Open cut mines in Central Queensland must do more to control dust in dry weather conditions, the Miners Union said today.
CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Stephen Smyth said Bowen Basin towns including Moranbah and Bluff are suffering from high dust levels, partly due to dust blowing from nearby open cut coal mines.
"Dust is worse all round in the dry weather, but dust blowing off coal mines is a contributing factor to high dust levels in towns," said Mr Smyth.
"There is so much dust at some mines that visibility is an issue for workers. Excessive dust on site is dangerous for workers if they can't see what they're doing, and it increases the risk of respiratory dust disease.
"In nearby towns, dust can exacerbate conditions like asthma and emphysema.
"Open cut mines should be stepping up their dust control and dust suppression measures in the current dry conditions. It is not fair for mine operators to let communities bear the brunt of poor dust management practices."
