| Where does the dust come from? |
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Dust from BHP Billiton Iron Ore is generated by blasting, vehicle movement, ore processing activities (eg crushing, screening). High temperatures and dry conditions naturally support dusty conditions across Pilbara landscapes - this is referred to as the background level.
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| What is background dust and why is it significant? |
| Background dust is a measurement of what is naturally occurring in the region. It provides an indication of the dust levels you could expect if there were no industrial or community influences present.
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| Why is the dust worse some days compared with others? |
| What makes a dusty day? High temperatures, bushfires and strong winds are environmental factors we can have little influence over. However we can minimise the effect they have (at least for the strong winds and high temperatures) by increasing and maintaining the moisture content of ore as it travels through our plant or is held in stockpiles.
Faulty dust suppression equipment, maintenance shutdowns, and equipment not being operated appropriately (i.e. without sprays being activated) are operational factors we do have control over and work hard to reduce.
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| What is TSP and PM10? |
| These are definitions of the size of the particles that are being measured.
Total suspended particles or TSP describes all particles that are in the air.
PM10 defines particles that are 10 micrometers (0.001 of a millimetre) or less in diameter.
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| Does the community have a say? |
| BHBPIO holds community update and feedback sessions, as well as attending community consultative group meetings. These sessions are advertised in the local paper and through community groups.
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| Who do I call about any concerns I have? |
| You can call the BHPB Iron Ore Sustainability Department on 9175 3505 |
