Chapter Viii Mining

8/3/2019 Chapter Viii Mining

1/21

State of Environment Report

OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

207

CHAPTER VIII

MINING

8.1 Introduction

Mining of minerals and extraction of metals were in practice in ancientOrissa. Modern mining as per available records started in 1909, when coalwas first excavated in the Rampur area of Ib valley. The TISCO mines foriron ore at Gorumohisani and manganese mine in Goriajhar (Gangpur State)started in 1910 followed by dolomite and limestone mining in 1914 atPanposh and Bisra respectively. Mining of chromite in Baula area started

much later, in 1942.

After independence, rapid growth of mining activities in the state waswitnessed upto early 80s. Iron and manganese ore mining spread overextensive areas in Keonjhar and Sundergarh districts to meet the demandsof new industries and for export. Chromite mining at Baula and Sukindaincreased with establishment of ferroalloy industries and scope for export.Bauxite mining in large scale started at Panchpatmali hills in Koraputdistrict in 1984. Besides growth of limestone and dolomite mining inSundergarh district, new limestone mines came up at Dungri in Baragarh andSunki in Koraput district with new cement plants. Beach sand mining at

Gopalpur, lead ore mining in Sundargarh and mining of tin ore in Koraputstarted in 1980s, while the lead and tin mining has stopped latter on.Other minerals mined in the state are graphite, china clay, fire clay, quartzetc. Besides mining of gemstones, small mines for minor minerals likemorrum, decorative and dimensional stones and stone quarries with crusherscame up at many places in the state in a very unorganized manner.

During the period of 1985-2000, when mineral development in the state hasbeen very slow, bauxite production by NALCO in Koraput and coal mining byMCL in Ib valley and Talcher area have increased. Though many attributepoor growth of mining sector to stringent forest and environment acts. But

even without development of new mines, sudden increase in production ofiron ore, chromite, coal and bauxite, have been seen recently. Increase inmineral production and development of new mines have been mostlydependent on market demand and industrial growth in India.

Up to late 50s, when the mines were small and mostly manual,environmental impact was not very significant and localized. Subsequentlylarge scale mechanized mines came up with the establishment of largeindustries. These mines and the beneficiation plants/washeries, wastedumps and effluents discharged increased pollution in and around the

mines. The mines mostly being located in forest areas were considered to be


2/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

208

responsible for increased deforestations. As a result, mines and mining

activities were considered to have serious environmental impact.

With the growing awareness on environment, new regulations were madeand various stringent measures were enforced in eighties. Mines in the statestarted taking pollution control measures for their survival. Steps weretaken for protection of environmental degradations in the mining areas. Inspite of this, often there are public oppositions against development of newmines and mineral industries. In order to achieve sustainable development,there are still many areas in the mining sector, which are to be taken careoff.

8.2 Mineral Resources of Orissa

Nature has gifted Orissa with vast and extensive mineral resources. Whilemining activities have depleted resources of many deposits, new findingshave also added to it. Reserves of ores and minerals in the state as on1.1.2000 are placed below as reported by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)(Table 8.1)

TABLE: 8.1IBM Data on Reserves of Ores & Minerals in Orissa

Sl. Mineral Location / District Resources(million tonnes)

1. Bauxite Koraput, Rayagada, Kalahandi andBolangir and small deposits in Phulbani,Nuapada & Sundargarh

1,733 (3,075)

2. Beach Sand Ganjam and Puri 82*(366)3. China Clay Mayurbhanj & small deposits in

Malkangiri314(2353)

4. Chromite Keonjhar & Jajpur 183*(186*)5. Coal Sambalpur, Jharsuguda & Angul - Talcher 60,987(245,692)**6. Dolomite Sundargarh & Koraput 882(7349)

7. Fireclay Cuttack, Sambalpur & Jharsuguda 177(706)8. Graphite Baragarh, Sambalpur, Bolangir,

Kalahandi, Phulbani & Raygada4.6(16)

9. Iron Ore Sundargarh, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj,Jajpur

4,177(12,317)

10. Limestone Sundargarh, Bargarh, Koraput &Malkangiri

2,224(1,69,941)

11. Manganese Sundargarh, Keonjhar & Rayagada 116(406)12. Nickel Jajpur & Keonjhar 174(188)

(The figures in brackets are the reserves of India)* As per latest figures of Directorate of Geology, Orissa.** As per latest figures of Ministry of Coal.


