On Groote Eylandt, off the NT's Arnhem Land coast, a fine dust coats the houses and cars. It gets under fingernails and coats people’s roofs. For years, the black and brown dust has blown off the South32 Gemco manganese mine. Locals who live and work on the island suspect the fine dust particles could be threatening their health, and they want answers. A few years ago, researchers at the University of Queensland tested one resident’s hair and nails to see if there were traces of manganese in them. The tests found what the local Aboriginal Land Council called "concerningly high" levels of heavy metals. What do you think LiveTribers? Why is one Australian island constantly covered in a fine layer of dust?
Posted by on 27 Feb 2023
