A fleet of new quieter dozers have been deployed at Yancoal's NSW open cut mines as part of an effort to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities.
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Testing of the Cat D10 and Cat D11 machines at the Mount Thorley Warkworth and Moolarben sites have shown they significantly reduce noise emissions externally and for machine operators.
"Through developing a new rubber dampening system to suppress vibration and alleviate the classic 'clanging' associated with a dozer track revolving around its sprocket, we've been able to achieve a sound reduction of three decibels," WesTrac Mining Business Manager Craig Morris said.
"On the logarithmic decibel scale, this is equivalent to a halving of sound energy emitted by the machines and a 23 per cent decrease in loudness."
In the news:
Yancoal heavy mining equipment category manager Matthew Staff said noise reduction was a top priority at the company's Hunter mine sites.
"Our commitment to compliance remains of the highest standard on all fronts to ensure our operating licences and individual mine plan approvals continue to be met and Yancoal can support communities and the local economy," he said.
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Matthew Kelly
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
Matthew Kelly has worked as a journalist for more than 25 years. He has been working as a general reporter at the Newcastle Herald since 2018. In recent years he has reported on subjects including environment, energy, water security, manufacturing and higher education. He has previously covered issues including the health and environmental impacts of uncovered coal wagons in the Hunter Valley, the pollution of legacy of former industrial sites and freedom of information issues.
