The MHA for Labrador West says now is the time for the provincial government to make good on its commitment to conduct a review on the dust produced in the province’s mining hub.

The health impacts of inhaling dust from the mining industry are well known, but wind direction, temperature and precipitation levels all impact mitigation efforts.

Lab City and Wabush have seen a number of instances in recent years when mining dust has enveloped the community and darkened skies.

The last dust control study was conducted in 2015 and the province had previously committed to reviewing the situation every decade or so, but MHA Jordan Brown says, he has yet to receive an update from government on a review this season.

“We can’t control everything that comes off the mine site,” says Brown, “shifting winds, climate change, these all affect how the dust moves throughout the region and this is what we need to find out; the data on what is the best way to make sure that we’re keeping dust low.”