INTEGRA Coal has suspended mine blasts at its open cut north pit until adequate controls are in place to prevent more instances of orange plumes.

For the second time in less than a week, Vale’s Integra Coal Camberwell mine has sent another orange plume of dust into the air above Camberwell.

Sustainability manager at Integra Coal operations Geoff Mackenzie said an investigation into yesterday’s incident would be included in the investigation into last Wednesday’s blast cloud.

Mr Mackenzie said all blasts at the open cut north pit were suspended for the investigation and would not recommence until adequate controls are in place.

He said the blast set off at around 12.30pm yesterday was filled prior to last Wednesday’s.

“It was decided that it (the blast) needed to be fired as leaving it any longer would increase the risk of a plume,” he told The Singleton Argus.

“What has happened is just unacceptable to us as it is to the community.

“Integra is committed and takes seriously air quality in the Hunter.”

Mr Mackenzie said the investigation is in addition to the incident report the mine is required to provide the Department of Environment Climate Change and Water about the blast. He added that there are many possibilities as to what caused the orange plume.

He said the investigation is being carried out by internal people and involves external consultants and explosive manufacturers.

The incident report on last Wednesday’s plume needs to be provided to DECCW by Wednesday.

The Singleton Argus questioned DECCW about a similar blast in May at Bulga but was told above ground blasts often resulted in these orange plumes.

“Mines are required to take wind speed and other environmental factors into account when conducting blasting to minimise dust emissions and they must limit blasts to one per day, per mine,” the spokesperson said.

“Other requirements for blasting are generally set according to a mine’s individual Environmental Impact Assessment.”