Dust solution brings new hope

The Town of Port Hedland’s opinion may change opinion on BHP Billiton’s application to increase iron ore exports at this month’s ordinary council meeting

Although the council took a hard-line approach to the initial application for expansion, Town officers believe the work being done to address the dust issue as well as the good faith discussions warrant supporting the application.

The mining giant has a bulk export licence for 270 million tonnes a year, which it has applied to increase by 7 per cent through the Department of Environmental Regulations.

The application was initially opposed because of concerns over the impact of dust on the West End.

During an October meeting, councillors decided to request more information on how dust mitigation would occur and said it would not support the increased activities until port users had mitigated any potential health impacts.

Town officers believe if the council does not support the application, it could affect the local economy.