Air Quality Management

Most of our air emissions stem from heavy mobile equipment used in mining, product transport, primary crushing, and onsite power generation. Our focus is on efficient fuel combustion to manage costs and maintain a healthy working environment for our workers, especially those underground. We carefully consider environmental and health implications when procuring equipment, electricity, and fuel. 

We manage carcinogens and other air quality hazards through high level controls to eliminate, control or mitigate potential exposures. This includes: 

• Sulphuric Acid Mist: Polypropylene balls are added to chemical tanks to break down bubbles, reducing the likelihood of sulphuric acid mist being released into the air. 
• Diesel Particulate Matter: MMG uses low-sulphur fuels, selects appropriate engines, and maintains exhaust filtration systems. 
• Respirable Crystalline Silica: Dust suppression techniques (such as watering or sprayings), enclosed cabin equipment, exhaust ventilation systems, and vacuum usage minimize exposure. 
• Welding Fumes: Engineering controls such as extraction systems are implemented, respiratory protection and training for dealing with welding fumes are mandatory. 
• Surface Lead Testing: MMG conducts surface lead testing programs alongside atmospheric testing to monitor potential lead exposure. 

To mitigate the impact of dust generated by our activities, we undertake suppression measures such as watering heavy haul roads and using bischofite to minimise dust. Additionally, we support government efforts in progressively sealing roads (e.g., Las Bambas). 

Mitigation measures applied across our sites include:  

• At Rosebery, live weather stations trigger email and text message alerts when increased dust conditions occur.  
• Dugald River remains compliant through its Air Quality Monitoring Program that detects arsenic, cadmium, copper and lead.  
• At Kinsevere, air quality monitoring is done using diffusion tubes and dust buckets, while dust suppression is conducted in the operations areas and on the access road.  
• At the Las Bambas Ferrobamba pit, water cranes on access roads and sprinkler systems to the Chalcobamba pit have been installed. Humidifier and dust fighter systems have been installed in the stockpile area.  Water and dust suppressants are applied along the Southern Road Corridor using tanker trucks hired from local businesses. 

Our emissions reporting aligns with the Australian Government’s National Pollutant Inventory emission estimation techniques and our materiality-based sustainability reporting processes.