Dust

Dust is recognised as a general nuisance as well as a potential risk to health. Depending on the operation, dust can be generated by moving or stockpiling material, or by traffic movements.

Dust particles under 10 microns in diameter (PM10) can be retained in the lungs and associated with lung diseases, including asthma and industry-specific diseases known as pneumoconiosis. In addition, dust particulates may contain potentially toxic substances on their surfaces. For instance, diesel exhaust fume particles may contain hydrocarbons.

How we minimise the health risk

We identify and minimise all air pollutant emissions and their potential impacts by applying our Air Quality Control Standard.  We assess and prioritise them according to the significance of their impact, and then design and put in place the right emissions controls to ensure protection of ambient air quality.

Dust control at our mines has eliminated new cases of "miner's lung". And fume and dust reductions, coupled with personal protection, at our aluminium smelters have virtually eliminated new cases of asthma. 

Our results

In 2006, a total of 87 dust related complaints were received by our operations (representing a 21 per cent increase since 2005). Complaints were predominantly associated with:

• Wind-induced and/or machinery generated dust arising from open pit mining or quarrying operations (51 complaints in total).
• Dust being generated from shipping/port facilities (16 complaints - arising from a number of operations).
• Dust emissions from smelters, refineries and plant (12 complaints - mostly associated with Sorel).