Dust emissions at open-cut coal mines are a potential threat to air quality in surrounding areas. To learn more about particulate matter (PM) and how it travels beyond a mine’s boundaries, a research grant from the Australian Coal Association Research Program (ACARP) was awarded to Pacific Environment, an environmental consulting firm based in Sydney, Australia. After reviewing several technology options, Pacific Environment selected the MiniMPL (Micro Pulse Lidar) to gather data in field trials. The MiniMPL provides a superior ability to identify and monitor atmospheric particles and to create a three-dimensional (3-D) view of the movement of suspended PM.