Mining firm Minerals and Metals Group (MMG) and the Tasmanian Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS) told Rosebery residents Thursday that results of MMG's extensive soil, dust and water tests in the Tasmanian town, including blood tests on locals, found no evidence that heavy metals have harmed the community's population.

The environmental testing program conducted over the past eight months saw low levels of lead in MMG Rosebery employees and community members, MMG said in a press release.

Blood lead levels in Rosebery children are within the same range as found in other non-mining areas of Australia, MMG said.

Results from the 2,000 soil, dust and water samples collected and analysed show only one suburb in Rosebery has an average lead level marginally above the Health Investigation Level for residential land. While there are some elevated soil lead levels in this and other suburbs, they are manageable with good health and hygiene practices, MMG said.

According to MMG, elevated levels of heavy metals on some property have not harmed human health.
As to locals' concern of mine dusts reaching their homes, MMG said it is now upgrading its equipment to address this issue with the Environmental Protection Authority involved in monitoring air quality in Rosebery.

MMG Rosebery General Manager John Lamb promised to continue offering blood tests free of charge to any community member who wants to check blood lead levels for them or their family members.
Lamb added that MMG will work with the DHHS and West Coast Council to ensure that residents know what precautions to take living in a mining town.

Australia