PM samples are simultaneously collected in six sites within the studied area in daily basis. As a energy base area, there are 8 coal-fired power stations within this area.
Site 1 was located near coal mine as the following figure.
One factor can be identified in all sites, with high mass loading of Na, Cr, As, Zn, Pb. These trace elements existing in coal can be volatilized in high temperature combustion processes and then coagulated into solid phase in atmosphere.
The seasonal variability of this factor also show the trend of highest contribution in winter. It might indicate the increasing coal combustion for domestic heating which is common in north China.
Thus, I inferred this factor was the emission from coal combustion (coal-fired power/heating plant and domestic uses of bulk coal).
The other factor which was similar with the factor in the source profile. High mass loading of As, Cd, Pb was also founded. Meanwhile, this factor presented elevated contribution only at the site near surface coal mining zone.
Therefore, I thought this factor should be the emission of coal mining activity.
Responding to first answer, I investigated the coal mining activity in this area. Here is an figure of one of the coal strip mine and the coal is mined by mechanical cutting techniques.
From what you have presented, the coal mine is the most likely source of the dust and metal contamination.