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Should your dust control strategy change for the wet season vs dry season?

Seasonal change creates unique challenges for mining operations. In mining regions like Australia, South Africa and South America, extreme changes in rainfall and weather are predicted to become more severe over the coming years and this will create more work for mine operations teams.


Your mine road dust control approach will need adjustment to avoid serious impact on your cycle times and productivity. By adapting your dust control strategy to your region’s distinct wet and dry seasons you can boost productivity and avoid costly setbacks.

Why does rainfall matter for roads and dust control?

Haul roads are the backbone of every mining operation and their condition is heavily influenced by weather. In the dry season, dusty roads can obscure visibility, accelerate vehicle wear, and breach environmental regulations. In contrast, heavy wet season rainfall saturates and erodes roads, making them unstable and slippery for haul trucks.

As Johan Smit, Dust Control Application Manager at Bind-X explains, “Managing haul roads effectively through seasonal changes is not just about compliance—it’s about productivity. A well-planned approach to dust control and road maintenance supports faster haul cycles, reduces downtime, and conserves critical resources.”

Dust control methods that work in the dry season often require adjustments—or a completely different approach—in the wet season. Ignoring these seasonal shifts can lead to road degradation, higher maintenance costs, and reduced productivity.

Dry Season vs. Wet Season: What is the best strategy?

Dry Season

What is the best dust control strategy for your haul roads during the dry season? Here are four practical tips:

1. Use dust-binding agents

We recommend you use a biological dust binder which will bind surface particles in place, reducing the frequency of water applications. Dust binders not only control dust but also strengthen road surfaces, extending maintenance intervals. Johan explains, “Dust-binding agents work on the principle of locking dust particles together, significantly reducing airborne dust and the frequency of water spraying.” There are other dust control options available but he cautions that you should always consider the effect of these products on the plants, animals, and surrounding waterways. Some will be cleaner for the environment than others.

2. Optimise water usage

Avoid overwatering by applying water sparingly and only where it’s needed. Pairing water with stabilisers can make this possible. “A good binding agent will reduce your water applications by up to 90%,” says Smit. “In 2025, there’s no need to waste so much water on your roads when there are now biological road stabilisation options available. With water being so scarce now, we should be saving it for other areas of the mine where it’s needed.”

3. Focus on road surface maintenance

Regular grading and compaction helps maintain smooth surfaces and reduce dust fallout, supporting faster haul cycles and lower fuel consumption. “Make sure that your road surface is clean. Instead of just applying a product, make sure that your road is clear of contamination by sweeping or blowing away rocks or loose material,” explains Smit.

4. Adopt a biological approach

“Biological dust control can reduce watering frequency from five times a day to just once, eventually extending intervals to every 4-5 days. This minimises damage and improves road stability,” says Smit. Biological binders can also be mixed as a slurry for patch repairs, or churned into the soil as you would mix a concrete solution for surfaces that require increased stability.

Wet Season

In the wet season, saturated roads are prone to erosion, potholes, and softening. Here are four considerations to stabilise your roads during this time of year:

1. Ensure proper drainage

Proper camber and high walls with drainage channels allow water to flow off roads instead of pooling. Shoulders must be level with or below the road to prevent standing water.

2. Plan for post-rain grading

Frequent grading after heavy rains helps restore road profiles and prevent rutting, though repair costs are higher in wet conditions. Johan advises, “Grading is essential after rains, but timing it correctly can prevent further damage and control costs.”

3. Monitor road conditions

Engineers and safety managers should assess road conditions daily. Toolbox talks can address speed adjustments and braking distances to ensure safe operations.

4. Use road stabilisation agents

The last thing you need is slippery and unstable road conditions. Apply road stabilisation agents like Terrabind which creates a hard, cement-like layer to stabilise the soil during periods of heavy rain. “When it’s applied in the right ratio, it will improve your soil structure and reduce erosion of your road over time,” says Smit.

Seasonal transitions

As seasons change, so do the demands on haul roads. Smit says “It’s essential that you get your soil tested so you know the right volume of binding agent to get the best results as conditions change.” A proactive approach to transition between wet and dry seasons includes:

● Conduct pre-season inspections to identify vulnerabilities. 

â—Ź Test the soil and adjust dust control products and application schedules to match anticipated conditions.

 ● Train staff on seasonal best practices for road maintenance and dust suppression.

Develop a seasonal haul road dust management plan to streamline efforts and reduce expenses. This plan should include:

● An annual schedule for inspections, treatments, and maintenance activities. 

● Clear guidelines on when and how to apply dust-control agents. 

â—Ź Metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of dust control measures, such as water savings, reduced downtime, and maintenance costs.

By adapting your dust control strategy to each season, you can break the cycle of reactive road maintenance, optimise haul road performance, and ultimately achieve better roads, more loads, and a stronger bottom line.

Find out about biological dust control for your site