A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

The information obtained from these measurements is normally used to set criteria
for the project. Of most importance is the background noise level (technically the
LA90), which is normally measured in 15 minute periods.
Meteorological conditions can significantly influence noise levels. Steady wind,
for instance, generally causes an increase in background noise levels due to wind
in trees. Strong winds and rain can lead to falsely inflated noise levels. To enable
periods of adverse weather to be identified, a weather station should be set up to
continuously monitor wind speed and direction and rainfall. Noise data should then
be filtered for periods of weather conditions that had an influence over the recorded
noise results.
Some residences surrounding new mine sites already experience noise from road
traffic, rail lines, other existing mines, or other intrusive noise. In these situations,
in addition to unattended monitoring there may also be a need to do attended noise
monitoring to understand the existing noise levels and estimate the contribution
from each of these sources. These measurements may also provide a way of
validating the noise prediction methodology to be used in assessing noise from the
project. Often measurements many be done at one or two representative properties
in order to validate any predictions.
Figure 2.2 - Example of environmental noise logger in operation.
Community liaison to avoid noise and air complaints
Liaison between mining companies and the community is important at every point,
from the beginning of the proposal stage, throughout the investigative, assessment
and approval processes, and throughout the mine’s operation. The community
A GUIDE TO LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MINING 25