M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 1 -

CHAPTER-1

INTRODUCTION

Profile & Background of the Proponent: The Project proponent Smt. Raziya

Khanum Proprietor of M/s. Raj Minerals has been in the trade of Mining & Marketing for

more than 25 years and has sufficient experience in extraction of Iron & manganese

ore. The mine is operated under the guidance & supervision of Sri. B.R. Ashfaq Ahmed

Khan who is the Attorney Holder of the lease area and will be responsible to carry out

the proposed mine operations as contemplated in the Mining Plan and Environmental

Management Plan.

Objective of the Project

The objective of the proposed project is to mine iron & manganese ore which shall be

sold in the domestic market for the Sponge iron plants, local Ferro alloys for

manufacture of manganese steel and to intermediate parties. The quality of the mineral

sold will be as per the requirements of the user industry. The low grade usually finds

use in manufacture of pig iron in blast furnace, high grade in Steel making.

The mining lease area with M.L. No. 2557 (Old M.L.No.1575) is located at

Doddabyaladakere village of Hosadurga Taluk, Chitradurga District. The above said

mining lease is a Government revenue land over an extent of 12.58 Hectares bearing

the Sy. No. 38 and 59.

The project was accorded Environmental Clearance by MOEF, Government of India for

production capacity of 0.304 million tones/annum of Iron Ore & 0.015 million

tones/annum of Manganese Ore as required under EIA Notification – 1994 vide letter

No. J11015/78/2006-IA.II (M) dated 24.01.07.

The lessee is now desirous of further expansion of the mining production in the

production levels by mechanized method of mining in combination with 10 tons capacity

tippers as proposed in the approved Modified Mining Plan to maintain the production

capacity of the mines at a max of 15,390 tons/ annum of Manganese ore & 3.04 lac

tons/annum of iron ore. The mineable reserve estimated is about 11.62 lac tons of iron

ore & 0.93 lac tons of manganese ore for which an anticipated mine life at the proposed

capacity would be about 10 years.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 2 -

The Mining Lease area is so located that:

There are no metropolitan cities within 10 kms of the ML area.

There are no National park or wildlife sanctuary lies within the buffer zone or

nearby this region.

Ecologically sensitive areas such as tropical forests, biosphere reserves and

coastal areas rich coral formation fall do not in the region.

The site does not fall within ½ km of any highway or railway.

Displacement of people is not required.

Sensitive places of notified archaeological, historical or tourist importance do

not lie within or nearby the buffer zone.

The area is approachable by all Weather roads and is about 10 Kms from Huliyar town,

on the Huliyar-Hiriyur State Highway. The Taluk headquarters is Hosadurga, which is

located South Westerly to the area. The nearest Railway Station is Tiptur, situated on

Bangalore-Harihar; Broad-gauge line at a distance of about 45 Kms from the mines.

Doddabyaladakere is the nearest village which is 2.25 kms to the north of the mine

which facilitates with a few basic amenities.

Status of the Regulatory Clearances

The mine was earlier operated by Manual Method of Mining for Manganese and

subsequently after inclusion of Iron ore & renewal of the lease, it was worked by

Mechanized Method after obtaining Environmental Clearance as required under

EIA Notification – 1994 vide Clearance letter No. J-11015/78/2006-IA.II (M)

dated 24th January 2007.

The sanction for approval of Inclusion of Iron ore & Renewal of the Mining Lease

was executed on 22.09.2007 for a period of 20 years with effect from

15.02.1999.

The Modified Mining Plan is approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter No.

MP/CTD/FeMn-197-SZ dated 10.01.2008.

Impact studies for one season i.e., Oct – Dec (2007) was conducted to prepare

an EIA & EMP report for submission to KSPCB for obtaining “Consent for

Establishment” & the Environmental Clearance from the MoEF.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 3 -

The company does not posses any other lease except the proposed lease area of 12.58

Ha in D.B. Kere village. Lease deed/approval under NMRD 1957 is attached. The

existing & operating mines within 10 kms radius of the proposed project are enlisted as

below

Sl. No Name Mineral Extent (Ha) Type of Mine

1 M/s. Bharat Ores & Chemicals Iron 72.86 Semi-mechanised

2 M/s. Milan Minerals Iron, Manganese Mechanized

3 M/s. Madras Cements Ltd Limestone Mechanized

4 M/s. Maris Cements Ltd Iron ore float, Manganese 131.52 Mechanized

5 Mahakali Mines Iron, Manganese & Dolomite 35.20 Mechanized

6 Ravi Minerals Iron Manual

Compliance Reports

The proponent complies with the conditions stipulated by KSPCB and MOEF

Environment clearance as required under EIA Notification – 1994 vide letter No.

J11015/78/2006-IA.II (M) dated 24.01.07 at all times. The conditions imposed in the

Environmental Clearance & CFE from the KSPCB have been followed and the proponent

has applied for grant of fresh consent along with the prescribed fee before the date of

expiry.

The conditions indicated in Annexure 1 are being followed strictly by the proponent as

per the Air & Water Act. Compliance report for the same has been prepared.

Compliance for the conditions laid down under Air & Water Act

1. The noise generated is well within the prescribed limits of 75dB (A) Leq during

daytime and 70dB (A) Leq during night time.

2. The AAQ emissions and other parameters have been monitored and the analysis

reports are furnished.

3. The AAQM stations have been established as per the Guidelines & the details of

which have been submitted along with the EIA & EMP.

4. The Environment Statement is being furnished regularly as stipulated.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 4 -

5. The production of iron ore & manganese ore is carried out within the mine area of

12.58 Ha and will be within the approved EC Capacity of 0.1539 lac TPA of

Manganese ore & 3.04 lac TPA of iron ore. The production capacity will not be

increased without the prior notice & shall be in accordance with the approved IBM

Mining Plan.

6. There have been no complaints against the industry/residents/NGO/ General public

in the vicinity of the mine area.

7. The internal roads within the lease area & mining area upto public roads have

been maintained.

8. The roadside avenue plantation has been taken up within the lease area and

surrounding villages.

9. The mine authorities shall obtain prior approval from the board after submitting

location plan design details for construction of check dam.

10. Appropriate measures are taken to avoid the entry of runoff into the agricultural

lands. Desiltation of the soil is being done accordingly.

Objective of the Study

The objective of the study is to ensure that development is sustained with minimal

environmental degradation. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) serves as an

important tool for integrating the objectives of environmental management with the

requirement of economic growth and social development. Thus, the purpose of EIA -

EMP exercise is to evaluate the beneficial and/or the adverse effects of a proposed

development activity on the surrounding environment. The details of the field studies

and their analytical results are given in the subsequent chapters in detail.

The terms of reference meeting for the proposed expansion was held on 30th March

2008 at the State Level Environmental Appraisal Committee constituted by the Ministry

of Environment & Forests, Government of India. Accordingly as per the directions of the

Expert Committee, the proponent has been advised to prepare the EIA & EMP as per

the Model terms of reference.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 5 -

CHAPTER-2

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A key plan to scale 1:50000 distinctly indicating the core zone and the buffer zone

(whether Reserve Forest, Protected Forest, National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere

Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Tiger Reserve, etc.) is enclosed which presents the recent

features of the area showing all relevant details like habitation (both rural and urban

areas), cropping pattern, water bodies, drainage systems, nallahs river, water reservoir

& forests with contour at not more than 15m.

2.1 General Description of Project

Need for the Project

The lease area with M.L. No-2557 (old M.L. No. 1575) was worked for manganese ore

but now intend to include iron ore mining in view of the existing demand for iron ore in

the market. The lessee has proposed for change in the method of mining viz.,

mechanized method by use of machinery in combination with tippers of 10 tons

capacity for enhancement of the production for the remaining plan period of three

years.

The proposed production is covered under the Ministry of Environment & Forests

Notification 2006. Since it is mandatory to take Environmental Clearance from the

Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi for any such proposals, environmental

studies are been conducted accordingly & the project authorities have filed Consent for

Establishment application to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board.

2.2 Location Details

The Mining lease area with ML No. 2557 is 12.58 Ha situated in Doddabyaladakere

village of Hosadurga Taluk, Chitradurga District. The area is covered in the Survey of

India Topo sheet No. 57 C/6 & C/10. The Mining Lease area is located between,

Latitude : N 13o 39’ 58” & N 13o 40’ 10”

Longitude : E 76o 30’ 57” & E 76o 31’ 40”

Elevation : 914m to 836m

Maps showing the general location, specific location, project boundary and project site

layout are enclosed.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 6 -

2.3 Topography

The general topography of the area consists of a rugged terrain with almost North-

South trending hills. The subject area of the mining lease is hillock which is almost

slanted & sloppy confining to parts of Doddabyaladakere village. No nallahs or streams

exist within the area. The surface is covered by lateritic soil, iron ore reef & float areas

and manganese ore in the lease area. A small banded hematite Quartzite also exists in

the area.

The highest & the lowest elevations of the mine site are 914m & 836m respectively. A

map showing the topography of cadastral area is enclosed.

2.4 Geology

2.4.1 General Geology

The rock formations in this area belong to Dharwars. This area is the central group of

Mysore occurrences comprising the Chitradurga, C.N.Halli and Nagamangala Belts,

which reveals igneous material and also banded ferruginous rock and lime stones. The

manganese ore of this area are formed due to the concentration near the surface by

meteoric waters of the manganese present in the Dharwarian schists and phyllites.

The general geological succession of the area is as follows:

Laterite/Lateritic Soil covers BHQ’s (Ferruginous) Iron ore formations Iron ore

Float Manganese formations Phyllite Clay Quartzites

A Surface Geological plan on a scale of 1: 2000 with contours at an interval of 5

m has been prepared (Plate - 4). This shows the surface exposures and the

proposed workings.

Geological Sections have been prepared to show the occurrences of iron ore on

scale of 1:1000 and the same shown in Plate -5

2.4.2 Local Geology

Locally the area is known by the name of Kudure Kanive Kaval range and the subject

area falls in revenue lands at the southern extension of the ranges. The Mining lease

area is composed of only ferruginous lateritic boulders, lateritic soil, float ore & Iron ore

reef and Manganese ore deposits. The bedding in the Banded Iron formation trends

N25o-50oW-S25º-50oE and dipping moderate to steep westwards at places.

A geological plan showing all lithological units/structural details is enclosed.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 7 -

Some of the geological features observed in the proposed area are:

The general strike of the bedding and schistosity varies from NNW to NS

depending on the folding pattern.

The Banded Iron Formation & manganese ore zone is marked on the plan based

on the exposures.

The iron ore formation is associated with pockets of yellow ochre almost

throughout the deposit.

The area mainly comprises of lateritic soil, Iron float, Iron ore reef and

interpreted by Phyllitic formations on both sides of the slopes.

The Phyllite with lateritic soil is found to occur both on the East & Western side

of the Iron ore & manganese deposits.

The Manganese ore is found to be exposed all along the eastern slopes of the

deposit in lower contours.

The continuity of iron ore bands can be noticed from top to lower contours.

2.5 Mine Development & Production of Overburden

The mine will be fully developed in accordance with the developmental programme

proposed, so as to meet the required production target. After the third year the mine is

fully developed the rate of average production will be reduced to 18,386 tons of Iron

ore and manganese ore is 3,690 tons of production per annum.

In float ore mining, no waste is generated the sub grade generated will be stacked

separately. The total development during the manganese ore mining will be 26,100 tons

of OB for the said production quantity. 5.78 lac tones of OB are generated during the

Iron ore development. There is no sub grade generated for manganese ore, 90% of the

ROM is considered as mineral rejects.

Iron ore Development (Tones)

Year Sub grade Iron Ore

Sub grade Float Ore

OB Iron ore

2007 – 08 67500 7488 292000

2008 – 09 75330 - 126000

2009 – 10 75924 - 160550

Total 2,18,754 7,488 5,78,550

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 8 -

Manganese ore Development (Tones)

Year OB Manganese Ore

Mineral Rejects (90% ROM)

2007 – 08 7800 68526

2008 – 09 10200 138510

2009 – 10 8100 134865

Total 26,100 3,41,901

Grand total 3.68 lakh tons

The waste generated will be dumped in the spoil banks earmarked specifically for this

purpose. The maximum height of the dump is 20m at a repose angle of 28°. The year

wise production of Overburden & OB dump sites are shown on the Year wise Production

& Development Plan which is duly enclosed.

