Minister for Transport, Troy Buswell, today announced there had been one exceedence of the 24 hour ambient concentration emission limit for lead in dust at the Geraldton Port in October, during one of MMG Golden Grove’s shipments.
MMG Golden Grove General Manager, Nick Mosenthal, said the exceedence was recorded after a new monitoring system was put in place at the Geraldton Port, required under the Geraldton Port Authority’s operating licence.
“This was the first Golden Grove shipment which was subject to the new monitoring system implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority, the agency contracted by MMG Golden Grove to manage the ship loading of its concentrate,” said Mr Mosenthal.
Mr Mosenthal said he understood the sensitivity surrounding the situation and said Geraldton residents can be assured MMG is taking the issue very seriously.
“MMG has deferred shipments of High Precious Metal concentrate (which contains a portion of lead concentrate) until further data is collected,” said Mr Mosenthal.
“In addition we are reviewing the ship loading procedures at the Port and undertaking a range of measures together with the Geraldton Port Authority to improve management of dust levels including trialling foam as a dust suppressant; monitoring wind direction and speed; altering our loading rate; and product sequencing.”
“We have met several times with the Geraldton Port Authority, Department of Heath, Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Transport, and will continue to work closely with them to identify the dust source and to improve processes to minimise emissions,” said Mr Mosenthal.
If residents have any questions they should contact Craig Turley, MMG Community Relations Advisor, 9956 4130, or Scott Young, Environment and Community Manager, 0417 895 029.
Media enquiries:
Matt Foran, Group Manager, Community and Stakeholder Relations
(03) 9288 0456 or 0409 313 637
Candice Grisbrook, Communications Advisor
(08) 9956 4405 or 0418439 083
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