addendum to the environmental impact assessment...
TRANSCRIPT
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ADDENDUM TO
THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT &
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN OF
LAUPADA IRON ORE MINE
Mining Lease Area : 80.536 Ha Villages : Laupada, Upar Kainsari & Salarpenth
Tehsil; Keonjhar Sadar District: Keonjhar
ODISHA
(July 2016)
Lessee M/S NARAYANI SONS
At/Po: Barbil, Keonjhar – 758035
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1. Introduction
Laupada Iron Ore Mine of M/s Narayani Sons over an area of 80.536
ha is the retained area after surrendering 60.80 ha of the total
original ML area of 141.336 ha. Originally the ML area over
141.3366 ha was granted to Shri R.S. Bhanjadeo for 30 years and
executed on 01.12.1970. The lease was transferred to M/s Narayani
Sons, Barbil on 02.12.1985 under the proprietorship of Shri
Dinanath Passary. The lease was scheduled to expire on 30.11.2000.
Renewal application was submitted in delay i.e. on 13.07.2000 due
to the medical ground of the lessee. Delay due to medical ground
was not condoned. Subsequently, revision application had been filed
by the lessee and rejected by the State Govt. The lessee filed the
case against the decision to the Tribnal (Mines). Finally, The State
Govt. was directed vide final order no. 02/2008 dated 06.02.2008 by
the Tribnal (Mines) to consider the RML application and permit the
lessee/petitioner to continue mining under Rule 24A(6) of MCR, 1960
till the disposal of renewal application for mining lease. However, the
lease period is deemed extent upto 30.11.2020 in view of section 8A
of MM (D&R)Act, 2015 (as amended).
To obtain the Environmental Clearance, the lessee has applied in the
year 2008 under EIA Notification 2006 during the renewal as well as
enhancement of iron ore production from 21707 TPA to 1,20,000
TPA. Based on the document submitted, Terms of Reference (TOR)
was issued vide folder no. J-11015/352/2008-IA.II(M) dated
05.02.2008 (enclosed as Annexure I). The EIA/EMP Report was
prepared and Public Hearing was conducted on 22.09.2010. The Final
EIA/EMP report was submitted to MOEF&CC and was discussed in the
EAC meeting. Though the project was approved, it was observed by
the EAC that project related to violation under EP Act, 1986 and a
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correspondance was issued for complying the violation before issue
of EC grant order vide letter dated 31.05.2011 (enclosed as
Annexure II). During the process of compliance, the lessee
intended to surrender a part over an area of 60.80 ha and
application was submitted to surrender 60.80 ha and to retain
80.536 ha. Subsequently Final Mine Closure Plan for the surrendered
area and modified Mine Plan was approved by IBM vide letter no.
FMCP/MAN/05-ORI/BHU/2011-12 dated 05.12.2011 (enclosed as
Annexure III) and letter no. MPM/OTFM/04-ORI/BHU/2013-
14/3290 dated 20.11.2014 (enclosed as Annexure IV). After
complying the conditions of violation, the case was once again
considered by the EAC Meeting during May 15th – 17th , 2013 and
was discussed. The committee after recommending the proposal
sought the following information from the lessee to consider and
grant EC due to reduction in lease area (enclosed as Annexure V).
• Approved Mining Plan/Scheme for 80.536 ha
• One month AAQ data for non-monsoon season.
• Revised EIA/EMP Report and questionnaire for 80.536 ha.
This addendum is prepared in accordance to fulfill the information
sought by the EAC member with a request to consider the case of
Laupada Iron Ore Mining project of M/s Narayani Sons and grant
Environmental Clearance.
2. Project Description
• Location & Accessibility
District & State Keonjhar, Odisha Tehsil Keonjhar Sadar Village Laupada, Upar Kainsari & Salarpenth Lease Area 80.536 Ha
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Toposheet No. 73G/10 Latitude 21o 40’ 05” to 21o 40’ 40” N Longitude 85o30’ 10” to 85o 30’ 50” E
Lease area is connected through State High way over a distance of
six (6) km. upto Raisuan, six (6) km. metalled road upto
Mahadeijoda & M.L area and connected to NH-6, at a distance of 16
km joining Keonjhar district head quarter. The area is situated at a
distance of 16 km from Keonjhar township. The nearest railway
station is Keonjhar, located at a distance of 18 km from the ML
area, which is under East Coast Railway and the railway siding is
also at Keonjhar. The district head quarter is at a distance of 16 Km
from the mine side. Location map of the ML area is depicted in
Figure No. 1.
Figure No. 1: Location Map of the ML Area
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• Mining Methodology Earlier, the ROM produced from the mine was broken, sized, sorted
and blended manually. Loading was also carried out manually. There
exist a total of 17 quarries no. of trial pits over an area of 3.237 ha;
three external dumps over an area of 2.424 ha; four mineral stack
yard over an area of 0.645 ha and two sub grade stack over an area
of 0.145 ha. The details are as follows. The surface plan showing the
position of quarry, dumps etc is depicted in Figure No. 2.
Table I: Details of Existing Quarries Name Length (m) Width (m) Area
(Sq.m) Depth (m) No. of
Benches Q-1 175 25 4375 4 1 Q-2 70 36 2520 6 2 Q-3 50 20 1000 1 1 Q-4 60 45 2700 2 1 Q-5 70 35 2450 2 1 Q-6 50 20 1000 1 1 Q-7 45 12 540 3 1 Q-8 30 15 450 2 1 Q-9 44 10 440 3 1 Q-10 35 16 560 4 1 Q-11 30 25 750 2 1 Q-12 20 16 320 2 1 Q-13 80 40 3200 1 1 Q-14 70 35 2450 1 1 Q-15 75 15 1125 3 1 Q-16 60 30 1800 1 1 Q-17 64 40 2400 2 1
Table II: Details of Existing Dumps Name Length (m) Width (m) Area
(Sq.m) Height (m) No. of
Terraces Dump -1 285 16 4560 3 1 Dump-2 172 105 18060 0.5 1 Dump-3 54 30 1620 0.7 1
Table III: Details of Existing Mineral Stack Yard Type of Ore Location Area
occupied (Sq.m)
Quantity (t) Grade
ROM Ore 350N/30E 2332 166 57.5% Fe Lumps (10-40mm) 20N/250W 2852 10284 58% Fe Lumps (10-40mm) 00/20E 768 3588.99 62% Fe Lumps (10-40mm) 50N/50E 544 2502 61% Fe
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Table IV: Details of Existing Sub Grade Stack Name of Stack Location Area
occupied (Sq.m)
Quantity (t) Grade
Sub-Grade fines- 1 (-10mm)
20N/241W 500 1500 -55% Fe
Sub-Grade fines- 2 (-10mm)
26S/303W 950 7091 -55% Fe
Figure No. 2: Surface Plan of the ML Area
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It is proposed to work the mine by opencast semi-mechanised
method on single shift basis. 0.9 m3 capacity excavator for
excavation 7 loading of the materials into 10t capacity truck/tippers
which will unload it into the hopper of the 100tph capacity mobile
crushing unit & 50 tph screening unit. Sized materials obtained will
be dispatched directly to the consuming industries after resorting to
breaking & sizing. Height & width of the benches will be kept at 3m
and 5m respectively. The individual bench faces will be kept nearly
vertical whereas the overall quarry slope angle is proposed to be
maintained at around 310 with the horizontal. Actively operated
quarry namely Q-1 will be developed and merged with the quarries
namely Q-2 to Q-12 and pits namely P-1 to P-7 & P-18 to 22 during
the current plan period. The overall progress in mining will be mainly
laterally towards northwest. Mining shall be operated for 300 days in
a year with single shift operation.
