The mining industry is tasked with the fundamental responsibility of managing noise from mining operations. Most jurisdictions have environmental impact standards that guide the implementation of noise management systems which include noise monitoring, day and night noise mitigation and noise surveys among other mitigation practices.
Potential noise sources from mining operations include equipment such as crushers and conveyors; vehicles such as dozers, graders and trucks, and excavators; and blasting of rock and ore. STS Audio Consulting provides comprehensive noise monitoring options that allow each operation to implement noise monitoring solutions that meet their specific needs.
According to research findings, some of the most critical areas for noise pollution in the mining industry include the face areas of underground mines and coal preparation plants. Mine surfaces pose less of a direct risk to workers. Underground mining, on the other hand, is notorious for exceptionally high generation of noise. Pneumatic percussion drilling equipment also tend to be major noise hazards.
By implementing a noise monitoring plan, mining operations can use the data collected to obtain full control of their noise monitoring solution and ensure compliance with regulatory agencies. Each mine can develop practical solutions to mitigate noise and demonstrate that they can effectively meet the community’s expectations. STS Audio Consulting allows you to:
- Survey your operations
- Evaluate your noise mitigation efforts
- Record sound files for noise source identification
- Continuously monitor your noise levels to confirm compliance
- Evaluate your compliance with standards and regulations
Noise complaints from surrounding communities can lead to costly investigations and possible operational constraints and limitations. With the right monitoring system, your mining operation can gather sound recordings and detailed data used to address any concerns regarding noise levels and community concerns. You can share data recordings to dispel any doubts, and sound events can be listened to when investigation complaints to identify noise sources. By taking a proactive approach to managing mining site noise and community perception, you’ll be saving plenty of time and money.
Exposure to mining noise has been associated with increased blood pressure, heightened pulse rates, nervousness, fatigue, sleeplessness and the problem of noise-induced hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a major concern in the mining industry and a simple and effective way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss by mining workers is to decrease the period of exposure. Limiting the length of time one must spend in a noisy environment lowers the risk of permanent hearing damage. However, doing so is often easier said than done. In most cases, the best option is to mitigate noise levels at the source of the noise, in the path of the noise or directly at the receiver of the noise.
When it comes to the negative impacts of noise in the mining industry, prevention and early detection are critical at ensuring the health and safety of workers as well as compliance with regulatory and community expectations.
Typically, the best way to go about mining noise is to implement a comprehensive noise control program that addresses noise at the source, interrupts it in its path and also shields receivers from the noise. Mining companies and site operators should implement noise survey sampling initiatives to determine any overexposures in order to reduce or eliminate them effectively. With the right noise monitoring equipment, you can monitor mining noise and eliminate most complaints.