Coal mining noise in Australia

Abstract

Noise pollution in open-cut coal mines in NSW is of great concern and affects large numbers of local communities. The management of noise from coal mines has evolved considerably over the last 30 years, in part due to the significant improvement in mobile fleet sound power levels due to new technology and leading practice noise attenuation components. The mining industry in Australia has also developed an innovative way of managing environmental noise driven by the use of proactive noise management systems. Most large open-cut mining operators in NSW have in recent years adopted and successfully implemented proactive noise management systems to assist with managing noise levels during periods of noise-enhancing meteorological conditions. The system allows the mine operator to prepare and adjust operations to reduce noise levels as far as reasonably and feasibly practical in the event anticipated adverse meteorological conditions are experienced. This paper describes the evolution of the regulatory process, the industry response and the key factors that have shaped the changes.