3. Reserves & Production
• Reserve Estimation
Iron Ore resource has been estimated by cross sectional area
method. Cross sectional area measured from the sections is
multiplied with the strike length of influence, bulk density and
recovery factor to arrive at the quantity of the ore in tones.
The parameters considered for iron ore resource estimation are as
follows.
Sl. No.
Parameters Quantitative Aspects
1. Length of Influence 100m 2. ROM Ore 30% w.r.t. total excavation 3. Tonnage factor 3t/m3 4. Cut-off grade 55% Fe 5. Saleable ore
Recovery factor 20% w.r.t. total excavation
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Grade +55% Fe 6. Mineral reject
Incidence factor 10% w.r.t. total excavation Grade +45-55% Fe
7. Waste Materials 70% w.r.t. total excavation 8. Grade Haematite variety of iron ore occur in
this area. Color of the ore is reddish brown to cherry red. Luster is metallic. Cut-off grade is 55% Fe. Grade varies from 44.96%, say 45% Fe to 64.2% Fe as per the chemical analysis. Threshold value of iron ore is 45% Fe and average grade is 57.37% Fe.
Minerable reserve has been calculated considering reserve locked
under 7.5m safety zone along the lease boundary and the ultimate
pit slope.
Category of Iron Ore Reserve as per UNFC Measured Resource (331): Quarry and pit excavation are mainly
cocnetrated at the central portion between 100S to 300N and 500W
to 300E grid and maximum depth attended by the quarries & pit is 6
m from surface level. Therefore, 6m thick ore zone in & around the
said working quarries & pits is estimated under measured category
due to higher level of confidence.
Indicated Resource (332): Iron ore zone to the SSE of measured
ore zone has been explored by the shallow quarries and most of the
quarries are partially soil filled due to non-working over a long
period. Iron ore of this area upto the same 6m depth has been
estimated under indicated category duw to lower level of confidence.
Inferred Resource (333): Iron ore exposure are also seen beyond
this measured and indicated ore zone which is scatterly explored by
the shallow quarries and partially soil filled. Therefore, iron ore of
this area has been estimated under inferred category duw to the
lowest level of confidence.
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As per the past working, +55% Fe ore (saleable ore) and +45-
55%Fe ore (sub-grade ore) are estimated to be as follows:
Resource Type Total tonnage
(+45% Fe) Saleable Ore (+55%)
Sub-grade ores (+45-55% Fe)
Measured resource (331) 669900 462000 207900 Indicated Resource (332)
297932 206160 91772
Inferred Resource (333) 706788 487440 219348 Total 1674620 1155600 519020
During mining operation, a part of the mineral resources will be
blocked up below (a) 7.5m wide safety zone along the lease
boundaries 9b) 50m on either side of the perennial nala and (c)
ultimate pit slope. The details of non-mineable/blocked up resource
is as follows.
Iron ore Resources (+45% Fe) Mineable reserve
(t) Blocked/Non-mineable resource (t)
Category Quantity (t)
Measured resource (331)
669900 652152 17748
Indicated Resource (332)
297932 274572 23360
Inferred Resource (333)
706788 634404 72384
Total 1674620 1561128 113492
The mine is planned to produce 1,20,000 TPA of ROM Ore. Based on
the targeted production, the following is the year wise planning for
production.
Table V: Production Schedule Year Total
Excavation (m3)
Top Soil (m3)
OB (m3)
ROM Ore Ore/Waste ratio Ore Sub-Grade
m3 Tonne @3t/m3
m3 Tonne @2.7t/m3
1st Year
104640 4640 70000 20000 60000 10000 27000 1:2.33
2nd Year
114960 4960 77000 22000 66000 11000 29700
3rd Year
134800 4800 91000 26000 78000 13000 35100
4th Year
146100 6100 98000 28000 84000 14000 37800
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Ore zone is associated with 70% BHJ/shale & laterite and 30% ore
consisting of 20% saleable ore and 10% sub-grade iron ore. BHJ is
associated with the float ore without forming any independent and
compact hard zone. Therefore, the rock mass (ore & waste) is
amenable to mining without blasting which was practiced during
2008-09 and 2009-10. As estimated, geological reserve of saleable
iron ore is 1155600 t and mineable reserve is 1076640 t. During the
plan period, a total of 288000 t of saleable iron ore will be produced.
Remaining reserve of 788640 t will be exhausted over a period of 9.3
years say 10 years @ 84000 TPA saleable iron ore. Hence, the total
life of the mine shall be 14 years. However, the life may increase in
future depending upon the outcomes of proposed exploratory drill
holes. All the scattered quarries will be merged into single quarry till
the conceptual period resulting a total of 35.670 ha under quarry.
4. Land Schedule
Originally, ML area was spread over an area of 141.336 ha comprising
35.8648 ha forest land and 105.4712 ha Non-forest land. After
surrendering the entire forest land and few patches of non-forest land,
the retained area is reduced to 80.536 ha which comprises of only Non-
forest land.
Table VI: Land Schedule of the ML Area Sl. No.
Village/P.F. Earlier ML area over 141.336 ha
Retained Area over 80.536 ha
Forest Non Forest
Total Forest Non Forest
Total
1. Laupada 18.7020 66.8368 85.5388 -- 47.5401 47.5401 2. Salarpenth 0.6475 26.0092 26.6567 -- 25.8271 25.8271 3. Upar Kainsari 0.8984 12.6252 13.5236 -- 7.1688 7.1688 4. Gandhamardhan
P.F. 15.6169 -- 15.6169 -- -- --
Total 35.8648 105.4712 141.3360 -- 80.536 80.536
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5. Land Utilization Plan
The mine was under operation from 1970 and was topped working due
to want of statutory clearance. During the working of the mine in the
past, an area 10.511 ha non forest land has been degraded due to
mining and ancillary operations. The degraded land of 10.511 ha
comprises of quarried land over 3.237 ha, external dumping over 2.424
ha, mineral storahe over 0.790 ha, roads over 2.480 ha, Mineral
separation plant over 1.50 ha and infrastructure over 0.080 ha.