3/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

209

The other minerals that occur in the state include pyrophyllite,

serpentinite, gemstones, dimension stones, quartz and quartzite. Orissasresources of bauxite, chromite, coal, iron, manganese and nickel ores areformidable constituting approximately 50%, 98%, 25%, 35%, 27% and 91% oftotal resources of the country. There are reported occurrences ofvanadiferrous magnetite (Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar), tin ores (Koraput),diamond in western Orissa, gold (Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj), platinum group ofelements (Jajpur & Keonjhar) and lead & zinc ores (Western Orissa). Thesedeposits may prove to be economically potential in future.

Adequacy of available resources of suitable commercial grades of bauxite,beach sand, chromite, coal, dolomite, iron ore, limestone and manganese

ores would lead to increased exploitations and development of large sizemines, to meet the demand of proposed industries. Simultaneously, latestprocess/technologies in practice and under development in variouscountries would influence the Indian scenario to use marginal and low-graderesources available in plenty. Besides new process/technology, large-scalemining operations would make these low grades and presently rejectedmineral resources economically viable. Addition of these low graderesources and new discoveries by application of advanced technologies ofexploration, the reserves of existing minerals and new findings as well arelikely to increase the resource potential of the state.

8.3 Status of Active Mining Areas

(i) Active mining areas

As on 1.4.2004 about 1103 sq. km area of the state is under mining leases,which account of 0.7% of the total geographical area of the state. Out ofthis, 400 are operating mines with 827.8 sq. km lease area. Within this,surface rights for mining is over 501 sq. km. Further, the active miningoperation area is nearly 10% of this i.e. around 50 Sq. Kms. As such, Miningactivity today is actually confined to about 0.03% area of the state.

Total forest area of the state is 58,135 sq. Kms i.e. 37.3% of the

geographical area of the state. Out of this 48838 sq. km is presently underforest cover i.e. 31.4%, which includes 20,866 sq. km open forest. Whilesome mining activities are confined to non-forest areas, substantial portionof the remaining mining zones come under degraded and open forest areas.Because of afforestation taken up by the mines and their concern asorganized sector for forest conservation, in and around of these miningareas forest cover exists today. It has been confirmed even by satelliteimagery of mining belts of Koraput, Keonjhar Sundergarh & Angul.Deforestation and degraded forest areas are much more in the districts orparts of the state, where there are no mining activities. While about 10% ofthe forest area has been lost in the last 50 years, only 0.09% forest area

comes under mining lease and 0.01 % under active mining operation.


4/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

210

If the active mining zones of major mining districts like Keonjhar,

Sundergarh, Angul & Jharsuguda where the forest cover is 40.68%, 42.17%,41.57% & 13.26% respectively are taken into consideration, about 2.26 % offorest area of these districts come under mining activities. There has beenneed for super imposing mining areas and mineral zones over forest map ofthese districts to assess the exact impact of mining activities in forest areas.In the major mining districts like Keonjhar, Sundergarh, this study is beingtaken up. This should help in proper development of mining activities,simultaneously taking care for forest and environment. Fortunately in thedistricts like Boudh, Deogarh, Gajapati, Kandhamala, Nayagarh & Sambalpurhaving forest cover of 41.32%, 46.19%, 59.01%, 67.20%, 43.83% and 49.14 %respectively, mining activities are negligible.

The areas of unorganized mining activity of murrom, laterites, stonequarries and other small mines dispersed throughout the state, which wouldbe substantial when taken together, have not been taken into consideration.

(ii) Mineral production

Present day mining activities can be assessed from the mineral productionfor the years 2000-01 and 2003-04 as placed in Table 8.2.

TABLE: 8.2

Mineral Production(Figures in million tonnes)Minerals No. of active

operating mines 2000-01 2003-04Bauxite 2(+3) 2.9 4.94Beach sand 1 0.196 0.230China clay 7(+1) 0.003 0.0061Chromite 18* 1.95 2.88Coal 26 45.0 60.20Dolomite 2 10.0 1.27Fire Clay 11 0.036 0.050Graphite 57 0.079 0.034

Iron Ore 49(42) 14.40 34.89Limestone 25 2.10 2.24Manganese ore 19 0.546 0.698Pyrophyllite 3(+4) 0.031 0.084Soapstone 4 ** - -Quartz & Quartzite 56 - 0.125

(+3) - bauxite with iron & manganese ore, (+1) - China clay with fire clay,(+42) - iron ore with manganese ore, (+4)-pyrophyllite with quartzite* Pyroxynite - 0.20 million tonnes mined with chromite,** Soapstone - few thousands tonnes mined only.

