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Nexus noise management technology featured in Australian Mining Review
Even more people are hearing about Nexus Noise management and how it can continue to hamstring noise constrained operations, remains a topic of interest across the Oil, Gas and Mining industry. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before Nexus featured in the...
A New Approach To Solving Noise Management Challenges at Mine Sites
Mining plays a significant role in the world economy by supplying the essential resources required for construction, manufacturing, electricity production, and various other goods and services. In doing so, it creates job opportunities for hundreds of thousands of people worldwide and generates substantial revenue for governments.
However, one of the risks of mining operations is environmental noise stemming from activities such as blasting, machinery operation, and process plants. If left unaddressed, noise can negatively impact the communities, leading to damaging relationships between the communities and the mining company.
Government regulators around the world, such as the EPA, have established guidelines or licensing conditions with noise limits to mitigate these concerns and protect local communities from excessive noise pollution. Non-compliance with these noise limits can lead to a number of severe consequences, including operational restrictions, substantial fines, negative ESG reporting, and even jeopardising the company’s social license to operate.
Mining companies are acutely aware of the risks and implications, which is why they strive to be transparent, plan, manage noise, and proactively engage with the community to be good neighbours.
Vanguard Technologies provides valuable assistance in promptly identifying and addressing noise-related issues. Our solutions enable mining companies to plan, optimise the operation and find efficient ways to mitigate noise concerns, ensuring smooth operations and facilitating sustainable growth.
Four Approaches to Noise Management
When it comes to addressing noise challenges at mines, various approaches have emerged to tackle the issue effectively. These approaches range from traditional reactive monitoring methods to comply with legislation to advanced integrated modelling and monitoring techniques for business use.
- Traditional Attended Monitoring relies on legislation on legislative requirements and spot measurements to address noise compliance issues as they arise but may not fully address all noise concerns.
- Real-Time Monitoring takes noise management to the next level by utilising advanced technology and sensors to continuously monitor noise levels, allowing for immediate action when noise exceeds permissible limits. This approach can create many false noise alerts as it cannot separate true mining noise from the environment and does not allow for planning with changing weather conditions or activities.
- Monitoring + Static Modelling combines attended, real-time noise monitoring with static modelling techniques to monitor, predict and validate noise propagation and strategically manage noise. This provides a more comprehensive noise management approach for future mining expansion and targeted noise mitigation measures. However, this does not allow the operator to make real-time decisions and the ability to adapt or modify operations.
- Integrated Modelling and Monitoring is the most advanced approach, combining real-time noise monitoring, predictive noise modelling, weather, operational data and asset tracking. It enables accurate prediction of noise levels, identification of mining sources, and implementation of mitigation strategies and provides a tool to help operational staff adaptively manage operations in real-time and demonstrate noise compliance, business decision-making, and operational efficiency.
The remarkable progress in noise management technology, combined with advancements in noise modelling and computing power, promises an exciting future for the mining industry.
The Power of Integrated Modelling in Noise Management
Integrated modelling revolutionises noise management by providing dynamic accuracy and a robust correlation with monitoring data, often achieving accuracy within 1 decibel (dB). This level of precision empowers mining companies to make informed decisions and take targeted actions to effectively address noise challenges.
It can also simplify Integrated modelling can simplify the noise management process by providing a comprehensive understanding of noise patterns, sources, and potential impacts. By integrating real-time monitoring data with predictive modelling techniques, mining companies can identify critical areas where noise control measures can be implemented effectively.
The use of integrated modelling and monitoring also holds significant potential to drive innovation and enhance long-term business performance. Through continuous analysis and optimisation of noise management strategies, mining companies can identify areas for improvement, embrace technological advancements, and explore novel approaches to mitigate noise-related issues.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving landscape of technological innovation, integrated modelling stands at the forefront of technological innovation, revolutionising noise management. It’s dynamic accuracy and close correlation with monitoring data empower mining companies to make well-informed decisions and take precise actions. By simplifying noise management processes, enhancing production processes, and driving innovation, integrated modelling allows mining companies to foster positive relationships with local communities and seize opportunities to expand their operations.
