Pilbara air quality

female work


We have a responsibility to make a positive contribution to the sustainable development of the communities in which we operate.

The wellbeing of our people, the community and the environment is considered in everything we do.

We understand that minimising the environmental impact of our operations is important to the communities where we operate and are committed to making a positive contribution to a sustainable future for all.

To ensure the growth of our iron ore business is sustainable, environmental objectives have shaped the nature of our operational activities and the environmental controls and management practices that we have in place.

We continue to work closely with government and industry to deliver dust management controls and support strategic land-use planning to reduce community exposure.

Managing the potential for dust emissions across mine, rail and port operations is not new, it’s something BHP has been doing for a long time.

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Dust Mitigation

Our Approach

We acknowledge that we have a shared responsibility to address air quality in the Pilbara.

We have worked and will continue to work closely with government, industry and the community to further improve air quality controls at our operations and for the communities in which we operate.

BHP has been a member of the Port Hedland Industries Council since it was formed over 10 years ago. As an industry body, PHIC also provides a forum for sharing of best practice and assists partner companies to manage and minimise the impacts of industry on the community.

Recently we announced plans to invest up to a further A$300 million over five years to improve air quality and reduce dust emissions across our Pilbara operations.

The investment reinforces our commitment to the long-term, sustainable future of the Pilbara region as an economic powerhouse and is on top of A$400 million in projects already delivered over the past decade to minimise dust emissions across our supply chain.

BHP has invested in a number of projects to improve air quality and amenity both ‘inside and outside the gate’ including:

  • Plans to invest up to an additional A$300 million for leading air quality program across the Pilbara. More info here.
  • The Port Hedland West End Revitalisation Program. More info here.
  • Dust Control and Amenity Improvement in Port Hedland. More info here.
  • Decreasing dust in Newman. More info here.
  • Pilbara Air Quality Program Controls Fact Sheet here.
  • Newman Air Quality Fact Sheet here.
  • Wind Fence Fact Sheet here.

More information:
Real time dust monitoring

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