Polaris Metals NL

Version 1 : 1 June 2009

Dust control procedure

Purpose

This procedure details actions for managing dust emissions on site. Effective control of dust will achieve the environmental objective of protecting surrounding vegetation and the health and amenity of the workforce.

Background

Wind speeds in the region are generally mild. The Carina PER document shows Bureau of Meteorology data which show the majority of wind speed experienced in the region is less than 30km/h, with a significant proportion less than 20km/h. This indicates the project area is not in a region that regularly experiences strong prevailing winds, so the risk of significant dust generation from work areas by erosive winds is considered low.

Risks

Key Risks include:

• Risk to human health.

• Smothering of surrounding vegetation.

• Nuisance (amenity).

Procedure

Mine operational areas

• Keep cleared areas to the minimum necessary to undertake project works.

• Progressively rehabilitate disturbed areas in accordance with the site rehabilitation plan, to reduce the potential for dust generation.

• Apply water to active work areas to prevent dust emissions creating a nuisance or impacting adjacent vegetation.

• Restrict vehicle access to dry, dust prone areas that are not active work areas or are being watered to prevent dust.

• Apply water sprays to crushing, conveyor and stockpile systems to prevent dust.

• Water trucks to apply water from dribble bars on the main haul road to minimise dust generation.

• Vehicles must not exceed 60 km/h while driving on mine work areas.

• Vehicles must not exceed 80 km/h on main haul road / access road.

Vegetation health monitoring

• Establish permanent monitoring sites for vegetation health, in locations adjacent to mine, haulage and rail siding work areas, as well as control sites, remote for work locations. Dust deposition gauges are to be located at each monitoring site.

• Monitor dust deposition monthly and vegetation health 6 monthly over the first 12 months of operation.

• After the first 12 months, report on results obtained and use this information to define interim dust target levels to ensure adjacent vegetation is not impacted by dust deposition.

• Define an ongoing monitoring and review process in the annual environmental report.

Reporting

• Any non-compliance with this procedure is to be reported within 24-hours of the incident occurring using the Hazard Register.