Waste management

By effectively managing our waste we are supporting improved environmental performance. Rio Tinto have mineral waste and non mineral waste standards that we carefully follow to ensure waste is minimised and where appropriate properly disposed.

Mineral waste

Bitterns is the only mineral waste produced at Dampier Salt operations. Bitterns describe the concentrated sea water with 70 per cent of the NaCl salt removed which remains after the NaCl salt has crystallised. Bitterns are returned to the ocean under environmental licence conditions and into long term storage at Lake MacLeod.

Non mineral waste

Non mineral waste refers to any materials that support our mining operations. This includes used oil, tyres, old batteries and general office waste. 

While non mineral waste is produced in small quantities at Dampier Salt, we promote reuse and recycling where possible and ensure responsible storage, treatment and disposal for the remaining waste.