This technology includes a set of noise controls in the form of structural modifications to the cutting drums used in underground coal mining. Longwall shearer operators are exposed to high levels of noise, i.e., above 98 dB(A), which are clearly well above the permissible exposure level of 90 dB(A). In an effort to reduce this noise exposure, research was conducted that identified the longwall cutting drums as the most significant sound radiating components. The developed noise controls will reduce the sound radiated by the longwall cutting drums, and thus will reduce the noise exposure of the longwall operators.