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EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 46
CHAPTER 6
ADDITIONAL STUDIES
6.1 Introduction
The company has OSHAS 18001 certification and has identified the risks and the hazards
involved with various jobs. There exist standard operational procedures to meet the
hazards. Some of the measures are as given below:
The company has provided a well-equipped medical facility in 141.2269 Ha mine
lease area at village Manavalakurichi, which works round the clock.
All installations are provided with suitable class of fire extinguishers.
The loading / transport equipment operators are provided with wireless for
communication.
The mine is seismic zone – III.
Since the mine lease area was hit by Tsunami in December 2004, due
precautionary measures viz; emergency preparedness plan and disaster
management plan have been chalked out for preparedness during the recurrence
of any such natural disasters.
Mock drills are periodically conducted in the mine and plant areas.
Risks assessed in mining and MSP are reviewed as per the standards maintained
under OHSAS 18001 regularly.
6.2 Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan
Definition of Disaster / Emergency
The word ‘Disaster’ is synonymous with ‘Emergency’ as defined by the Ministry of
Environment and Forests (MoEF). An emergency occurring in the proposed mine is one
that may affect several sections within it and/or may cause serious injuries, loss of lives,
extensive damage to environment or property or serious disruption outside the mine. It
will also require the best use of internal resources and the use of outside resources to
handle it effectively. It may happen usually as the result of a malfunction of the normal
operating procedures. It may also be precipitated by the intervention of an outside force
such as a cyclone, flood or deliberate acts of arson or sabotage. The proposed project is
an opencast mining project. The anticipated risks are mentioned below:
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 47
6.2.1 Risks / Hazards Involved in Existing Mine
Inundation
There is no perennial surface water body within the mine lease area. Valliyar river flows
along the eastern boundary of the mine lease area and confluence to Arabian sea near
the south eastern corner of the mine lease area. Arabian sea forms the south western
boundary of the mine lease area.
The mining activities involve manual collection of beach mineral sand on the coastal
areas in which, no pits are formed and the risk is only due to high tides/tsunami.
The collection of beach mineral sand is carried out for 9 months and the same work is
suspended during rough sea, high tides, heavy rain days etc. The local villagers
engaged in the collection of beach mineral sand are well versed with the behavior of sea
and take necessary precautions during collection of the sand.
Radioactivity Hazards
IREL produces minerals like Ilmenite, Rutile, Zircon, Monazite, Garnet and Sllimanite. In
this, monazite is a phosphate of thorium (8 to 10%) and other rare earths. Uranium is also
present in monazite in small percentage. Since this phosphate of thorium is a radioactive
material, the following protection measures will be carried out:
Within the Mineral Separation Plant premises there is fully equipped Health Physics Unit
(HPU) lab under the control of full time Health Physicist, who is directly appointed by
BARC, DAE. The HPU lab is equipped with monitoring equipment.
Radiation monitoring is carried out in two types:
Area monitoring is monitoring radiation level at different places in and around the
work places and mining areas.
Personnel monitoring is evaluating the radiation dose received by a person at the
work place.
Thermo-Luminescent Dosimeter (TLD)
The radiation dose received by radiation worker can also be determined by the use of
TLD (Personnel monitoring). The dosimeter consists of three pellets made of CaSO4. The
pellets are placed in a metallic frame work and enclosed by a plastic cassette containing
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 48
three different pellets. These pellets are known as thermo luminescent phosphor discs.
When heated after exposures to radiation, they emit light. The intensity of the emitted
light can be measures. It is directly proportional to the amount of radiation absorbed by
the pellets. It is a property that is made use of in measuring the accumulated dose.
Mainly all persons working in monazite section are monitored closely and if their annual
dose limit is exceeded, they will be transferred to other section on job rotation basis. But
till now no persons have exceeded the annual permissible limit of 20 mSv.
Apart from the above, the following protective measures such as keeping distance from
radioactive source, spending minimum time by providing shield for the source and use of
protective equipment are adopted.
Safe Transport of radioactive material:
Transport of radioactive material (monazite) is carried out by packing in silos.
Thus this transport of monazite is carried out by following the safety code AERB/SC/TR-
1, issued by Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), Mumbai. The scope of the
regulations includes method of packing, labeling and marking on the packages. This
would help in the identification of the packages containing radioactive material. But
presently, IREL, MK is not producing monazite for the last 6 years due to lack of demand.
However, monazite rich mineral fractions are stockpiled separately in earthern pits as per
AERB guidelines for future use and recovery.
