Summary
Dust monitoring matters. In mining, it’s not just about compliance—it’s about protecting workers, communities, and the environment. At Novecom, we help mining operations across Australia stay on track. We supply, install, and maintain dust and particulate monitors that deliver accurate, reliable data.
Continuous monitoring is key. Mine sites and the EPA rely on this data to keep people safe. That’s why accuracy and integrity are so important.
In 2020, new legislation introduced a formal validation process for dust data. This led to an Australian Standard for ambient air quality validation. But we’ve been ahead of the curve. Back in 2016, a Hunter Valley mine asked us to validate data from six monitors. We built templates based on US EPA guidelines and the Australian framework. In 2020, we refined the process to meet the new standards.
Today, we validate data monthly for over 15 mines—and that number keeps growing.
The Challange
Initially, mine sites faced several challenges, including:
- Daily dust averages from monitors were often inaccurate, influenced by known or unknown operational issues or environmental factors. This necessitated ad hoc reviews and corrections.
- Mine sites had an annual obligation to report to the EPA, often contacting Novecom at the last minute for a comprehensive review of a year’s worth of data. Such tight deadlines limited the scope of work and resulted in lost knowledge of past issues.
Solution
Key features and techniques employed during this project included advanced Excel programming and design skills, along with detailed operational histories of each dust monitor recorded in the MEX maintenance software used by Novecom.
Novecom’s monthly deliverables now provide clients with comprehensive reports that include a full year of daily results, detailing reasons for any non-compliance at each monitor. The project significantly benefits clients by enabling them to efficiently compile their annual EPA reports, thus saving time and reducing stress associated with compliance reporting.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Through our commitment to data validation and compliance reporting, Novecom has established itself as a leader in the mining sector, enhancing the integrity of dust monitoring data and supporting the health and safety of communities throughout Australia. As the demand for accurate data continues to grow, we remain dedicated to refining and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of the industry.
Each mine site has unique requirements for data presentation and may need specific metrics included. Our analyses and reporting can be tailored to meet these diverse needs, ensuring each client receives the most relevant and useful information.
If your business is interested in discussing customisable environmental monitoring solutions, give us a call and we’ll explore how we can help.
