"BHP mines identified as 'dominant source' of dust in Newman, says government review", 17 March 2023

Newman resident Devon Cuimara's home, on the edge of a West Australian desert, is often engulfed in a cloud of red dust.

His town is wedged between two BHP iron ore mines, an industry that helps power the state's economy.

The dusty nature of that industry has unions and residents worried about people's health, with both calling for quick improvements to dust mitigation.

Mr Cuimara said his family wore face masks around town to reduce the amount of dust they inhaled…

Concerns have been raised about the impact of excessive dust in the mining town after it was revealed air pollution targets had been exceeded due to mining 171 times ...

BHP's mines have been identified as a "dominant source" of the dust by a Department of Water and Environmental Regulation review. 

… the WA Department of Health did not support a decision to deviate from national standards for BHP's Newman operations.

FOI documents now reveal the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation intended to use the national environment protection measure in its review, but this was "contested" by BHP…

… The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation has placed new conditions on BHP's operating licences in response to the review.

The spokesperson said BHP would be required to implement a dust improvement plan, …

… A BHP spokesperson said the company had worked in recent years to reduce dust levels and remained committed to its $300 million Pilbara Air Quality Program.

"We know other factors like the weather and naturally occurring dust contribute to air quality in the Newman area, and we will continue to work with the community and regulators to monitor dust levels and improve air quality controls,"

the spokesperson said…