Community health
Living close to a mining operation can pose many questions for community members. Rosebery is located in a highly mineralised area which is why the Rosebery mine, and many others, exist in this region of Tasmania.
It is important for local community members to remain informed so we have provided some information below regarding protecting your health.
We encourage overall health and wellbeing for our employees, contractors and community, and support a number of programs in the community.
Exposure to lead
It is well documented that exposure to lead can pose health risks and at Rosebery we have developed a plan to manage the known risks to employees and community members.
This plan includes programs to raise awareness of the risks associated with lead exposure and responses to control exposure for both our employees and community members. For example, our workforce is trained in the hygiene aspects of working with lead, including the use of protective personal equipment such as gloves, disposable overalls and washing your hands before eating.
We also have a community awareness program, which has been developed in consultation with the Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services. This has included support to develop a brochure on ‘living with contaminated soil’ in a community, again focusing on good hygiene practices in the home.
We also have dust mitigation procedures in place to minimise the release of dust from the operations, including water suppression and containment of concentrates within an enclosed location.
The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) stipulates that 10 micrograms per decilitre (µg/dL) is the maximum safe level for blood lead levels.
Rosebery offers free blood lead level testing to employees, contractors and the community to ensure that these levels are monitored. This testing is offered on an annual basis.
The MMG Community Liaison Office in Agnes Street, Rosebery has information available on managing exposure to lead.
Schools fruit program
Rosebery provides the two local schools and childcare centre with a piece of fresh fruit each day for every student. This part of an initiative to introduce good nutrition into the community from an early age.
St Joseph's School Rosebery student Michael delivers fruit to his class.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle
Rosebery undertakes a number of sponsorships to promote a healthy lifestyle. We sponsor community sporting clubs including the local football club (AFL), golf club (Rosebery and Zeehan) and netball teams. We also provide equipment for exercise classes at the local community house, men’s health forums and women’s health day among other things.
Rosebery football oval.