It may be seen that during last 2 years, bauxite, chromite, coal and iron orehave recorded remarkable step-up in production. Mineral revenue earned by


5/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

211

the state during this period has increased from 360.31 crores to 550.72

crores rupees, while only coal accounts for 70% of this revenue collection.

(iii) Growth potential

The production figures in million tonnes of 8 major minerals mined in thestate for the years 1987-88, 1996-97 and 2003-04 are placed belowindicating the growth trend of mining activities in the state.

TABLE: 8.3Mining growth trends in Orissa

Sl.No.

Minerals 1987-88 1996-97 2003-04 Growthtrend

1. Bauxite 0.4 2.6 4.9 High2. Beach sand 0.06 0.1 0.23 Low3. Chromite 0.6 1.36 3.3 High4. Coal 8.6 37.5 60.0 High5. Dolomite 0.98 1.17 1.27 Low6. Iron Ore 8.7 11.3 32.0 High7. Limestone 2.8 1.9 2.24 Low8. Manganese 0.5 0.7 0.7 Low

With available resources and the market demand arising from growth inaluminum, steel and ferroalloys, cement and power sectors, miningactivities of bauxite, iron ore, chromite & coal would positively increase ata faster rate in coming 10 to 15 years, while that of limestone, dolomite,manganese ore & beach sand would increase at a comparatively slower rate.

(iv) Mining activity zones

The state possesses varieties of minerals dispersed throughout. Dependingupon reserves and grades available, shape and size of the exploitable

mineral/ore bodies, mining activities are mostly under progress in small orlarge opencast mines, except a few old underground mines for coal. Theseare mostly worked manually or semi-mechanized/mechanized methods.Similarly there are steps taken for beneficiation/washing/up-gradation ofmined out materials depending upon available grades and market demand.Similar considerations would also guide future developments of miningactivities in the state.

Concentration of mines, tonnage produced, quantity of excavated materialand their handling etc. in a mineral-bearing zone are proportionatelyresponsible for environmental impact in the region. This impact would


6/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

212

increase further with additional mining activities in case available resource

potential is high in the zone. Taking into account the above facts, 16 miningzones have been indicated in the map of Orissa (Fig-8.1). The mineralsmined, present status and future potential of each zone are brieflyindicated in the Table 8.4. While zone-1 indicates highest mining activity,the least is zone 16.

TABLE: 8.4Zone-wise Present Status and Future Potential of Mining Areas

Zone State & Impact(i) Zone-1

Keonjhar, Sundergarh

Iron & Manganese orearea.

a. All the mines operating under consent ofOrissa State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB)

are complying to the stipulated conditions,while the performance of major minesparticularly Joda-East of TISCO and Barasua &Bolani of SAIL have been appreciable.

b. Air pollution is a major issue in all most allmines, though the observations at monitoringpoints are within the norms. Localized dustlevels are very high at crusher, loading andtransfer points. SPM level goes up to 1000mg/m3, often it is just around 600 mg/m3. RPMis also high, but silica content is expected to

be low.c. Rivers & rivulets carry heavy suspendedparticles of iron oxide and look red in rainyseason. TSS often goes up to 1000 mg/lit.

d. Though afforestations & reclamation havebeen attempted by many individual mines,land degradation and deforestation vis--visreclamation and afforestations are not beingplanned & executed in a regional scaleessential for the effective land use planning ofthe area for sustainable development.

e. Local tribal people continue to be poor andthere is not much of improvement in theirstandard of living. Education and medicalfacilities need improvements.

f. Infrastructure like road, water & power supplyis in very bad condition & deserve attention.

g. Mining activities over the years & recentcrushers and sponge iron plants are positivelyhaving environmental & socio-economicimpacts. Regional impact surveys need to becarried out in 4 sub-areas.i) Joda-Barbil area- (North) East ofii) Khandbandh-Matangtoli(South) Koli Riveriii) Barsua-Kalta area (North)


7/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

213

(ii)

(iii)

(iv)

Zone-2Angul Talchercoalfield area.

