The future of noise mangement: Attenuation of sound

In the mining industry, noise is far more than an inconvenience – it’s a critical operational challenge that affects worker safety, regulatory compliance, and community relationships. As global resource demand grows, mines face increasingly stringent environmental regulations, requiring innovative solutions for the attenuation of sound. Minetek’s M-STEALTH SOUND attenuation technology is at the forefront of this transformation, offering a groundbreaking approach to reducing noise emissions. With over three decades of engineering expertise, Minetek is redefining noise management, enabling mining operations to achieve quieter, safer, and more sustainable outcomes while maintaining productivity and compliance.

Why is the Attenuation of Sound Critical in Mining?

Mining operations rely on heavy machinery like haul trucks, drills, and excavators, generating noise levels often exceeding 90–110 dB. Unmanaged noise risks worker health, causing hearing loss, and disrupts nearby communities, leading to regulatory penalties and restricted operating hours. Traditional noise control methods, such as personal protective equipment (PPE), are inadequate as they only mitigate exposure. Sound suppression techniques, which enclose or muffle equipment, often compromise performance by restricting airflow, increasing heat, and raising fire risks, thus reducing efficiency and safety.

The attenuation of sound, however, addresses noise at its source, offering a superior solution. Minetek’s M-STEALTH Sound technology achieves precise sound attenuation without hindering machine functionality. Unlike suppression, which masks noise, attenuation reduces the sound produced by equipment, preserving optimal airflow, cooling, and performance. This distinction makes M-STEALTH a game-changer for mines aiming to meet stringent noise regulations while enhancing safety and productivity. By focusing on sound attenuation, Minetek delivers customized solutions that align with each machine’s acoustic profile, setting a new mining noise management standard.

How M-STEALTH achieves superior sound results.

Minetek’s M-STEALTH Sound Attenuation technology is engineered to target and eliminate specific noise emissions from machinery and sound for mobile and fixed mining equipment, including dozers, excavators, haul trucks, and generators. Designed for site-specific needs, it reduces accumulated site noise levels by up to 50% while ensuring no compromise to machine performance with minimal weight, preserving machine payloads, OEM back pressure requirements, and airflow. Key features of this sound attenuation solutio include:

• Precision Sound Analysis: Advanced sound intensity testing and acoustic visualization target specific noise frequencies for optimal attenuation of sound.

• Safety Through Design: Its dual-skin construction maintains surface temperatures below 150°C, aligning with AS-5062-2022 fire prevention standards and eliminating the need for thermal blankets. This reduces fire risks, OPEX, and maintenance downtime while enhancing operator safety. 

• Lightweight Durability: M-STEALTH is up to 50% lighter than conventional mufflers. It minimizes added weight to maintain payloads and fuel efficiency, which are critical for operational performance. The dual-skin construction of the exhaust components ensures superior durability, resisting rust and heat-related stress for extended service life compared to traditional sound-suppressed exhaust systems.

• OEM Compatibility: Ensures compliance with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) backpressure and airflow standards, preserving equipment longevity.

• Tailored Solutions: Customized for over 90 OEM-approved models, with more than 2,500 machines equipped worldwide.

This focus on the attenuation of sound allows mines to operate closer to site boundaries without breaching noise regulations, enhancing both compliance and efficiency.

Benefits of M-STEALTH Sound Attenuation Technology

Minetek’s M-STEALTH SOUND system delivers comprehensive benefits, aligning with the company’s mission to provide sustainable solutions through the attenuation of sound:

1. Regulatory Compliance: Significant noise reductions ensure compliance with strict environmental standards. For instance, a Glencore open-cut coal mine using M-STEALTH Sound Attenuation for Komatsu haul trucks reduced noise from 124 dBA to 115 dBA, a  9dBA reduction. This enabled the trucks to operate closer to site boundaries while remaining compliant with noise regulations, which in turn extended operating hours.

2. Enhanced Worker Safety: Effective sound attenuation lowers the risk of hearing damage, a significant issue in mining where coal operations face high deafness-related claims.

3. Community Relations: Reduced noise minimizes disturbances to nearby residents, fostering positive community ties and supporting sustainable practices.

4. Operational Efficiency: The lightweight, turnkey design reduces downtime during installation and maintenance, maximizing productivity.

Data-Driven Attenuation of Sound

Minetek’s approach to the attenuation of sound is rooted in data-driven precision. Using advanced sensors and measurement tools, acoustic engineers identify and quantify noise sources, enabling targeted sound attenuation strategies. This detailed analysis ensures solutions are tailored to each machine’s unique acoustic profile. Post-installation testing verifies the effectiveness of sound attenuation, comparing before-and-after noise levels to confirm reductions and identify opportunities for further optimization. Our comprehensive noise testing services, include ISO 6393/6395 compliance and operator exposure testing, ensuring sound requirements are met, providing operators with the confidence to meet evolving regulatory and community standards.

The Future of Noise Management

As the mining industry evolves, noise management will remain a cornerstone of sustainable operations. Minetek’s M-STEALTH Sound Attenuation technology represents the future of noise attenuation, combining innovation, precision, and a commitment to safety and compliance. By addressing noise at its source, Minetek empowers mining companies to operate efficiently, protect workers, and maintain positive community relations.

Ready to transform your noise management strategy? Contact Minetek today to explore how M-STEALTH sound attenuation technology can deliver quieter, safer, and more productive operations for your mine.