Engineering Controls for Open-Pit Mining Noise Control
LOCATION
Fermont, Québec, Canada
INDUSTRY
Open-Pit Iron Ore Mining
APPLICATION
Operator Cabin / Control Room + 5 Acoustic Pump Enclosures with Overhead Cranes
SOUND ISOLATION / STC RATINGS
STC 52 (Operator Cabin) & STC 35 (Acoustic Enclosures)
Mining is one of the noisiest industrial environments on Earth. At Quebec Iron Ore’s Bloom Lake mine, operators working near the primary crusher and outdoor pump systems faced hazardous exposure to high-decibel noise during key operational moments.
To address these challenges, Quebec Iron Ore partnered with MECART to implement modular engineering controls—including a custom operator cabin/control room and five acoustic enclosures—designed to protect workers, reduce noise at the source, and enhance operational performance.
The Challenge: Protecting People from Hazards & Mining Noise Pollution
At a high-output mine like Bloom Lake, productivity can’t come at the cost of operator safety. Noise exposure from core operations created serious risks that required targeted intervention.
1️⃣ Operator Safety Near the Primary Crusher
Operators working near the primary crusher were exposed to high noise levels during haul truck dumping and crushing activities. The combination of loud impact noise, vibration, and airborne dust created a challenging work environment, putting employees at risk of health issues such as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
For more on how mining noise affects workers and operations, read: Mining Noise Pollution: Impacts, Regulations, and Mitigation Strategies
2️⃣ Noise and Maintenance Issues from Outdoor Pumps
Five large outdoor pumps also produced elevated noise levels during operation—often beyond safe exposure limits. On top of that, the pumps required regular maintenance access, making it essential to find a solution that could control noise while still allowing safe and efficient service access.
To maintain a safe work environment and support reliable day-to-day operations, Quebec Iron Ore needed engineered solutions that would reduce noise at the source, protect workers, and streamline pump maintenance.
The Solution: MECART Engineering Controls Built for Mining Operations
With strict performance requirements, northern weather conditions, and no room for shutdowns, Quebec Iron Ore needed a solution that worked immediately—and worked well.
1️⃣ High-Performance Operator Cabin / Control Room
Installed next to the crushing area, this modular operator cabin provides a quiet, insulated space where personnel can monitor operations without exposure to harmful noise, vibration, or dust.
Essential Features of This Modular Engineering Control:
- STC-52 acoustic rating for high-level sound insulation
- Triple-glazed acoustic windows for clear visibility and thermal performance
- Sealed and pressurized HVAC system with HEPA-grade air filtration
- Integrated toilet, sink, heater, and water station
- Built-in electrical, telecom, and data connections inside the walls
- 16-gauge galvanized modular steel panels – built to thrive in extreme conditions
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2️⃣ Five Floorless Noise Enclosures with Integrated Cranes
To address pump-related noise and simplify maintenance, MECART provided five compact noise enclosures with a built-in 2-ton overhead crane.
Essential Features of This Modular Engineering Control:
- STC 35 panels provide sound isolation (TL) to control pump noise at the source
- Floorless “bell-lift” design—each enclosure is placed directly over pumps
- Integrated overhead crane for safe lifting and maintenance
- Weatherproof roof membrane for full outdoor durability
- Engineered for cold northern conditions and performance
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Quiet the Mine. Protect Workers.
Why Modular Prefabrication Was Essential for Open-Pit Mining Noise Control at Bloom Lake
Located in Fermont, Québec, near the Labrador border, Bloom Lake Mine is one of the most remote open-pit iron ore operations in North America. The town itself has a population of only 2,450 residents, meaning local fabrication or specialty suppliers are virtually nonexistent, especially for complex infrastructure like acoustic enclosures and operator control rooms.
In this type of environment, downtime is not an option; every hour of disruption comes with enormous costs. Yet safety-critical infrastructure like operator cabins and noise enclosures must be delivered, installed, and functional without interrupting operations, or at least minimizing downtime as much as possible.
That’s where MECART’s prefabricated modular construction excels: delivering high-performance open-pit mining noise control systems, with no unnecessary downtime.
Modular Construction Benefits for Remote Mining Sites
In remote mining sites like Bloom Lake, on-site construction is often costly, slow, and difficult to coordinate. By choosing prefabricated modular systems, Quebec Iron Ore was able to implement open-pit mining noise control without delays, shutdowns, or dependence on local trades.
Rapid Deployment
MECART systems are fully built off-site and delivered ready to install.
Minimal Disruption to Mining Operations
Plug-and-play installation means noise control systems can be deployed with little to no interruption to mining operations.
Logistics & Turnkey Expertise Combined
With MECART handling design, manufacturing, and integration, delays from multi-vendor coordination were avoided. A streamlined solution.
Consistent Quality in Harsh Conditions
All components are made in MECART’s ISO 9001-certified facility for consistent performance in extreme weather, snow loads, dust, vibration, and more.
From Northern Québec to any remote location, MECART’s modular systems offer a fast, reliable path to open-pit mining noise control—protecting workers while keeping production on track.
Results: Open-Pit Mining Noise Control Solutions That Reflect QIO’s Vision
At Bloom Lake, the implementation of modular acoustic engineering controls did more than solve an operational challenge—it echoed Quebec Iron Ore’s mission to produce responsibly, operate with ingenuity, and care for the people behind the production.
With MECART’s modular systems now in place, the mine is better equipped to meet its long-term goals—without compromising safety, performance, or principles.
Conditions That Prioritize People
The engineering controls reduce exposure to noise, vibration, and dust—creating a safer, more focused environment for personnel working at the heart of the mine. A direct reflection of QIO’s respect for people and safety.
Efficiency Without Disruption
Pre-engineered systems were deployed without halting core operations—supporting QIO’s commitment to operational excellence through ingenuity and precision. No delays. No improvisation. Just solutions that work.
Supporting a Larger Mission
These modular engineering controls align with QIO’s values and their CEO’s vision to build a sustainable company that drives growth, fuels the North, and gives employees the tools to flourish.
Ready to Solve Your Own Noise Control Challenge?
Whether you’re running an open-pit mine, processing facility, or industrial site, MECART’s modular engineering controls deliver real results with no compromise on safety, uptime, or performance.
Have a similar project in mind? Let’s talk. We’ll help you design the right solution, customized to your environment, timeline, and goals.
Build Your Mining Noise Control Strategy
Use our checklists to start designing your acoustic enclosure or modular engineering control—or request a budgetary estimate for your site.