Zone-3Sambalpur,Jharsuguda coalfield

area.

Zone-4

iv) Khandadhar- West ofMankarnacha (South Koli river

This area is already considered as Hot spot frompollution point of view. Besides air pollution, theriver Brahmani passing through the area also getspolluted. Though coal mines are not having anyeffluents discharged, the washout of mining areasand drain water from workshops & townshipsultimately goes to the river. The coal washeriescoming up in the locality may add in future. Airpollution of localized nature in mining areas,crushers, conveyers, handling, stockpiles and

loading areas are having appreciable dust level inthe air. Besides, coal dust, silica level is also high.Combustion of coal in summer adds heat toenvironment besides air pollutions from burning ofcoal. SPM level in many places are more than 450micro gm/m3 which goes up to 580. At places itgoes even higher beyond the standard. RPM isoften seen to be around 200 micro gm/m3.Suspended solid are less than 100 mg/lit whileCOD and BOD is often observed to be high.Lowering of water table is often being reportedduring summer seasons. Local people have often

expressed opposition to development of newmines for loss of valuable land possessed by them.There are reports of air pollution & lowering ofwater table due to mining. Development of newmines and industries like thermal power plants,Coal washeries etc. in this already polluted areadeserves carrying capacity study.

The coalfield of Ib valley area of Brajarajnagarand Belpahar is considered to be highly pollutingbecause of both air and water pollutions, thoughthe mines of this region meet the stipulatedconditions. Because of less number of mines, thepollution level is not very serious except localizedimpacts. Combustion of coal also adds to airpollution besides heat. This being a hot area, insummer season, general complaint of increasingtemperature in the locality is linked to coalmining activity. Lowering of water table is also aconcern, besides rehabilitation of displacedpersons for development of new mines. Carryingcapacity study of this area is also essential.

The mines are well organized with respect to

treatment of hexavalent chromium in the surface


8/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

214

(v)

(vi)

(vii)

(viii)

Jajpur,Dhenkanal &

Keonjhar Chromitearea.

Zone-5Koraput RayagadaKalahandiBauxite area.

Zone-6BiramitrapurLimestone &Dolomite belt

Zone-7

Baula-Nuasahichromite belt ofKeonjhar andadjacent Balasoredistrict.

Zone-8Gandhamardhan &adjacent areas ofiron ore in Keonjhar

water drainage. Air pollution is of localized

nature and not very serious. The other impactsfrom socio-economic considerations are alsoidentical to d.e.f. of zone-1.

Only large-scale mine operating in Panchapatmalihill, has excellent environmental managementsystem. Air pollution is much below the standardand there is zero discharge. In reclamation ofmined out area, its rehabilitation andafforestation this mine has achieved significantsuccess and has received various awards of stateand even Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar. Thebauxite areas devoid of any vegetation after

mining, the areas can be developed into wellgrown forests. Minimum 3 bauxite mines arelikely to come up in the zone in coming 10-15years. These proposed mines are bound to havesame or better environment management systemthan Panchapatmalu bauxite mines. Henceenvironmental impact of bauxite mines may notpose any serious problem. Limestone mines ofUmpavalli being small and localized is not ofserious consideration. However, this zone being atribal belt opposition against development of

mines & industry is mostly linked with theireconomic and social issues. The points dealt ind.e.f in zone 1 are also applicable to this zone.

Biramitrapur limestone and dolomite area beingthe oldest mining area of the state with recentstress on environment care and plantationactivities, the mines have significant success inenvironment management. Much increase inimpact is not expected in future.

Small mines of chromite and soapstone mostly in

organized sector have taken adequateenvironmental protection measures. These minesare fulfilling their social and environmentresponsibility. The hexavalent chromite problemis not a serious issue in this area. Pollution ofriver Salandi have been under control and notmuch problem expected in future.

This zone has very small iron ore mines with noreported pollution or environment issue so far.This area is likely to be a major mining belt forthe newly proposed industries and henceadequate pollution control measures need to be


9/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

215

(ix)

(x)

district.

Zone-9Mayurbhanj district,Iron ore & China clayarea.

