Greenbushes Residents Battle Dust, Noise, and Blasting from World's Largest Lithium Mine
Residents of Greenbushes, Western Australia, have voiced growing frustration over dust, noise, and blasting from the Talison Lithium mine—the world’s largest hard-rock lithium operation. In response, the company has proposed a free car wash for the town, an idea originally suggested by residents themselves. Meanwhile, some homeowners are pushing for a voluntary property buyout or relocation scheme.
"The proposed car wash does not address air quality concerns." – Resident Kellie Gillies
Talison Lithium reported a single blasting limit breach in January 2025 and stated that dust exceedances have declined.
Resident Complaints and Health Concerns
Residents report that dust from the mine regularly coats cars, homes, and gardens. Some have described persistent coughing and watering eyes. Health impacts have been cited by multiple residents, though no official health studies have been referenced in the reports.
Homeowners have also reported structural damage to their properties from blast vibrations, including cracked ceilings and drywalls. A mining blast on January 11, 2025, was described by residents as particularly significant. Talison Lithium confirmed this blast measured 124 linear decibels (dBL), exceeding the mine's Sunday noise limit of 120 dBL. The company stated this was the first airblast limit breach since license conditions were set in 2015. The company attributed the breach to a routine "pre-split" blast technique.
"This was the first airblast limit breach since license conditions were set in 2015." – Talison Lithium
Resident Requests for Buyout or Relocation
Some residents, including Trevor Stallard—who has lived in the town for 39 years and worked at the mine for 15—have requested a voluntary home buyback or relocation scheme. Mr. Stallard noted that the local property market is relatively slow, with a median house price of $395,000, compared to $595,000 in nearby Balingup (11 km away).
Resident Rick Fryer, who has lived in Greenbushes for 15 years, stated that the current scale of mine operations differs significantly from when he moved to the area. Another resident, Kellie Gillies of nearby Bridgetown, said the proposed car wash does not address air quality concerns.
Talison Lithium's Response and Proposed Measures
Following community feedback in the previous year, Talison Lithium introduced several measures:
- Real-time public dust monitoring
- Expanded dust suppression efforts
- Noise reduction on haul trucks
The company reported that dust level exceedances attributed to the mine decreased from eight incidents in 2024 to four in the previous year. Talison Lithium stated that dust management at the source is a priority.
"Dust management at the source is a priority." – Talison Lithium
The company is also rebuilding Stanifer Street, a main route for haul trucks through the town. While considering traffic diversion away from the town, that option was not pursued due to design challenges and potential new impacts.
In response to dust complaints, Talison Lithium announced planning for a free car wash in Greenbushes, an idea originally suggested by residents. The company did not confirm a location or opening date.
Blasting Breach and Future Operations
Talison Lithium confirmed the January 11, 2025, blast breach and stated it has implemented several changes to its blasting procedures. The company affirmed a commitment "to do better and be a good neighbour," and its CEO, Rob Telford (appointed in late 2024), has expressed an aim for the mine to set a benchmark for transparency and community engagement. The company has publicly expressed "deep regret" for its impacts.
Talison Lithium plans to operate for "decades to come" and indicated that developing a shared community vision will involve "meaningful consultation," stating that "nothing should be ruled out" regarding future recommendations.