Considering the present mineable reserve and the rated production
capacity of 1,20,000 tpa of ROM iron ore, additional 36.447 ha non
forest land shall be degraded excluding 5.0 ha of green belt. As
predicted, during the conceptual period of mine, there shall be 28.578
ha unutilized area including safety zone @7.5m along the mining lease
boundary and 50 m along the bank of the nala.
Table VII: Land Utilization Plan of the ML Area Sl. No.
Land Utilization Existing Utilization (ha)
Additional area required during conceptual period (ha)
Total Area (Ha)
1. Area under excavation 3.237 32.433 35.670 2. Storage (Top Soil) -- 0.200 0.200 3. Storage (OB/Waste) 2.424 (-0.218) 2.206 4. Storage (Mineral) 0.790 1.032 1.822 5. Infrastructure 0.080 1.000 1.080 6. Road 2.480 1.000 3.480 7. Green Belt -- 5.000 5.000 8. Mineral Separation plant 1.500 1.000 2.500 9. Safety one including
unutilized Area 70.025 -- 28.578
Total 80.536 41.447 80.536
6. Screening & Crushing
Run-off mine raised/produced from the mine shall be fed into the grizzle
feeder of crawler mounted 100 tph mobile screen where +10-30mm
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lumps, oversize and waste will be separated. Out of these, oversize
material will be again fed to the wheel mounted 50tph mobile crusher
where +5-18mm, +10-30mm and -5mm fines will be obtained. A
typical flow sheet of the screening cum crushing complex is enclosed
as Annexure VI.
7. Physiography
The lease area exhibits gentle sloping agricultural fields and hills.
Central portion at the south part is covered under agricultural fields
whereas rest surrounding area are with hilly portion. The lease area
is centered around a ridge like escarpment which runs in the north -
south direction. The top of the ridge, has a peak at 564 mRL. The
bottom of the escarpment is at about 531 mRL. A number of gullies
lead down from the top of the escarpment on both the eastern and
western slopes.
There is no national park, biosphere reserve and sanctuary, habitat for
migratory birds, archeological site, defense installation, and airports
within 10 km of the periphery of the lease area. The area does not fall
in seismically active or landslide prone zone.
8. Drainage Pattern
The area is bisected by a prominent dry nala. The main drainage
system of the area is Kadal River which flows at a distance of 0.4 km.
along SSE-NNE. The study area has dendritic pattern of drainage
because of its hilly topography. The ridge of the Gandhamadan Paharh
roughly divides the mine lease area into eastern and western half. The
western part of the lease area is drained by several channels, which
form the Patarpagi Nadi and the Bamni Nadi which flow towards west
and north west respectively. The Patarpagi Nadi joins the Bamni Nadi
about 7 km W of the mine lease. The Bamni Nadi flows towards the
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NW. The Chamda Nala subsequently joins the Baitarani river about 11
km SW of the lease area.
9. Ambient Air Quality
As per the instruction issued by the members of EAC, the Ambient Air
Quality Monitoring was carried out during May 2016 by engaging a
NABL Accreditated environmental laboratories. The existing Ambient Air
Quality (MQ) status has been monitored for the parameters like PM10,
PM2.5, S02, NO2 and CO. PM10, PM2.5, SO2 & NO2 at each station has
been monitored on 24 hours basis, while CO was monitored on 1
hourly bases. The details of the AAQ Monitoring are depicted in the
Table VIII.
Figure No. 3: Map showing the location of AAQ Monitoring
Stations
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Table VIII: Details of Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations
Sl. No.
Station Code
Locations Direction Distance
1. A1 Near Administrative Building
Core Zone
--
2. A2 Laupada 3. A3 Upar Kainsari 4. A4 Salarapentha 5. A5 Kampadihi 6. A6 Gandhamardhan P.F. 7. A7 Madarangajori 8. A8 Suakati
The monitored values of AAQ in the regions is given in the following table.
Table IX: AAQ Monitoring results
Sl. No.
Date of Sampling
Unit
Parameters PM10 µg/m3
PM2.5 µg/m3
SO2 µg/m3
NOx µg/m3
CO mg/m3
Near Administrative Building (A1) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 52 25 8.3 15.1 BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 47 25 5.7 12.1 BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 51 21 7.2 26.1 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 56 20 7.2 13.1 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 54 22 5.0 11.1 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 56 21 5.0 16.1 BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 45 17 4.6 10.2 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 51 18 5.2 12.1 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 57 24 5.2 12.1 BDL
Laupada (A2) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 50 18 5.0 11.4 BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 53 21 5.2 11.0 BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 58 26 5.5 12.6 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 55 22 5.2 13.1 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 48 20 4.7 10.9 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 51 24 5.2 10.3 BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 57 25 5.9 12.7 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 62 29 5.9 13.3 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 60 30 6.3 14.2 BDL
Upar Kainsari (A3) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 56 22 4.9 10.6 BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 48 19 BDL BDL BDL
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3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 51 23 4.8 9.9 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 58 25 5.3 11.0 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 50 22 5.1 10.6 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 43 20 BDL BDL BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 55 25 5.3 10.2 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 46 21 4.8 9.9 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 62 27 5.8 12.7 BDL
Salarapentha (A4) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 49 18 BDL BDL BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 53 21 4.7 BDL BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 51 23 4.8 9.8 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 59 26 5.3 11.2 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 52 22 5.0 10.6 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 45 19 BDL BDL BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 55 25 5.3 10.2 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 50 24 4.8 9.9 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 63 27 5.2 12.4 BDL
Kampadihi (A5) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 51 20 7.1 12.0 BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 55 25 6.1 12.6 BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 48 19 5.1 10.5 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 54 21 6.6 12.6 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 46 15 5.4 11.2 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 63 24 5.6 13.7 BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 57 25 4.9 11.8 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 64 30 5.7 14.8 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 49 16 4.5 11.6 BDL
Gandhamardhan PF (A6) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 42 17 BDL BDL BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 45 19 BDL BDL BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 51 25 4.8 9.8 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 55 26 4.9 10.0 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 52 22 5.0 10.6 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 43 20 BDL BDL BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 54 25 5.3 10.2 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 50 24 4.8 9.9 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 38 15 BDL BDL BDL
Madarangajori (A7) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 56 21 4.8 11.4 BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 51 22 5.0 10.8 BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 68 26 5.7 13.1 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 63 29 5.9 13.8 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 48 20 4.7 10.9 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 52 24 5.2 10.3 BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 57 25 5.9 12.7 BDL
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8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 60 27 5.5 13.3 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 65 30 6.3 14.2 BDL
Suakati (A8) 1 02.05.2016 µg/m3 70 29 6.1 13.6 BDL 2 05.05.2016 µg/m3 65 24 5.2 12.8 BDL 3 09.05.2016 µg/m3 61 28 5.9 13.2 BDL 4 12.05.2016 µg/m3 42 15 4.9 11.9 BDL 5 16.05.2016 µg/m3 68 28 4.9 12.7 BDL 6 19.05.2016 µg/m3 73 34 7.1 13.5 BDL 7 23.05.2016 µg/m3 33 11 4.5 9.0 BDL 8 26.05.2016 µg/m3 57 23 4.9 10.4 BDL 9 30.05.2016 µg/m3 74 32 5.8 14.2 BDL
Permissible Limit as per CPCB standards
(For 24 Hrs Sampling)
100 µg/m3
60 µg/m3
80 µg/m3
80 µg/m3
4.0 mg/m3
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10. Environmental Management Plan An essential step to formulate the Environmental management
Plan is to identify all potential environmental impacts. The
identified impacts due to mining and associated activities in
Laupada Iron Ore Mine have been studied in relation to the
following areas:
• Impact on Air Environment • Impact on Noise, Vibration & Transport Infrastructure • Impact on Water Environment • Impact on Land Environment
Topography and landscape Land Use Alteration
• Impact on Flora and fauna • Impact on Socio Economic
Table X: Mining Activity and Associated Impacts
Sr. No.
