An Assessment of noise hotspots in mines from mining operations and potential health effects to mine workers: case of Jena mines in Silobela, Midlands province
- Author
- Chimene, Anesu N.
- Title
- An Assessment of noise hotspots in mines from mining operations and potential health effects to mine workers: case of Jena mines in Silobela, Midlands province
- Abstract
- This study assessed noise hotspots and associated health risks at Jena Mines in Silobela, Zimbabwe. Field measurements of noise levels were conducted at 25 operational units using an Extech 407730 sound level meter,ncoupled with spatial mapping via GPS and QGIS. Key findings revealed that 7/25 locations exceeded 90 dBA, violating Zimbabwe’s occupational exposure limits (OELs). Among high-risk zones Ball Mills noise level averaged 107 dBA (±3.2), Jaw Crushers averaged 103 dBA (±2.7), and Helipad averaged 97 dBA (±2.1). Statistical analyses (ANOVA: F = 27.59, p = 0.00001; Chi-Square: X² = 16.89, p = 0.0047) confirmed non-uniform noise distribution and identified 32% of workers as exposed to hazardous noise (>90 dBA), risking noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and cardiovascular stress. Recommendations include installing acoustic barriers, implementing job rotation, and enforcing real-time noise monitoring. The study underscores the urgent need for engineering controls and policy reforms to align with WHO standards (85 dBA).
- Date
- October 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- noise hotspots
- health risks
- Supervisor
- Dr. V. Dudu
- Item sets
- Department of Environmental Science
- Media
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Chimene - SHEM.pdf