According to DGMS Technical Circular No. 18 of 1975 and No.5 of 1990 on “Protection
of Workers against noise” it is brought to the knowledge of all concerned that Noise is
emerging as an important and challenging health hazard for mine workers. In surveys
conducted by the DGMS and some other studies, it was found that noise levels in majority
of the mining operations were higher than the recommended limit of 90 dB (A) [35].
Utley [36] discussed about the different noise sources available in opencast mines. He
stated that in opencast mines, the noise was generated from overburden and coal excavation
sites. He concluded that there was insufficient information available to enable a
scheme covering all aspects of noise control to be produced.
Singh [37] discussed the environmental impact assessment in mining areas and explained
that noise generation from machineries in mines has adverse impacts. The impacts
are occupational health hazards, damage to structures, disruption in wild life etc.