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Air Quality Management

At MMG, we are committed to maintaining high air quality standards across all operations to protect the health of our people and surrounding communities. Our air quality management approach is embedded in our SSHEC Policy and our Safety, Security, Health and Environment (SSHE) Performance Standard, and meets all national regulatory requirements where we operate.  

Sources and Strategy 

Across our operations, most of our air emissions originate from: 

  • heavy mobile equipment used in mining and transport; 
  • blasting and drilling 
  • primary crushing and ore handling; and 
  • on-site power generation, particularly at remote sites. 

We focus on efficient fuel combustion, equipment selection and preventative maintenance to reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Environmental and health considerations are integrated into procurement decisions for equipment, electricity, and fuel.  

Hazard-Specific Controls 

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

  • Sulphuric Acid Mist: Polypropylene balls are used in chemical tanks to suppress mist formation.  
  • Diesel Particulate Matter: MMG uses low-sulphur fuels, selects appropriate engines, and maintains comprehensive exhaust filtration systems. 
  • Respirable Crystalline Silica: We manage exposure through company-wide mandates that include dust suppression techniques (such as watering or sprayings), enclosed cabin equipment, exhaust ventilation systems, and vacuum usage. 
  • Welding Fumes: Engineering controls such as extraction systems are employed across our sites, with respiratory protection and training for dealing with welding fumes mandatory for all employees working in exposure settings. 
  • Lead Exposure: Surface and atmospheric lead testing is conducted regularly, particularly at our Rosebery and Dugald River operations. 

Dust Management and Monitoring 

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 (for example, at our Las Bambas operations). Dust suppression is a key focus across all sites: 

  • Las Bambas: Water cranes and sprinkler systems are installed at Ferrobamba and Chalcobamba pits and are employed throughout our activities. Dust suppressant application along the Southern Road Corridor is supported by local contractors, along with constant water trucks. We also work closely with our host communities to inform them of convoy movements and mitigate, where possible, incidental exposures. 
  • Kinsevere: Dust buckets and diffusion tubes are used for monitoring, and suppression is applied on haul roads and access routes. 
  • Rosebery: Live weather stations trigger alerts for high dust conditions, and we work closely with our local stakeholders to track, report and reduce impacts of dust. 
  • Dugald River: The site employs a comprehensive air quality monitoring program, which tracks arsenic, cadmium, copper, and lead. 

In 2024, MMG reported: 

  • >95% compliance with internal dust suppression KPIs 
  • Expanded community air quality monitoring at Las Bambas and Kinsevere 

For more information about our quantitative performance data, please see our 2024 Sustainability Report and 2024 Sustainability Databook. 

Health and Community Impact 

We conduct regular health surveillance for employees exposed to airborne hazards and collaborate with local health authorities to monitor community health outcomes. In 2024, no air quality-related occupational illnesses were recorded across MMG sites. 

We acknowledge the impact dust and other airborne hazards can pose to our host communities, local stakeholders and rightsholders, and we take their concerns seriously. We work closely with our local stakeholders to map potential impacts, undertake participatory monitoring with communities and strictly comply with both national regulatory requirements as well as international obligations. We encourage our local communities and other rightsholders to raise any issues through our site-specific Stakeholder Grievance mechanisms.  

Reporting and Assurance 

Air emissions in MMG are reported in accordance with the Australian National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) and MMG’s materiality-based sustainability reporting framework. Selected data is externally assured under the ICMM Assurance Procedure and ISAE 3000 standards. 

Continuous Improvement and Innovation 

MMG strongly believes in continuous improvement and listening to stakeholder feedback. Currently, we are exploring: 

  • Real-time air quality sensors for predictive dust control 
  • AI-driven analytics to optimise fuel use and emissions 
  • Community co-monitoring programs to build trust and transparency 

These initiatives support our broader climate and environmental goals under IFRS S2 and TCFD reporting obligations, as well as the ICMM Socio-Economic Reporting Framework. 

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