Red dust invites itself to the septilians

Citizens of Sept-Îles are concerned about the presence of red dust in the city, a recurring problem which is due to “iron oxide, a substance naturally present in iron ore”, explains Rio Tinto Ioc.

This matter would be inert and non -toxicensures the mining company by email. Nevertheless, the dust disturbs. The situation was also raised by a citizen during the last municipal council, reports the mayor of Sept-Îles, Denis Miress.

We took this question very seriously and we challenged IOC to see what they could do to decrease and even abolish this red dust.

Citizen concerns

Marie-Annick Methot, who lives in the Monsignor-Blanche sector, says that red dust has always been present in summer. However, she noted an increase in deposits this year, particularly in her neighborhood, which is located near the IOC mining.

Christelle Savard, who has lived in the same sector for 13 years, described that after having washed her floors, she found a thin orange powder in the space of a day, even inside.

Ms. Methot says herself for her part inconvenience by the situation. The concerns of the citizen go beyond simple cleanliness: she is worried about the long-term consequences on her property. She would also like to be reassured about the consequences that this dust could have on her health.

Measures implemented

Although the mayor has not personally noted a recent increase in red dust, he recognizes the persistence of the problem. He ensures that the mining takes steps to maximize these dust deposits.

Rio Tinto Ioc ensures in writing implement several measures to reduce the spread of this dust outside its site. The company would have installed washing stations available to vehicles that leave the site, while carrying out a daily maintenance of its roads.

Rio Tinto would also have set up an internal committee to find lasting solutions. The company declares in particular actively collaborating with its entrepreneurs to raise awareness and to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

The mayor ensures that there is a Excellent collaboration Between the city and the large mining and that regular discussions are held to tackle these issues. On the city side, efforts are made to sweep the streets in the spring and during the summer, in order to maintain cleanliness.

Regarding public health concerns, Denis Miouss refers to data from the city’s permanent air sampling station. According to him, no concern has been expressed about air quality in the latest reports.

According to information from Lucas Sanniti