Gold Mine Emission Levels Far Exceeded Regulatory Limits

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): An independent air quality audit has found Newcrest Mining Limited's Cadia Valley Operations (CVO) gold mine near Orange non-compliant. As per the audit, one of the shaft vents reported high emissions of carcinogen respirable crystalline silica. The emission levels were 18 times higher than regulatory limits, it noted.

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The statement issued by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment noted that it is collaborating with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to look into the issues. The earlier request by the miner to boost ore production was approved upon the condition that the company should obtain approval of an independent air quality audit report by the planning secretary. The Zephyr Environmental Independent Air Quality Audit was commissioned on these grounds.

The audit found that the crusher vent, VR8-1 expelled 360 milligrams per cubic metre of air of particulate matter, as compared with the allowed limit of 20 milligrams per cubic metre. In addition, it also found exceeded emissions from Vent shaft 3. Neither shaft had dust mitigation mechanisms in place, the final audit report said.

Meantime, Newcrest Mining responded, saying that it is working proactively and constructively with authorities to address the non-compliances at the earlier.