Background
A leading gold mine listed on the ASX in Western Australia, located 630km northeast of Perth in the Goldfields Region, is planning on opening new mining areas that are very close to communities. The mine design is in the detailed design phase and the project needs to ensure that their design meets strict noise limits at the communities (that are in proximity 2km from the proposal). The miner also has social surrounds requirements that requires close engagement with a range of stakeholders.
The Problem:
Faced with the challenge of meeting stringent noise requirements and maintaining operations while balancing community expectations, the project was faced with significant difficulties. In the early design phase, it became apparent to the project that there were only the following two options available to reduce noise levels in the community:
- Engineering Noise Control. Apply extensive noise control solutions to their entire mobile equipment fleet. This would require extensive CAPEX investment estimated at $ 1.5 million and also result in increased maintenace costs.
- Engineer a Smarter Design. Use smarter pit and waste rock landform design to provide shielding and reduction of noise impacts on the community. This would require more design effort and a software system that provides dynamic predictions and can visualise noise hot spots to provide guidance to the mine designers.
The Solution:
The project indentified Nexus as the only effective noise software program that could accurately simulate dynamic mining operations and provide numeric and visual outcomes to the project, allowing mine planners and engineers to develope and deliver a smarter mine design that could achieve the strict noise limits. This has resulted in the project not having to invest in significant engineering noise control solutions.
In addition, Nexus’ unique visualisation capability (that makes noise come alive through video rendering) shows mobile equipment moving around the mine site helped the project to engage with the community and other stakeholders on a level that was easy to understand and convey a simple message. As the miner starts mining in the new areas Nexus will be used to assist operational staff to adaptively manage their operations to compliance levels and to stay positively engaged with the community.
Results:
Nexus was able to deliver the goldmine cost-savings of an estimated $1.5 million AUD by being able to design their mine without significant CAPEX investment and to also engage positively with the community and stakeholders.
How does noise monitoring help manage mining operations?
Noise monitoring involves measuring and recording the sound level at a sensitive location over a period of time. It is done using a sound level meter (SLM) or a noise logger.
Noise monitoring plays a crucial role in managing mining operations as it provides valuable data and insights into mining activities to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.
Here are some ways in which noise monitoring helps manage mining operations:
- Compliance with regulations: Mining operations are often subject to strict noise regulations to minimize the impact on nearby communities and the environment. Noise monitoring helps mining companies ensure they stay within acceptable noise limits and meet regulatory requirements.
- Environmental impact assessment: Noise monitoring helps assess the impact of mining activities on the surrounding environment. By understanding the noise levels generated during mining operations, companies can identify potential areas of concern and implement measures to reduce environmental impact.
- Community relations: Mining operations are often located near residential areas, and excessive noise can lead to complaints and strained relations with nearby communities. Noise monitoring enables companies to be proactive in addressing noise concerns, thus maintaining a positive relationship with local residents.
- Operational optimization: By analysing noise data, mining companies can optimize their operational processes. They can identify periods of peak noise levels and adjust their schedules to minimise noise during sensitive times, such as nighttime or weekends, to reduce disturbances.