2.6 Conceptual mine Plan

The Mining operations are proposed to be taken up with the capacity of production of

an average 3,690 tons of manganese & about 18,386 tons of iron ore per annum during

the proposed conceptual plan period.

During the conceptual plan period the anticipated production levels of ore for successive

5 years period will be as follows:

CONCEPTUAL PRIOD PRODUCTIONS

IRON ORE MANGANESE ORE YEAR

Production Development Production Development

5th - 10th 59616 195000 16403 196823

10th – 15th 96552 297000 19967 265199

15th – 20th 119632 148770 18995 255851

275800 640770 55365 717873

The side burden, waste and other interburden materials will be dumped separately in

the waste dump yard and later on utilized for reclamation of the area. The mineral

rejects will be dumped in the dump yard separately. The maximum build up height of

the dump during the conceptual period will be about 20m having 28º as natural angle

of repose.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 9 -

However, when the ore body is proved to its full depth, the conceptual plan will be duly

modified. The conceptual mine plan for every five years period for the entire mine life

has been prepared and enclosed.

2.7 Mining Closure Plan

It is a working mine. The geology of the area and the present mine workings indicate

continuation of the mineral deposit further below. The mine working shall continue for

another 20 years and hence Progressive mine closure plan is prepared as final closure

plan will be prepared and submitted one year prior to the proposed closure of mining

operations as per the directives of Notification GSR 330(E) dated 10-4-2003, MCDR-

1988.

Since the area is not fully worked and also continuity of ore to further depths is

observed in the pit, no reclamation is envisaged presently except for afforestation

of dumps, parapet walls, stabilization of dumps etc.

Proper fencing is proposed all around the working pit in order to prevent accidental

falling of animals and human trespassing into the working pits.

Watering of haul roads and plantations along the roadside shall be adopted to

reduce dust pollution.

Since there are no water sources/mine water the proposal for treatment and

disposal of water from the mine does not arise.

A Progressive Mine Closure Plan has been prepared showing the precise area put into

use during the plan period including the proposed dumps & afforestations.

2.8 Proposed Production Details

Manganese ore mining in the subject lease area is proposed to be Semi- mechanized

open cast method of mining where as the iron ore mining would be carried out by

mechanized method of mining.

The envisaged quantum of Proposed Production in tones for the remaining three year of

the plan period is as follows:

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 10 -

Manganese/Iron ore Production (tones) Year Manganese Ore Iron ore Float Iron ore

2007 – 08 7614 11232 270000 2008 – 09 15390 - 301320 2009 – 10 14985 - 303696

Total 37,989 tons 11,232 tons 8,75,016 tonsGrand total 8.86 lakh tons

Planned Production:

The actual achieved productions quantity is more; the difference of proposed

production is about 42,502 tons for two year of mines working against the 2005 to

2007 of 6,150 tons of proposed manganese ore.

Year Planned Production

Production Achieved Difference

2005 - 06 3000 23042 20042 2006 - 07 3150 25610 22460 2007 - 08 3500 - - 2008 - 09 3600 - - 2009 - 10 3500 - -

Total 16,750 57,672 42,502

The total mineable reserves have been estimated to approximately 93,355 tons of

manganese ore and at rate of 10% recovery. Considering the recovery of 80% for reef

iron ore and 20% as mineral rejects/Sub grade ore, the cut off grade has been consider

58% Fe and float ore recovery is about 60% and balance 40% is Mineral rejects/sub

grade.

2.9 Project Details

The project layout and its various components are depicted in the layout map which is

enclosed here. The minerals found in the leasehold area are iron ore & manganese ore

which the lessee intends to mine. The exploration is done based on certain observations

of the old workings from which the geological reserves are been calculated. The

physical limits of the ore body like the strike; width, depth, extension & recovery of the

workings are taken into account based on which the reserves are been estimated.

The elemental composition of Iron ore is analyzed as follows:

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 11 -

Ore Fe (%)

SiO2

(%) Al2O3

(%) S (%) P (%)

Iron ore 66.0 1.26 0.82 0.005 0.022 Fines 66.4 1.5 0.95 0.008 0.020

Float ore 56.3 10.5 1.95 0.003 0.024

Behaviour of Ore body: The Phyllite with lateritic soil is found to occur both on the

East & Western side of the Iron ore & manganese deposits. The Manganese ore is

found to be exposed all along the eastern slopes of the deposit in lower contours. The

continuity of iron ore bands can be noticed from top to lower contours. Based on the

detailed surface mapping, sectional study of the pits and regional study of the adjoining

areas iron ore are expected to be encountered further below.

Ore Quality: The iron ore analysis shows that 58-64% Fe is the likely grade that will

have a good potential.

Properties Grade Physical -30mm to +10mm size Chemical 28-40% Mn, 58-64% Fe

Use of mineral

The ore produced from the mine will be used for the local domestic market such as

Ferro alloys for manufacturing manganese steel and to other intermediate parties. The

iron ore analyzes reveals 58-64% Fe which is found to have good potential for meeting

the requirements of the domestic steel plants and also for exports.

Additional Details

The surface features of the lease area including the transverse sections of the mineral

deposits are shown in the surface plan with contour intervals of 3m. The drainage

pattern of the lease area is dendritic & most of the run off rainwater will form small

nallahs & later join the main nallah. Silted water from the dumps & mines will be

coursed through the trenches made with small bunds so that the water flow will be

reduced. Surface subsidence are ruled out as the proposed workings are shallow

opencast.

Delineation of the water shed and the drainage pattern is shown in the Drainage map.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 12 -

2.10 Mining Details

2.10.1 Exploration

The exploration is done based on certain observations of the old workings from which

the geological reserves are been calculated. The physical limits of the ore body like the

strike; width, depth, extension & recovery of the workings are taken into account based

on which the reserves are been estimated.

Prospecting DTH drilling already carried out for Iron ore is shown on the geological

plan. 18 DTH holes are proposed for drilling during the plan period for manganese ore

deposits.

The area of influence is assumed based on the exposure of mineral outcrops and

working pits. The indicated thickness of the outcrops, exposures of the workings and

drilled borehole logging of sub surface geology are considered for calculation of proved

reserves. An influence of 5 mts below the proved depth is taken for calculation of

probable reserves and below 5 mts this is taken for possible reserves. The bulk density

is taken as 2.7 and recovery factor of 10% for manganese and similarly for iron ore it is

taken as 80% recovery.

Year No. of Boreholes Depth

1st 6 30 mtrs

2nd 6 30 mtrs

3rd 3 30 mtrs

4th 3 30 mtrs

The proposed DTH bore holes with its locations are shown in the geological plan

enclosed. The reserve estimation is done by cross sectional method. The cross sections

are drawn based on the surface geological data and drilled (DTH) borehole logging.

2.10.2 Reserves

The reserves are been estimated based on the present configuration of the pit

exposures & the ore quantity after deducting the production of the last working years,

the reserves re-estimated are given in the table,

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 13 -

(Quantity in Tons)

Reserves Proved Probable Possible Total Iron ore Float 15984 - - 15,984 Iron ore reef 1310148 227664 227664 17,81,460 Manganese 39366 28431 28188 95,985

Mineable reserves are classified under UNFC code of classification which is as

follows,

(Lac tons)

Category Iron ore Manganese ore 111 9.26 0.38

121+122 1.25 0.29

322 1.11 0.26

Total 11.62 0.93

2.10.3 Method of Mining

The subject lease area was previously worked for manganese & iron ore by Semi-

mechanized open cast method of mining which has resulted with approachable roads

for working.

Considering various technical parameters it is proposed to work the deposits by

adopting 6 m bench height with an ultimate pit slope of 45°. The bench height and the

width will be maintained under Metalliferrous Mines Regulations - 1961 specified by

DGMS. The width of the working benches will be greater than the height. The proposed

working depths for Manganese ore & Iron ore are 887m RL and 813.5m RL respectively.

I) Proposed Mechanization

As per the proposal, the mine shall be worked by opencast mechanized method of

mining by deploying requisite machineries and manpower as discussed below for

production of iron ore and manganese ore. It is envisaged to deploy Wheel loader, JCB,

hydraulic excavator EX-200LC along with 10 tons capacity tippers for transport of iron

ore from the pit to the Stock yard.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 14 -

Machineries Capacity HP Total Nos Hydraulic Excavator 0.9 Cu.m 125 2 JCB 0.65 Cu.m 60 1 Wheel loader 1.5 Cu.m 125 1 Water tanker 5000 lts - 1 Tippers SE-1613 10 tons 100 8 Screening/Crushing Plant 250 tons/hrs - 1

About 5 tippers will be deployed for Iron ore production and development & about 2

tippers to be deployed for manganese ore production while one tipper would be kept as

spare to be used during the vehicle breakdowns.

II) Proposed Manpower

The proposed quantity of production & development of both Iron and manganese ore

will be carried out in a shift of 8 hours, 300 working days/ annum. Since the excavation,

loading and other development activities for manganese ore will be semi-mechanized,

the man power required will be about 25 people and since the iron ore mining is fully

mechanized except for float ore & screening no large scale man power is required. Thus

the total labor force required for handling and other miscellaneous works will be about

60.

III) Drilling and Blasting

The mine workings indicate the friable nature of ore body at depths which does not

require drilling & blasting & hence not proposed, if any hard strata are encountered for

developmental works, contractual drilling & blasting arrangements will be made. Any

modifications in method of working, IBM guidance will be taken in this regard.

2.10.4 Disposal of OB/solid waste

Nature of Waste: The waste generated during mining is ore zone waste, which

consists of Shale, phyllite & overburden material with BHQ rubbles.

During the course of mining, excavation consists of both minerals and waste material.

Since iron ore is excavated from float as well as reef zones, the waste generated is the

interstitial waste as overburden. The waste excavated for production of iron ore shall be

dumped in the area earmarked for this purpose.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 15 -

The average generation of waste in the proposed plan period of mining is about 7.97

lakh tons for Iron ore & 3.68 lakh tons of waste is generated during the manganese ore

production, and conceptual plan period is about 7.10 lakh tons of Iron ore and

manganese ore production generated waste is about 7.18 lakh tons including Mineral

reject & Overburden waste.

The waste disposal yards are located on the South-Eastern side of the lease area away

from the proposed workings; this is barren and non-mineralized area. The area is ideal

for dumping and is also devoid of any vegetation.

Mineral Beneficiation

The mineral beneficiation process is not proposed for the proposed plan period except

for manual sorting & sizing for manganese ore & dry screening for iron ore.

Iron ore ROM will be dry screened mechanically using double deck screening to produce

-40 to +12mm calibrated ore and -12mm size products, +40mm size ore will be

manually broken & sorted separately,

Flow sheet of the dry screening plant

2.11 Impact on Hydrology

Mining activity in an area generally affects the water quality and hydrology of that area.

Water may carry suspended solid waste from the mine, which may reduce the channel

capacity of watercourse by way of siltation and scree deposition and consequently

inducing erosion and scouring of sides. Erosion from solid waste affects good

Hopper

Conveyor Belt

Double deck Screen (40mm & 12mm)

Iron ore lumpy + 40 mm

Iron ore (C-ORE) - 40 mm +12 mm

Iron ore fines - 12 mm

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 16 -

agricultural lands by way of siltation. These lands become infertile, on which cultivation

becomes impossible. To minimize the effects to the best possible extent, drainage

control system has been designed with settling ponds, sumps/check dams and garland

drains.

The occurrence of ground water is controlled by the intensity and depth of weathering

and by the presence of joints and fractures, which may vary from place to place. During

the rainy season due to infiltration of rainwater, the weathered zone gets fully charged

and water table rises and augments the ground water storage. Occurrence of ground

water thus is mainly controlled by water table conditions. The recharge of the ground

water is mainly due to the rainfall which is quite scanty in the region. Therefore the

depth of the water table level in the area is 45 - 50m the ground level.

