Dust Suppression Trials
Newmont Waihi Gold has been trialing dust suppression products over summer in selected areas around site. Although monitoring indicates the company is complying with consents relating to air quality, the use of dust suppressants should provide an additional safeguard.
In February a non-toxic polymer emulsion was sprayed over a length of roading on the south east side of the waste rock embankments at Tailings Storage 1A. The emulsion has a neutral pH, is water soluble and non flammable, and works by bonding dust particles. This prevents them becoming airborne and settling as a contaminant or causing a nuisance to neighbouring properties.
A second product was trialed in early April, and consists of a mineral salt, modified to neutralise any corrosive effect. It looks and feels like soap-flakes and was sprayed on the unsealed roadway east of Macmahon's workshop at Tailings Storage 2. This product works by drawing in atmospheric or soil moisture and binding dust particles by artificially raising the moisture levels within the roadway.
Both products used are environmentally friendly and their use is approved by Environment Waikato. Around the world similar applications include helipads and airports, unpaved road shoulders, landfills, quarries and military sites. At Newmont Waihi Gold, the products are being assessed for durability, practicality and cost. Early indications from the trials have been valuable, providing the confidence to proceed with operational applications in spring.
ABOVE: Applying the dust supression emulsion to the waste rock embankments.
ABOVE: Tailings storage 2 is on the left and 1A is to the right of that. Selected areas of both sites were used for recent dust suppression trials.
Photographic Record Update
On April 2 our photographers took to the sky for the annual flight to update our photographic records. They captured this great shot looking east across Morgan Park and Union Hill.
In the background is Waihi Beach and Mayor Island. In the corner, left foreground is Kenny Street and the rugby club. In the corner, right foreground the Ohinemuri River wends its way towards Gilmour Lake. To the left of Union Hill, Barry Road leads into Golden Valley.
A selection of the aerial photographs taken during the April 2 flight will be on display in the window of the Waihi Leader office for a limited time next month.