Activity Aspects Impact
1 Primary Drilling in OB & ore
− Generation of dust − Generation of noise − Leakage of oil − Vibration
− Air pollution − Noise pollution − Land & water pollution − Nuisance
2 Secondary Drilling in ore − Generation of dust − Generation of noise − Leakage of oil − Generation of
exhaust emissions
− Air pollution − Noise pollution − Land & water pollution − Air pollution
3 Oil topping / filling in drills
− Spillage of oil − Land & water pollution
4 HSD filling in machinery − Spillage of HSD − Land & water pollution
5 Handling & disposal of used hoses
− Generation of scrap − Land pollution
6 Cleaning and washing of machines
− Discharge of contaminated water
− Land & water pollution
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7 Blasting − Generation of dust − Generation of
fumes − Air blast − Ground vibration − Fly rock − Disposal of
explosive cartons
− Air pollution − Air pollution − Noise pollution − Damage to property − Damage to property &
human safety − Land pollution
8 Power shovel operation − Generation of dust − Generation of noise − Leakage of oil − Vibration
− Air pollution − Noise pollution − Land pollution − Nuisance
9 HEMM operation − Generation of dust − Emission of exhaust
gases − Leakage of oil − Generation of noise − Vibration
− Air pollution − Air pollution − Land & water pollution − Noise pollution − Nuisance
10 Waste dumping (OB / Slime)
− Contaminated surface run off
− Slope failure − Generation of dust − Leaching
− Water pollution − Land & water pollution − Air pollution − Land degradation
11 Dumping of ore in primary crushers
− Emission of exhaust gases
− Generation of noise
− Air pollution − Noise pollution
12 Transportation of ore − Generation of Noise − Noise pollution
13 Ore stacking − Contaminated surface run off
− Slope failure − Generation of dust − Leaching
− Water pollution − Land & water pollution − Air pollution − Land degradation
The present mining operations includes the activities like excavation, loading,
screening & crushing and transportation. Based on the mining activities, measures
have been suggested to keep pollution under control.
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Air Pollution Control Measures
Since the ore contains sufficient moisture, there will be marginal fugitive dust emissions during loading / unloading of overburden and ore. Overburden dumps will be periodically wetted and subsequently vegetated to reduce fugitive dust generation by wind.
The total length of haul roads to be used for truck-transport at Laupada Mine will be limited to about 1.0 km resulting in reduced line-source emissions. Secondly, the mine area is away from the human habitation and is surrounded by dense forest which would act as filters of airborne dust and human habitation would not be affected. However, to reduce dust from haul roads, the following measures will be taken:
• The approach road to the mine site (beyond quarry proper upto Public road) shall be a metalled road. Also the roads leading to the workshop, office and magazine will be metalled.
• The unmetalled haul roads shall be adequately compacted before
being put into use. Periodical water sprinkling on these roads shall be ensured to keep the surface moist and minimize dust generation by dint of an automatic water sprinkling system having a PLC controlled timer sequence.
• Overloading of transport equipment(trucks) shall be prohibited in
order to control spillage, which would otherwise result in generation of dust
• Greenbelt will be provided along the outer periphery of the
leasehold area, including the transportation corridor to minimize the impact of dust and noise on the external environment.
• Dump slope shall be compacted and vegetated to stabilize the
same so that fugitive dust generation is minimised.
Dust control measures and periodic dust level survey as stipulated in Metalliferrous Mines Regulation 1961, shall be adhered to.
Gaseous pollutants in the exhaust fumes generated by the mining machinery and equipment shall be minimised by ensuring proper maintenance and periodic overhauling of the machinery and vehicles. The repair workshop and maintenance garage shall be equipped with all necessary facilities like impervious lined flooring with shed and oil catch pit etc. The vehicle-washing
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platform shall have an effective oil separation system. The recovered waste oil shall be disposed off as per the guidelines of the Hazardous Waste (Mgt. & Handling) Rules,2008 and amendments thereof and the clear water will be utilized for gardening or vehicle washing thus conserving natural resource .
In order to suppress fugitive dust level in crushing plant, dust suppression system shall be provided. Crusher shall be housed in the building so that dust containment takes place.
Active overburden dumps are the sources of dust pollution. The O.B. dumps can be kept moist by sprinkling water over it periodically to reduce the emission of dust from it.
Vehicles used during the mining operation shall obtain Pollution Under Control (PUC) Certificate from authorized centres.
Noise Pollution Control Measures
Noise level shall be maintained below 90 dB (A) in work zone (for 8 hours exposure). Noise levels are expected to slightly increase (with respect to present low level) at surface work zone with increase in mining and allied activities. The following measures will be taken to reduce noise levels.
• Diesel powered machineries which are major source of noise
in open cast environment will be properly maintained as per maintenance schedule to prevent undesirable noise.
• Persons exposing to the high noise shall be provided with ear protective appliances.
• Plantation shall be developed around office building and mine to reduce noise exposure level.
