At KCGM, we recognise the importance of reducing noise from our operations so we don’t inconvenience the nearby community.

In order to do this, we carry out extensive noise assessments and modelling work on a regular basis and have done so since our continuous noise monitoring program began back in 1993.

Since this time, continuous monitoring has occurred at two permanent residential sites to establish the amount of nuisance noise being generated by our operations (refer to location map).

In 2009 KCGM also commenced quarterly noise monitoring at five different City locations to determine our compliance against the noise level standards outlined in the Environmental Protection (Fimiston Gold Mine Noise Emissions) Approval 2009.

These locations are:

• Barton Street Williamstown (BSW) - intersection of Barton and Baden Streets;
• Boulder Primary School (BPS) - Brookman Street, Boulder;
• Kalgoorlie Technical School (KTS) - corner Davidson and Wilson Streets;
• Outram Street Boulder (OST) - intersection of Outram and Shannon Streets;
• York Street Boulder (YST) - between Lane and Hamilton Streets.

The compliance monitoring is undertaken by specialist noise consultants and involvesMeasuring noise levels at each location and reviewing weather monitoring data such as wind speed and direction.

It is undertaken using manned sound level meters and is performed during the evening and/or night periods to minimise the likelihood of other noise sources contributing to the monitoring results (ie. general road traffic).

By excluding these other sources we have a much better indication of the noise levels that are actually being emitted from our operations so that we can improve our performance where needed

KCGM is also required to apply a Weather Influencing Factor to the calculation of approved noise levels, as conditions such as wind speed and direction can influence the noise levels received at each monitoring location.

Noise Monitoring Location Map

Other Noise Reduction Measures:

At the onset of open pit development, modelling work indicated that an earthen bund between the Fimiston operation and Boulder would provide an effective shield from mine noise in residential areas. Monitoring results from before and after the bund was built show that this has been the case.

Additional steps taken to manage noise include:

• Installing broadband reversing alarms on mining equipment
• Extension of the environmental noise bund
• Restricting some activities to daytime only
• Constructing other noise bunds within the operations; and
• New trucks are purchased with quieter running fans and engines

We continue to undertake monitoring and modelling of equipment to identify further opportunities to improve noise management in this area.

Real-Time Noise Monitoring:

KCGM has installed a real-time noise monitor near Holmes Street, Kalgoorlie, to measure continuous sound levels at this location. From these measurements a report is generated, which is designed to provide the residents of Kalgoorlie-Boulder with an indication of sound levels within the community.

The report is updated every 15 minutes and is available for public viewing via the below link.

Real-Time Noise Monitoring Report

The sound levels identified in this report can be attributed to a number of sources including:

• Traffic noise
• Industry noise
• Environmental noise (such as wind, rain and thunder) 
• General noise (such as birds, barking dogs, lawn mowers and music

For additional information on noise management at KCGM you can click on the below links: