A long-term air quality monitoring program in the Cadia region has concluded, with results over a 22-month period showing consistently good air quality for the community.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA), in collaboration with the Science and Insights Division of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW), has been investigating potential impacts on local air quality from mining activities at the Cadia gold mine since August 2023.
EPA Director of Operations Steve Orr said the monitoring program was just one aspect of an extensive air, water and soil monitoring program in the region, launched in response to community concerns about the Cadia mine.
"Since 2023, we have been working closely with the community, undertaking testing of rainwater tanks, surface and groundwater, and soils, and monitoring air quality in the region," Mr Orr said.
"It's pleasing to see our air monitoring program has consistently shown consistently good air quality at all monitoring stations, and these results should provide assurance to the community.
"Importantly, heavy metal analysis found only low detections of copper and zinc, with lead consistently below detection levels.
"While this monitoring program has concluded, we will continue to monitor Cadia's operations and respond swiftly should we find any evidence of non-compliance with its licence conditions."
From 72 samples analysed for the final report, small detections of copper and zinc were noted at all sites with all being below daily average guidelines. Other metals, including lead, mercury and arsenic, were not detected.
Analysis also found that the main sources of particle pollution in the Cadia region were smoke from wood heating, hazard reduction burning and a dust storm on 27 May.
The results of the monitoring program confirm that Cadia's mining operations did not significantly impact air quality in terms of particulate matter or heavy metals during the study period.
The full report can be found at Air quality monitoring program in Cadia area: December 2024 to June 2025 | Environment and Heritage
