Occupational noise exposure remains a critical but under-prioritized hazard in the global mining industry, contributing significantly to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Workers in drilling, blasting, crushing, and haulage operations routinely face sound levels exceeding 85 dB(A) thresholds, often without adequate protective measures. Despite technological advances, systematic gaps persist in occupational noise hazards (ONH) research and prevention strategies. This study of systematic literature review and metadata analysis consolidate five decades of global research on occupational noise hazards in mining to evaluate methodological approaches, identify underrepresented regions and worker groups, and assess thematic trends for future occupational health strategies. The initial search yielded 69 articles, of which 65 were included for the present study. The review confirmed that most mining activities expose workers to noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A), with NIHL highly prevalent among long-tenured employees. Shift toward data-driven, interdisciplinary frameworks is needed to transform hearing protection from a compliance obligation to a health-preserving imperative.
Padhan et al. (Mon,) studied this question.