• Plantation shall be developed around the crusher unit in order to reduce the noise level in the surrounding area.
21
• The transportation route shall be maintained regularly and steps shall be taken to develop this road as pucca road.
• During transportation of sized ore, the trucks shall be covered with tarpaulin sheets in order to minimize the dust generation.
• Adequate display boards shall be displayed throughout the transportation route and various measures shall be adopted to minimize the accident due to increase in traffic load.
Water Pollution Control measures
Water management (including storm water drainage) scheme (by a network of garland drains/ diversion ditches and catch pits) has been planned. The salient features of the scheme are as follows:
• Garland drains shall be made around dumps and stock-piles. While
constructing drains, routing and terracing shall be done maintaining the overall slope in the direction of pre-mining flow direction so that run off distribution is not affected and drainage pattern would not be changed.
• First one or where possible two rows of parallel or near parallel
diversion ditches shall be constructed preferably in non ore bearing area. Garland drains shall be constructed as much as possible on all sides of excavated area (depending on contours). In order to handle precipitated water inside the quarry, parallel ditches (smaller section diversion ditches) shall be constructed. The connecting drains between them shall carry water down to the bottom sump.
• Retaining wall (0.8m X 0.4 m boulders in mud) shall be made on all
sides of the dumps. Retaining walls will have weep holes to allow water to flow down to garland drains.
• Two stage catch pits of adequate size shall be constructed at suitable
places depending upon contour. Storm water shall get collected at the catch pits through a network of garland drains.
22
• Coir-matting of dump slopes shall be undertaken in order to prevent rain-wash-offs. The dump slopes will thereafter be vegetated.
• Small grasses and bushes allowed to grow in drains hold back solid
particles from draining away
• Small stone barriers or check dams across the drain will check water current and arrest solids
• Stone pitching will be made at suitable places to regulate water flow.
• Some of the drains which will serve for a long time shall be made
permanent
• Earthen bunds would be constructed all around the outer edges of abandoned benches before reclamation so as to prevent carry over of solid material by the surface run-off.
• Settling pits and drains shall be cleaned periodically.
Canteen wastewater will be discharged to the soak pits. Thus there will be no regular effluent discharge from this mine going outside the lease area. Surface run off shall be generated only during heavy monsoon for which drainage in the core zone has been planned to be regulated in a manner so that impact on surface water bodies is minimized and yet the drainage pattern of the area is not affected.
Garland drains are expected to carry substantial load of ore particles. The garland drain shall lead to catch pits from where the ore particles will be scooped out and sent back to stockpiles and clean overflow water shall be put back for use in water sprinkling.
The transportation corridor may intersect perennial drainage channel at places. Passage of the water flow shall be regulated through conduits.
Sanitary sewage generated from offices & mine area will be discharged to septic tank / soak pit and the solid waste so generated will be used as manure in greenbelt development around mine and mine infrastructure.
Land utilization Plan & its Reclamation
Mining will only be an interim land use and will involve land degradation distributed over the lifetime of the project. The table conclusively shows that
23
the mining project will have effect on the topography of the area only. Plan showing the position of quarries and dump etc. at the end of plan period till the end of life of mine is depicted in Figure No. 4 & Figure No. 5 respectively. Section of quarries at the end conceptual period is depicted in Figure No. 6.
In operational stage some change in land use in nearby buffer zone also is anticipated due to increased economic activities, urbanization etc. which is viewed as a positive change because existing amenities are poor in the region.
Table No. XI: Land Utilization break up
Sl. No.
Particulars At the end of plan period
At the end of conceptual
period
1. Quarry Area 10.250 35.670 2. Overburden Dump Area 4.175 2.206 3. Road 3.480 3.480 4. Infrastructure 1.080 1.080 5. Mineral Separation Plant 2.500 2.500 6. Ore Stack 1.822 1.822 7. Top Soil Stack 0.155 0.200 8. Others 2.895 -- 9. Green Belt 2.000 5.000 Total : 28.357 51.958
Source: Mining Plan
24
Figure No. 4: Plan showing position of quarry & dumps at the end of Plan Period
25
Figure No. 5: Plan showing position of quarry & dumps at the end of mining
26
Figure No. 6: Section of quarries at the end of Conceptual period
Solid Waste Generation & its management
During the conceptual period (life of mine), 1256080 m3 waste will be
generated. Out of these 70000 m3 will be dumped by extending Dump-1 over
an area of 17500 m2 or 1.750 ha to the south of Dump-1. The details of
dump at the end of life of mine will be as follows.
Dump No. Length (m) Width (m) Area (m2) Average Height (m)
No. of terraces
Dump-1 250 88.24 22060 4 1
27
Remaining waste to the tune of 1186080m3 shall be utilized for backfilling of
29.652 ha at 4 m average height.
A total of 179440m3 sub-grade iron ore will be generated during the life of
the mine. An area of 9600 m2 or 9.060 hectare is earmarked. Sub-grade ore
of the plan period as well as beyond will be sold in the indigenous market
due to decrease of cut-off grade day by day because of technological
improvement in beneficiation plant and metallurgical industry.
Waste dump area over 2.206 ha will rehabilitated by way of soil conditioning
& plantation and mined out area over 29.652 ha will be reclaimed by the
back-filling & plantation. Remaining mined out area over 35.670-29.652 =
6.018 ha will be rehabilitated by plantation. Hence, total area under
reclamation & rehabilitation will be 2.206+29.652+6.018 = 37.876 ha. Top
soil and cow dung will be utilized for formation of a fertile layer on the top of
the waste dump and backfilled/mined out area for growth and nourishment
of trees.
The following measures shall be taken during waste disposal to the external
dump yard.
Terrace should be inward slope with catch drain at the inward
slope of terrace.
Catch drain of the terrace should be connected to the garland
drain outside the periphery of dump. Catch drains will be
preferably made up of half concrete open pipes followed by
settling tanks to avoid wash offs and will also have provision of
burns at the outer side to reduce gully formation due to
rainwater wash offs.
The entire quarried area as well as dumping area shall be technically and
biologically reclaimed during the conceptual period of mine. The other
28
ancillary facilities such as mineral separation plant, top soil storage area,
mineral storage area, offices etc shall be cleared and plantation shall be
carried out.
Massive plantation shall be carried out on the benches of the pit and dump.
The quarried area and dumping area shall be planted with local species.
