A major issue that surrounds the operation of a large mining corporation is the impact that noise and Vibration can have on the surrounding environment.
Various operating factors such as exploration, mining and transportation from a site such as EMM’s, can be responsible for significant outputs of noise and vibrations. These outputs can have negative impacts on the health of nearby residents as well as local fauna such as birds (“Noise Pollution Negatively Affects Woodland Bird Communities,” 2009). The level of impact can be predicted and minimised by observing contributing factors such as local weather and operational procedures such as blasting, drilling and transportation ("Noise Management," 2013).
Environmental Sustainability Strategy The key to ensuring that noise pollution does not become an issue, is early planning. EMM has developed its mining sites with a core value and objective of minimising any environmental impact. This means that EMM has strategically located any blasting zones and open pit shapes to ensure any noise pollution is contained through state of the art acoustic designs in mind.
The strategy incorporated into EMMs operating procedure has three key objectives: 1. Minimise the dB output from the site and its operations 2. Control and direct any unavoidable output to areas and times of least possible impact 3. Monitor noise levels in surrounding areas to ensure ongoing compliance
These objectives can all be met by maintaining a dB level that is as similar to those levels prior to EMM moving into the area.
Implementation of Strategy The first stage of implementing our strategy was to measure the existing sound levels, prior to EMM beginning exploration and mining in the area. This was completed by employing a third party company to take unbiased dB readings of the surrounding environment. These reads then became integral in planning EMM’s strategy for “acceptable” output.
The mine site has been carefully designed to reduce dB output through insulation and procedure management.
Procedures have been put into place using the original data, gathered by our contracting agency, to ensure that high dB output activities are conducted at times in the day which corresponds to high dB in pre existing natural output. EMM is constantly monitoring wind conditions and weather to ensure any noise is directed away from local communities.
Evaluation of Strategy The evaluation of this strategy is the constant monitoring of noise in the surrounding areas. This is conducted both internally by EMM and audited monthly by a third party to ensure ongoing compliance and success. Any discrepancies are then evaluated in house and addresses by a full time sustainability team.