In many Australian gold mines—particularly those operating in Western Australia's Goldfields, northern Queensland, and parts of South Australia—hyper-saline water is a readily available resource. Sourced from pit de-watering, underground inflows, or recycled process water, this briny water is often reused across site operations.
One of the most common uses? Dust control on haul roads and access roads.
At first glance, using saline water for dust suppression seems like a cost-effective solution—especially in remote regions where fresh water is scarce and expensive.
However, relying on hyper-saline water alone can deliver inconsistent results and create unintended operational and environmental risks.
The Role of Salt in Dust Suppression
Certain salts, especially hygroscopic salts, can absorb moisture from the atmosphere. Under ideal conditions—typically cooler, more humid times of day—these salts can help form a temporary crust on unsealed mine roads, reducing dust lift-off.
But this effect is highly conditional and often unreliable, particularly in the hot, dry climates typical of Australian goldfields. Factors that influence performance include:
- Salt type and chemical makeup
- Ambient humidity and temperature
- Concentration of salts in the water
- Road base material
- Traffic frequency and load
- Exposure to sun and wind
When these variables don’t align—which is often the case in arid gold mining regions—the dust control performance of hyper-saline water quickly deteriorates.
The Limitations of Hyper-Saline Water at Gold Mining Sites
In practice, using saline water for dust suppression in gold mining presents several key challenges:
- Rapid evaporation in hot, low-humidity conditions
- Loose salt residue that can become airborne dust itself
- Lack of binding properties, especially under heavy traffic
- Short-lived effects that require frequent reapplication
Worse still, relying on saline water can introduce a range of long-term risks:
- Accelerated corrosion of water carts, haul trucks, and other equipment
- Soil degradation, affecting rehabilitation and compliance
- Increased maintenance costs due to component failure and infrastructure wear
- Regulatory issues, particularly around salt runoff and environmental impact
A More Reliable Approach: HydroTac Binder for Dust Control
Gold mines looking for a more consistent and sustainable dust suppression method are turning to advanced binder technologies—engineered for Australia’s toughest mining conditions.
One standout solution is HydroTac: a chloride-free, biodegradable binder specifically designed for unsealed roads in mining environments.
Formulated using lignosulphonate and organic sugar compounds, HydroTac acts as a hygroscopic crusting agent. When applied, it binds surface particles together, forming a crust that suppresses dust - even as the surface dries.
It can be applied as a surface spray or incorporated directly into the road base for long-lasting stability. HydroTac is conveniently delivered in a concentrated liquid form ready to use. It is typically diluted in a water bowser at a concentration of 1.5% up to 20% depending on the specific requirement.
Once applied, the need for reapplication is minimal. Mines which typically rely on continuously spraying untreated water on haul road networks in order to control dust will dramatically reduce water usage and water cart hours by switching to HydroTac.
Unlike hyper-saline water, HydroTac:
- Achieves operational dust reductions up to 90%, improving safety and productivity with faster cycle times
- Reduces water cart usage by up to 60%
- Performs reliably in arid, high-temperature settings
- Binds fine particles into a durable, moisture-retaining surface layer
- Contains no corrosive salts, protecting vehicles and infrastructure
- Is fully biodegradable and environmentally safe
Why Gold Mines Across Australia Are Choosing HydroTac
- Compatible with saline site water
- Reduces dust lift-off, even in extreme heat
- Minimises haul road wear and tyre damage
- Safe for the environment—no chloride runoff
- Supports longer intervals between applications
- Suitable for haul roads, access roads, laydowns, and stockpiles
To learn more about HydroTac, click the link below to download our fact sheet.
Download the HydroTac Fact Sheet
Need a Better Dust Control Strategy for Your Gold Mine?
At Dust-A-Side Australia, we offer more than just products—we deliver complete, site-specific dust control and haul road management solutions. Our team combines decades of hands-on mining experience with the only independently accredited dust control program in the country.
Whether you're dealing with limited water availability, long haul distances, or harsh environmental conditions, we can help you reduce dust, lower maintenance costs, and meet your environmental compliance goals.
Call us today on 1800 662 387. Or click here to request a technical consultation.
