Many parts of Victoria were intensively mined for gold in the 1800s and early 1900s – for example, the Victorian Goldfields.
People used various processes to extract gold from the rock, such as:
- crushing
- washing
- chemical treatment
- roasting.
The waste from these processes is known as mine tailings or mining waste.
Mining waste from historical gold processing can contain arsenic, lead and mercury in high concentrations. Arsenic can be present in the highest concentration. Arsenic also poses the greatest risk to human health and the environment.
In the 1800s and the early part of the 1900s, mining waste was often left at or just below the surface. This does not happen now. The management of waste from today's mining is well regulated.
If you live or work in a region that was historically mined, you should be aware of:
- what mining waste you may encounter
- the legal duties you may have
- how to protect yourself and the environment.
Historical mining waste and the law
The general environmental duty applies to people who interact with mining waste. This includes those who:
- are involved in building, civil construction or landscaping
- undertake earthworks or mining activities
- own or occupy a property with mining waste
- manage public land.
If you manage or control the land, you have responsibilities under the contaminated land duties:
You're in management or control of land if you can exercise power over that land – for example, if you:
- hold a legal interest in the land as the owner, leaseholder (tenant) or committee of management
- have access to or use of the land.
You must tell people that mining wastes may be present on your property. This includes tradespeople, future property owners and tenants.
Our role in historical mining waste
We regulate activities related to the management and removal of historical mining waste.
If you want to remove historical mine waste from your property, contact us for advice.
Impact of historical mining waste on your health
Mining waste from historical gold processing can contain arsenic, lead and mercury in high concentrations. Arsenic can be present in the highest concentration. Arsenic also poses the greatest risk to human health and the environment.
You may be exposed to more arsenic than other people if you live or work in an area with:
- high levels of arsenic in the soil
- historical mining waste.
Arsenic in soil is not easily absorbed through the skin. Simply touching it is not a concern. You're more likely to be exposed to arsenic by ingesting soil and dust.
Environmental conditions may increase your exposure. For example, dry and windy conditions can increase your exposure to arsenic from uncovered soil.
However, just because arsenic is in the environment, it does not mean you're exposed to harmful amounts.
Except in rare poisoning cases, harm occurs when people are exposed to small to moderate amounts of arsenic over a very long period of time.
The risk of health effects from arsenic in mine waste depends on many factors. These include:
- the level of arsenic and other metal contaminants
- how much soil and dust you inhale or swallow
- your age and size
- if you are pregnant or have other health conditions
- your lifestyle – how much time you spend outdoors, digging or playing
- how long you are exposed for
- bioavailability of the arsenic.
Bioavailability is how much arsenic is available to be absorbed if you ingest it. The more bioavailable the arsenic is, the more it can be absorbed into your body and cause harm. To learn more about the bioavailability of arsenic, view Arsenic bioavailability in mine wastes - technical report.
To learn more about background levels of arsenic in the Bendigo region, view Investigating soil arsenic concentrations across Bendigo.
Short-term health effects of arsenic poisoning
There are severe health effects from swallowing a large amount of arsenic in a short period of time. Large amounts of arsenic can irritate the stomach and intestines. This may damage the heart, liver, kidneys, nerves and blood.
Someone with arsenic poisoning may suffer from:
- stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- extreme tiredness, weakness, abnormal heartbeat and bruising
- a feeling of numbness or ‘pins and needles’ in the hands and feet.
Long-term health effects of arsenic poisoning
People who frequently swallow smaller amounts of arsenic every day over many years may show:
- light and dark spots on their skin
- thickened skin on the palms, soles, and trunk
- stomach pains, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea
- lung irritation, cough and sore throat
- damage to the heart, liver, kidney, nerves, blood and blood vessels
- cancers, including those of the skin, lung, stomach, kidney and prostate
- learning, behavioural and coordination problems.
If you're concerned about your health because of mining waste, find out who to contact.
Talk to your GP if you have a specific health concern.
Reduce your exposure to historical mining waste
To learn what to do to reduce your exposure, visit:
- Living with historical mining waste
- Working on land in the Goldfields region
- Reduce your exposure to contaminated soil
- Lead contamination in soil.
You can test what is in your soil and find out how to manage it with our GardenSafe program.
Updated