Vanguard Technologies is an innovative and leading technology company that specialises in environmental noise modelling, prediction, and monitoring.
Contact us and register for a demo to explore the possibilities of our solutions.
Addressing Noise Challenges in Mining through Real-Time Predictive Modelling
Noise management poses significant challenges for mines and mining companies. Regulations are in place to safeguard miners and nearby communities. Government bodies such as the Department of Planning or Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have introduced tough measures to address noise concerns and protect local communities from excessive noise pollution. In some cases, the noise compliance limits are as low as 30 dBBA!
However, the current approach to noise management has its limitations. It follows a monitoring and defending method, offering a single snapshot of the noise to meet compliance. This methodology tends to generate a reactive response to noise complaints, often leading to delays in resolving issues and an incomplete picture of the noise impact from the mine due to changes in weather conditions or contamination of other noise sources. This inefficiency has prompted the need for a more proactive strategy that provides real-time insights into noise management.
Introducing Nexus
A noteworthy development in this field is our Nexus system, which represents a significant advancement in real-time noise management. By combining real-time predictive modelling with operational, environmental, and noise monitoring data, Nexus has evolved into a comprehensive noise management system with exceptional analytical capabilities. This technology delivers precise information with live tracking of noise sources, simplifying the noise complaint management process and offering multiple benefits.
Nexus serves as an invaluable tool for planning and managing mining operations to prevent noise breaches and ensure adherence to legislative requirements. The technology has gained traction across the industry, with prominent adoption by major mining ports in Australia. Alcoa, a global aluminium producer, is one of the earlier adopters of the technology.
Benefits of Real-Time Predictive Noise Modelling
The advantages of real-time predictive noise modelling, in contrast to the current approach, are as follows:
Being Proactive
Real-time predictive noise modelling offers practical advantages compared to current methods, particularly in proactive planning using the weather to understand whether temperature inversion is happening. By foreseeing potential noise sources and their impacts, mining operations can take preventive steps well in advance. This means they can minimise noise breaches, reduce disruptions, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Quick Responses
The real-time aspect of predictive noise modelling allows mining companies to swiftly address noise complaints and breaches. With up-to-the-minute data and live tracking of assets, companies can respond promptly to issues, speeding up the resolution process. This capability not only resolves problems faster but also fosters positive community relationships.
Economical Solutions
An essential advantage of real-time predictive noise modelling is its potential for cost-effective solutions. By anticipating noise scenarios and adjusting operations, mining operations can prevent costly delays and equipment stand down and minimise community relation officer time in the field. This proactive cost-saving approach benefits the company while ensuring noise compliance.
Improved Efficiency
Accurate noise predictions achieved through real-time modelling lead to enhanced operational efficiency. Mining operations can tailor processes to noise expectations, maintaining productivity while meeting noise regulations. This approach not only benefits the company’s bottom line but also fosters a more harmonious work environment for employees and nearby communities.
Comprehensive Understanding
The Nexus system’s integration of various data sources and predictive algorithms provides mining companies with a comprehensive understanding of noise sources and patterns. This informed perspective supports better decision-making in all areas of operation. With a holistic view of noise impacts, companies can make informed choices about planning, resource allocation, and noise reduction strategies. This comprehensive approach promotes effective resource management, regulatory compliance, and overall sustainability.
Conclusion
In conclusion, real-time predictive noise modelling offers a more efficient way to manage noise in mining and mining ports. By utilising technologies like Nexus, mining operations can predict, monitor, and mitigate noise levels more effectively, ensuring compliance with regulations while optimising growth and maintaining a high social license to operate with the communities.
Since 2015, Vanguard Technologies has been providing innovative solutions to those in the mining industry looking to increase production, improve efficiencies, and achieve budgets in noise-constrained areas.
If you would like to learn more about Nexus or any of our other solutions, contact us today.