Even if enhancement of recharge results in the concomitant decrease of surface runoff,

it is not a matter of concern, because ultimately, the percolated water will emerge again

to the surface in the form of seep, spring or well withdrawal.

The ore body occurs along the hill ridge. The natural gullies drain the rainwater from

the workings and encountering ground water in this mine is ruled out, as the water

table is about 45 - 50m below the general ground level.

Zero waste mining: The proposed mining is ensured to be a zero waste mining

process by adopting scientific mining for extracting all the minerals that are extractable

& which will be utilized optimally. Though mineral beneficiation is not proposed, the

sorted & sized ore is transported from the mines to the yard after crushing & screening

according to the specifications of the user industry or the parameters specified for sale.

The low grade ore usually finds use in manufacture of pig iron in blast furnace. Higher

grades of ore are sold to the steel industry.

Recovery of associated minerals is carried out to increase the resource base of the

minerals, the sub grade minerals generated is proposed to be utilized either by blending

them with higher grades to meet the buyer’s requirements or stacked for future

whenever the demand for that particular grade arises.

Life of the mine anticipated would be for about 10 years for the proposed production.

Cost of the project is 500 lacs as per the latest estimate.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 17 -

CHAPTER-3

BASELINE DATA: Description of Baseline status of Environment, Anticipated

Environmental Impacts & Proposed Mitigating Measures

3 General Description

The baseline environment quality represents the background environmental scenario of

various environmental components. The baseline quality monitored reflects the

emission from vehicular movement and other local activities within 10km radius of the

study area.

The scope of the baseline studies includes detailed characterization of various

components like Meteorological Observations, Ambient Air Quality, Noise Quality, Water

Quality, Soil Quality, Socio-economic & Demographic Studies & anticipating their

impacts on the respective environment for which mitigating measures are proposed.

The mathematical models used for predictions is the steady state Gaussian plume

dispersion model designed for point sources and area sources for air quality. In case of

noise, water, land, biological and socio-economic environments, the predictions have

been made based on scientific methodology and judgments.

To create a better environment, it is necessary to understand the cause and effect of

the impact so that suitable corrective measures can be designed.

Parameter Inference Micrometeorological Studies

To assess wind pattern in order to identify air pollution impacts on neighboring environment.

Air Quality Data To assess baseline ambient air quality status of the area.

Noise quality Studies To identify noise producing areas & anticipated noise levels.

Water Quality Analysis To identify baseline water quality

Soil Quality Studies To identify existing soil quality.

Ecological Studies To identify the presence of any endangered species and impacts due to proposed activities.

Socio-economic & Demographic Studies

To know the baseline socio-economic status of the study area.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 18 -

3.1 Air Environment

3.1.1 Baseline Status

3.1.1.1 Climate & Meteorology

The area of study comes under the Tropical zone climate as seen in many parts of

peninsular India. On-site monitoring is undertaken for various meteorological variables

in order to generate site-specific data. Micrometeorological data within the project area

during the meteorological survey was assessed through a weather monitoring station

set up at the mine site.

The meteorological data has also been compiled from the readings obtained from the

monitoring stations set up near the mine site and from secondary sources like IMD,

Chitradurga for the following climatic parameters.

The meteorological parameters monitored during the Study Period (October to

December 07) are Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed & Direction & Rainfall. The

observations monitored are tabulated as Annexure 1 & 2. Based on the wind speed &

its direction wind roses were constructed to arrive at the general wind direction and its

speed for the study period. Annexure 3 shows the wind rose data of the area during

the study period.

Study period Oct 07 Nov 07 Dec 07 Temperature (ºC)

Min 17 9 11

Max 32 31 31

Humidity (%)

Min 23 26 22

Max 70 64 61

Wind speed (km/hr)

Min 2.5 2.7 3.5

Max 9.9 10.1 10.5

Rainfall (mm) 149 15 4

Predominant wind direction NE

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 19 -

The meteorological data of the proposed area during the study period is graphically

represented as follows:

Temperature (ºC)

0

10

20

30

40

OCT NOV DEC

MIN

MAX

The rainfall data of the study zone from 1985-2006 has been collected and is tabulated.

It is observed from the data collected that the highest rainfall received was in the year

2000 (1136.4mm) and the lowest was in the year 2003 (416mm). The average rainfall

for the last twenty one years is about 698.65mm/year.

The rainfall data for the year 2007 is also collected and the details are given below, the

data shows that the area received its highest rainfall in October for this year with an

annual rainfall accounting to around 575 mm.

Yearly Cumulative Rainfall (mm)

0.0200.0 400.0 600.0 800.0

1000.01200.0

1985 1987 1989 1991 1993 1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005

Humidity (%)

0 20 40 60 80

OCT

NOV

DEC MAX

MIN

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 20 -

Rainfall Data in mm (2007)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total

0 0 13 40 117 21 55 57 104 149 15 4 575

3.1.1.2 Air Pollutants

Air pollution is the excessive concentration of foreign matter in the air adversely affects

the well being of the individual or causes damage to property. An inventory of air

contaminants is a necessary step towards control of air pollution.

The ambient air quality of the lease area is studied in the 10 km radius; the quality of

air in the study area is characterized by four factors, i.e., the Suspended particulate

matter (SPM), Respirable particulate matter (RPM), Sulphur dioxide (SO2) and Oxides of

Nitrogen (NOX). Air sampling was carried using the following methodologies:

Parameters Sampling Methods

SPM High-volume Filtration Method using a Hi-Volume Sampler

RPM Gravimetric method

SO2 West-Gaeke Colorimetric method

NOX Jacobs-Hochheiser method

Location of monitoring stations for air quality were decided (as per MOEF guideline for

AAQM) after field survey keeping in view the location of stationary emission sources &

their placement with respect to topography, micro-meteorology, inhabitation, sensitive

places and archaeological sites.

To establish the existing air quality, air sampling and monitoring work has been taken

up & is assessed through a network of 6 air quality monitoring stations fixed in

accordance with the wind rose drawn.

Six monitoring stations were selected of which one is fixed within the core zone while

the remaining five stations are fixed at various distances within 6kms from the mine

site. Monitoring station A6 has been taken along the road intersecting Gollarahatti &

Kenkere in the southeast direction of the mine site. These stations are shown in the Air

quality monitoring stations location map enclosed herewith.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 21 -

Code Station Distance, kms Direction Elevation

A1 Mine Site 0.50 C 914

A2 Doddabyaladakere 2.25 N 760

A3 Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE 740

A4 Naganaikanakatte 6.00 NW 720

A5 Melanahalli 5.25 E 800

A6 Gollarahatti (Kenkere) 5.00 SE 740

Terrain features: The terrain around air quality monitoring stations was observed

during field survey since they are important in assessing the air quality of the study

area. The highest elevation of the mine is 914m above MSL. Naganaikanakatte is a low

lying area at an elevation of 720m above MSL. Melanahalli is a hilly area with an

elevation of 800m from the mines and there are no water bodies within 5 kms of the

mine site.

The data thus obtained is considered for preparing this report. Max, Min, Average and

Percentile values have been computed from the raw data collected at individual

sampling stations to represent the ambient air quality status.

The max ambient air quality levels in the study area are summarized below. Detailed

AAQ including percentile values of all the locations is given as Annexure-4.

SPM RPM SO2 NOX Code

Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min

A1 283 229 38 24 10 5 15 10

A2 153 131 32 20 9 4 12 8

A3 184 155 34 22 9 5 13 9

A4 118 101 30 17 8 4 12 10

A5 126 107 31 23 8 5 13 8

A6 115 97 29 18 8 4 11 9

It may be observed from the above data that all the parameters are well within the

permissible limits of Industrial/mixed use and rural areas as per CPCB norms. The SPM

& RPM concentrations of the core zone also confirms to the permissible limits. The

maximum concentration recorded for buffer zone villages for SPM were found to be

184µg/m3 in Jaisuvarnapura village. This is due to the frequent movement of public

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 22 -

transport vehicles and tractor movement as there is main road along the village which is

frequently being used for transportation.

The 98th percentile of these parameters are given below

Code SPM RPM SO2 NOX

A1 281.16 35.70 9.54 15.0

A2 152.54 31.54 9.00 12.0

A3 182.62 33.08 8.54 13.0

A4 117.54 27.70 8.00 12.0

A5 126.00 30.54 8.00 13.0

A6 115.00 29.00 8.00 11.0

Ambient Air quality Standards

Permissible Limits of Air Quality Parameters as per CPCB for Industrial and Mixed use

are given below:

S. No. Parameters Concentration in µg/m3

1 SPM 500

2 RPM 150

3 SO2 120

4 NOx 120

Fugitive emissions

The micro meteorological data for the region was consistent with the general

meteorology for the study period. The fugitive emissions in and around the mining area

is largely from the excavation area, the screening plant & also along the transportation

routes contributed by diesel operated excavation/ loading equipment and vehicles

plying on haul roads.

3.1.2 Anticipated impacts

An attempt has been made to predict the incremental rise of various ground level

concentrations for the production proposed of about 3.04 lac tons/ annum of Iron ore &

15,390 tons/annum of Manganese ore.

The impacts envisaged due to mining activity are evaluated based on various factors.

The emission inventory of the pollutants is as follows,

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 23 -

Sources Operations Involved Pollutant Released

Active mine site, Mine Haul Road

Movement of public transport vehicles SPM & RPM

Loading & Transportation

Emissions due to diesel operated excavation & loading equipment.

SO2 & NOx

The impact of mining operations on air quality is negligible on the areas outside the

mining zone.

Drilling operations of the mine are considered as point sources. Extraction of mineral by

various activities in mining area, are considered as area sources. Transportation of

mineral from mining benches to tipper platform of crushing plant is considered as line

sources.

The present study assesses the impact on air environment due to the proposed iron &

manganese ore mining activities. This report gives the maximum (24 hrs) concentration

of SPM up to a distance of 10 kms along major wind directions and selected stations

covering calculated stability conditions during the study period, Oct to Dec 2007.

3.1.2.1 Prediction of Fugitive Dust Emission

The emission in the present case has been computed using Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA), USA established emission factors. The calculation is based on the

tonnage of ore produced, the distance traveled by the vehicles in the mine, distance of

dumps from the mine face etc. Sum of these contributing factors was taken as the

source of emission and utilized to arrive at the emission rates (mass per unit time).

The details of emission computed from various sources are given below:

Ore output per annum: 3,18,681 tons/annum

Excavation:

Tonnage handled per day: 318681/300 = 1062 tpd

Tonnage handled per hour: 1062/8 = 133

Dust generated per hour: 132.75 x 0.406 = 53.9 kg/hour

Dust generated per second: 53.9/3600 = 0.0150 kg/sec

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 24 -

Transport:

Stock yard/Waste dump

Waste dump distance (average): 1 km

Tonnage handled/day: 318681/300 = 1062 tpd

Tonnage per vehicle: 10 tones

No. of vehicle trips: 2 x 1062/10 = 212

Total vehicle – km traveled/day: 212 x 1 = 212 kms

Vehicle- km per hour: 212/8 = 26.56 km

Dust generation = 26.56 x 1.175 = 31.2 kg/hr

Dust generation per second = 31.2/3600 = 0.0087kg/sec

Total Dust emission rate from the mine operations is:

0.0150 kg/sec + 0.0087 kg/sec = 0.0237 kg/sec or 23.7 gm/sec

The above mentioned emission rates are uncontrolled emissions. Due to installation and

operation of dust control measures at mining site the emissions will be one third of the

estimated emissions. This is based on the onsite experience and literature reference.

Accordingly emission rate considered in modeling is 23.7/3 = 7.9 gm/sec.

The emission rates and conditions have been summarized in the Table below:

Mine Area 12.58 Dust emission rate

Uncontrolled Controlled

In gm/sec 23.7 7.9

Emission temperature Ambient

The fugitive emissions on the flora & fauna are not anticipated as the area is devoid of

any vegetation except for some thorny shrubs & bushes; the area is also not a

significant faunal habitat such that the emissions are insignificant to cause any impact

on them.

