Dust management

Historically, Kalgoorlie-Boulder has been a dusty place. The combination of the dry climate, storage of mine tailings near the city, unsealed roads and degraded land within and surrounding the city all contributed to the dust problem. In response to these issues the Goldfields Dust Abatement Committee (GDAC) was formed in the 1970’s. This committee fenced off areas around the city, planted trees and monitored dust levels. Then in 1994 the Kalgoorlie-Boulder Landcare Group (KBULG) continued on with similar work.

KCGM along with GDAC and KBULG, has also completed extensive rehabilitation work. A "Green Belt" of around 730 hectares, including 210,000 trees now exists between the mining area and the city.

KCGM has managed a regional dust monitoring network since 1993. Data from this network indicated that mining does not appear to be a major source of dust at monitor sites in the city. Earthworks at developing subdivisions and the accumulation of mud on sealed roads are local issues, but mining may also be an indirect contributor.

However, late in 2000 public attention increased on the impact of dust from blasting in residential areas. Following consultation and approval from the Department of Environment and Water Catchment Protection (DEWCP), KCGM revised the Dust Monitoring and Management Programme in April 2001.

The revised dust management programme is considered in two parts: monitoring and control. The dust monitoring network now consists of three sites between the Fimiston Open Pit and residential areas, and helps to monitor ambient dust levels and implement strategies to control dust to ensure that the impact on residential areas is minimised.

KCGM has detailed management procedures to minimise the impact of dust from blasting. Blasts in areas closer to the surface require additional dust control measures due to the nature of the oxide material and the shallow pit depth. Experience and data show that deeper pit blasts in hard rock are of lesser nuisance to the community.

Following any negative public feedback, KCGM has reviewed the conditions surrounding the event and, where appropriate, refined the management procedure to endeavour to minimise the likelihood of a recurrence of such an event. These efforts have resulted in a reduction in the number of public complaints relating to blasting dust.