Air Quality and Dust

Air Quality and Dust

Dust is generated by many activities or events, including mining, farming, power generation, unsealed country roads, vehicle exhaust, industrial processes and during certain seasons, wood heaters and bushfires.

Mine sites dust levels are heavily regulated against standards adopted by NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water. These standards are set nationally under the National Environment Protection Measure – Air.

The majority of dust particles, around 40%, from mining activities are large dust particles, or what are known as coarse particles or Particulate Matter (PM10). These particles are generated from the disturbance of rock and soil or when wind blows over bare ground and stockpiles. Dust is generated at mine sites from activities such as the mechanical disturbance of rock and soil materials, bulldozing, blasting, and vehicles travelling on dirt roads. Coarse (larger) particles are mostly associated with nuisance (often called amenity impacts) issues, such as the visibility of dust in the air, on washing hung outside or on a house roof or car.

Fine particles, such as PM2.5, which have a higher health concern, account for only 5% of dust produced at mine sites. Fine particles (PM2.5) are mostly generated from vehicle exhausts and combustion processes, similar to urban areas

Dust can have some health and amenity impacts for local communities, so steps are taken to minimise the level of dust emissions. The environmental standards for dust are set at conservative levels and are significantly less than occupational standards. This takes into account that some members of the community can be more susceptible to dust – such as children and the elderly.

NSWMC and its members are committed to safe mining practices that reduce the risk of health impacts on communities in which the industry operates.

Mine sites have comprehensive management plans to monitor and manage overall dust levels. These plans are implemented to reduce the potential to generate dust and also to minimise any dust that is generated and reduce movement of the dust off site. Dust emissions are managed through a combination of mine planning, minimising disturbed areas, undertaking continuous rehabilitation, minimising road haul distances and traffic, use of enclosed conveyors, and methods such as water sprays on stockpiles and the use of dust watering carts on unpaved roads. The levels that need to be met are based on national and international studies.

Extensive monitoring programs are in place at each mining operation to measure compliance with air quality standards and conditions, and to identify the potential for improvements in dust management. Dust emissions are regularly monitored and communicated through Community Consultative Committees.

The mining industry undertakes research to improve their understanding of dust. The coal industry has recently completed two projects researching fine particles in the Hunter Valley through the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP).