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Continuous monitoring of emissions in mining and quarries: methane, dust and noise

Home » Sectors » Continuous monitoring of emissions in mining and quarries: methane, dust and noise

In the extractive sector, mines and quarries need solutions that allow them to monitor airborne dust (PM10 and PM2.5) and noise impact in real time, in order to reduce occupational health risks and minimise complaints from neighbouring communities.

In addition, coal mining faces its biggest regulatory challenge in decades: the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 has transformed environmental management and promotes the use of direct and continuous measurements with sufficient technical accuracy to demonstrate total control of methane emissions in both active and closed coal mines.

At Envira, we offer a continuous environmental monitoring solution for mining and quarrying that integrates gas detection (including methane), particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) and noise detection into a single compact and robust IoT device.

Advantages of continuous air quality monitoring in mines

Smart dust management

Smart dust management

It monitors PM10 and PM 2.5 particles in real time and activates misting systems only when necessary, saving water and operating costs associated with dust control in quarries and open-pit mines.

Compliance (EU) 2024/1787

Compliance (EU) 2024/1787

Generates traceable historical methane (CH4) concentration data that facilitates the preparation of Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) reports required by Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 for active and closed coal mines.

Early detection of leaks

Early detection of leaks

Instantly identifies peaks in methane concentration and fugitive emissions, making it the ideal complement for optimising the LDAR technique and allowing action to be taken before a leak becomes a safety incident or an environmental fine.

Defence against complaints

Defence against complaints

It has an unalterable historical record to technically support that dust, noise, or methane emissions were within established limits, correlating the data with wind direction to confirm or rule out sources external to the mine or quarry.

Nanoenvi EQ: all-in-one IoT solution for real-time environmental monitoring in mines and quarries

Nanoenvi EQ devices are robust, compact and low-maintenance devices, particularly suited to the complex terrain and harsh environmental conditions found in mines and quarries.

They are based on IoT technology and, thanks to multiple configuration options for sensors, power supply and connectivity, they enable continuous measurement of methane (CH4) emissions, gases such as SO2, VOCs or NOx, dust and noise in a single device.

Continuous data even in remote areas

The features that make Nanoenvi EQ ideal for the mining sector are:

  • Energy autonomy: the option of power supply via solar panel and battery ensures uninterrupted operation in remote areas of the mine or quarry.
  • Total connectivity: equipped with LoRaWAN transmission technology, it is ideal for complex terrain due to its long range and low cost.
  • Its robust casing, manufactured with IP65 protection materials, allows it to operate in adverse weather conditions.

Sensor inalámbrio Nanoenvi EQ para monitorizar emisiones fugitivas

Continuous measurement of methane (CH4) and Regulation (EU) 2024/1787

The continuous monitoring of methane emissions in coal mines is a strategic priority in European climate policy. Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 establishes a rigorous framework for reducing CH4 emissions in the energy sector, which directly affects both active and closed coal mines.

With Nanoenvi EQ, it is possible to:

  • Monitor, Report and Verify (MRV): design MRV systems based on direct and continuous methane measurements at critical points in the mine (e.g. ventilation shafts, drainage stations), reducing dependence on generic emission factors and improving the accuracy of emissions inventories.
  • Leak detection and repair (LDAR): use the device as a sentinel sensor in risk areas to locate critical emission points for gases such as SO₂, NOx or VOCs and prioritise field inspections, optimising LDAR equipment resources.

 

 

Continuous monitoring of dust and particulate matter PM10 and PM2.5 in quarries

Airborne dust is the most visible impact of a quarry. The Nanoenvi EQ device uses an optical particle counter to continuously measure PM1, PM2.5 and PM10 fractions.

By combining this data with meteorological sensors (especially wind speed and direction), the platform allows you to:

  • Predict the trajectory of the dust cloud and protect nearby inhabited areas.
  • Activate irrigation or misting systems when certain thresholds are exceeded.
  • Distinguish between internal contributions from the operation and external contributions (traffic, other industries), strengthening environmental management and communication with the community.

Just need to monitor particles continuously?

