Mount Isa Mines builds internal capability for stack emissions testing
Following a successful third-party review of its methods and regulatory approval, Mount Isa Mines has commenced its first internally delivered quarterly isokinetic stack testing program across five key emissions sampling points on site.
Isokinetic stack testing is a specialised air emissions monitoring technique used to measure particulate matter, metals and gases released from industrial stacks.
The testing also includes the measurement of airflow, temperature, pressure and moisture content using Australian standards and internationally recognised US EPA methods.
The data collected plays an important role in understanding our emissions profile, supporting air quality modelling, assessing the performance of emission control systems, and meeting regulatory reporting requirements.
Isokinetic stack testing equipment.
The data collected plays an important role in understanding our emissions profile.
Environmental Team - Martin Portnoy, Mwenya Simunkondya and Lombe Mubanga – Senior Environmental Advisor undertaking stack testing at the Copper Smelter.
Martin Portnoy – Environmental Advisor and Mwenya Simunkondya – Supervisor Queensland Metallurgical Technical Services carry out stack testing at the Copper Smelter.
Developing this capability in-house provides greater flexibility in scheduling testing and helps ensure monitoring is conducted under representative operating conditions.
In a remote location such as Mount Isa, external service providers often need to travel long distances with specialised equipment, making testing schedules vulnerable to weather changes and operational disruptions.
By building internal capability, Mount Isa Mines can respond more efficiently to changing conditions, undertake investigative monitoring when required, and continue strengthening its environmental monitoring and compliance programs.
This milestone reflects our commitment to continuous improvement, environmental stewardship, and building technical expertise within our workforce.