Mining operations spend billions of litres of water on dust control
On many mine sites, dust control heavily relies on water trucks. In arid regions, rapid evaporation can make water-only dust suppression inefficient and resource-intensive: the surface dries out quickly, loosens again, and requires repeated watering.
Biological dust control works differently. Terrabind™ biological dust control binds soil particles together, helping to stabilise the road surface, lock dust in and significantly lower water requirements.
If you are weighing up the options, our guide to dust control methods compares water, chemical dust suppressants, bitumen and biological dust control side by side.
Mining services manager Grande Côte Opérations (GCO)
Eramet Senegal
Introducing Terrabind™
The field-proven biological dust control method
Why mining companies choose Terrabind™
Use up to 90%
less water.
Unlike water-only dust suppression, Terrabind™ binds the surface to provide longer-lasting dust control with fewer applications. At the GCO mine in Senegal, road water use on the treated section fell from around 242,000 litres a day to about 36,000, a reduction of 85% over three months.
Better roads. More productive operations.
Terrabind™ helps create a stable, hard-wearing surface that reduces dust and helps limit damage to the wearing course. Fewer water trucks movements and reduced maintenance requirements can help keep haul roads available for productive fleet operations..
Biologically
based.
Our technology uses a biological process inspired by nature. It is formulated to be compatible with soil and designed to minimise environmental impact. Terrabind™ contains no added toxic components based on available testing, and is developed with long‑term performance and operational safety in mind.
Terrabind™ helps create more stable, hard-wearing haul road surfaces that reduce dust and require less frequent maintenance. Using a natural bio-cementation process, it binds soil particles into a solid surface layer – helping keep roads in better condition and supporting more productive fleet operations.
Bind-X supplies Terrabind™ in several formulations, as powder or liquid, so the product can be matched to the soil, the climate and the traffic on your site. It is applied with equipment already available on most mines, typically standard haul road water trucks.
Haul road before and after treatment with Terrabind™ biological dust control.
Up to 70% less
dust fallout*
Terrabind™ provides longer-lasting dust control by stabilising the treated surface. At the GCO mine in Senegal, on-site monitoring recorded a three-fold reduction in dust fallout.
Binds fine
particulate matter
Terrabind™ is designed to bind fine particulate matter, including PM2.5, helping to keep more dust at ground level rather than in the air. This supports improved air quality on site and reduces overall dust exposure for workers.
Reduce dust impact on surrounding communities.
Terrabind™ helps reduce airborne dust and supports improved air quality for nearby communities. Its biological mode of action is designed to minimise environmental impact. See how this fits into responsible mining.
From soil sample to solid road
How bio-cementation works on your site in three steps
Step 1:
Soil analysis
We analyse soil samples in our lab and provide recommendations tailored to your mine’s specific conditions.
Step 2:
Site trial
We provide a Terrabind™ sample along with clear application guidance. Our team can support you during the trial or supply instructions for your crew to apply it independently.
Step 3:
Better roads
our Services
There for you at every step
Customised development
Tell us about your soil conditions, and if your site has unique characteristics, we can explore customised binder options to suit your needs. If you’re dealing with challenging dust or erosion issues, we can recommend the most suitable product from our portfolio.
Staff training
Support
Network of environmental service partners
Our aim is to provide mining operations with advanced and cost-effective dust control solutions that help reduce water use and improve road performance.
In an industry that has seen limited innovation in recent decades, our biological solutions offer a new approach. Designed for efficiency and environmental consideration, they are reshaping how mining operations manage dust and stabilise roads.
Heinz Schwan
Managing Director
bind-x International GMBH
Bind-X supports mining operations from facilities in Australia, South Africa and Europe, with our biological dust control approach already in use in more than 20 countries.
Our vision is to use biotechnology to help make mining more productive and more sustainable. The bio-cementation process behind our technology was originally developed at Murdoch University in Western Australia and further developed by Bind-X for mining conditions.
In 2022, Bind-X won the Eramet Responsible Mining Challenge, recognising the potential of our technology to support more sustainable mining operations.
