Data collected from interviews with different stakeholders on the impacts of iron ore dust.

This research investigated the perceptions of different stakeholders about the impacts of iron ore dust from iron ore mining operations in the Northern Cape, assessed the current dust control practices, and the status of air quality monitoring. Previous reports indicate the economic and social benefits of iron ore mining in the Northern Cape. However, limited attention has been given to the negative impacts of iron ore dust on the environment and other socio-economic aspects of the iron ore mining host communities of the Northern Cape. Additionally, there is a lack of comprehensive assessment of the current dust control practices and the status of air quality monitoring. To tackle the need for information regarding these areas, a qualitative research approach was used. It combined semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including iron ore mining companies, government, and community representatives, and document analysis of environmental reports, and air quality monitoring reports. Google Earth and Google Maps were also utilized to gain an understanding of the spatial distribution of the iron ore mines. The findings showed that while iron ore mining companies implement various dust control measures, the effectiveness of the current dust control practices is limited, and there are gaps in air quality monitoring, air quality legislation, and enforcement. Furthermore, there is inadequate access to air quality monitoring information for the host community. The perceptions of the impacts of iron ore dust varied among the stakeholders. Some stakeholders expressed concerns about the environmental, health, and socio-economic impacts of iron ore dust; others conveyed a more moderate impression of the severity of the impact of iron ore dust; others remained neutral arguing that the absence of dust impacts can be based on air quality monitoring results. Comparisons with international best practices for dust control and monitoring highlighted opportunities to strengthen dust suppression techniques and improve air quality monitoring, community engagement, and transparency. The findings provide actionable recommendations to guide iron ore mining companies and regulatory authorities in developing more effective ways of mitigating the impacts of iron ore dust on host communities.