3.1.2.2 Prediction of Impact on Ambient Air Quality

Mathematical Model for Pollutants Dispersion

To predict the ambient air quality of the area the mathematical model used is the ISCST

(Industrial Source complex - Short Term ISC-3) model. This ISC model for area sources

uses the steady state Gaussian plume equation for a continuous source. For prediction

of the center of mine was assumed (0, 0) as the emission source coordinates in the

mathematical modeling

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 25 -

Modeling Procedure

Data in respect of wind speed, wind direction; temperature etc., recorded during

baseline studies is utilized in this calculation.

For predicting the impacts, the monitoring stations with their distance, direction and

difference in elevation has been considered. The average wind speed in the respective

directions was found to be <2 mts/sec and the same has been considered. The

elevation of the source i.e. mine site is taken as 914m RL as per Toposheet No. 57 C/6

& C/10 of Survey of India.

Ground level Concentration

Prediction of ground level concentration (GLC) due to the proposed mining activities has

been made using the ISCST (Industrial Source complex-Short Term ISC-3) model. This

model for area sources uses the steady state Gaussian plume equation for a continuous

source.

The ground level concentration at a receptor located downwind of all or a portion of the

source area is given by a double integral in the upwind (x) and crosswind (y) direction

as:

Q K V D y C (x, y, 0) = --------------- exp. [-0.5 (------)2]

2π Us σY σZ σY

Where

Q = Area source emission rate (mass per unit area per unit time)

K = units scaling coefficient

V = vertical term.

D = decay term as function of x

σY σZ = standard deviation of lateral and vertical concentration distribution (m)

Us = mean wind speed at release height

Vertical Term

The vertical term includes the effects of source elevation, receptor elevation, plume

rise, limited mixing in vertical and gravitational settling and dry deposition of particulate

(with diameters greater than about 0.1 micron).

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 26 -

In the present case effects on the ambient air concentrations due to gravitational

settling and dry deposition have been neglected. The vertical term without deposition

effects is given by

He ∞ n-1(2n Hm-He)2 (2n Hm+He)2 V = (L + γ) exp ------- + Σ γ exp ---------------- + exp ------------------ 2 σZ2 i=l 2 σZ2 2 σZ2

Where,

H = effective release height of emissions (plume rise + physical stack height)

Hm = mixing height

γ = Reflection co-efficient

The infinite series term in equation accounts for the effects of restrictions on

vertical plume growth at the top of mixing layer. Complete reflection from earth

surface has been assumed (γ = l).

Estimation of σY and σZ

The values of σy and σz have been shown to relate to the diffusion coefficients in the y

& z directions. Based on experimental observations of the dispersion of real plumes,

Pasquill and Gifford have devised a method for calculating σy and σz of a spreading

plume from a knowledge of the atmospheric stability. Six categories of atmospheric

stability, A thru F, were suggested and these are shown in the table as functions of

wind and solar radiation.

Day time isolation Night time conditions Surface wind speed (m/s) Strong Moderate Slight Thin low

clouds < 4/8 Overcast

clouds > 3/8 <2 A A-B B E F 2-3 A-B B C E F 3-5 B B-C D D E 5-6 C C-D D D D >6 C D D D D

A- Extremely unstable B- Moderately unstable

C- Slightly unstable D- Neutral

E- Slightly stable F- Moderately stable

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 27 -

The values of the wind speed shown in the above table correspond to measurements

made at a height of 10 m. The stability category is known from appropriate weather

conditions, σy and σz values for any downwind distance ‘X’ can be calculated from the

equations:

σy = AX0.903

σz = BXP

Where the values of A, B and p are given in the table below:

X <= X1 X <= X1 <=X2 Class A X1

(mtrs) B P X2

(mtrs) B P

A 0.40 250 0.125 1.03 500 0.00883 1.51

B 0.295 1000 0.119 0.986 10000 0.0579 1.09

C 0.20 1000 0.111 0.911 10000 0.111 0.911

D 0.13 1000 0.105 0.827 10000 0.392 0.636

E 0.098 1000 0.100 0.778 10000 0.373 0.587

For number of sources more than one simulation is done for each individual source and

then added. In order to calculate σy and σz for various receptor points for given wind

direction following equation is used.

x = - (X(R) – X(S) Sin (WD) – Y(R) – Y(S) Cos (WD))

Where (X(R), Y(R) are receptor point coordinates and X(S) and Y(S) are source co

ordinates and WD is wind angle from north.

Atmospheric Stability

Many alternative models are developed by different authors to relate σy and σz with

down wind distance (x) under different atmospheric stability conditions. Unfortunately

none of these have been found to be comprehensive enough to be applicable under all

types of topographic and meteorological conditions. On the basis of available

information, ISI adopted “Pasquill Gifford” stability classification system for flat terrains

and “Mc Elroy” stability classification system for non-smooth and uneven areas such as

urban and other undulating areas.

The study area is flat in present case therefore Pasquill Gifford stability classification

system will be applicable in accordance with ISI recommendations as described above.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 28 -

Estimates of Impact

With a wide fluctuation in meteorological parameters it is a complex task to predict post

project ambient air quality. With available ambient air quality data and incremental

concentrations computed through mathematical modeling the following post project

ambient air quality has been predicted.

Pollutant: SPM Units in µg/m3

Location Dist kms Direction Background

Level Predicted

Conc. Resultant

Conc. Mine Site - C 283 115.5 398.50

Doddabyaladakere 2.25 N 153 9.60 162.60

Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE 184 4.79 188.79

Naganaikanakatte 6.00 NW 118 0.52 118.52

Melanahalli 5.25 E 126 0.84 126.84

Gollarahatti (Kenkere) 5.00 SE 115 0.98 115.98

The predicted incremental concentration at the core zone is 115.5 µg/m3 & the post

project incremental concentration is predicted to be 398.5 µg/m3. Though the values

are well below the stipulated limits, it indicates that adoption of scientific mining

methods with better management plans need to be undertaken which are outlined in

the following chapters, so that the net pollution scenario will not cause any adverse

impact to the surrounding environment. Since there are no pollution sources of SO2 &

NOx, these have been predicted as nil.

No adverse impact is envisaged on the roads due to the proposed project as the road

used for haulage connects the nearest State Highway, the Huliyar-Hiriyur road which is

a kilometer from the mine site. The road connecting the highway is an asphalted road

which is generally used by some of the neighboring mines like the Madras Minerals, the

Maris Cements, etc, for transportation of the ore. The road is regularly maintained by

asphalting it such that the dust due to transportation is avoided. The dust emanated

due to project is nil as the trucks loaded will be covered with tarpaulins to avoid

spreading of fine dust.

3.1.3 Proposed Mitigating Measures

Various mitigative measures are proposed to lower the pollutants that emanate due to

the various mining activities. From the viewpoint of maintenance of an acceptable

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 29 -

ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a

regular basis to check with the standards prescribed by the CPCB.

The sources of air pollution in the proposed lease area are mainly due to mining and

the haulage activities. The meteorology of the area becomes an important parameter in

environmental issues in the mining settlements. Suitable measures to protect the

inhabitants and environment against the dust and fumes emanating from vehicular

movements are required to be taken.

Alternatives to conventional Engines are suggested for the machineries used for the

various activities. The conventional gasoline engines can be replaced by LPG, natural

gas or other less polluting fuels.

Dust Control

Dust is the major air pollutant generated from the mining operations; it is generally

generated during the loading and transportations of the mineral.

All the required precautions would be adopted to prevent dust generation at site and

that would be dispersed to the surroundings. However for the safety of the workers at

site engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points like loading & unloading

points, dust masks would be provided there by reducing the risk of lung diseases &

other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring of workers will be carried out.

The mitigation measures proposed to maintain the air quality are as follows

It is proposed to take up mitigative measures in the form of sprinkling water in

the sensitive areas and also create green belt along lease boundary to act as a

dust barrier.

For these purposes water tank fitted with sprayer are being used on haul road,

etc. In addition to the use of dust collectors, dust extractors are provided to all

drilling machine operations.

Adopting wet drilling method will also help reduce the dust generation.

Avoid overfilling of tippers & consequent spillage on the roads. Ore carrying

trucks will be covered by tarpaulins to avoid escape of fine dust to the

atmosphere.

The water availability is adequate & the company will provide structures for

ground water recharging in their field to replenish the aquifer.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 30 -

The green belt proposed all round the mining area will act as a dust filter and

arrest the spread of air borne dust on to the nearby agricultural lands and

villages.

The top soil dump surfaces are proposed to be covered by mulches and

growing of grasses and legumes, which protects not only from wind erosion but

also will improve the soil quantity.

The office complex is also surrounded by green belt, to arrest the spread of

dust to the workshop and other office buildings.

Conveyor belts are not proposed as the extent of mining area is small. The proponent

has proposed piped sprinkling of water to mitigate the dust pollution in the haulage

roads in the core area.

A delineation of a plan for the piped water sprinkling system has been done where the

proponent proposes to lay pipes along the haul roads from an altitude of 902m RL

where a water tank has been provided for this purpose. The pipes will be fitted with

atomizers which will help in better mitigation of dust emission due to mining.

3.2 Noise Environment

3.2.1 Baseline Status

Mining and allied activities are usually noise-prone activities. Excessive noise levels may

cause adverse effects on human beings and its associated environment including

domestic animals, wild life, natural ecosystem and structures.

As per the guidelines of IBM, noise levels in the core zone near the sources and at

different sites in the buffer zone have been recorded. Ambient Noise levels within the

mine and around were recorded using a digital sound level meter to establish the

existing scenario. Annexure-5 gives the sound levels recorded at the monitoring

locations in the core and buffer zones. Locations of noise recording stations are shown

in noise quality monitoring station plan and also given below:

Code Station Distance, kms Direction

N1 Mine site - -

N2 Doddabyaladakere 2.25 N

N3 Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE

N4 Naganaikanakatte 6.00 NW

N5 Melanahalli 5.25 E

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 31 -

Noise levels monitoring is done considering all the cardinal directions with an average of

atleast 15 minutes. The noise level data with time and date of measurements are

specified in the annexure.

A summary of the noise levels during day and night times is given below:

(Units in dBs)

N1 N2 N3 N4 N5 Stations

Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min

Daytime 44.5 36.7 44.3 32.2 45.0 34.2 41.0 32.5 42.5 32.0

Nighttime 37.5 34.3 32.4 29.6 34.3 30.8 33.1 28.8 33.6 29.3

The Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified ambient standards w.r.t noise vide

gazette notification dated 26th December 1989. It is based on the weighted equivalent

noise level (Leq). The standards are presented below:

Noise levels dB(A) Leq Area Code Category of Area

Day Time Night Time

A Industrial Area 75 70

B Commercial Area 65 55

C Residential Area 55 45

D Silence Zone 50 40

The noise generation is expected to be on a lower scale with respect to the core zone

even though the proposed activity is a mechanized mining deploying a Hydraulic

excavator in combination with 8 tippers. Drilling and blasting are minimal; therefore

ground vibrations are insignificant to cause any impacts at all.

3.2.2 Anticipated Impacts

Noise is produced due to movement of heavy earth moving machineries & the haulage

vehicles, the pronounced effect of noise is felt only near the active working area.

Though the proposed activity is mechanized open cast method of mining the impact of

noise on the surrounding areas are minimal & appropriate mitigative measures will be

adopted accordingly.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 32 -

The noise survey conducted at various locations in and around the mining area shows

the background noise levels to be in the range of a maximum of 45 dBs at daytime and

34.3 dBs at night time in the buffer zone villages, which are well within the permissible

limits for rural residential area.

The core zone does not have any human settlements. The lease area is not inhabited

by any wildlife, as there is no forest cover. Hence the impact of noise on wild life is

insignificant. As drilling & blasting are not proposed the ground vibrations will be

insignificant to cause any adverse impact.

Exposure to higher noise levels than the permissible levels will have the following

impacts:

Prevention of sleep, insomnia and fatigue.

Decrease in speech reception, communication distraction and diminished

concentration, thus affecting the efficiency of the person.

Chronic psychological disturbance including impaired hearing.

In certain extreme cases there are irreparable cardiovascular, respiratory and

neurological damages.

