The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has launched criminal proceedings against Newcrest's Cadia gold mine. 

The move follows an alleged breach of section 128 of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) in March 2022.

The EPA's claims centre on Cadia's purported exceedance of the standard concentration for solid particles (total) under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2021. 

This breach is attributed to the operation of surface exhaust fans at the mine.

Additionally, the EPA is actively investigating several other alleged violations related to dust emissions management at the Cadia gold mine.

Tony Chappel, CEO of the NSW EPA, says mining operations must adhere to their legal obligations regarding air emissions. 

“The community should be able to have confidence that these obligations are being met,” he said.

To assess potential pollutant dispersion in the Cadia Valley community, the EPA is conducting extensive water, soil, and air monitoring. 

Furthermore, the mine is required to regularly perform vent emission monitoring and submit monthly reports on dust discharge.

The first directions hearing is scheduled for September 29, 2023.

The EPA claims Cadia’s underground exhaust fans released unfiltered crushed ore into the atmosphere, breaching clean air regulations. This incident is part of a broader investigation into air pollution management at the Cadia gold mine.

Last October, reports revealed that the mine's underground filtration network had a single vent emitting 18 times the legally permitted amount of particulate matter, including respirable crystalline silica, which is associated with the incurable lung disease silicosis.

In May, nearby residents reported the presence of heavy metals, such as lead and nickel, in their drinking water supplies. 

In July, Cadia's general manager, Mick Dewar, acknowledged the mine's non-compliance with clean air requirements and considered community concerns about dust emissions from the site as "reasonable."

Now, Cadia has assured compliance with clean air regulations and emphasised its commitment to responsible mining practices.