The Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy, and Petroleum (CIM) Magazine, a leading publication in the mining sector, interviewed one of Soft dB’s top experts, Dr. Pierre-Claude Ostiguy, Director of Acoustics & Vibration Monitoring. The discussion provides valuable insights on how mining projects can maintain noise and vibration compliance without compromising operational efficiency.
It delves into the importance of mining noise control and vibration monitoring, the challenges faced, and the practical solutions mines can adopt to manage them effectively. This is definitely a must-read!
- Read the full interview on CIM Magazine’s website.
- Prefer a printable version? Here’s the PDF.
While we highly encourage you to read the full article to get the most from our expert insights, we also understand that time is a valuable commodity. With this in mind, we have highlighted the key takeaways from the article.
Key Takeaways
- Noise and vibration monitoring is essential throughout the entire mining process to comply with federal, provincial, and local regulations and standards in Canada. It also helps minimize the impact on surrounding communities and fosters positive relationships, ultimately enhancing the social acceptance of mining activities.
- During the mine's design phase, studies can be conducted to ensure the site meets regulatory requirements once production begins. However, factors such as wind direction can affect the noise climate, so these must be carefully considered.
- One way to consider these factors is by strategically placing noise and vibration monitoring stations on the site, which enables verification of regulatory compliance during operations. This also allows for quick action to address critical fluctuations in noise and vibration levels.
- It’s not always the loudest noise that triggers complaints—sometimes it’s a specific sound. That’s why real-time noise and vibration monitoring systems with continuous sound recordings are essential. They allow the mine to go back in time, to the exact moment a complaint was made, pinpoint the source, and respond effectively.
- With 24/7 noise and vibration monitoring collecting vast amounts of data, a key challenge is ensuring that only relevant alerts are sent to the mine. By focusing on notifications that truly require attention, operational efficiency is improved.
- To remove/filter any unrelated noises from the mining activities, Soft dB has developed an artificial intelligence (AI) filtering tool for environmental noise monitoring, specifically designed for the mining sector. Additionally, we also have developed a patented system for seismic and blast monitoring, called the Master Trigger™.
- When implementing a noise and vibration monitoring system, several key factors must be considered: having a solid understanding of mining-related noise and vibration, using a monitoring solution that provides comprehensive information on the noise and vibration climate at all times, offering functionalities that reduce the time spent in the field to increase efficiency, such as relevant notifications in real time, and incorporating advanced features such as automated sensor calibration verification. If anything goes wrong, the mine is promptly notified.
- As experts in acoustics and vibration control, our active participation in community meetings has shown to significantly enhance social acceptance, thus contributing to the mine’s success. This is one of our many noise monitoring services offered by our experts.
- A key trend for the future of noise and vibration monitoring in the mining industry is the shift towards fully automated systems that require no manual management management — the direction Soft dB is taking with the development of the next generation of noise and vibration solutions.
Pierre-Claude Ostiguy, P. Eng., Ph.D. — Soft dB's Acoustics and Vibration Monitoring Director
About Soft dB's Acoustics & Vibration Monitoring Director
Dr. Pierre-Claude Ostiguy is a professional engineer, holding a doctorate degree with advanced specialization in vibration. He is the Director of the Acoustics & Vibration Monitoring Division for Soft dB and highly recognized as a leading seismic and acoustics monitoring expert in the mining industry.
For over a decade, Pierre-Claude has provided his advanced knowledge and expertise of strategic consulting in vibration and acoustics monitoring for various clients in the mining industry.
As one of the inventors of the patented blast monitoring system, Master Trigger™, Dr. Ostiguy is renowned among his mining clients for his solution-oriented approach and expertise in acoustics, vibration, instrumentation and seismicity.
Additionally, he has significant experience in community management regarding noise and vibration challenges and is regularly requested to showcase as a field-expert for community meetings.
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Interested in Learning About Common Mining Noise Complaints and Practical Solutions to Address Them Effectively? Our Soft dB experts have got you covered and have designed a comprehensive guide on best practices for social acceptance – absolutely free! |
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