The complaints for blasting related to odour, blast fumes and their effect on residences, and road closures.

The department contacted all the mines linked to the complaints and held site meetings regarding blasting issues with three mines, it said.

“The department met with the mine facing a blast odour complaint and the mine agreed to suspend blasting in certain wind conditions that may affect downwind residents and to review its blasting procedures,” it said.

“The department met with the mine facing a road closure complaint and the mine agreed to engage with the Community Consultative Committee about its scheduling of road closures and to look into improved procedures.”

The department also met the mine facing a blast fume complaint and found the mine’s blast activities met the department’s expectations.

All the investigations for dust and noise focused on reviewing the monitoring results of mines and making recommendations to improve particular mining practices.