Since the mining operations include mainly scrapping of top layer (0.2 to 0.3m) of beach
washings deposited along the beaches as a result of wave and tidal currents, the high
risk accidents like subsidence, landslides, fire, earthquake, tailing dam failures etc will not
arise. However, considering high tide hazard, beach washing collection works are
stopped during high tide period i.e. june, july and august months of every year. Also, any
warning from Meterological Dept are systematically communicated to the workers. The
voids (0.2 to 0.3m) formed due to scrapping mining activity are simultaneously filled with
fresh beach washings by sea tide, hence any unplanned discontinuance of mining will not
result in any problem.
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 49
Landslide
The method of mining adopted in inland areas is such that no landslide occurs. The
dredged out areas are simultaneously backfilled. There is no pit formation in the beach
areas.
Tailings generated in the BWP are stocked temporarily at natural angle of repose and
then transported regularly to mined out areas for backfilling. No landslide is envisaged for
the tailing heap in the tailings yard.
In the backfilled areas, near original topography is maintained. However, the inland areas
near to the coastal zone are backfilled with an elevated height with thick plantation as a
welfare measure to protect the local inhabitation from high tides and cyclones.
Surface fire
The mineral sand itself is non-flammable but there may be fire hazards in the MSP,
machinery or electrical substations and workshop etc. Sufficient stationary and portable
fire extinguishers have been installed at selected locations.
Dust from the loading and transportation
The hazard is the inhalation of dust which is created during the loading and transportation
which may result in the various respiratory diseases to the workers. There is no dust
generation at beach washing collection area where as in the inland excavations there is
generation of dust. While it is not presently possible to totally remove the hazard,
properly applied control measures viz. dust masks, nose filters etc. can substantially
reduce the risk.
Control measures like water spraying on haulage roads at regular interval prevents the
dust generation. Plantation carried out in the backfilled areas in the ML area further
reduces the spread of airborne dust to the surrounding atmosphere. The workers
engaged in dusty operations are provided with dusk masks.
Noise
Operation of HEMM gives rise to harmful levels of noise. But this noise is limited upto
certain distance and it dampens with distance. The workers working near high noise
generating machineries are provided with ear muffs. Sound proof cabins have been
provided for operators of high noise generating equipments.
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 50
Other control measures include provision of protective equipments, although this should
only be seen as an interim precaution until a permanent solution can be found. The risk is
very high when no control measures are provided. Ambient and work zone noise level
monitoring are carried out by HPU and the precautionary measures suggested are
immediately adopted.
Loading & Transportation
Risks involved in loading are break failures, reverse alarm failures, parking brakes
failures. etc. prevailing in both tippers and loaders. However, the roadworthiness of the
tippers and condition of the loaders utilized in the mines are monitored prior to
deployment to avoid risks. In addition to this, regular monitoring of the vehicles deployed
in the mines is carried out. (copies of Hazards & Risk Register, Control Register, Risk
Management etc., as per OHSAS 18001 followed by IREL enclosed.
Heavy vehicles
The main hazards arise from the use of large earth moving vehicles are due to
incompetent drivers, brake failure, lack of all visibility from the drivers position, access to
the cabins, vehicle movements particularly reversing, roll over, vibration, noise, dust and
maintenance. Those most at risk are the driver and pedestrians likely to be struck by the
vehicle, and drivers of smaller vehicles, which cannot be seen from the cabins of large
vehicles.
Mitigation measure:
Traffic rules are strictly complied in the mining areas
Vocational Training to the Drivers, HEMM operators is provided prior to
employment
Over-speeding and over-loading are strictly avoided.
Footpaths have been provided for pedestrians
Regular maintenance of the loading and transport vehicles to minimize exhausts,
noise and vibration.
Compliance to DGMS norms viz., AVA, fire extinguishers in the operators cabin,
periodical checking of the vehicle, etc.
Regular checking is done for drivers and operators to check consumption of
alcohols.
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 51
House keeping
The provision and maintenance of a safe, clean and hygienic workplace is the most basic
principle of health and safety. Dirty and untidy workplaces or walkways contribute to a
very large proportion of accidents.
In the context of mining and mineral separation plant, the provision of well defined
roadways and walkways clear of obstruction, and regular cleaning up of spillage greatly
reduces the potential for this type of accident. Lack of maintenance may lead to roadways
and walkways being unsuitable for use. Good housekeeping is being practiced in the
mine and mineral separation plant for efficient and safe operation
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The PPE provided to employees are ISI marked, suitable for the hazard e.g. a dust
respirator fitted with the correct filter to capture the particular dust, and maintained to
recommended standards. As personal protective equipment only affords limited
protection it is only used as a last resort as an interim arrangement, until other steps are
taken to restore the normalcy to eliminate the risk of personal injury to an acceptable
level.