Zone-10Beach sand miningarea of Ganjam

district and adjacentPuri district.

enforced. However the points d.e.f of zone 1 is

to be considered.Though this is one of the oldest mining area inthis state, present day activities are of limitedscale in small open cast mines of iron ore & chinaclay dispersed distance apart. Meeting thestipulated standards these mines do not posemuch of problem in future. Future developmentpotential is very less.

The OSCOM mine of Indian Rare Earths Limited isthe only large-scale mine. It has been workingwith pollution free environment and has been

meeting desired norms of Pollution ControlBoard. Large scale working in future and mostlymining in Gopalpur area is not considered to haveserious impact in future. The dimensional stonequarries being very small mines away fromhabitational areas have very little impact.

8.4 Environmental Impact StatusThe zones from 1 to 16 in Table 8.4 are in decreasing order consideringenvironmental impacts today and in future years. In this context, first tenzones (1-10) deserve serious consideration, while remaining six zones may

not pose much environmental impact even in next 10 to 15 years.

Nearly 50% of the operating mines in the state are yet to come under theconsent administration of the State Pollution Control Board. Besides thereare many small quarries in unorganized sector and do not come underenvironmental supervision/monitoring. With the limitations of manpower &infrastructure of OSPCB, this huge task is also not possible to be taken up.

IBM through its regional office at Bhubaneswar also looks into theenvironment management of mines. Similarly certain aspects of

environment are being inspected by officers of Directorate General MineSafety (DGMS) and Directorate of Mines Orissa. Regarding forest i.e.deforestations and afforstations in acquired forest areas for mining is seenby the State Forest Department and Regional office of Ministry ofEnvironment & Forests, Government of India (MOEF) at Bhubaneswar. Majormines obtaining environment clearance from MOEF are also inspected andmonitored by this office. Further, NGOs, local bodies, & district level stategovernment officers have watch over impacts of mining sector in thelocality.


10/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

216

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12 13

14

15

16Figur

e


11/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

217

As per records of OSPCB, all mines out of 154 being monitored by their

regional offices comply to sanction conditions of clearance and consent.Serious violation/impact and pollutions have not been reported in recentpast. On the other hand certain improvement in environment managementby the mines have been achieved due to efforts of OSPCB. The majorachievements so far in this process of strict monitoring by OSPCB & IBM are:

- Chromite mines of Sukinda area (zone-4) conserve nickeliferouslaterite, over burden and low-grade ores in a planned way whilecontaminated water containing hexavalent chromium is treatedeffectively before discharged to natural watercourse.

- Nandira river which was highly polluted a decade back is now havingclear water of class-C river quality.

- Large scale mechanized coalmines of MCL in Talcher and Ib valleyarea (Zones 2 &3) adopt water sprinkling to prevent air pollutionsfrom dust generated during mining, haulage and handling and alsocombustion of coal in working faces and stockpiles. Impact of groundwater table by mining is also being monitored.

- Large scale mechanized iron ore mines (zone-1) having beneficiationplants have developed tailing dams and adopt zero dischargepractice.

- Dust pollution of all the major iron ore mines of (zone-1), limestonemines (zone-6) & bauxite mine (zone-5) is under control and themines adopt zero discharge system.

- Reclamation and rehabilitation along with afforestations have beengenerally practised with commendable achievements by Joda East(TISCO), Panchpatmali (NALCO), Barsua & Bolani mines (SAIL), Dungrilimestone mines (ACC) and most of the coal mines of MCL, Thakuranimines of OMDC etc. Many mines of state have received state and evennational awards.

- Various projects to assess environmental impact of mining have beeninitiated like regional impact studies, ground water monitoring, socio-

economic impact on tribal community around mining zones, etc.

8.5 Environmental degradations associated with mining.

Unlike other industrial sectors, mining activity particularly opencast minesdraw special attention from environmental degradation point of view.Besides air and water pollutions, it involves excavations of land, loss of soil,degradation/disfiguring of surface area and deforestation. Valuable topsoiland usable land is lost forever, which cannot be fully recovered. Naturaldrainage system and ground water table is disturbed which not only affectsthe inhabitants in close proximity but also people living in faraway places.


12/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

218

Rehabilitation has been a serious issue in coal mining areas of Talcher, Angul

and Jharsuguda.

