Maidenwell Diatomite Mine

Diatomite is a sedimentary rock composed largely or wholly of the siliceous skeletal remains of microscopic, mainly aquatic plants called diatoms that are a type of algae. The skeletons (frustules) consist of amorphous (as opposed to crystalline), opaline or hydrous silica, but the rock may be contaminated by varying amounts of organic matter, alumina, iron, soluble salts, and sedimentary particles such as clay, carbonates, and sand.  It is light in weight, chalk-like in appearance and very porous.

There is a Diatomite mine situated along the side of the Brooklands Pimpimbudgee Road which is a regular tourist path to the Bunya Mountains and near Maidenwell.

It produces kitty litter by drying the diatomite using a primitive tumble dryer burning sump oil as a heating agent.  

What environmental pollution is being caused by this furnace?

What health risks are being caused by the dust?