Chemical Handling encompasses all procedures, equipment, systems, and protocols involved in the safe receipt, storage, transfer, use, and disposal of chemical substances within mining and mineral processing operations. Given the hazardous nature of many reagents used in bauxite, iron ore, gold, and diamond mining — including concentrated caustic soda (NaOH), sodium cyanide (NaCN), sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄), hydrochloric acid (HCl), liquid chlorine, ferrosilicon, and various flocculants and flotation reagents — chemical handling is a critical health, safety, and environmental (HSE) management domain. Effective chemical handling begins at procurement with the preparation and review of Safety Data Sheets (SDS, formerly MSDS), which document hazard information, exposure limits, first aid measures, and storage requirements. On-site, chemicals are typically received at designated unloading bays equipped with spill containment bunding, emergency showers, eye-wash stations, and ventilation systems. Storage facilities must comply with regulations governing incompatible chemical segregation, secondary containment volumes, fire protection, temperature control, and access security. Transfer of chemicals through pipelines, hoses, or manual handling follows documented procedures that include the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as chemical-resistant gloves, face shields, aprons, and respiratory protection. Dosing systems, reagent feeders, and automated metering equipment reduce direct human contact with hazardous substances. Emergency response plans for chemical spills, leaks, or exposure incidents are maintained and rehearsed. Regulatory frameworks such as OSHA's Process Safety Management (PSM), REACH in Europe, and national chemical codes govern chemical handling standards.
