tool is supported by the support.

Cold planer exhaust systems and methods of clearing the same are disclosed. The exhaust systems and methods may include an inlet manifold located proximate a milling drum housing and above a material conveyor. The inlet manifold may further include at least one inlet passage and at least one access door configured to open and allow access to an interior of the exhaust system. The systems and methods may further include a ventilator configured to draw dust and fumes into and through the exhaust system.

An excavation apparatus is disclosed. The excavation apparatus includes a chassis having a length that extends from a front end to a rear end of the chassis. The chassis also has a width oriented perpendicular to the length. A boom is pivotally attached to the rear end of the chassis. A cutting component mounted to the boom. A shroud structure at least partially covers the cutting component. A source of vacuum is in fluid communication with an interior of the shroud structure for drawing air containing dust from the interior of the shroud structure. A filter filters the air drawn from the interior of the shroud structure by the source of vacuum. A dust barrier projects downwardly from the shroud structure and extends along at least a portion of a perimeter of the shroud structure. The dust barrier has a construction that is pervious to debris generated by the cutting component and that provides gradually reduced restriction to inward air flow through the dust barrier as the dust barrier extends downwardly from the shroud structure.