Updated 22 October 2026
The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (the Department) is undertaking a dust monitoring program in Greenbushes using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology.
The program is in response to ongoing community interest in dust and air quality in the area and will help improve understanding of how dust moves through the local environment and how dust events vary over time.
Monitoring is expected to commence in November 2026 and conclude in April 2027.
Live data will be available during the program via the monitoring portal: www.acoem.airodis.com/Greenbusheslidar
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses invisible laser pulses to detect particles in the atmosphere.
Unlike traditional air quality monitors that measure particle concentrations at a fixed location, LiDAR can provide information about the height, direction and movement of dust through the local airshed. This helps build a clearer picture of how dust behaves under different weather and environmental conditions.
The LiDAR monitoring will complement existing PM₁₀ air quality monitoring already operating in Greenbushes.
Why is the Department undertaking this work?
The Department recognises community members have expressed ongoing interest in dust and air quality in Greenbushes.
This monitoring program is designed to improve understanding of dust movement in the area and fill important knowledge gaps about the local airshed. Better information will support better environmental management and more informed community discussions.
What the program can and cannot tell us
The monitoring program can:
The monitoring program cannot:
Any findings will be considered alongside other monitoring, environmental and meteorological information.
While the LiDAR equipment will be located on land operated by Talison Lithium for practical reasons, the monitoring program remains independent of Talison’s operations.
The Department is leading the monitoring program and will determine how data is collected, analysed, reported and communicated.
The Department is committed to transparency and will make monitoring information and program outcomes publicly available when information is able to be released.
Live data will be available during the program via the monitoring portal: www.acoem.airodis.com/Greenbusheslidar
A summary of the findings will be made available to the public following completion of the monitoring program and comprehensive analysis of the data.
For enquiries about the Greenbushes LiDAR dust monitoring program, please email the Department at airquality@dwer.wa.gov.au.
For further information about the Greenbushes Lithium Mine, please visit Talison Lithium Mine Greenbushes – Environment WAtch.
The Department is conducting the LiDAR dust monitoring program to improve understanding of dust movement in the Greenbushes area. The program will provide additional information about how dust behaves in the local airshed and complement existing air quality monitoring.
LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser pulses to detect particles in the atmosphere. It can show where dust is present in the air and how it moves over time.
The program is currently planned to operate from November 2026 to April 2027, subject to operational requirements.
The program was developed in response to ongoing community interest in dust and air quality in Greenbushes. The monitoring will help build a better understanding of dust movement in the area.
The program was developed to improve understanding of dust movement within the Greenbushes airshed. It is a government-led monitoring program and is not part of the environmental assessment process for the proposed mine expansion.
No. The program is not a licence compliance activity, enforcement investigation or regulatory audit. It is a monitoring program designed to collect information about dust movement and behaviour.
The LiDAR equipment requires a suitable location with clear lines of sight and minimal interference from vegetation and terrain. The selected location is on Talison-operated land because it provides the best opportunity to collect useful data.
No. The Department is solely responsible for the collection, interpretation and reporting of the data. While Talison is providing access to the site, it does not control the monitoring program or its outcomes.
The LiDAR system will collect information about the presence, height, direction and movement of particles in the atmosphere. This information helps build a picture of how dust moves through the local environment.
The program may help improve understanding of dust sources and movement patterns. However, identifying specific sources can be complex and requires consideration of multiple lines of evidence, including weather conditions and other monitoring data.
No. LiDAR is not designed to assess compliance with air quality standards. Compliance assessments rely on approved monitoring methods and consideration of a range of information.
No. The program is not a health study and is not designed to determine health impacts or health risks. Its purpose is to improve understanding of dust movement and behaviour in the local environment.
Not necessarily. LiDAR visualisations show particles in the atmosphere but do not indicate whether a health risk exists. Health assessments require additional information about pollutant concentrations, exposure and other relevant factors.
Yes. The Department intends to make data and results publicly available in accordance with the relevant legal and data-sharing arrangements.
Yes. Live data will be available during the program via the monitoring portal: www.acoem.airodis.com/Greenbusheslidar
The Department will analyse the information collected and prepare a summary of findings. The results, limitations and key observations will be made available to the public when able to be released.
The findings will contribute to the Department's understanding of dust movement in the Greenbushes area and may help inform future monitoring, environmental management and regulatory considerations.
Yes. A legal agreement is in place between the Department and Talison covering LiDAR data collection, access, sharing and publication. Data collected may help Talison identify opportunities to improve dust management and support its continuous improvement efforts.
