Ammonium nitrate: Mid West Ports Authority moves to begin port, transport operations of the mining explosive

Geraldton locals are concerned about the Mid West Ports Authority’s plan to introduce the mining explosive, ammonium nitrate, into its operations, but the authority is reassuring it is completely safe to do so. The ports authority ran an information session on Monday afternoon, as an opportunity for residents to come and learn how ammonium nitrate was set to be handled. Ammonium nitrate is a hazardous chemical and is used in fertiliser and explosives products — commonly used in mining and agricultural operations across WA. Based on the dangerous nature of the substance, the ports authority ran the information session at the Geraldton Yacht Club to openly communicate the planned shipping and provide locals an opportunity to ask questions. Damian Tully, MWPA CEO, said there was no need for concern as ammonium nitrate was a widely used material when managed in accordance with regulations and safe transportation. “Ammonium nitrate is crucial for the mining industry, amongst other industries, and bringing it into the Mid West is really key to enabling further development of the Mid West overall,” he said. “We’ve gone through a strict process to actually be licensed. We have gone through the government department of mines, and they’ve given us a licence so that we can bring it into Geraldton.” Mr Tully noted this was an important part of the process as well as making sure the community was aware what the risks were and understanding how “safe the process actually is”. At the information session, many people were worried about ammonium nitrate being stored at the port, as it could pose a significant explosion risk for Geraldton. Mr Tully said the substance would not be stored at the port once it came in and instead would be safely transported to the Oakajee storage facility on trucks in sealed containers. In terms of explosion concerns, Mr Tully said he understood why locals were worried. However, it was noted while ammonium nitrate coming into the port was new, it was not a new substance being used in and transported through the Mid West. “We are tightly regulated and tightly controlled, and it’s fantastic that we’re actually being able to oversee the process and make sure it’s done safely,” he said. Before the session yesterday, a Geraldton local took to social media to urge people to attend the information session. The local, who wished to remain anonymous, said with the ongoing “dust war” in Geraldton, adding another chemical to the port needed to be done properly and safely. “Adding another chemical which is highly explosive, if exposed to contamination, confinement or high heat will not be good in terms of health and safety for residents,” they said. The resident said skin, eye and respiratory irritation, as well as potential for serious poisoning if swallowed were all health dangers linked to the mining explosive product. Mr Tully said now the port had the approval to safely transport the chemical, the only thing left to do was implement it.