Air Quality Management

Clean air is essential for healthy communities and safe workplaces. MMG take air quality seriously. Our goal is simple: reduce emissions, control dust, and protect the health of our people, communities, and local stakeholders.

Air quality management is about more than compliance, it’s about care. We want our people to work in safe conditions and our neighbours to feel confident that we’re protecting their environment. By combining practical measures, smart technology, and strong partnerships, we’re making sure clean air remains a priority across all our operations.

Mining activities can generate dust and emissions from equipment, blasting, and ore handling. If not managed properly, these can affect the health of our workforce and nearby communities, as well as local ecosystems. That’s why air quality management is a core part of our environmental approach. We aim to prevent problems before they occur and respond quickly when conditions change.

Heavy mobile equipment and on-site power generation are major sources of emissions. To reduce their impact, we use low-sulphur fuels where available and maintain engines to keep them running efficiently. We fit exhaust systems with filters to capture harmful particles. Where possible, MMG use electric equipment which cuts diesel emissions and makes underground work quieter, cooler and safer for employees. Regular maintenance ensures everything works as designed, and underground operations use ventilation systems that adjust airflow based on real-time conditions.

Dust is one of the biggest challenges in mining, especially in dry climates. MMG manage it through a mix of watering, dust suppressants, and smart planning. Haul roads are regularly watered, and in some areas we apply environmentally safe suppressants to keep dust down. We limit vehicle speeds and use windbreaks and enclosures around transfer points. Stockpiles are managed carefully, keeping them at safe heights and applying crusting agents to prevent dust from blowing away. In regions where public roads are used, we work with local contractors to seal roads and schedule convoys to reduce dust exposure for communities.

Some tasks create unique air quality risks. For example, process tanks can release sulphuric acid mist, so we use floating polypropylene balls to suppress it. Welding fumes are captured with extraction systems, and silica dust from drilling is controlled with water sprays and enclosed cabins. At sites where lead is present, we carry out regular air testing to make sure levels stay safe. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided for anyone working in higher-risk areas, and training ensures it is used correctly.

MMG don’t just rely on controls, we monitor air quality constantly. Fixed stations, mobile monitors, and personal sampling give us a clear picture of conditions on site. Weather stations help us predict when dust might become a problem, so we can act early. If high winds are forecast, we increase road watering, adjust blasting schedules, or pause certain activities until conditions improve. Real-time dashboards help supervisors make quick decisions and direct resources where they are needed most.

Technology is helping us take air quality management to the next level. We’re trialling real-time particulate sensors and using drones to map dust plumes. AI tools are being tested to predict dust events and optimise water use, reducing both emissions and resource consumption. We work closely with communities – sharing information, listening to concerns, and co-designing solutions like vegetation buffers along roads and improved convoy communication. Local contractors help with dust suppression, creating jobs while improving outcomes for everyone.