Proper advice and support shall be taken from the local forest offices and
Horticulture departments to carry out the plantation activities. The artificial
forests developed on external dumps and other areas in the lease shall
match well with the existing forests in near buffer zone resulting in a uniform
land use. Gradual increase of forest cover shall inhabit the impacted fauna
even in operational stage. During the plan period, plantation shall be
developed over an area of 2.00 ha around lease boundary and vacant
spaces. Utmost care shall be undertaken to ensure the survival & growth of
the trees. Fast growing trees shall be planted in the no-tree land to form a
comprehensive green belt. Cummulatively there will be plantation over 5.0
ha over the virgin land till the conceptual period which includes 2.0 ha of
plantation during the plan period and 5.0 ha beyond the plan period. A total
of 68602 saplings such as mango, mahul, jamun, neem, maha neem etc will
be planted over an area of 42.876 ha by the end of conceptual period.
Table No. XII: Afforestation Programme
Sl. No.
Type of Plantation Area (ha)
No. of saplings
1. Plantation over virgin area 5.000 8,000 2. Plantation to be done for reclamation of
mined out area 29.652 47,443
3. Plantation to be done for rehabilitation of mined out area
6.018 9,629
4. Plantation to be done for rehabilitation of waste dump
2.206 3,530
Total 42.876 68,602
Establishing agriculture in reclaimed land, even by part, has not been
planned considering the following:
29
• Agricultural yield from the dry lateritic land is very less.
• For successful agriculture in this unproductive soil, fertilizers and
pesticides would be used which could pollute the downstream water
sources beneath.
• The forest cover is more instrumental in converting the mined out area
into natural landscape.
The lessee shall put its best effort to retain the status of the land and shall
develop the utilized area accordingly. The following table shows the
reclamation plan as suggested during the conceptual period of the ML
area.
Table No. XIII: Reclamation plan
Sl. No.
Description Plantation
Water Body
Public use
Backfilling/
Plantation
Total
1. Mining 6.018 -- -- 29.652 35.670 2. Overburden Dumps 2.206 -- -- -- 2.206 3. Infrastructure -- -- 1.080 -- 1.080 4. Roads -- -- 3.480 -- 3.480 5. Safety Zone &
Unused Area 5.000 -- -- -- 5.000
Total 13.224 -- 4.560 29.652 -- Source: Mining Plan
Thus, the table conclusively shows that the mine shall generate 42.876 ha of
artificial forest within the leasehold area. Road shall be kept as it is because
it will serve the local people as better approach road to other areas as well as
this can be utilized by the forest department.
Top soil generated during the mining period, shall be stored temporarily.
Arrangements for watering the top soil dump through internal perforated
pipes shall be made to maintain moisture level in the soil. Topsoil shall be
used for spreading over the back-filled mine pits and for reclaiming the
30
dumps. Topsoil spreading will provide better condition for plant growth. Due
weightage shall be given to restoration of specific root zone properties that
were disrupted during mining and reclamation process. Optimum thickness
for spreading of topsoil cover shall be restricted to 10 cm. In case, the topsoil
is required to be stacked for longer period, deterioration of the stacked area
shall be prevented by planting species, which will not only bind the soil but
also contribute towards enrichment of soil. The species recommended are
fodder grasses or leguminous crops like Cajanus, Cowpea etc. These plants
will help to prevent soil erosion and help to build up nitrogen content of soil
through nitrogen fixing bacteria present in the root nodules of these plants.
Soil and Water Conservation
• To prevent direct impact of rain on soil erosion, close plantation on
dump with 1.5 to 2.0 m plant-to-plant distance is suggested. Plants
grow profusely and its crown act as barrier during rainfall on the
dumps. Plantation of draught resistant species of Acacia, Cassia,
Prosopsis, and Sesbania is suggested.
• External dumps erode and form small gullies due to water action.
These gullies can be plugged with rubble and brushwood followed by
plantation of Agave or similar shrubs (Figure No. 7).
Figure No. 7: Close Planting in Contour Trenches (Tree Species) and Thick Planting of Agave on Gullies of Old Dumps
31
• Retaining and protective walls at the bottom of the dumps shall be
constructed. After terracing and leveling of these dumps, suitable plant
species shall be grown. Coir matting and grasses would be used to
stabilize the outer slopes of dump.
• The mining operations are confined to higher elevations. During the
rainy season, the run-off flows downwards causing the soil and
minerals getting washed down the slopes. This will be prevented by
digging of channels along the slopes and constructing trenches across
specially prepared pits on flat land limiting the damage, thus
conserving the water and soil.
• Proposals for backfilling, leveling and terracing of dumps and
plantation of vegetation have been made.
• Dumpsites have been selected over barren and non-mineral area to
minimize the degradation of natural reserve forest.
• Silting shall be prevented by providing drains, so that the turbid water
is prevented from entering into lower areas which joins nallahs.
Settling tanks shall be provided before the check-dam, by digging the
bed of the nallah to arrest the movement of silt. Thereafter check-
dams will be cnstructed across the nallah to ensure that only the clear
overflow water leaves the lease area.
• A network of drainage with rain-water harvesting facility is proposed
so as to ensure maximum quantities of clear and usable water storage
for use during dry season.
• The plantation and greenbelt developed in the mine area would help in
obstructing the run off water and help to infiltrate the rain water in the
soil.
• Soil erosion can be reduced considerably by constructing check dams
at suitable sites and elevations. Check dams in series shall be
constructed to arrest wash off solids. The number and size of check
dams depend on the catchment area.
32
Conservation measures for Biological Environment
To check and control the impact of mining activities on the surrounding
environment, some specific efforts are to be made by adopting an effective
and viable strategy. Following measures may be adopted to prevent or at
least minimize damage to forests by mining.
1. A 7.5 m wide safety zone of forest will be maintained around the mine
lease area for protection of wild life and local tribal people from
hazards of mining activity.
2. Slopes of active dump areas would be put under greenery with suitable
local species of herbs, shrubs, trees and grasses which may fulfill the
medicine, fodder etc. needs of the inhabitants and fodder requirement
of wild life as well as prevent the dust nuisance.
3. Creation of green belt along the dumping areas and other areas etc.,
which will avert the loss of productivity of fields and other vegetation
from finer dust particles
4. Afforestation practices help in restoring and enhancing the forest
wealth in various ways and also helps in maintaining species diversity
5. Periodic water sprinkling measures will be adopted in mine areas,
wherever there is truck movements on haul roads, and at loading /
unloading operations to avoid dust pollution to wildlife.
6. Site specific wild life conservation plan has been prepared in
consultation with the district forest office and the mitigation measures
suggested in the plan shall be adhered to. Fund has been allocated in
the plan to meet the financial burden of the mitigation measures.
The green belt will serve the following purposes:
1. Compensate the loss of vegetation due to setting up of the mine
2. Prevent the spread of fugitive dust generated due to mining and allied
activities
3. Attenuate noise generated in the mine.
4. Reduce soil erosion
33
5. Help stabilise the slope of external soil and over-burden dumps
6. Increase green cover and improve aesthetics
7. Once the mine is abandoned, the green belt will accelerate re-
colonisation of the area by animals scared away by the project.