Air pollutions can be easily controlled by reducing dust generation at thetime of mining operation through controlled blasting, use of ripper dozer&surface miners etc. Dusts generated can be segregated & handledimmediately. Covers can be used in drills and handling areas. Sprinkling atdust generation points, haulage roads, transfer points, and stockpiles willhelp in dust suppression. Periphery barriers and green belts may protect thesurrounding areas from dusts. Similarly water pollution can also be easilycontrolled by garland drains around the mines to prevent surface runoff

water entering mines to get polluted. Drainage control within the mines andthen adopting zero discharge system, surplus water can be used forsprinkling and plantation activities.

There are many small mines and crushers in the major mining belts causingair pollution. Often they do not come under notice of statutory agencies.There are pockets having SPM level much above the standards. Theselocations being away from habitational areas, the impact is not perceived tobe serious. In the regional scale, it may be alarming in future, if plannedgrowth of mining activities with dust control measures are not envisaged.

The impact on ground water table, pollutions in the major water sources orrivers, and regional impact of concentrated mining activities in a localitydeserve greater attention. This is more important particularly in zones 1 to10 where the future growth of mining activity is expected.

Land degradation & surface distortions due to mining activity is not takenvery seriously. Besides, the active mining area, surrounding areas are alsoaffected due to changes in surface drainage pattern, washouts and newgullies formed, which disturb the land use pattern. Loss of topsoil in theprocess from extensive areas is a great loss. Even the measures taken for

reclamation, rehabilitation and afforestations cannot bring back normalcyfor sustaining the local habitat. The new forests do not have branches, fruits& flowers to attract the fauna. Adequate monitoring, research and attentionare required in this front, as it may differ from zone to zone.

IBM approves the mining plan with scheme for mine closure. There is nomechanism to monitor that these are being strictly followed. Similar is thecase of land degradation, land use and land reclamation of mining areas.Besides individual mines, this aspect should be planned and executed inregional scale. Help of satellite imagery can be taken for periodicalassessment & planning.


13/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

219

8.6 Environmental Management in Mines

Irrespective of mineral mined and the size, most of the mines have adoptedenvironment management system. There is awareness amongst both workersand management. As a result the mines are meeting the consent conditions.Many mines, mostly large scale mechanized and medium scale semi-mechanized mines have gone for ISO 14000 certification of EMS and trying toimprove their performance. IBM is organizing Environment AwarenessProgramme every year and holds regional competition amongst mines wherethe best performing units are rewarded. In the process and with theinfluence of NGOs, environment awareness is also growing within the

community around the mines. All the mines in organized sector areconscious that their survival depends on sound environmental managementand community development programmes. New mines coming up wouldhave to take adequate measures and develop EMS to meet the stringentstipulations of statutes. At the same time statutory authorities have to helpin promotion of mining activities for achieving sustainable development.This would also help in developing understanding between the mines andcommunities.

The only concern is the small mines and quarries operating in unorganizedsector. The air and water pollution and restoration of degraded land isnever taken seriously by these units. State and Central Government have totake these activities into consideration.

8.7 DPSIR Elaboration(i) Driving forces

a) Orissa is considered as a poor state, because percentage in BPL categoryis high and the state does not have adequate resources to executedevelopment projects for upliftment of people. In this situation available

resources are to be utilized. The state is rich in mineral resources.Hence Government desires to utilize mineral resources through miningand establishment of industries to produce value added items. Theobjective is to generate income for the state, simultaneous developmentof the area and generation of employment. The state as per industrialpolicies is attracting investment of multinational and national corporatehouses for mining and establishing mineral based industries in steel,power, aluminum and infrastructure sectors.

b) Recently there has been sudden increase in demand of iron ore. Eventhere was demand of low-grade ores & fines due to growth of steel

sector and export to China. Such rise in demand drives the local mines to


14/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

220

increase production and dispatch even beyond the approved quantities.

As a result, pollution increases in mining areas by handling of fines. Theheavy transport in roads not ready for this additional traffic had veryadverse impact in the region. Mine owners, transporters and traderswant immediate/short term benefit over looking environment impactand problems faced by others.

c) Till date no facilities could be developed for rail movement and road isnot suitable for heavy load and higher number of plying of trucks. Lackof Infrastructure matching to mining and industrial activities has adverseimpact in the locality.

