MMG Golden Grove has launched a campaign to reassure Geraldton residents it is taking appropriate action after its operations were suspended due to a lead sulphide scare at Geraldton Port in November.
The state government suspended MMG's lead shipments from Geraldton Port, after air monitors recorded one incidence of lead levels in excess of the port's environmental licence limit during loading of a ship with high precious metals (HPM) concentrate from Golden Grove.
HPM concentrate contains roughly 30 per cent lead.
MMG said at the time of loading, strong winds were blowing directly out to sea, which was also directly towards the air monitor that detected the lead.
Dust monitors on the land side of the ship did not detect any lead dust above allowed levels.
Since the dust results were revealed, MMG has revised its loading protocols and procedures to ensure loading does not take place during strong winds, and has trialled the use of foam dust suppressants on conveyers and loading equipment.
MMG has also committed to place additional air samplers at the port and other locations in the community.
"I fully understand that residents and local businesses, especially the ones located close to the port may be concerned about this issue," MMG Golden Grove general manager Nick Mosenthal said.
"We have 600 people working at Golden Grove and 35% of them live here in Geraldton. We are part of the community and take our responsibilities very seriously.
"We want to reassure the Geraldton community that we are taking the appropriate action to resolve this matter."
Golden Grove employees will visit residents in Geraldton's Beachlands and West End from Tuesday to Thursday this week, and will also meet with local businesses and government.
Mr Mosenthal said although the lead sulphide component of Golden Grove's HPM concentrate posed much less of a risk than lead carbonate, the company was committed to the safe handling of concentrates at all stages of production.
"Authorities such as the WA Department of Environment and Conservation and the US EPA consider lead sulphide to have a lower toxicity than lead carbonate because it has lower solubility and is less absorbed into the body after it is swallowed."
"Nonetheless, we are committed to the safe handling of our concentrates at all stages of mining, production and transport."