Environmental Management Cell (EMC) shall be in touch with Regional Plant
Resource Centre at Bhubaneshwar, which facilitates supply of saplings. The
green belt around the mine boundary shall be developed over an area of
42.876 ha till the end of the life of the mine. The lessee shall be carrying out
the plantation programme in nearby villages, waste land, dump slopes, non
working areas.
Afforestation
• Afforestation of mined out area and dump area is carried out to
mitigate the likely impacts on land environment by planting indigenous
and exotic plant species, i.e. through scientific afforestation.
• During afforestation the type of soil, climate, terrain features, extent
of dust and gaseous pollution and meteorological parameters shall be
considered.
• The concentrations of SO2 and NOx in the ambient air are well below
the maximum permissible levels for SO2 and NOx respectively. This
implies that there is no need to select plants tolerant to these gases;
instead, emphasis should be given to certain ecological considerations
including dust and noise attenuation.
• Low fertility of the soils, shallow rooting depths, lack of adequate
storage capacity for moisture are the prominent features of these
areas which need be considered in the selection of plant species,
watering schedule and guidelines for plantation.
• Area shall be identified for plantation near the mining area, approach
road sides, overburden dumps, filled-up mined area, areas around
process plant and ore loading / unloading yards.
34
• Areas exhibiting significant soil erosion, requiring different engineering
measures, depending upon the type of erosion problem have been
identified and located on a map for providing required control
measures, such as, check dams, runoff disposal drains etc.
• Root nodules of plants of Leguminosae family fix-up atmospheric
nitrogen required for plant growth, hence the plantation of
leguminosae species shall be encouraged, which will improve fertility
of the soils in the region.
• Profusely foliaged deciduous trees shall be planted as these trees shed
their leaves periodically which form natural mulch of litter on the
ground surface. These litters help in reducing soil erosion, improve
soil organic matter and increase water retention capacity of soil. The
plantation of shrubs, herbs and grasses also contribute to the similar
conditions as that of plantation of deciduous trees.
• To maintain ecological species diversity, multipurpose plant species
shall be selected for greenbelt and shelterbelt development. The
choice of the plant shall meet the environmental and economic
requirements such as aerosol capture, wind breaking, timber / wood,
fodder, soil improvement, fuel, shade / foliage, noise attenuation,
avenue and aesthetics. Figure No. 8 outlines important factors for
determining choice of the plant species.
35
Figure No.8: Factors Determining Choice of Species
Guidelines for planting the Seedlings
Seedling will be planted by making pits of suitable size and replacing about
one third of the material with cow dung manure or organic sludge from
vermi-compost. The design of the pit for plantation on level areas is
presented in Figure No.9. A pit of size 50 cm x 50 cm x 15 cm will be dug. A
composition constituting one-third of cow-dung or vermin-compost manure
will be mixed with two third of the excavated earth. Few boulders will be
placed at the pit bottom, and then the pit should be filled up with this
material. After this, a trench, 20 cm wide and 15 cm deep will be made; the
inner edge of the trench will be 15 cm from the centre of the pit, This will be
used as an irrigation furrow. In case of areas with gentle slope without
36
terraces, only half the trench is required to be made on the side of the higher
level.
Design of Plantations
− The recommended plants have been classified based on their usual
size, such as Large (L) Medium (M) and Small (S). Medium and Large
are rather relative terms whereas small plants can be shrubs or trees
that are inherently small. Figures depicting the design of plantations,
the various plant species have been indicated as L1, L2, L3 etc; M1, M2,
M3 etc. or S1, S2, S3 etc.. Plant species should be referred to know the
names corresponding to L1, M1 S1 etc.
− The design details of plantation on slopes are presented in Figure No.
10 for the gap between the edge of a road on hilly areas and the first
row of proposed avenue plants. Avenue rows a1 and a2 of lowest road
R-1 consist of L1, S3 and L5, S4 species respectively. On the degraded
hill slope there are 4 rows of plants; Pi, P2, P3 and P4 with combination
of M2 S1, L4, S6, L7, S7, and L13 S10 respectively. A side view from the
4th plant along Road 3rd to 4th plant along Road 1, has been presented
in Figure No.11. Anticipated blasting site shall have species that are
relatively more efficient in noise attenuation viz. L2, M5, S6, L6, S8, L11,
S9.
− Overburden shall be disposed of on barren and stable ground, away
from the water body and human inhabitation. The overburden dump
shall be compacted with bulldozer and soil cover shall be applied over
the waste. Tree plantation shall be undertaken in the waste disposal
area.
− The plantation on overburden and filled-up mined areas is presented in
Figure No. 12 and 13. The design presented in the Figure is
conceptual and includes four rows of trees on the filled-up mined areas
and five rows on the overburden dump. A large or medium tree
species shall be alternatively planted with a small tree species or
shrub. The row-to-row spacing is kept at 10 meters with plant-to-
37
plant distance within each row of 5 meters; the arrangement of trees
in any row is in a staggering way with respect to trees in rows on
either side.
Plantation on Areas Around the Ore loading / Unloading,
Processing and Subsequent Handling Sites
− On road sides around these locations, with 5 meters spacing, plant
species efficient in aerosol capture will be planted; viz. L1, L2, M3, M5,
M6, M13, M15. If there is adequate space to accommodate another row
of trees on the inner side, with 5 meters from the main row, evergreen
trees bearing compound leaves will be planted with 5 meters spacing
between the trees within this row. All these tree species will be
medium or large sized. Road leading to an ore stacking station is
likely to be adequately wide to accommodate for crossing over by two
transport trucks at a time. A conceptual design of these plantations is
presented in Figure No. 14. Upto turning of the road, 'A' a specific
sequence of plant species will be followed; at the turning, only shrubs
will be planted ('B'). The next straight stretch of the road, 'C', will
have sequence of tree species different than that followed for 'A'. On
the 'D' sites, yet another pattern of species should be planted. Species
in the shelterbelt are noted in the figure.
− The afforestation programme will aim at quickly covering barren or
degraded patches on hill slopes with semi-evergreen trees capable of
forming good humus, so that the water retention capacity of the soil is
high and surface erosion is reduced. It is suggested that wherever it is
difficult to procure local seedlings on specific sites, exotic tree species
may be procured.
38
Irrigation Schedule
− The capacity of irrigation furrow will be approximately 62 litres.
However, a quantity of 30 litres of irrigation water per plant is
suggested on the level areas and 20 litres on areas with gentle slopes.
