5. Noise and vibration
Noise can be an issue because mines normally operate 24 h a day and sound levels can fluctuate widely. Surface mines mainly generate noise from overburden
excavation and transport, while the major noise sources from underground mines are
ventilation fans, the surface facilities and product transport. Noise levels generally
must be controlled so that they reflect the most stringent requirements during evening
hours when nearby landholders wish to relax or sleep. Blast planning must also
limit ground vibration to avoid damage to building structures and annoyance to people
living in the area. Vibration limits set for environmental amenity are significantly
lower than for structural damage. Industrial structures can often withstand up to 50-
mm/s ground vibrations without structural damage. For transport noise, average noise
exposure is adopted. In many parts of world it is also necessary to allow for noise
enhancement caused by atmospheric thermal inversions at night.