Hunter Valley Coal Mine – Liebherr R 9800

Minetek were commissioned to design and manufacture the first sound attenuation package in the world for the Liebherr R 9800 mining excavator. The goal of the project was to reduce the machine's operating noise down to the site noise level without compromising the machine's operating capacity, adding excess weight to the machine, or restricting access for routine maintenance and servicing.

With such outstanding capabilities, the machine's high operating noise levels are a common challenge for mine sites. Community expectations and noise compliance conditions have strict requirements set by governing bodies, with significant fines and implications if not adhered to. The operating noise level of the Liebherr R 9800 is 126 dBA. As such, mining operations are often unable to operate the excavator within noise-sensitive times or areas due to the machine's excessive noise output.

With the Sound Attenuation Package installed, the Liebherr R 9800 operates at the incredibly low noise output of 114dBA - a 12dBA sound reduction that allowed our Hunter Valley mining client to operate the machine 1000m closer to the boundary/sound receiver. Minetek is internationally recognised among OEMs and mining operators as a producer of the world’s quietest mining sound attenuation kits. Our sound attenuation solutions are engineered to maintain productivity and minimise the impact on operators and maintenance teams. Minetek’s modular sound suppression kits are available for mining trucks, excavators, dozers, loaders and drills, with certified install teams available globally.