Vale spraying dust-control substance over tailings

Vale will be conducting a one-week aerial dust control program over its mine tailings area. This program is expected to start on Oct. 18 and conclude Oct, 25.

The process will involve the spraying of a non-toxic and biodegradable dust suppressing product known as Entac, which is an emulsion of tall oil pitch, a naturally occurring product from pine wood pulping operations, according to a press release from Vale.

It is an environmentally friendly, non-toxic binder which is not water soluble so it stands up well under harsh environmental conditions. It has undergone intensive ecotoxicity testing with zero mortality to all tested organisms.

Helicopter flights will occur daily from approximately 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., and this product with be sprayed very close to the ground to prevent dispersion elsewhere.

“Vale is committed to minimizing the impact of our operations on local residents,” Angie Robson, Vale’s manager of corporate affairs for Ontario Operations, said in a press release.

“Our dust control program is designed to prevent dust associated with our tailing operations from entering residential areas.”

Helicopters will fly from within the tailings area only, and will not be flying over residential areas.

Posted by Mark Gentili