Noise and Vibration Study in Guinea

A principal WKC consultant recently visited the Republic of Guinea as part of a multi-disciplinary team acting on behalf of AngloGold Ashanti, a global leader in gold production. WKC is undertaking a specialist noise and vibration assessment to support a feasibility study to exploit hard rock material and extend the life of the Siguiri mine.

The operations of Société Anglogold Ashanti de Guinée in northeast Guinea represent a major employer in this otherwise typically rural region. With current oxide ore reserves nearly exhausted, the feasibility of exploiting gold bearing reserves of hard rock material within the existing mine footprint is being explored. The shift to hard rock ore will necessitate changes to mining and processing activities and WKC’s studies are aimed at identifying, quantifying and evaluating the noise and vibration risks associated with these.

A significant challenge is the degree of neighbouring community encroachment to the mining areas, with thousands living in close proximity of the surface pits. Artisanal miners are also prospecting in the area, translating to an increased level of receptor sensitivity to potential impacts.

WKC has undertaken a baseline environmental noise survey, during both day and night time, at locations where the communities approach the mine site. The measurements taken serve as a baseline from which modelled noise impacts associated with the proposed project are being assessed using the internationally recognised SoundPLAN model. A study considering the noise (overpressure) and vibration impacts associated with increased blasting activities, required to fracture the hard rock, is also being carried out by WKC.

Our support on this project broadens our growing presence in Africa and the mining sector.

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