The impact due to noise levels generated by the proposed activities on the human

environment is insignificant as the noise generated is below tolerable ambient and

hence the impact on hearing due to the noise levels will also be negligible with respect

to the proposed activity as they conform to the stipulated standards of noise levels.

Impact Prediction: Anticipated noise levels at mine boundary resulting from

operation of the excavation have been computed using point source model.

Computation of noise level at the mine boundary is based on the assumption that there

are no attenuation paths between the source and the mine boundary.

Basic phenomenon of the model is the geometric attenuation of sound. Noise at a point

generates spherical waves, which are propagated outwards from the source through

the air at a speed of 1,100 ft/sec, with the first wave making an ever-increasing sphere

with time. As the wave spreads the intensity of noise diminishes as the fixed amount of

energy is spread ever an increasing surface area of the sphere.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 33 -

The assumption the model is based on point source relationship i,e. for every doubling

of the distance the noise levels are decreased by 6 dB(A). Point source propagation is

defined by the following equation:

Lp2 = Lp1 - 20 log r2/r1

Where Lp1 & Lp2 are sound pressure levels at points located at distances r1 & r2

respectively from the source.

The max noise levels at the core zone during day and night times was found to be 44.5

& 37.5 dB (A) which is less than the prescribed limits of 55 & 45 dB (A) respectively.

Impact due to the transportation activity is minimal as loading & haulage of materials

will be from the mine site to the stockyard through well-prepared all weather roads.

Noise generation may be for an instant or for an intermittent period of time, which are

within the stipulated limits of CPCB.

The lease area is not inhabited by any wild life as the proposed working is on a govt.

revenue land & also there is no thick vegetation cover. Hence there will not be any

effect of migration or extinction of wild life nor are there any endangered avi faunal

species in the lease area that will be affected due to the noise created by the mining

operation

Impact due to the transportation activity is minimal as loading & haulage of materials

will be from the mine site to the stockyard through well-prepared all weather roads as

of present, transportation in the future is also envisaged to not have much impact as

they are proposed to take the same routes as of present.

Noise generation may be for an instant or for an intermittent period of time, which are

within the stipulated limits of CPCB. Hence the impact of noise levels on auditory

function of a human is insignificant as of now.

3.2.3 Proposed Mitigation Measures

Identification of mitigation measures for noise abatement including noise barriers for

point sources and line sources are undertaken and measures to minimize the impact is

proposed:

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 34 -

Proper and timely maintenance of mining machinery adhering to original

equipment manufacturer’s recommendations of maintenance.

Limiting of speed of haulage vehicles/tractors leaving the mine to a moderate

level to prevent undue noise from the empty vehicles.

Periodic inspection and checks of the risk prone areas and equipment have to

be conducted.

Provision of good ear plugs/ear muffs to workers in noise prone areas like

drilling, blasting.

Safe guarding of operators cabins in mining machinery from noise arising out

of the machinery.

Growing of trees with thick foliage along the roads & lease boundary.

Adequacy of the proposed pollution control measures will be evaluated periodically so

as to minimize the occupational exposure. As the proposed workings are mechanized

the operators and other workers involved are well protected with sound proof cabins

such that the exposures are minimized. Presently the noise levels monitored are well

below the prescribed standards and the control devices provided as of now are

sufficient enough to prevent any exposures during the proposed workings. Modifications

if any would be notified as and when required.

3.3 Water Environment

3.3.1 Baseline Status

Understanding the water quality is essential in preparation of Environmental Impact

Assessment and to identify critical issues with a view to suggest appropriate mitigation

measures for implementation.

The source of water in the area is generally the groundwater. The lease area is hilly

terrain and there are no sources of surface watercourses i.e. perennial streams or

ponds within the vicinity of the core zone. The sources of potable water in the region

are the tube wells & dug wells.

During the post monsoon the water bodies are likely to be affected by the proposed

activities. The assessment of the water quality area and in the mine area includes the

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 35 -

quality assessment of parameters as per the IS: 10500 standards. Considering all the

facts three water-monitoring stations have been selected which are shown below in the

table:

Code Station Distance Direction

GW1 Near mine site - -

GW2 D.B.Kere 2.25 N

GW3 Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE

The average rainfall in the area is around 698.65mm/annum; the drainage pattern in

the study area is of dendritic type. As observed in the nearby bore wells, the water

table in the area is at a depth of more than 45-50 mts from the general ground level.

Physico-Chemical Analysis Report

The water quality analysis stations thus located are been analyzed and the analysis data

is shown as Annexure 6 and a summarized water analysis report is shown in the table

below:

Code pH Iron as

Fe, ppm

Coliforms, MPN/100

ml

TDS, mg/l

Fluorides as F, mg/l Chlorides,

mg/l

GW1 6.95 0.02 Absent 460 0.9 220

GW2 7.21 0.02 Absent 410 1.0 168

GW3 7.08 0.01 Absent 470 0.8 173

Biological & Bacteriological Characterization

Water samples were collected in sterile bottles/vials for various examinations to avoid

contamination. The report is presented below.

Total coliforms Nil Faecal coliforms Absent

Plankton Analysis: Bacillairiophaceae/diatoms Navicula - sp Melosira - sp

Chyanophyceae/blue green algae Cyalobacteria Oscillatoria - sp

The iron & Manganese level in the water samples are analyzed and it was found that

the manganese level was found to be below detectable level.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 36 -

Parameter Permissible limit GW1 GW2 GW3

Iron as Fe, mg/l 1.0 0.02 0.02 0.01

Manganese as Mn, mg/l 0.3 BDL BDL BDL

Delineation of water sheds and water drainage pattern is updated by using remote

sensing satellite imagery. As the workings will be well above this there will be no

interception of ground water and inundation of mines from ground water is not

anticipated.

There is no Surface water in the study area and withdrawal of the same is not

envisaged hence water balance of the surface water is not prepared.

Hydrogeology: The occurrence of ground water is controlled by the intensity and

depth of weathering and by the presence of joints and fractures, which may vary from

place to place. During the rainy season due to infiltration of rainwater, the weathered

zone gets fully charged and water table rises and augments the ground water storage.

The ground water recharging is mainly due to the rainfall received which is quite scanty

in the region. Therefore the depth of the water table level in the area is 45 - 50m the

ground level. The ore body occurs along the hill ridge. The natural gullies drain the

rainwater from the workings and encountering ground water in this mine is ruled out.

There are no aquifers in the proposed area hence water absorbing capacity of the same

is not indicated

Ground water Potential: Occurrence of ground water is mainly controlled by water

table conditions. The ground water recharging is mainly due to the rainfall received

which is quite scanty in the region. Ground water recharge test was conducted during

the study period which shows the depth of the water table to be about 45 – 50m the

ground level. The pits created during excavation can be modified into recharging pits

and thereby rainwater harvesting can be done and hence maintaining the water balance

of the area.

The mining activities do not require any water as consumption of water for the

proposed activities is nil. As there is no ground water withdrawal in the mine site

ground water balance for the same is not prepared.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 37 -

Water Requirement

The water consumption at the mine site is generally for

Dust suppression

Afforestation

Drinking purposes

Water requirement for the proposed production is about 25 KLD, which will be met by

several ground water sources, and hence exploitation of surface water and the aquatic

biodiversity is not anticipated.

(KLD) Purpose Avg. Demand Peak Demand

Dust suppression 15 16 Drinking 5 7 Green belt 5 7

Total 25 30

Since there are no proposals for setting up an ore processing unit or a beneficiation

plant, wastewater production from these processes is not envisaged. Hence no

wastewater treatment is planned for this project. Rain water harvesting to replenish

groundwater is proposed after consultation with concerned officials.

There are no water bodies existing within the mining lease as of now but future

workings are likely to create artificial water bodies that can be utilized for recharging

the ground water. There are few seasonal nallahs and water bodies in the buffer zone

of 10 kms, the water bodies lie close to Huliyar, Sommanahalli & Kanchipura.

3.3.2 Anticipated Impacts

There are no perennial rivers or streams present in the area but there are a couple of

small nallahs, which are seasonal in nature. But no proposals are put forth to shift any

of the water courses hence impact on them are not envisaged. The probable cause of

surface water is soil erosion and wash-off from the dumps. Therefore the impact of

mining on hydrogeology is studied and mitigative measures to conserve the water

resources are taken up such as preventing wash-off of mine silt and uncontrolled run-

off water during monsoon. As the water table in the area is about 45-50mts below the

general ground level the intersection of the groundwater body during the mining

activity is not envisaged. Ground water horizons are structurally and topographically

controlled. And hence problem due to inundation is also not predicted.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 38 -

The mining activities can cause adverse impacts due to mine drainage, siltation due to

storm water & contaminated water from domestic sewage. The analysis results of three

different samples collected shows that the water is Potable as all the parameters are

well within the stipulated limits.

3.3.3 Proposed Mitigating Measures

As the proposed activity involves dry excavation process with no beneficiation process

the impact due to effluent generation is not predicted. The probable cause of surface

water is soil erosion and wash-off from the dumps. Therefore the impact of mining on

hydrogeology is studied and mitigative measures to conserve the water resources are

taken up such as preventing wash-off of mine silt and uncontrolled run-off water during

monsoon. There is no wastewater generation due to the proposed mining operations

and hence management plans for the same are not envisaged. The presence of mine

drainage or siltation is nil except during the rainy season, for which appropriate

mitigative measures are planned.

Storm Water Management Plan: Mining operations are restricted during the rainy

days thus the workings accounts to a maximum of about 300 days/ year. Hence the

possibility of freshly excavated material being carried away by the storm water into

nallahs is avoided. The seasonal nallahs present in the lease area will channelize the

storm water.

The storm water carries the silt generated from the ore, overburden and soil of the

mine area. Check dams will be constructed at the lowest level of each nallah to collect

the storm water. The clear overflow from the check dam is passed on the downside of

the nallah to maintain the natural course of water in the region. Retaining walls shall be

constructed below the foot of the dump slopes. The slopes shall have contour trenches

of 1m interval where saplings shall be planted to consolidate the dump.

Structures Proposed

Check dams 7 check dams of about 40 mts length

Retaining walls 4 walls are proposed for about 1.2m x 1.2m in length

Dump toes At various places to channelize water to prevent erosion

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 39 -

As the proposed area is close to a forest land the proponent proposes to conserve the

existing waterholes in the forest and also create a few water holes by converting the

excavated pits at the end of the mine life for wildlife and will also help in recharging the

ground water. The excavated pits will also be used for recreational activities or for

pisiculture accordingly. The withdrawal of ground water is within the threshold limits of

recharging & hence its impact is not anticipated. The proposed afforestation

programme will also increase the rate of recharging the ground water in this area.

At the end of the mine operation the proponent has proposed to convert few of the

mining pits into artificial ponds to store the rainwater, which could be used as a

reservoir in the locality which will in turn help in recharging the groundwater table.

Rainwater harvesting will be taken up after consulting the concerned officials about the

feasibility of such a setup, so that water stored can be used for water sprinkling and

afforestation purposes thereby conserving the ground water source. The rainwater

harvested will also be used for dust suppression at the haul roads and the mine heads.

They will also be used for dump stabilization.

3.4 Land Environment

3.4.1 Baseline Status

3.4.1.1 Soil Quality

The normal mineral composition of plants is affected by alteration in soil composition.

Soil could well represent the topsoil cover, which is rich in nutrient content and the sub

strata where additional features like the textural class, infiltration rate, field capacity &

wilting coefficient, pH etc are important.

Three locations were selected for analyzing the soil quality status around the subject

mine. The soil samples were collected from the core and buffer area within 10 kms of

the study period.

S1: Mine site, S2: Chikka Byladakere (Agricultural lands), S3: Jaisuvarnapura

(Agricultural lands)

Soil samples were tested for their physico-chemical & microbiological properties and are

given in Annexure-7. The summary of the soil analysis data are given below:

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 40 -

Parameters S1 S2 S3

pH 7.15 7.27 7.45

Water holding Capacity in % 16.54 14.65 18.50

Organic Matter, meq/100 gms 1.32 1.16 0.98

Chlorides as Cl, meq/100 gms 10.2 12.5 9.8

Sulphates as SO4, meq/100 gms 0.2 3.8 2.9

Available Nitrogen in kg/ha 256 267 236

Available Potassium in kg/ha 220 235 210

Available Phosphorus in kg/ha 63 71 58

The soil fertility of the samples collected are studied and was found that the mine site

showed infertile soil with a low NPK value & the water holding capacity of the soil is

also very low such that no agricultural crops can be grown. The soil sample at

Jaisuvarnapura is found to be quite fertile for most agricultural crops; it showed 0.9

meq of organic content/100g of soil. The NPK content is fairly present in the soil sample

which shows the better soil fertility.

