Less noise, more hours – see how Minetek transformed the Hitachi EH5000

Tackling noise challenges in modern mining operations 

In today’s mining industry, stringent noise regulations present a significant challenge to operational efficiency, often restricting mine sites from maximising production hours. Excessive noise emissions can lead to regulatory exceedances, community complaints, and operational downtime, impacting both productivity and compliance. Recognising these challenges, Minetek was commissioned to develop a comprehensive sound attenuation solution for a Hitachi EH5000 haul truck, ensuring compliance with noise regulations while maintaining operational performance. 

The challenge: overcoming noise restrictions to unlock productivity 

Operating under strict environmental noise regulations, the client faced limitations on fleet capacity due to excessive noise levels measuring at 122 dBA. These high noise emissions posed a risk of regulatory exceedances and potential restrictions on extended operations. Additionally, excessive noise was contributing to community disturbances, placing the mine’s social license to operate at risk. The client required an innovative and robust solution to significantly reduce noise output without compromising equipment performance, airflow, or accessibility for maintenance. 

The solution: industry-leading noise attenuation for maximum compliance 

Minetek developed and implemented a fully integrated sound attenuation package tailored to the Hitachi EH5000. This solution was designed to mitigate excessive noise at the source while ensuring continued machine reliability. The key components included: 

• Dual-skinned exhaust system 

• Radiator attenuator 

• Left- and right-hand engine panels 

• Belly panel 

• Bonnet attenuation 

By incorporating these specialised components, Minetek successfully achieved a sound power level reduction from 122 dBA to 114 dBA, ensuring full compliance with regulatory noise limits. This reduction allowed the fleet to operate within acceptable noise thresholds, safeguarding the mine’s ability to function without interruption. 

The impact: expanding operational capacity and strengthening compliance 

The implementation of Minetek’s noise attenuation solution delivered significant benefits to the client’s operation, unlocking new levels of efficiency and compliance. Key outcomes included: 

• Extended operating range – With noise levels significantly reduced, the Hitachi EH5000 fleet was able to operate 600 metres closer to the boundary/sound receiver, maximising site productivity. 

• Increased operational hours – The elimination of noise exceedances enabled the client to extend operating hours by up to three additional hours per day, improving overall output. 

• Enhanced regulatory compliance – The solution ensured full compliance with strict noise regulations, mitigating the risk of operational restrictions and fines. 

• Improved stakeholder and community relations – By addressing noise concerns proactively, the mine strengthened its social license to operate, reducing community complaints and fostering positive relationships with local stakeholders. 

Seamless implementation: minimising downtime, maximising productivity

Understanding the importance of minimising operational disruptions, Minetek’s dedicated installation team worked in alignment with asset availability, ensuring the attenuation package was integrated with minimal downtime. This strategic approach allowed the client to maintain productivity throughout the installation process, demonstrating Minetek’s commitment to delivering practical, results-driven solutions. 

Setting a new benchmark in mining noise suppression 

Minetek’s innovative sound attenuation package for the Hitachi EH5000 establishes a new standard for noise reduction in the mining industry, proving that compliance and productivity can coexist without compromise. By proactively addressing noise at the source, mining operations can extend operational hours, eliminate exceedances, and reinforce their social license to operate, ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. 

Minetek continues to lead the way in mining noise suppression, providing advanced solutions that empower mine sites worldwide to achieve compliance while optimising productivity. 

Discover how Minetek’s industry-leading noise reduction solutions can support your operation. Contact our team today.