Dust control has emerged as a key operational and regulatory priority facing the Australian quarrying industry. Far from being a minor by-product of excavation and material processing, dust—particularly respirable crystalline silica—has been identified as a serious health hazard with long-term implications for workers and nearby communities.
But the implications extend beyond health. Uncontrolled dust emissions can also lead to regulatory breaches, environmental degradation, community complaints, and reputational damage.
This article explores why dust control is essential, the impacts it has on health and community well-being, and the technologies and strategies that can help quarry operators achieve compliance while improving operational performance. With the right systems in place, dust suppression can support safer workplaces, reduce environmental harm, and strengthen a site’s licence to operate.
Quarrying operations such as drilling, blasting, crushing, and hauling of materials like granite, limestone, and sandstone release fine dust particles into the atmosphere. Among these, respirable crystalline silica poses the most severe health risk.
According to Safe Work Australia, exposure to silica dust can lead to a range of serious diseases, including:
While the health implications for onsite workers are critical, the risks associated with quarry dust extend well beyond the quarry fence line—impacting surrounding communities and ecosystems.
Dust emissions from quarrying operations are not confined to the boundaries of the worksite. During dry, windy weather, airborne particulates can travel significant distances, affecting residential areas, agricultural land, schools, and public infrastructure. This offsite dust drift poses both a public health concern and an environmental management challenge.
The impacts on surrounding communities can be both immediate and cumulative, and often include:
Reduced air quality, with fine particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) contributing to respiratory irritation, asthma flare-ups, and other health issues, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing conditions.
Contamination of rainwater tanks, where dust settles on rooftops and is washed into domestic water supplies, leading to concerns about water quality and potability.
Deposition on homes, vehicles, and infrastructure, resulting in visible dust build-up, increased maintenance requirements, and a perceived decline in local amenity.
Degradation of vegetation and crops, particularly on adjacent agricultural land, where dust can impair photosynthesis and soil quality.
These concerns are not only valid—they are increasingly being acted upon. Environmental regulators across Australia have stepped up monitoring and enforcement of air quality standards, particularly in high-risk zones near extractive industries. For example, as of 1 September 2024, new requirements have been added in relation to the processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS), which are materials that contain at least 1 per cent crystalline silica.
As public awareness around the health risks of airborne dust—particularly silica dust—increases, communities are demanding greater transparency and accountability. Quarry operators who proactively invest in robust dust suppression technologies, continuous air quality monitoring, and community engagement strategies are better positioned to maintain their social licence to operate and avoid costly disruptions.
Effective dust control is not just a legal obligation—it’s a proactive step toward safer, more efficient, and more sustainable quarry operations. Dust suppression helps protect workers, reduce environmental impact, and maintain a social licence to operate.
Best-practice dust control strategies typically include:
Road binders: Surface treatments such as polymer binders or surfactants can significantly reduce dust from heavy vehicle traffic. These binders form a stabilised crust or seal on the road surface, preventing loose particles from becoming airborne. Some products also have hygroscopic properties, helping to retain surface moisture and reduce evaporation in hot, dry conditions.
High pressure dust suppression: Custom built misting systems as well as fog cannons work to suppress dust at critical points such as crushers, conveyors, and screening areas by capturing airborne particles and preventing dispersion. The water droplets produced are small enough to collide with dust particles and bind them together, increasing their weight so they fall out of the air before spreading. Fog cannons are particularly useful for high-volume applications or covering large areas where dust is being emitted.
High pressure dust suppression: Custom-built misting systems and fog cannons are essential tools for controlling dust at key emission points such as crushers, conveyors, and screening areas. These systems work by producing fine water droplets that collide with airborne dust particles, binding them together and increasing their mass. This causes the particles to settle more quickly, preventing them from becoming widely dispersed. Fog cannons, in particular, are highly effective in high-volume applications or for covering expansive areas where dust is generated, such as open stockyards or large-scale processing zones.
Stockpile management: Uncovered stockpiles in quarries can become a major source of dust, especially in windy or drought-prone areas. Covering or stabilising stockpiles helps prevent wind-blown dust. Vegetative covers or chemical suppressants can be used depending on the material and environment.
Real-time monitoring and reporting: Modern dust control programs incorporate telemetry and automated monitoring systems to provide continuous data, enabling operators to stay within compliance thresholds and respond proactively to changing conditions.
Every quarry is different. The effectiveness of dust suppression is influenced by a range of variables including:
That’s why tailored dust management plans based on site-specific assessments are essential.
Dust-A-Side Australia offers integrated dust control solutions specifically for the quarrying industry. Our services combine engineered systems, environmentally sustainable products, and real-time monitoring technology to address the unique challenges of each site.
To learn more about our cutting edge dust control services, call us on 1800 662 387. Or you can get in touch by clicking here.