3.4.1.2 Existing Land Use

The area proposed for mining falls under the Government revenue lands over an extent

of 12.58 Hectares. The proposed mine site is dominated by rugged hilly terrain with

elevations varying between 914m to 836m RL. As of present the entire area comprises

of thorny bushes & shrubs. The subject area is a revenue land not used for any other

purpose and is prospected for mining iron & manganese ore by the lessee. The

surrounding area has a few patta lands & the buffer zone has few abandoned mining

leases. The core zone (lease area retained) does not fall under the forest land but only

lie in close proximity to the Kudre Kanave Kaval state forest in the south western side.

The land use and terrain patterns of the study area can be observed from the remote

sensing satellite imagery IRS-1C - LISS-III data. The land lies in close proximity to the

Kudre Kanave Kaval State Forest which is an open scrub forest. But the lease area

exhibits no thick vegetation except for some thorny bushes & shrubs. The waste

generated from the mine is dumped separately. The buffer zone upto 10 kms from the

mining lease comprise of few villages. These villages include some hamlets. The villages

in the buffer zone are indicated in the key plan. The study area (buffer zone) comprises

of revenue and patta lands falling in Doddabyaladakere village limits.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 41 -

Location and rate of yearly generation of waste quantity & mineral rejects are shown in

the plans.

Land Use Pattern (Area in Ha)

S. No. Purpose of use Present Proposed Conceptual

1 Area to be excavated 2.70 4.85 6.672

2 Storage of top soil Nil Nil Nil

3 Overburden/Dump 0.80 2.00 2.338

4 Mineral Storage 0.10 0.10 0.100

5 Infrastructure 0.02 0.02 0.020

6 Roads 0.50 0.50 0.500

7 Greenbelt Nil 2.50 4.520 (1.820 on dump)

8 Mineral separation Plant 0.05 0.05 0.050

9 Others Nil 0.20 0.200

10 Un disturbed area 8.41 2.36 Nil

Total 12.58 12.58 12.58

Belt Conveyers are not proposed within the area as the proposed area is just 12.58 Ha

but the transportation of ore along the haul roads will be done using closed lorries and

thus avoid fugitive dust emissions. The proponent proposes to use rail services for the

mineral transportation for long distance transportation. The proponent has no stock

yard in the rail yard & hence no EMP is submitted for the same but proposes to have

one in future after applying for the same.

Transportation of the ore from pithead to stockyard over a distance of about one km

shall be done using tippers. Mine waste is also being transported to respective dump

yards through tippers.

3.4.2 Anticipated Impacts

The anticipated impacts on the topography of the core zone will be changed due to the

proposed activities in the form of digging, leveling of lands & dumping of waste etc.

these have the potential to effect in the form of land erosion, changes in the ground

cover etc. Open scrubs mark the general topography of the area.

The proposed lease area is devoid of any surface water body except for a few seasonal

nallahs hence impacts on water drainage pattern anticipated due to the mining activity

on the land environment is nil.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 42 -

Impact on Land use Pattern

The proposed mining activity and other developmental activities will have an impact on

the present land use. The applied ML area is 12.58 Ha of only revenue lands of which

the area proposed for excavation of minerals is 4.85 Ha. As the proposed area does not

involve any forestlands impact on forestry is not envisaged. As the area is also devoid

of any agricultural activity their possible impacts are also not predicted.

As far as impact on the land use pattern is concerned, the buffer zone will not be

affected as the mining operations are confined only to the core zone. However, the

buffer zone i.e. adjacent area to the Mining lease consists of several other Mining lease

on all the sides. They are of greater concern as the mining operations; the eventual

pollution affects & solid waste disposal could drastically influence the landscape and

aesthetic beauty of the area. The OB generated, as a consequence of mining activity

will not be mixed with non-saleable or sub grade, they will be utilized for bund

formation. There is no likelihood of top soil generation however if any generated they

will be utilized for green belt development in & around the mine site.

Impact of Leachate water is envisaged to be nil as sufficient no. of retaining walls will

be constructed all along the dump toes to channelize the water collected there such

that there would be no change in groundwater quality.

The mine workings are planned scientifically such that the occurrence of landslides or

failure of mine benches is not anticipated.

The soil quality of the proposed lease was found to be well within a moderate

concentration. Topsoil generation is not expected however if generated they will be

shall be stacked temporarily and utilized for Afforestation works.

Impact of mining on the local biodiversity is observed to be insignificant as there are no

proposals of deforestation of the surrounding forest cover for the proposed activities.

3.4.3 Proposed Mitigating Measures

Delineation of the mine closure plan is considered with respect to restoration and

reclamation of the mined out area. The mined out area are thus reclaimed or restored

with respect to the surrounding land use as follows:

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 43 -

3.4.3.1 Reclamation of mined out areas

Land degradation is one of the major adverse impacts of open cast mining activities and

efforts to control adverse impacts would be incomplete without appropriate land

reclamation strategy.

The lessee will take up restoration & reclamation of the mine spoiled area within the

core zone as integral part of the mining activity. The waste generated during mining will

include overburden and other ore zone waste, which will be disposed into the dump

yards or used for reclaiming the mined out areas. Parts of the mined out pits will be

converted into artificial lake or a water body as a part of Hydro reclamation.

As a part of the progressive mine closure plan the following reclamation is been

proposed:

Period Reclamation

2007-2010

2012-2017

2017-2022

Worked out areas of about 1.0 Ha to be afforested apart

from the proposed 0.5 Ha.

(Plantation on dumps, near statutory building, Avenue

plantation etc & construction of check Dams, retention

walls, gully plugs etc )

As this area sometimes experiences acute draught like situation, the water body can act

as source of water. The area surrounding the lake will be beautified by landscaping.

The remaining area in the lease area will be handed over to the local people for social

forestry after taking the necessary steps towards the betterment of the land quality.

The fertility status of soil in the study area will not be affected. There will not be any

impact on the bio-diversity of the study area as the mining activities are limited to the

lease area and required suitable measures will been taken.

3.4.3.2 Soil Erosion

Hill slopes are vulnerable to soil erosion. Construction of check dams and gully plugs

will be an effective insulation to arrest soil erosion. Plantation on the dump slopes will

also help in stabilizing the dumps, which shall also contribute in improving the situation.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 44 -

3.4.3.3 Topsoil Conservation

The top soil dump surface is proposed to be covered by mulches and growing of

grasses and legumes, which protects not only from wind erosion but also will improve

the soil quantity. The soil quality of the proposed lease was found to be well within a

moderate concentration. The system of selective removal of the topsoil wherever

encountered will be stacked separately. Terracing of dumps will also form an effective

control measure in reducing soil erosion. Topsoil generation is not excepted, however if

generated they shall be stacked temporarily and utilized for Afforestation works.

The land use plan post mining for the core zone with environmental management is

delineated as follows:

Land use Description

Plantation Water body Public use Undisturbed Total

Top soil - - - - - External waste dumps 1.682 - - 0.300 1.982

Excavation - 4.094 - - 4.094

Road - - 1.200 - 1.200

Built up area - - 0.459 - 0.459

Afforestation 1.321 - - - 1.321 Undisturbed area 3.524 - - - 3.524

Total 6.527 4.094 1.659 0.300 12.580

3.5 Biological Environment

3.5.1 Baseline Status

Ecological survey was carried out by field visits in the study area of 5 kms radius to

observe the species and to assess the status of dominance, density, frequency,

abundance, etc. Besides, personal enquiries & discussion with local people and forest

department officials were also conducted to get a fair idea of the existing ecological

status.

Flora: A survey was been conducted in the study period within a radius of 10 kms for

the assessment of the biological environment in the study area. The mining area is

devoid of any vegetation including large tree species. They contain only thorny bushes

on the bunds of agricultural lands. In the buffer zone area of 10 kms, Neem, Tamarind,

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 45 -

Jali, Eucalyptus trees are seen. Natural vegetation like grasses and wild shrubs grow

here during the monsoon, which is useful for grazing and during the summer they dry

out. The authenticated list of flora and fauna of the Chitradurga forest division has been

enclosed.

Fauna: No endangered species are found in the study area. During the field survey the

following common variety of fauna like Jackal, Rabbit, Rats, Deer, Fox, Snakes etc were

observed. The common birds seen are Crows, Sparrows, Barbets, Partridges etc, exists

in the area. There were no endangered or endemic species in the study area. An

authenticated list of the fauna has being collected indicating the endangered & endemic

species with their scientific names as well as their local name as per the Schedule of the

Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Agricultural activity

As rain fed farming is still followed in the area most of the crop cultivation is subjected

to risk and uncertainty and consequently, the technological status of crop cultivation is

still low. Main agricultural produce in the area include:

Cereals Oil seeds Pulses Cash Crops

Paddy Groundnut Cow pea Cotton

Jowar Sunflower Bengal gram Tobacco

Wheat Safflower Horse gram Sugarcane

Maize Castor Green gram -

It was observed that technological status of irrigated farming is better than that of rain

fed cultivation. Soil testing, use of quality seeds, application of chemical fertilizers and

plant protection have been reported substantially by the farmers under irrigated

conditions.

Existence of National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, etc is not observed within 10

kms of the mine site. Deforestation of the area is not proposed for the mining activity

hence estimation of the no. of trees cut is not carried out.

Photographs showing the vegetation cover in the lease area are enclosed.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 46 -

3.5.2 Anticipated Impacts

Since the proposed lease area is already explored, the biodiversity to be affected is nil

within the core zone i.e. the mine area, dump area & the haulage roads. But the impact

can be considered insignificant as the region consists of only skeletal vegetation

consisting of grasses & thorny shrubs with no rare & endangered species. As the mining

activity will be limited only to the core zone the impact on the flora of the buffer zone is

also insignificant. However afforestation planned to be undertaken in the mine and

surrounding areas will over a period of time, upgrade the flora.

The area is not a significant faunal habitat hence impact on the same is not predicted.

The impact on the wildlife including the avifauna of the buffer zone due to the mining

activity will be minimal. Green belt shall be developed all around the boundary to avoid

inadvertent entry of animals to the lease area.

There shall be no habitat fragmentation or blocking of migratory corridors due to the

proposed mining activity. Moreover progressive plantation activity over a period will

create conditions favorable for faunal habitat.

3.5.3 Proposed Mitigative Measures

Mitigative measures proposed are in terms of afforestation over the mined out areas.

Delineation of the same will be carried out as the mining activity proceeds. Mine

benches and overburden will be stabilized by developing a vegetation cover over them.

Species with good canopy & extensive root system will be utilized such that the mine

benches are stabilized. With the mining operations concentrated on the slopes and

ridges of the rocky hills, ecological damage shall be a minimum. With the afforestation

program in the lease area, improvement in the green cover is expected. The air

pollutants like NOx may have some injurious effect on the natural vegetation in the

buffer zone. But as observed from the ambient air quality data, these pollutants are

very low in concentration.

The afforestation to be taken up provides the requisite floral biodiversity. Afforestation

will be taken up on the soil bund, its terrace and slopes in the phased manner. 2.5 Ha

of area is earmarked for afforestation in the proposed plan period. The species chosen

for green belt are fast growing with good canopy and dense leaf density, and some

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 47 -

ornamental plants to give good aesthetic look. Details of the afforestation program are

given below.

Year Nos Survival rate Location Saplings

2007-08 1000

2008-09 1000

2009-10 1000

Total 3000

60% Haul roads & Dump slopes

Hamata grass sps., Bio-Fuel plants like

Honge, Neem, Badam etc.,

The measures underway to improve vegetation and reduce noise and air pollution will

help in containing the impact on the fauna and flora of the buffer zone to a greater

extent. The Dump shall be suitably stabilized using Hamata grass species and legumes.

