Air quality and noise
Our approach
Noise and dust are significant issues for our neighbouring communities and minimising the effect of these two impacts from our operations will remain a key focus in 2010.
Rio Tinto maintains a strict standard for air quality control which covers emissions released during exploration, mining, processing, materials handling and transportation. This standard also ensures we effectively manage air quality and noise limits set under our operating licences and approvals.
Our key controls for managing and reducing the creation of dust from our operations may include:
- water trucks using recycled water for dust suppression across site
- automatic activation of sprays at our hoppers to reduce dust when haul trucks dump their loads
- restricting the removal of topsoil to ensure we only remove when it contains enough moisture and does not generate dust
- ceasing mine operations during extreme weather including windy and dry conditions
- covering our conveyors and keeping stockpiles damp
- rehabilitating land as soon as possible to reduce exposed areas.
Blasting during mining can have a short term impact on dust levels and we take into consideration both the strength and direction of wind before deciding whether to carry out blasting.
Our noise management standard requires the identification and evaluation of noise and vibration sources, and taking effective measures to design and implement appropriate controls.
Our key controls for managing and reducing the noise from our operations may include:
- mining equipment adjusted and maintained to meet noise restrictions
- new mining equipment purchased with noise limit specifications considered
- noise monitoring of mobile plant and equipment
- using quieter equipment in noise sensitive areas
- enclosing processing areas to reduce noise levels
- adjusting mine activity for day and night conditions
- education and awareness amongst employees of noise sensitivities
- creating bunds or screens to insulate noise
- covering our conveyors to reduce noise levels.
We conduct regular monitoring programmes at those sites with near neighbours who may be impacted by noise. As a result we may adapt, modify or stop operations to limit impacts.