Industry recognises community concerns around dust and has invested heavily over the past decade to implement leading dust mitigation measures.
PHIC and its members have committed to achieving a net-zero increase in dust emissions even if iron ore exports increase and are spending millions of dollars on dust mitigation to support this commitment.
PHIC members have a wide range of dust control measures and leading dust management practice measures already in place. Operational dust management activities include, but are not limited to:
- Dust elimination activities implemented at all stages of bulk handling. These activities focus on the prevention of dust being generated, and include integrated automated systems, more thoroughly washed material, integrated dust extraction systems as moisture control of the product for storage and handling, and water spray systems at key operational areas.
- Engineering or infrastructure controls such as direct to ship loading, enclosed conveyors and ship loader chutes, water and chemical suppressants, deflector plates, plough scraper, wind and vegetation barriers and the sealing of major traffic areas to reduce dust emissions.
- Administrative controls including policies, plans, procedures, and work instructions used by personnel to ensure effective management of materials.