For locations where only suspended dust needs to be measured, we offer Nanoenvi EQPM, a variant of the Nanoenvi family focused on continuous measurement of particulate matter that significantly reduces the cost of the equipment.

 

 

Continuous monitoring of noise and environmental impact in mining

The noise from heavy machinery, material transport and blasting is one of the main sources of neighbourhood complaints and social conflicts in mines and quarries. Nanoenvi EQ can incorporate a sound level meter module to:

  • Continuously monitor sound pressure levels in the most sensitive areas.
  • Generate historical graphs and alarms when defined thresholds are exceeded.
  • Correlate noise peaks with operational events (blasting, loading, manoeuvres) and with the location of the sensors.

Obtaining legally valid data?

When legally valid noise measurements are required, for example for disciplinary proceedings or official reports, the Nanoenvi dB equipment can be integrated with a Class I sound level meter certified by the CEM, capable of continuously recording LAeq sound pressure levels and impulsive noise peaks, with data that is valid for the competent authorities.

 

 

Environmental data integrated into the cloud platform

The continuous emissions monitoring solution for mining and quarrying is complemented by a cloud platform that centralises all the data captured by the sensors.

From a single responsive web dashboard (accessible from a tablet, smartphone or computer), it is possible to:

  • View in real time the concentrations of methane, particles and noise at each point in the mine or quarry.
  • Configure smart alerts (SMS, e-mail) when pre-set thresholds are exceeded, so that you can stop or adjust an operation before it becomes a legal non-compliance or a health risk.
  • Generate reports and export historical data for audits, impact studies and improvement plans.
  • Correlate particle peaks with the wind rose, demonstrating the source of the pollution and supporting the technical defence against claims.

Data platform for environmental monitoring in mines and quarries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about continuous monitoring of dust and methane emissions in mining and quarries

What advantages does an ‘All-in-One’ sensor offer over traditional monitoring stations?

An all-in-one IoT device such as Nanoenvi EQ significantly reduces installation, cabling and maintenance costs compared to traditional bulky monitoring stations. By integrating into a single device:

  • Gas sensors (e.g. CH₄, CO, NOx, SO₂, H₂S, etc.).
  • Particulate matter sensors (PM1, PM2.5, PM10).
  • Noise and environmental parameters module.

This allows for the deployment of dense and flexible monitoring networks in mines and quarries, with IP65 protection for working in dusty and wet environments, and solar + battery power and LoRaWAN or 4G connectivity for remote environments.

How do you effectively control dust in a quarry?

Effective dust control requires continuous monitoring of PM10, PM2.5 and even PM1 particulate matter fractions, especially around the perimeter of the operation and in areas where dust is most likely to be generated (traffic lanes, loading areas, crushing areas).

By correlating this data with wind speed and direction, it is possible to identify whether the dust generated by blasting or transport is exceeding legal limits outside the quarry and, if so, to activate corrective measures such as automated track watering or optimisation of operating schedules.

How does environmental data help mining sustainability?

By storing historical data on methane, dust and noise and generating automatic reports, mining companies can:

  • Be transparent with local communities and regulators.
  • Identify patterns (e.g. dust clouds on windy days) and anticipate risky situations.
  • Optimise water and energy use, reducing their carbon footprint and improving their sustainable mining indicators.
How does Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 affect methane monitoring in mines?

Regulation (EU) 2024/1787 stipulates that mining companies must design robust Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) systems for their methane (CH4) emissions. The aim is to reduce reliance on generic estimates and move towards direct, continuous measurements at key emission sources (such as ventilation wells and drainage stations) wherever technically feasible.

Continuous monitoring solutions such as Nanoenvi EQ help to comply with this framework by providing historical data records, real-time alarms and traceability, facilitating mandatory external audits and the preparation of emissions inventories.

Is it mandatory to monitor emissions in closed or abandoned mines?

The new European regulatory framework on methane in the energy sector (Regulation (EU) 2024/1787) stipulates that Member States and operators must inventory closed or abandoned coal mines and establish monitoring plans to detect possible fugitive methane emissions.

Continuous monitoring using autonomous, solar-powered devices with wireless communication is one of the most efficient ways to manage these environmental liabilities, reduce the risk of gas accumulation and protect nearby populations.

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