The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has fined Perilya Broken Hill Ltd $30,000 for failing to properly manage dust pollution at its Southern Operations lead, zinc and copper mine in central Broken Hill.
The penalty was issued after a routine inspection of the premises in November 2025, where EPA officers observed visible dust pollution across multiple areas of the site. Officers also noticed no dust suppression measures were operating at the time, despite dry and windy conditions.
NSW EPA Director Operations Scott Kidd said the EPA maintains strong regulatory oversight of mining operations along Broken Hill’s ‘Line of Lode’, one of the world’s largest ore bodies, and conducts routine site inspections focused on dust and sediment control.
“Given the surrounding environment and the mine’s proximity to the community, dust management should be a top priority, and all necessary steps should have been taken to implement the appropriate controls,” Mr Kidd said.
“Dust generated by metalliferous mining, including iron, copper, gold, silver and zinc, can pose risks to air quality, human health and the environment.
“It’s vital that licensees recognise and minimise these risks by implementing effective dust-control measures, such as water sprinklers and water carts, especially during extreme weather.”
The EPA has worked with Perilya on a range of measures to address environmental issues at its Southern Operations mine in recent years, including a comprehensive environmental improvement program that was incorporated into its licence in May 2020.
This program set out mandatory actions to strengthen air quality controls, reduce noise impacts, improve surface-water management and more. All required actions were completed by Perilya in May 2022.
Perilya Broken Hill Ltd operates two metalliferous mines, including Southern Operations, on the Line of Lode. The third mine, Rasp mine, is owned and operated by Broken Hill Mines Limited.
Contact details:
EPA MEDIA | TESS GIBNEY | 0456 053 522
24-hour Media Line (02) 9995 6415 [email protected]
