Noise assessment for a new open cut coal mine
The Mangoola Coal Project in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, Australia will produce up to 10.5 million tonnes per year of coal during an expected life of 15 years. The project comprised the design, construction, and operation of an open cut coal mine together with storage areas, processing facilities, general infrastructure, a rail line, and access roads. RWDI identified noise emissions as an important environmental consideration. We undertook a comprehensive noise assessment of various operating scenarios across the mine’s proposed life. Among the noise control measures we recommended was a real-time noise monitoring system to aid in the management of noise emissions under adverse meteorological conditions. The project was granted approval.