Mining Activities in Australia: A Case Study of Fosterville

MINING ENGINEERING
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Introduction
Australia is one of the few regions of the world which is endowed with mineral resources.
Fosterville is treated as one of such potential gold mines which put Australia is such a rare
category of regions. This particular paper seeks to evaluate various aspects of mining activities in
Australia particularly Fosterville.
Question 1
Part a
Most Dangerous Activities to be encountered by the officers beginning from the Mine Lease
Area.
 Jumping over mining pits
 Accessing ores
 Being exposed to the rolling debris
 Assessing dusty places
 Accessing vibrating mining machines
Part b
Noise: It is common with the mining site that noise levels usually go beyond the recommended.
The visiting team should, therefore, expect exposure to the extreme noise level. Although it is
easy for one to become mentally used to noise, this should not mean that the damage will not be
done. Research work has indicated that overexposure to much noise can lead to the ringing
ear(Jensen 2019). This condition is commonly known as tinnitus.

Control Measure
 In order to ensure that workers are effectively protected from the excess noise that is
generated from the mining sites, the company should plan on how the risk assessments
can be carried out on the site. Reduction, as well as avoidance of the exposure to the
noise, can be achieved through the application of the engineering control which may
include the use of the vibration dampers or application of the absorptive panels.
Rating: 4
Currently, the company is participating in regular maintenance as an essential mechanism if the
noise reduction. Other option being the provision of personal protection for the workers at the
mine.
Rating :3
The vibration of the whole body
Whole Body Vibration is commonly referred to as WBV is basically a slow forming physical
hazard which occurs in the workers at the mining site as well as other occupational that buses the
heavy machinery. The visiting team is expected to take considering amount of time at the site
while even sitting on some of the machine components hence this is likely to be one of the
problems to be experienced.
Control Measures
 Also, the first step by the mining company will be to effectively reduce the health risks
and this should be included as the first step to be taken by the mining company. This

might include having the potholes present at the mining sites properly filled especially on
the paths and highways to be used by those accessing the mining sites
Rating: 3
Thermal Stresses
The mining site is experiencing a thermal or heat stress.
Control measures
 Use of the personal protective Equipment’s
 Reduction of the level of exposure to the thermal stress sources
Rating: 3
Dust Particles
Dust Particles that are produced in volumes during the excavation of the gold mines is likely to
be one of the sites to be handled.
Control measures
 Mineworkers should be trained on the dangers of being overexposed to too much dust
particles. Respiratory protection should be used when accessing the site. The visiting
team should, therefore, be provided with some of these PPEs.
Rate: 4
Part C