Introduction
Noise matters, especially when a project sits close to a community. We’re supporting a critical minerals project in Victoria by building a mine schedule that respects noise limits, helping the project move forward while concerns are addressed.
Challenge
Community backlash around noise levels threatened the project’s ability to proceed. Without local support, approvals would be difficult to secure, regardless of technical merit.
Noise modelling showed that limits on equipment numbers and proximity to sensitive receptors, especially during night shifts, would significantly constrain operations. These constraints had direct implications for productivity and project economics.
Approach
MEC worked alongside the client and external acoustic specialists to integrate noise modelling directly into the mine schedule.
Rather than treating noise as a late-stage constraint, it was built into the planning logic from the outset. This allowed the team to test different equipment combinations, shift structures, and sequencing options against noise thresholds.
The focus was on developing a schedule that was both community-aware and operationally realistic.
Outcome
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Night shift operations are constrained by receptor proximity and noise limits.
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Equipment operating hours are reduced by approximately 25–50%, depending on location and timing.
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Production impacts are now clearly quantified, giving the client transparency around trade-offs between output and compliance.
The work is ongoing, with scheduling refinements continuing as community engagement progresses.
Conclusion
MEC will continue working with the client as community consultation evolves. Scheduling scenarios will be refined to reflect feedback, updated modelling, and potential mitigation measures.
The objective is to support informed decision-making, balancing production targets with community expectations so the project can move forward with confidence and social licence.