Fibrous minerals, including asbestos, are naturally occurring substances found in certain rock formations across Western Australia. Although they may look harmless, their fine, thread-like structure can pose serious health risks, particularly to the lungs when disturbed and fibres become airborne.
In high-risk environments such as mining, early detection, management and safe work practices are essential. Effective management of fibrous mineral risks starts with thorough geological assessments and mineral testing before commencing any activity.
Under the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022, mine operators or persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) are required to:
- notify the regulator
- train workers
- implement site-specific controls to reduce exposure to airborne contaminants including asbestos.
These controls can include air monitoring, safe work procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) and clear communication with workers and nearby communities.
To learn about your duties and responsibilities as an employer, visit the Managing naturally occurring asbestos and fibrous minerals in mining webpage.
Health risks
Workers involved in drilling, blasting, crushing and site rehabilitation are most at risk of exposure to fibrous minerals. This includes work on old mining sites where asbestos was naturally occurring or has been left unmanaged.
Exposure to fibrous minerals can occur when fibres become airborne during activities such as drilling, crushing or disturbing ground that contains fibrous minerals. Inhaling these microscopic fibres can cause serious asbestos-related health diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. These diseases often develop many years after the initial exposure.
Because symptoms may not appear until the damage is advanced, early detection and protective measures are critical. Using appropriate controls, wearing certified respiratory protection and carrying out regular health monitoring can significantly reduce risk and protect long-term health.
Read more about asbestos health risks.
Working safely around fibrous minerals
If fibrous minerals are present at your worksite there should be:
- clear warning signs
- protective controls, such as dust suppression and exclusion zones
- regular air and exposure monitoring.
Workers must be trained to recognise fibrous minerals risks and know how to report concerns. Mine operators are legally required to manage these hazards and keep workers and local communities informed.
If you're unsure as to whether fibrous minerals are being managed properly, speak up. Safety starts with awareness and everyone has a right to a safe working environment.
Requirements to manage naturally occurring asbestos
Due to the difficulties in fully describing the location and extent of an NOA deposit in an asbestos register, there is no requirement for an NOA be listed in an asbestos register.
However, any NOA identified or assumed to be present at a workplace must be included on the asbestos management plan for the workplace or the subject of a new asbestos management plan.This ensures that NOA risks are properly assessed and managed.
The Management of fibrous minerals in Western Australian mining operations: Guideline should be used by anyone planning or conducting exploration or mining in areas where fibrous minerals are likely or have been encountered.
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