− An irrigation interval of 3 days can be tentatively fixed for March and
April; 4 days during January, February, May and June; 6 days during
July, August, November and December; 8 days during September and
October. It is obvious that irrigation will not be required in the event of
rain.
Management of Slope Failures
− It is predicted that slope failure could occur due to destruction of
vegetation. Management of slope failure is necessary because of two
reasons. Firstly, at the places where slope failure occurs, vegetation is
lost. Secondly, downward movement of loosened materials damages
down slope vegetations. Such failures can be checked by planting
vegetation in affected areas.
Control of Wild Fire and Grazing
− Heavy grazing should be avoided to maintain plant density. Palatable
grasses and shrubs loose their vigour by continual close grazing,
productivity drops, shoots and roots die back and valuable litter
dwindles. Proper care shall be taken to control over-grazing and wild
fires.
39
Figure No.9: Design of Pits and Irrigation Furrow for Level Areas on Gentle Slopes
40
Figure No. 10: Plantation on Slopes near Mining Site and along Road
41
Figu
re N
o. 1
1:
Side
Vie
w f
rom
th
e 4th
Pla
nt
Alo
ng
Roa
d –
3 t
o 4th
Pla
nt
Alo
ng
Roa
d -1
42
Figu
re N
o. 1
2:
Pla
nta
tion
on
Ove
rbu
rden
& F
illed
up
Min
e A
rea,
R1, R
2 et
c. a
re P
lan
t R
ows
43
Figure No. 13: Plan of Contours of the Overburden and Filled up Mined Area
44
Figure No. 14: Plantation on Areas around the Ore Stacking, Grading and Loading Station
45
SOCIO ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT
Critically analyzing the existing environmental status of the socio-economic
profile and visualizing the scenario with the project, the impacts of the
project would be varied and may generate both positive and negative
impacts in the region that are stated below.
Positive Impacts
- Job opportunities for the local people as well as immigrants from nearby
areas would increase during operation of the proposed mining project
- Due to the expansion of the mine in the area, employment in tertiary
sector is expected to be improving in the region.
- There would be increase in the commercial, business and shopping
centers due to influx of population in the region to cater the needs of
existing population as well as the immigrants
- There will be increase in the creation of indirect jobs and business
opportunities to the local people such as daily wage labourers,
transporters and ore transportation etc.
- There may be a development of infrastructure facilities due to proposed
mine in the region. It would also result in the appreciation of land values
around these areas
- The social welfare activities planned to be carried out by the lessee
would bring about drastic change in the life style of its workers, and
labours.
- The project is likely to accelerate the need and importance of education
among the local people and increase the literacy rate.
Occupational Safety and Health:
Occupational safety and health is very closely related to productivity and
good employer-employee relationship. The factors of occupational health in
46
Laupada mining project shall be mainly dust and land degradation. Safety of
employees during operation and maintenance etc. shall be as per the
provisions of The Metalliferrous Mines Regulations, 1961 and the Mines Rules,
1955. To avoid any adverse effects on the health of workers due to various
pollutants, sufficient measures have already been addressed in this chapter.
The following measures relating to safety and health shall also be practiced:
• Provision of rest shelters for mine workers with amenities like drinking
water etc.
• All safety measures like use of safety appliances, safety signboards,
posters, slogans related to safety etc. shall be ensured
• Training of employees on use of safety appliances and first aid.
• Regular maintenance and testing of all equipment as per
manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Both Initial Medical Examination (IME) & Periodic Medical Examination
(PME) of all workers by a medical specialist shall be conducted, to
asses the health status of the employees and take suitable corrective
action.
• First Aid Organisation in mines includes training and re-training of the
staff of First Aid activity group
• Close surveillance of the factors in working environment and work
practices, which may affect environment and worker’s health and
safety.
• Monitoring of the values of various factors, which may lead to
occupational health hazards.
• Working of mine as per approved Mining Plan and Environmental
Management Plans.
Suggested Socio-Economic Measures
The lessee shall consider the following general measures for the socio
economic upliftment of the nearby villagers.
47
• Substantial amount of revenue is expected to be generated by
transportation activities along with employment e.g. labour, helper
etc. Project authorities shall engage (on contract) the local people for
material transportation and for loading and unloading.
• A section of local youth shall be trained in phases, so that they can
take-up mining related jobs, such as driving, HEMM operation,
equipment maintenance, horticulture activities etc. The local youth can
also develop themselves for supply of materials or small-scale rural
business developments of their own (self employment).
• Lessee shall provide training from time to time for improved agro-
techniques, first aid and safety, adult literacy programme etc. to the
villagers.
• Lessee proposes to provide education facilities for improving the
literacy levels of the residents.
• Lessee proposes to establish primary health care facilities for the
villagers in the project-affected area.
• The industrialization of the area will result in development of access
roads, bringing the community in touch with the external world.
• Lessee will facilitate in bringing electricity to the villages.
• Availability of potable water
• There will be improvement in communication facilities, with the
introduction of mobile phones etc.
• Entertainment facilities, distant-learning facilities will be catered to
through television and internet facilities.
• Provisions of health & hygiene facilities, child-care, eye-cure etc.
• Support locals to undertake self income-generation schemes such as
fishery, hatchery, goatery, piggery etc.
• Help the villages to develop their natural talent in sports by provisions
of playground, sport materials etc.
• Empowerment through self-help groups (SHG) such as save-forest
groups etc.
48
• Suitable rain water harvesting structures should be developed in
association with the statutory authority in the nearby villages.
11. Conclusion Laupada Iron Ore Mine over an area of 80.536 ha (earlier 141.336 ha)
has been planned to developed in the same manner as it was proposed
earlier with the same production capacity of 1,20,000 TPA Iron Ore.
The surrendered area over 60.80 ha mainly comprises of forest land
and some part of the non-forest land over which no mine activity was
planned. However, due to reduction of the area and surrendering the
entire forest land, the project does not require Forest Clearance and
the impact on the forest shall be ruled out except dust and noise
nuisance. As the mining will be carried out only single shift basis
during the day time, the transquility of the area during night will not
be disturbed and by adhering to the suggested mitigative measures,
the impact of pollution shall be brought down and kept at the
minimum level. The no. of small quarried shall be merged to form a
single quarry as a part of the systematic mining and further backfilling
proposal as suggested in the approved mining scheme shall further
help the topography to retain its original shape to maximum extent.
The massive plantation proposed upto the life of the mine shall result
in larger area under forest cover than the existing scenario.
The lessee has complied all the conditions stipulated by MOEF&CC,
New Delhi and submits this proposal to consider and grant the
Environmental Clearance which will facilitate the lessee to start the
mining operation which will also be in the interest of the society mainly
the local inhabitants in terms of employment and Govt. in terms of
revenue.