YANCOAL'S Mount Thorley Warkworth mine has been fined $15,000 for a large cloud of blasting dust that engulfed neighbouring properties in August last year.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) alleged Warkworth Mining Ltd failed to carry out blasting activities in a competent manner.
EPA Director Regulatory Operations - Metro North Adam Gilligan said the EPA received numerous complaints about a large dust plume travelling over private land and Mount Thorley Industrial Estate.
"It's alleged that the dust cloud travelled through neighbouring properties and over vehicles using roads adjacent to the mine," Mr Gilliagn said.
"After receiving the complaints, the EPA commenced an investigation."
It found that the mine did not have systems in place to control dust and fume emissions from blasting.
"The mine did not have appropriate measures in place to minimise the impacts on people working and living in the surrounding area, including the industrial estate," Mr Gilligan said.
"It's important for mines to have practical measures and planning in place to provide adequate warnings to its neighbours of potential dust impacts."
Mr Gilligan said the mine had since upgraded systems to prevent future incidents.
Dust complainst can be made by calling the EPA on 131 555.
