Analysis of the Emission and Noise from Different Types of Mining Equipment in the Iron Mines of Odisha

Abstract

Mining activities significantly contribute to environmental degradation through emissions and noise pollution. This study analyses the emissions (CO?, NO?, SO?, and PM) and noise levels generated by surface mining equipment used in iron ore mines of Odisha. Excavators, dump trucks, wheel loaders, drilling rigs, and bulldozers are evaluated for their environmental impact based on field data collection and analysis. Results reveal that dump trucks and drilling rigs are primary contributors to emissions and noise, while newer equipment such as wheel loaders demonstrate better fuel efficiency and lower pollution levels. Recommendations for emission reduction, noise control, and sustainable mining practices are proposed to mitigate the environmental impact and promote eco-friendly operations.

Introduction

Opencast mining, also called surface mining, is a widely used, cost-effective method for extracting large mineral deposits by removing surface layers. It is essential for supplying raw materials like coal, iron ore, bauxite, limestone, and copper, contributing significantly to industrial growth, employment, and economic development. Common techniques include open-pit mining, mountaintop removal, and quarrying.

Miners use personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators, hearing protection, and reflective clothing to ensure safety. Despite environmental concerns, detailed equipment-specific data on emissions and noise in Odisha’s iron ore mines is lacking.

This research aims to measure emissions (CO?, NO?, SO?, particulate matter) and noise levels of key mining equipment—including excavators, dump trucks, wheel loaders, drilling rigs, bulldozers, and graders—during operation. It also evaluates fuel efficiency and proposes mitigation strategies to reduce pollution.

Data is collected via field surveys using specialized instruments like respirable dust samplers and sound level meters. The study focuses on real operating conditions in surface iron ore mining in Odisha, with limitations including environmental variability and equipment maintenance affecting results.

Conclusion

Causal Productions permits the distribution and revision of these templates on the condition that Causal Productions is credited in the revised template as follows: “original version of this template was provided by courtesy of Causal Productions (www.causalproductions.com)”.The present study comprehensively analysed the performance of various surface mining equipment in the iron mines of Odisha, with particular emphasis on their environmental impact, including emission levels and noise pollution. Through detailed data collection and assessment, it has been established that equipment type, operational efficiency, and maintenance standards play a crucial role in determining the environmental footprint of mining operations. Among the equipment analysed, excavators and dumpers were found to contribute significantly to noise and gaseous emissions, particularly during peak operating hours. Emission levels of CO?, NO?, and particulate matter were observed to be highest in older, poorly maintained machines, highlighting the urgent need for modernization and adoption of cleaner technologies. Noise pollution levels in active mining zones frequently exceeded permissible limits set by CPCB standards, indicating a direct impact on both worker health and surrounding biodiversity. The data also revealed that certain equipment types, when operated during specific shifts (especially night shifts), exhibited lower fuel efficiency and higher pollutant release, suggesting a link between operational scheduling and environmental performance. In conclusion, improving the environmental sustainability of mining in Odisha requires a multipronged approach: upgrading to more energy-efficient and less polluting equipment, enforcing stricter maintenance schedules, optimizing shift operations, and implementing continuous monitoring systems. These measures will not only reduce the ecological burden of iron ore extraction but also enhance overall operational efficiency and worker safety.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Smrutiranjan Thatoi, Sanam Sarita Tripathy. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.