The slopes shall have contour trenches of 1m interval where species of plants shall be

planted to consolidate the dump. On the dump terraces agricultural/plantation activity

could be carried on.

Recommended plant species

The plantation of saplings will be more of local species so that bio-diversity is further

enriched. Relevant forest authority would be consulted for successful

reclamation/afforestation programme. The plant species which are indigenous, fast

growing, spreading roots, broad leaf base etc, would be selected for

plantation/afforestation with focus on different mine problems.

Some of the recommended species are

Acacia sp.

Mangifera indica

Azadiracta indica

Tamarindus indica

Gulmohar

A green belt will be developed around the lease boundary, haul roads, dump slopes,

ultimate pit etc., to protect the surrounding areas from dust and sound. For which

plants suiting the geo-climatic conditions, shall be selected. As there are no proposals

for deforestation, compensatory afforestation is not envisaged. But afforestation of

reclaimed mined out areas with economically beneficial plantations are proposed to be

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 48 -

grown. A thick green belt of at least 50m width all along the lease area is proposed thus

preventing any adverse impacts on the biotic environment.

During the afforestation work, the combination of different species shall be taken

selection of plant species based on its height, quick growth, broad-leaved, leaf density

and drought tolerant species will be taken into consideration. Guidance from the local

forest department shall be taken in the selection of species and their maintenance.

A separate monitoring cell would be constituted to supervise and monitor the various

measures proposed.

Management plan for the core zone for the entire lease period in terms of soil &

moisture conservation is delineated. The plan includes development of green belt

development around the mining benches, the crushing units & OB dumps. One-hectare

area of forest with broad leaf species would arrest 30 to 50 tonnes of dust generated.

Retention walls to the O.B. soil dumps are proposed to check the suspended particles

rolling down and choking the natural drainage system of the area. The designs and

locations of the proposed check dams & retaining walls are shown on the environmental

plan& the conceptual plan.

The proposed plan includes developing green belt around mining benches, crushing

units and overburdens. Afforestation in terms of avenue plantations is also proposed to

be carried out along the road sides and in the worker colonies with suitable species of

grass, shrubs & trees. Native hardwood varieties are given priority for avenue

plantations. Proposed year wise afforestation for the study zone has been delineated

with an expenditure cost of Rs. 1.00 lacs/annum

Year Location Nos Cost (Rs)

2007-08 1000 1,00,000

2008-09 1000 1,00,000

2009-10 1000 1,00,000

Total

Along the lease boundary, mineral storage area, haul roads & around the

screening plant 3000 3,00,000

The following conservation plan shall be taken into consideration:

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 49 -

As a part of the conservation of the flora & fauna of the region, the project site

& its surrounding shall be guarded & protected against forest fires & illegal

cutting of any trees.

Trenches & fencing all along the lease boundary will be dug to prevent

accidental entry of domestic/wildlife if any in to the mining area.

Mining activities are to be in accordance with the conditions imposed as per the

agreement entered into by the lessee.

Mining & allied activities shall be restricted only to the lease area and shall not

be taken up outside the lease area endangering the forest in the buffer zone.

As per the guidelines & consultations of the PCB, afforestation & plantation

works shall be taken up.

Guards/personnel shall be appointed to guard the working area from any illegal

activities and untold actions.

3.6 Socio-Economic Component

Socio-economic study is an important integral part of environmental studies. Existing as

well as upcoming projects will have some adverse or beneficial impact on the

environment. Information has been compiled from secondary sources including various

government and semi-government offices.

3.6.1 Baseline Status

Population & Literacy

There is no inhabitation within the lease area. There are 27 human settlements in the

buffer zone with a total population of 43,832 forming 9,356 households at an average

of 5 persons per household as per 2001 census data. Of the total population only

68.45% of the population is literate. The 10 kms radius of the study area falls under

Hosadurga taluk. The nearest habitation is Dodda Byladakere village at a distance of

2.25 km from the mine with a population of 1,317.

There are no places of historical, cultural or ecological importance in the core or the

buffer zones.

The SC population is more than the ST population. The overall SC/ST population is

24.2% of the total population. The SC & ST population is given below:

SC Population: 7,520 (17.2%)

ST Population: 3,185 (7.2%)

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 50 -

Information has been compiled from secondary sources including various government

and semi-government offices. The settlements are shown in the Transportation Network

and Settlement plate.

Occupational Pattern

The occupational pattern of the population has been detailed and given as Table -5.

The perusal of the tables reveals the following occupation status of the study area:

Details Total Male Female

Workers 20015 13350 6665

Non workers 4412 1195 3217

Marginal workers 23112 8826 14286

(MW ~ Marginal workers, NW ~ Non workers, W ~ Workers)

The village wise break up of the detailed Demographic profiles and the socio-economic

data analysis as per the 2001 Census is presented in Tables (1 – 5).

Existing Infrastructures & Utilities

Educational Facilities: Primary schools are present in all the villages. Higher

secondary education is available at Huliyar, Kenkere, etc, for better educational courses

& other job oriented technical courses one has to seek facilities from Chitradurga, Tiptur

& Tumkur. Some of the near by villages having educational facilities & literacy centers

are given below:

Worker Details

0 5000 10000 15000 20000 25000

W

NW

MW FEMALE MALE TOTAL

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 51 -

Name of the Villages

Primary school

Middle school

Sr. secondary

school College Training

school

Adult literacy center

Melanahalli Y N N N N N

Naganaikanakatte Y N N N N N

Gollarahatti Y Y N N N N

Arasingundi Y Y N N N N

Chikka Byladakere Y Y Y N N N

Dodda Byladakere Y Y N N N N

Jaisuvarnapura Y Y N N N N

Kenkere Y Y Y Y Y N

Huliyar Y Y Y Y Y Y

Elenadu Y Y Y Y N N

Medical facilities: Community health centers are present in all villages. In addition,

there are registered medical practitioners in almost all the villages. Some of the villages

like Kenkere, Huliyar & Kittadahal have maternity & child care centers. For sophisticated

medical facilities the villagers have to go to Hosadurga & Chitradurga.

Drinking water: Open wells and bore wells are the major source of drinking water. In

some villages public water supply is also available.

Communication: There are good approach roads in the form of state highway passing

through major towns & villages and metal roads linking smaller villages. Bus facilities

are available in almost all the villages.

Power: All the villages in the buffer zone have electricity supply. However, supply of

electricity through rural feeder is sometimes erratic.

Post and Telegraph: Postal facilities exist in majority of the villages, nearest being

Dodda Byladakere. Telecommunication facility is also available in some of the villages.

As the core zone is a notified govt. revenue land there can be no claim from the private

land owners indicating loss of income due to the proposed activity. The proposed area

is along the Kudre Kanave Kaval forest and there is no loss of rights in terms of cattle

grazing land as the proposed area is surrounded by several other mine leases. The

mine activities do not involve any common property resources in the core zone. It can

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 52 -

be observed that the mine transportation is along the haul road meant for the ore

transportation and which is not frequented by the public or the villagers, the mine road

connects the state highway which is just a kilometer from it.

3.6.2 Anticipated Impacts

According to the survey conducted in the villages near by the nature of impact that

could bring a change in the socio-economic condition of the people living in close

proximity of the mines. The proposed mines could bring a positive change in the village

as the mine shall provide employment to more than 100 people.

As rain fed farming is still followed in the area most of the crop cultivation is subjected

to risk and uncertainty and consequently, the technological status of crop cultivation is

still low. As there are no agricultural lands within 2 kms of the core area impact on the

cropping pattern and crop productivity is not envisaged.

The main source of livelihood of most people within 2 kms radius is generally

agriculture and mining. As most people depend on rains for agriculture the off season

occupation of the population in majority is mining activity. The most vulnerable section

of people will be provided with petty contract works and other unskilled work such that

a source of living is provided. Grazing lands are not affected due to the proposed

mining activity as the activities proposed are entitled to be specific to the core zone.

The access routes frequented by the people are not affected by any of the mining

activity.

Human Settlements

The lease area does not cover any habitation, hence the mining activities does not

involve any displacement of human settlement. No public buildings, important places,

monuments etc., exist within the lease area or in the vicinity. The mining operations will

not disturb/relocate any village or need resettlement during the entire mine life. Thus

no adverse impact is anticipated.

3.6.3 Proposed Mitigating Measures

Social welfare & Compensatory activities

The project proponent with the help of local social welfare workers will take up welfare

activities like providing drinking water and sanitary facilities for the people in the buffer

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 53 -

zone area. The local womenfolk shall be involved in afforestation works thereby

providing them with means of earning an income.

Various development schemes are formulated similar to the schemes executed by

various Govt. agencies. The proposed schemes are based on various levels such as

community based, household wise & individual wise and there by providing gainful

activities on sustained basis.

A need based survey was conducted in various nearby villages according to which

various measures have been implemented. Scholarships to meritorious students provide

books or other necessary facilities to the needy children of the workers and other village

people. Vocational training to eligible boys & girls will be provided with financial

assistance. Special monetary scholarships to select meritorious students will be provided

till their higher studies.

They also propose to provide initial financial support to people interested in taking up

gainful economic activities on a sustained basis. Monetary help will be rendered to the

villagers for developing fodder farm, rearing of goat, sheep etc in their respective

homestead lands thereby providing a regular source of income.

The proponent proposes to identify barren land in the surrounding villages with the help

of the local people to take up social forestry for the needs of the villagers. He also

proposes to initiate the local people especially the women folk with the help of self-help

groups in planting fruit bearing species. They also plan to initiate the local people

especially the women folk with the help of self help groups in planting fruit bearing

species like Mango, Tamarind and other local varieties including fuel wood. Proponent

with the help various agencies would provide marketing of their finished products. They

also propose to identify convenient collection centers for the minor forest produce.

The royalty collection against the mineral produced as per schedule is beneficial as it is

earning finance to the exchequer of the government, which will be used for various

public welfare activities.

Employment

The mining activity will improve the standard of living & economic status of the people

in the nearby areas. Continued mining activities will benefit the local people by way of

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 54 -

development of more infrastructural facilities provided by the local industry as mining

boosts up the local market, which will invite people from different places to install their

ancillary units here and also provide employment opportunities to the people. More

than 100 people residing in the nearby villages are benefited by the direct and indirect

employment opportunities created by the mining activity.

3.7 Occupational Health

3.7.1 Baseline Status

Occupational health & safety is very closely related to productivity and good employer-

employee relationship. The effect of mining activities on the health of the workers in

the lease area is primarily due to emanation of dust from the transport vehicles, noise

pollution due to various operational activities in the mine as well as the buffer zone.

Occupational health survey is regularly conducted and the health reports are maintained

during the mine operation.

The field survey conducted in the locality of the lease area showed that the people are

commonly suffering from TB, Pneumonia, Dysentery, Arthritis, Common Cold and

Ophthalmologic diseases like Cataract etc. The villagers avail medical facilities from the

public health center located at D.B. Kere & Kenkere, for specific treatments & health

assistance they avail facilities from govt. hospital located at Chitradurga.

The proposed manpower is around 60 including a Mine Engineer with Mines Manger

Competency Certificate, Geologist and other staff. The working hours at the mines will

be 8 hours/day for 300 days/year. The hazardous operations that are likely to be

involved are the drilling & blasting operations which are not envisaged for the proposed

mine handling.

The contributing factors that affect the health of people are dust, gaseous pollutants

excess noise and vibration in the mine. These are categorized as occupational hazards.

Workers are prone to be affected by respiratory & pulmonary diseases, apart from

health hazards related to water pollution, noise & vibrations. The main concern for

public health in the order of severity is:

Respiratory disease

Chronic pulmonary diseases like bronchitis & asthma

Other specific occupational health hazards

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 55 -

There are major risks involved to the public health due to the proposed mining

activities. Hence impact assessment for the same is not undertaken. Various awareness

programs are developed to explain various occupational exposures to the workers.

Various training sessions will also be conducted regularly by the concerned authorities.