Vocational Training
IREL provides vocational training to all the persons employed in the mining activities.
6.2.2 Disaster Management Plan
The disaster management / Emergency Plan is formulated based on the assessment of
the risks, the existing mine and MSP are subjected to and the actions to be taken in case
of any emergency / disaster, by the mine management and the employees of the mine.
The responsible persons are identified and their corresponding duties and responsibilities
are fixed.
Organization Plan
Organization plan includes clearly stating the line of command and the responsibilities of
each person involved in case of emergency situation.
Emergency Plan
Emergency Plan includes the standing orders in case of emergency. Cyclone and Flood
Protection and Relief Manual, Onsite Fire Emergency Plan are prepared to combat with
emergency situations. (copies enclosed).
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 52
Radiation Protection
In order to maintain safe operations in the Monazite areas IREL follows the safety
provisions as per radiological protection procedures..
Functions of the emergency preparedness team
The team shall meet once in six months to discuss the possible or probable
causes/instances leading to any disaster that may occur in the mines.
The team shall assess the required resources to deal with the situation that may be
identified as above.
The team leader shall lay down a detailed procedure or oral information to each
member to follow in case of any impending or possible or actual disaster.
The team shall conduct mock drill once in a year to understand the practical problems
that may arise while implementing the Emergency Preparedness Action Plan
including the response time and take necessary steps to make the system effective.
The team shall make necessary recommendations/suggestions to the Management
for identifying/monitoring/dealing with any probable disaster.
The minutes of the meeting of the Team shall be prepared including the probable
cause of incident, response time and corrective & preventive actions required to be
taken to avoid the reoccurrences of the same and kept as record.
The team may draw an Action Plan and modify the same from time to time.
The Emergency Preparedness Team shall come into force in case of any disaster by
establishing the control room at an appropriate place nearer to the affected area.
The team shall record the actual performance/procedure followed/short comings while
dealing with any actual disaster which will be discussed at various levels to strengthen
the plan and approach.
The Agent, In-charge (Safety) along with Mines Manager shall inspect all the places
where disaster occurred, along with Emergency Preparedness Team.
The Agent, In-charge (Safety) along with Mines Manager shall ensure that all affected
places are safe to resume the normal works, and then only they shall give permission
to start the mining/plant operations.
Care and Maintenance During Temporary Discontinuance
If the mine will be discontinued temporarily for more than 120 days, notice will be given
30 days before the date of such discontinuance to the authorities as per the Mines Act,
1952 and MMDR Act, 1957. During discontinuance period safety and security
arrangement will be provided to avoid the entry of unauthorized persons. The accessibility
to the mine from the surface will be prevented by providing sufficient number of guards.
EIA/EMP for Manavalakurichi Beach Sand Mineral Mine (7.06Ha) IREL (Indian rare Earths Limited)
M/s Bhagavathi Ana Labs Ltd. Hyderabad. 53
EMERGENCY PLAN
On realizing an emergency anywhere in the mine, immediately inform the nearest
mining official.
On receiving information of emergency, intimation will be sent to the consultative
committee, which is already formed. Shift in-charge will ensure that all the materials
and transport system to deal with emergency situation.
Emergency Plan- showing the phone numbers of all relevant areas, competent
authorities, Head of the Departments, Hospitals etc. are distributed and circulated in
the notice boards for general awareness among the employees.
First aid facilities will be ready to receive the cases.
OTHER STUDIES
IREL engaged Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, Chennai and prepared the
CRZ maps as per CRZ notification-2011. (copies of CRZ Reports and Maps of 7.06 ha
are enclosed).
IREL engaged National Institute of Oceanography (NIO, Kochi) and conducted scientific
study on near shore sediment transport control mechanism in Manavalakurichi and
Midalam beach areas during the year 2011-12. The reports of NIO reveals that there is no
significant shoreline change from Muttam to Midalam area for the last 37 years.
(b) Public Consultation
Public Hearing Meeting held on 22-03-2013 at 10:00 A.M. at Revenue Divisional Office,
Padmanabhapuram, Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu of M/s Indian Rare Earths
Limited, Manavalakuruchi, Kanyakumari District of Tamil Nadu.