Emissions-monitoring technology is driving cleaner, safer and smarter operations in the Australian mining industry.
In 2025, safety, sustainability and compliance aren’t just buzzwords for the mining industry, they’re critical to operational success.
As the sector responds to stricter emissions regulations and rising environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations, the need for accurate, rugged and reliable measurement tools has never been greater.
Testo is leading the charge with its emission measuring solutions. More than just individual instruments, Testo’s range seamlessly integrates hardware, software and service. The company’s cutting-edge tools – particularly the testo 340 and 350 emissions analysers – offer the mining sector the precision and durability it needs for mining operations.
The testo 340 is a compact, portable flue gas analyser ideal for spot checks and routine service. Lightweight and easy to carry, it excels in confined spaces. It measures key gases like oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and sulphur dioxide (SO2), which are essential for combustion and safety checks.
With interchangeable sensors and extended measurement ranges, the testo 340 adapts to various tasks, including testing diesel-powered vehicles and generators, monitoring air quality and quick diagnostics.
“It’s a flexible, field-ready tool for quick emissions testing and tuning,” Testo industry specialist Nihal Nadeem told Mining.
The testo 350 goes a step further, purpose-built for in-depth emissions analysis. Its modular design separates the control unit from the analyser box, so sensitive components remain protected while the smart probe operates directly at the emission source.
It is ideal for in-depth emissions analysis of large-scale diesel engines or ventilation systems, during commissioning, tuning and audits, and monitoring air quality trends long term.
“The testo 350 is a powerful, high-end analyser designed for compliance reporting and deep diagnostics in harsh industrial environments,” Nadeem said.
In the mining sector, these tools have distinct advantages.
Managing air quality
In certain mining applications, air quality can deteriorate quickly due to high concentrations of CO, NO, NO2 and SO2.
In mining operations, CO build-up is often caused by incomplete combustion in diesel engines, Nadeem said, and nitrogen oxides are also produced in high temperature combustion.
“Having these gases in the air is dangerous even in low concentrations,” he said. “Chronic exposure can lead to long-term health issues including lung damage and heart diseases, or even fatality.”
In addition to jeopardising worker safety, these conditions reduce the efficiency of mine ventilation systems, driving up operational costs.
Testo’s analysers allow teams to diagnose and act on these risks in real time. Both devices measure gases directly at the emission source, enabling rapid identification of exhaust leaks, engine malfunctions or unsafe air conditions.
“With the testo 340 and 350, you’re not just measuring air quality, you’re actively managing it,” Nadeem said.
The testo 350’s advanced diagnostic capabilities are especially valuable in root cause analysis, allowing teams to track engine performance and correlate emissions spikes to specific equipment or conditions.
“Having the 350 as part of a preventive maintenance kit allows engineers to address issues directly at the source,” Nadeem said.
Better combustion enabled by the testo 340 and 350 also leads to lower fuel consumption, fewer emissions and reduced maintenance costs, contributing to more sustainable and cost-effective operations overall.
Supporting ESG goals
As ESG considerations grow in importance, the testo 340 and Testo 350 are essential.
On the environmental front, they help mining operators quantify Scope 1 emissions by measuring direct emissions from company-owned equipment.
The testo 350 features smart data logging and report generation for regulatory submissions, internal audits and sustainability disclosures.
“The devices also play an important role in reducing environmental impact,” Nadeem said. “For example, with the 340 and 350, mining operators can see emissions from specific diesel engines and then tune them accordingly to reduce output.”
Regular testing with both devices enables mining operators to track progress on emissions reduction, demonstrating tangible improvements over time.
Importantly, Nadeem said, all Testo devices can fulfil Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.
When it comes to social goals, Testo’s technology supports worker health and safety by enabling proactive air quality management. Real-time alerts help teams respond immediately to emissions spikes or ventilation failures, protecting workers from prolonged exposure to harmful gases.
“In essence, the testo 340 and 350 detect issues before they become emergencies,” Nadeem said.
From a governance perspective, Testo’s in-built reporting tools simplify ESG and compliance workflows. Data can be exported for external or internal reporting, ensuring mining companies can provide credible, measurable and verifiable disclosures.
Built to last
Mining operations are often subject to extreme conditions, where dust, vibration, corrosive gases and high temperatures are the norm. The testo 340 and 350 have been engineered to thrive in these environments.
“Testo devices are built specifically for harsh conditions,” Nadeem said.
Their rugged construction includes impact-resistant housing, rubberised edges and sealed components for protection in the field. Built-in self-checks and smart diagnostics add another layer of reliability.
Equipped with industrial-grade gas filters and temperature protection systems, the Testo analysers operate in all conditions, from dusty mine shafts to hot engine exhaust streams to high-moisture flue stacks.
“With the right accessories, the probes and sensors can tolerate flue gas temperatures of up to almost 1800°C,” Nadeem said.
The sensors and filters are designed for long operating life, even with frequent exposure to aggressive gases. They can be replaced by team members on-site, making maintenance fast and easy.
With a dedicated network for calibration, service and training, Testo offers premium after-sales support to ensure ongoing performance and customer confidence.
“We provide three-day turnaround for servicing the 340 and 350,” Nadeem said. “On top of this, we have a dedicated team of industry experts to support our customers, offering regular webinars and training sessions to guide best practice use.”
Testo has long been a trusted partner to the mining sector, offering smart, cutting-edge solutions and industry-specific support.
In the demanding environment of mining, the testo 340 and 350 are more than just lab tools – they provide the flexibility, durability and precision the industry needs to safeguard workers, manage emissions and drive operational success.
This article appeared in the Winter edition of Mining Magazine.