Additionally, the health status of workers in the mine shall be regularly monitored under

an occupational surveillance programme. Under this programme, all the employees shall

be subjected to a detailed medical examination at the time of employment. The medical

examination shall cover the following tests:

Disease Tests to be conducted

Heart Disease Electro Cardio Gram (ECG), blood for lipid profile, stress test, 2d-Echo and other tests as required

Lung Disease Total count (WBC), Differential count, sputum examination, X-ray chest, culture & sensitivity (COS)

Asthma Differential count, ESR, x-ray chest, lung function tests and sputum examination-provoke test if required

Diabetes Random blood sugar, urine sugar-if positive BSL-fasting/pp, diabetic profile

Hypertension BP reading, if required renal profile + ECG and stress test

Abdomen Pain Routine urine for albumin, sugar bile salts + bile pigments, stool examination, USG, Ba meal, liver function test (serum, bilirubic etc) as per requirement

Hearing Auditory tests

3.7.2 Anticipated Impacts

The occupational risks are injuries due to accidents during mining, transportation, at

dump sites, dust related occupational diseases. A list of possible diseases due to the

proposed mining of iron ore & manganese ore are as follows:

Silicosis

Silico tuberculosis

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Lung Cancer

Tuberculosis

Manganism

Dust related Pneumonias

Joint, Tendon & Muscle inflammation

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 56 -

As all the mining operations will be carried out strictly in accordance with the mines act.

All the necessary provisions under factory act will also be provided therefore risk

involved is minimum.

3.7.3 Proposed Mitigating Measures

An inventory of the risks involved during the proposed project would be delineated with

the measures to mitigate the same and the same would be ensured to the people by

conducting an awareness program in the surrounding areas. Workers will be periodically

deputed to the induction training & awareness programme on health & safety and

various other operational risks.

A safety committee would be constituted where members of the committee would be

from the employees from the mines who would be given training on different aspects of

occupational health & safety. Regular workshops are conducted where workers will be

exposed to the safety aspects of the mine working. A Safety officer would be deputed

to identify the occupational risks at an initial stage to avoid serious damage.

The proponent will appoint a doctor who is trained in occupational health surveillance to

meet the health requirements of the employees. The proponent will also provide

facilities for medical checkups, pathological tests and medicines to all employees.

Programme indicating activities & preventive measures

δ As per the health surveillance plan, all employees will be medically examined

during their first employment & 20% of the workers will be periodically

examined as required under Mines Rule–1955 at Govt. District Hospital at

Chitradurga which has all requisite facilities

δ Rest shelter nearby the mine workings is constructed for the workers to take

rest in between tea & lunch breaks. Cool & wholesome drinking water is

provided to the workers.

δ Separate sanitation (bath/toilet) facilities with sufficient water for

washing/cleaning of hands & legs etc are being arranged.

δ First aid facility at the office premises is available where trained personnel

(Mine foreman/mates with valid First Aid Certificate) will help the workers if

injured during mining operations.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 57 -

δ All first aid appliances, stretchers & accessories namely scissors, bandages,

cotton, dettol, tincture iodine or other antiseptics, carbolic soaps, pain balms

& sprays are made available.

δ Government/private dispensaries are also available at D.B.Kere, Kenkere &

Huliyar where qualified doctors attend in case of emergencies.

δ The working areas & haulage roads will be frequently & adequately sprayed

with water by engaging water tankers to avoid emanation of dust during

mining & its allied activities. About 12000-15000 lts/day (i.e. 3-4 trips/day) is

envisaged to be used for this purpose.

The medical expenses will be borne by the mine owner. The medical expenses incurred

by the Employees for accidents or illness due to non occupational diseases will be

reimbursed by the Management. They will also compensate the workers for health

impairment based on the severity of illness/injury arising due to accidents as per

workmen compensation act-1923. Apart from this, Medical Insurance for employees is

also proposed.

Regular Medical Health camps shall be conducted wherein people are thoroughly

examined and health survey including tests like spirometry, pulseoxymetry & lung

function tests shall be conducted and report submitted periodically.

Medical & Health Facilities

First-aid facility is provided at the mines. Apart from medical and health facilities

rendered at the nearby village Public Health Center, there are also government

hospitals at the nearest town Huliyar/Kenkere to meet the health needs of the locality.

The medical histories of all the employees shall be maintained in a standard format.

Thereafter, the employees will be subjected to medical examination on an annual basis.

The above tests will be recorded in the database of medical history of the employees.

These medical histories over a period will show if there are any occupation related

deterioration in the employee’s health. A periodical Survey would be conducted to

assess the health impact on the local people and the workers as a mitigative measure.

The project proponent will be responsible for providing the required expenses for all the

requisite tests. A recurring cost of Rs. 2 lacs/annum is allocated for Occupational Health

activities.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 58 -

CHAPTER-4

ADDITIONAL STUDIES

4 Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is undertaken with respect to the regulations prescribed in MMR-1961.

There is no risk to the public on account of any of the factors listed below, as entry of

unauthorized personnel and vehicles into the mining and industrial areas is restricted.

But in an opencast mine, risk to workers may arise due to many factors, the risk

assessment is done covering the following aspects:

Roof fall inside the mine

Since it is an opencast mine this risk is not applicable

Surface subsidence

As the proposed activity is a shallow opencast mining no land subsidence is

expected in the mine.

Inundation

The ground water table is more than 45-50mts below the general ground

level and the workings are high above the ground level, hence there is no risk

due to inundation of mine.

Surface fire (electrical & oil)

There is no power requirement for the proposed mining activity, hence

problems of short circuit and the resulting fire are ruled out. Fire due to oil or

other inflammable material is not envisaged, as there is no storage of these

materials inside the mine.

Storage of explosive and sabotage

No explosives are stored in the mine site; hence there is no danger due to

sabotage.

Failure of mine benches

There is no possibility of failure of mine bench slopes as surrounding strata is

quite compact and hard.

Accident due to blasting & explosives

Since there is proposal for blasting once or twice in a week, drilling & blasting

will be done under supervision of qualified people. Hence, an accident caused

due to blasting is minimal.

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 59 -

Accident due to heavy earth moving machinery

Since mechanized method of mining is proposed the risk factor due to this

will be taken into consideration and necessary safety measures will be

adopted.

4.1 Disaster Management Plan

DMP is envisaged with a goal to prevent hazards and accidents at work places by

careful design, operation, maintenance and inspection of the mining equipments. The

following control measures will be adopted to take care of hazards/disasters that may

occur during mining operation.

All safety precautions and provisions of Metalliferrous Mines Regulation-1961

will be strictly followed

Fire fighting and first aid provisions will be provided in the Mines office and

mining area

All safety appliances will be made available to the staff and their use regularly

checked

Maintenance and testing of all mining machinery will be done regularly as per

manufacturer’s guidelines

Better upkeeping and maintenance of haulage roads will be done to prevent

road accidents

Increasing awareness of safety and disaster through competitions, posters and

other similar activities

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 60 -

CHAPTER-5

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN & POST PROJECT MONITORING

PROGRAMME

5 Introduction

An Environmental Management Plan is detailed on the basis of impact assessment.

Control and mitigation measures for the adverse impacts are envisaged. The concept of

EMP has gained sufficient importance without which the mining plan will not be

approved, as it will show gross negligence towards the existing environment. An EMP is

prepared to minimize the likely adverse impacts that may crop up due to the mining

activities.

5.1 Implementation of EMP

As the major environment attributes have been confined to the project area alone,

implementation of the proposed control measures and monitoring thereof will be

undertaken on a regional basis. The project proponent will ensure the implementation

of the measures within the mine area and carryout efficient monitoring.

In order to implement the measures suggested for mitigating the adverse impacts on

the environment, it is suggested to monitor the environmental parameters regularly.

5.2 Environmental Monitoring

Monitoring and feedback becomes essential to ensure that the measures planned for

environmental protection functions efficiently during the entire period of the mine

operation. Changes, not consistent with the mining activities may at any time endanger

the environmental conditions rendering the existing mitigatory measures inadequate.

For assessing the prevailing quality of air, water, noise, land etc., regular monitoring of

these parameters are necessary. The data assessed will be helpful in predicting the

impact and planning suitable measures to improve/ protect the environment. In the

study area, the lessee will carry out monitoring studies for ambient air quality, fugitive

dust, water quality, noise levels and soil quality as per the standard procedures and

schedules.

The monitoring system will include

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 61 -

Examination of signs of slope failures and excess erosions both along the

pit and the OB dumps.

Inspection of retaining walls, check dams and drainage system.

Monitoring stations in the buffer zone remain the same as selected in this

study for Air, water, Soil, Noise etc.,

The Environmental parameters will be monitored & samples will be analyzed as per the

stipulations of Indian Bureau of Mines & Karnataka State Pollution Control Board as per

MOEF Guidelines. The above monitoring proposals shall be adhered to and the results

shall be intimated to the appropriate authorities for their perusal and records.

5.3 Organizational setup for Environmental monitoring

Environmental Monitoring cell will be under the direct control and supervision of the

Mines Manager. Suitable qualified personnel will assist him in the monitoring operations.

A full-fledged laboratory is not essential; part of the work will be given to recognized

consultants to undertake these jobs. Meteorological data will be collected from the

nearest station. Necessary agricultural tools will be procured for preparation of

seedbeds, mulching and post plantation care.

Regular manpower will be required for supervision, assistance in reclamation works,

monitoring and post plantation care. For afforestation work, construction of drains and

settling ponds/tanks and other maintenance works casual labour will be engaged as and

when necessary.

5.3.1 Environmental Cell

The project proponent is conscious that setting up of a permanent cell with the task of

effective implementation of Environment Management Plan is necessary apart from

having an EMP. Environmental cell will consist of the following officers and staff:

Mines Manager

Geologist/Environmental Officer

Supervisors

Skilled & Unskilled workers

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 62 -

The cell will be under the control of Mines Manager and will coordinate with the

management and external environmental consultants in implementation of

environmental control measures and monitoring the environmental parameters

regularly.

5.3.2 Functions of the Cell

Implementation of the mitigation measures

Monitoring the programme of implementation

To estimate the efficiency of measures taken

To bring out any other unforeseen effect on environment not covered under the

report

Post-plantation care

Inspection and regular maintenance of mining equipments and transport vehicles.

5.4 Financial Implication for Environmental Monitoring

After an in-depth study of the Environmental Management Plan, the management may

make estimates of expenditure on annual basis for the implementation of different

environmental protection programme. The following tentative estimates are made for

the implementation of various proposed activities.

Sl. No Activity Annual recurring Cost (lacs/annum)

1 Green Belt development 1.5

2 Check dams construction/desilting 1.0

3 Gully checks 1.0

4 Garland drains 1.0

5 Retention/toe walls 1.0

6 Plantation on dumps 0.5

7 Water spraying of haulage roads 2.0

8 Occupational health 2.0

9 Environmental monitoring 2.0

10 Community development works 2.0

11 Miscellaneous 1.0

Total 15.0

M/S. RAJ MINERALS

EIA & EMP REPORT

- 63 -

5.5 Post project Hydro geological Monitoring

In respect of hydrological balance, as the mine workings are well above the ground

water table, there will not be any tapping of ground water table during the mining

operations. Water shall be pumped out of the bore wells to meet the requirements of

domestic use and for dust suppression and such quantities pumped out water is well

within the rechargeable limits of the ground water table. Further, the proposed

afforestation programme will increase the rate of recharging ground water in this area.

To prevent the precipitated water entering into the working quarries though surface

drainage and run off water containing some silt, the following measures shall be

adopted. The over burden (O.B) soil cover is scraped in advance of the workings using

dozer and formed as bund using a part of the O.B. soil. This bund will act, as a barrier

for precipitated water entering into the pit and seepage is negligible.

Retaining walls to the O.B. soil dumps are proposed to check the suspended particles

rolling down and choking the natural drainage system of the area, in addition to gully

checks and check dams in the nallahs.

During the post project monitoring programme, plantation monitoring is also done for

ensuring its survival & growth rate so as to keep in check with the no. of plantations

that are proposed are carried out in the reclaimed area within the proposed plan period

& thereby minimizing the level in pollution.

S. Ravikumar B.E B.R. Ashfaq Ahmed Khan RQP/BNG/167/2002/A (GPA Holder)