Dangerous Noise Pollution in Mining

Hearing is one of our five senses and arguably the most important. Without hearing, maintaining relationships and connections with loved ones and work colleagues would be challenging, nor would we be able to live our lives to the fullest. Yet, millions of people work in an environment where they are exposed to hazardous noise levels, with mining being one of the most prominent. Although often regarded as a nuisance rather than an occupation hazard, these dangerous noise levels can lead to occupational hearing loss - one of the most common occupational diseases - and a problem that has long fallen on deaf ears.

What are the implications of noise pollution on mine sites?

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) has long been a problem in the mining industry. As far back as 1976, USA’s National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) estimated that 70-90% of miners would develop hearing loss by age 60. Regrettably, this prediction has come to fruition with one in four mineworkers having hearing issues.

Mining is renowned as one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, with cave-ins, explosions, toxic air, and extreme temperatures just some of the dangers miners encounter daily. Yet, mining noise is an under-reported issue with long-lasting impacts. Though studies show that sounds above 85 decibels (dB) are harmful, depending on factors such as the period of exposure. Despite this, it is estimated that 80% of US miners work in an environment where the average noise levels exceed this 85 dB figure. More worryingly, approximately 25% are exposed to noise levels of 90 dB and above.

Miners work with a wide range of tools and equipment that make a considerable amount of noise. Machines such as pneumatic and percussion tools are a major source of mining noise, operating at dangerous noise levels ranging between 114-120 dB. As you would expect, major extraction tools such as drills and Stageloaders also produce high noise levels. Surprisingly, however, ancillary equipment and transport also often generate dangerous noise levels, with equipment like fans operating at 90-110 dB and haulage trucks at 90-100 dB, both operating above the 85 dB threshold generally considered safe.

How to reduce mining noise?

While working with these machines is unavoidable, the deafening consequences can be through various means. There are three main types of engineering noise control in industrial workplaces.

These are:

1. Employer control
2. Controlling noise at the source
3. Controlling noise propagation

Employer control

Wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing protectors, can reduce the sound level entering the ears. However, this should be seen as an additional supplement on top of proper noise control as it does not control site noise or vibrations that may cause environmental or community breaches.

Controlling noise at the source

This is achieved by substituting processes, work methods, materials, or equipment. Maintaining equipment or well-designed machines with sound in mind can also mitigate noise. However, while controlling noise at the source is a reasonable method for sound control, it is not always feasible. Running fewer machines or limiting production to certain times can impede the site's ROI, as best demonstrated at New Acland in NSW. Additionally, changing work methods, processes, or equipment can be both timely and costly and often come with additional safety assessments and red tape.

Substituting machinery or machinery parts to reduce noise is the best option to control noise at the source. Several complexities must be considered when doing this, and many offerings on the market, such as fan substitution, sacrifice machine performance, power and longevity in noise suppression.

MINETEK can assist in thoroughly assessing viable options to control noise at the source, which won't reduce the equipment power, performance or profitability.

Controlling Noise Propagation

This involves blocking the sound waves from travelling using various devices: sound barriers, enclosures, reactive or dissipative mufflers, reverberation, or active noise control. Sound suppression idlers, engine attenuation, and acoustic engine enclosures are great options for noise reduction; however, just like controlling noise at the source, care must be taken to not overheat, crowd, or block the engine.

Incorrect or low-quality sound suppression can severely hamper a machine's performance and life span. Replacing burnt-out mine equipment will ultimately be far more costly than investing in a correct sound attenuation solution.

MINETEK's Machine Noise Reduction Solutions

MINETEK offers onsite sound assessing, consultation, custom engineering, installation, servicing, and guaranteed results.

MINETEK's sound attenuation packages provide clear benefits beyond sound reduction, including prevention of overheating through engineered designs, ease of maintenance, less downtime, compliance with strict government regulators, reduction of fines, and improved community relations. Our engineered machine noise reduction solutions help to reduce noise by intelligently treating the noise sources most effectively by treating noise from the source, saving operators considerable amounts of money in the process.

Make MINETEK part of your sound attenuation strategy and set your site up for success. Learn more here.