(ii) Pressure

Increase in production and new mines, particularly large-scale mechanizedmines, would increase the pollution load. Air pollution would be more. Oldmines, dumps, drainage etc. would be disturbed, which may lead toincreased water pollution. Movement of heavy vehicular traffic would bringdisturbs the local life style. Loss of soil, forest and agriculture would haveserious impact for the future generation when the region would have tosustain a larger population. This has been observed over last decade in manymining areas of zone 2, 3, 4 & 5. Local opposition to mining projectsindicate such apprehensions by the communities in above zones.

iii) State and Impact

State of environment of the mining zones 1 to 10 are considered to beimportant from environment point of view. A summary of the state andimpacts on environment are placed in Table 8.4. Out of these zones 1 to 5are considered to be really alarming. Regional impact assessment of thesemining zones is immediately necessary before planning of future industrialactivities. Remaining zones 6 to 10 do not pose any serious problem today,as the mining activities are in low key and are not expected to increasemuch in coming 10-15 years. In the zones 11 to 16 the mining activities areconfined to small pockets and are not concentrated at one place. Hence,impact on environment is very less. However, the general points dealingwith socio-economic aspects, infrastructure development etc for thesezones need to be examined and improved like the zones 1-10 indicated inthe above table confining only to mining areas.

Zonewise mines, Specific feature/resources and mines are compiled in Table8.5.


15/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

221

TABLE: 8.5

Zone wise Mines and Deposits

Zone Specific features,Deposits/Resources

Major/ important minesIron ore

Zone-1KeonjharSundergarh Iron& Manganesebelt.

Major mining area of thestate for iron and manganeseores. Small quantities ofbauxite is also produced.a) Iron Ore- Thakurani, Katamati Joda

East Bolani,Jajang,Jilling,khandbandh, Joribahal,Sakradihi, Balda-Palsa,Malangtoli, Seremnda-Bhadrasahi, Mankarnachaand others in Keonjhardistrict with knownreserves of about 2327million tones of iron ore

- BarsuaKalta, Badamgarhpahar, Baliapathar,Khandadhar, Basada-Diringburu-Mithurda,Patraposi Group & others inSundergarh district withknown reserves of about742 million tones.

b) Manganese ore- Dubna, Joda West, SGBK,

Silijora-Kalimati, Serenda-Bhadrasahi, Bhadrasahi,Belkundi, Dalki &Thakurani in Keonjhardistrict with reserves ofabout 20 million tonnesPatamunda. Malda,Orahuri, Mahulsuka,

Ghoriajor-lainger, Podadih& Sarakanda of Sundergarhdistrict with knownreserves of about 12million tones.

c) BauxiteSmall pockets of bauxiteoccurs with reservesaround 10 million tonesaround Kuanar & Tensa.

d) Other minerals present are

quartzite, Kyanite

a. Thakurani, Balkundi and Bhadrasahimines of OMDC

b. Joda East, Katamati & Khandbandhmines of TISCO

c. Bolani Barsua and Kalta mines ofSAIL

d. Jilling Langlota, Kasia, BarapadaKoira & Roida of ESSEL mining

e. BPJ iron ore, Khandabour,khandbandh, Sakradihi, mines ofOMC

f. TRB iron ore mines Jindalg. Jajanga, Orghat, San-Indupur mines

of M/s. Rungta & sons.h. Jorrudi, Deojhar mines of Tarini

Minerals.i. Gonua mines of Maitri Suklaj. Balda mines of M/s. Sirajuddink. Nuagoan Mines of K.S Alluwalial. Thakurani mines of SL & ML Saradam. Patabeda mines of MG Mohantyn. Raikela & Jorani mines of G.K

Mohanty

Manganese oreBamebari, Malda, Manmora Tiringpahar,Joda west & Khandbandh mines of TISCODalki, Dubna, Serenda, Bhadresahi &SG BK mines of OMCDalki mines of OMDCSilijora-Kalamati, Kolmong, Kanther-Koira, Katasahi, Jajang mines of RungtabothersPatamunda, Orahari, Mohulsuka Nuagaon,

Roida, Goniajhar, Lainjar Kiora BhanjaKusum and many other small mines.

Bauxitef) Small mines of bauxite at San-Indupurof Rungata, S.N. Mohanty & mines of OCL& others


16/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

222

Pyrophyllite etc with lessreserves and smalloperating mines.

Zone 2Angul- TalcherCoal field area

g) Though numbers of minesare less compared tozone-1, volume/quantityhandled is higher includingwaste.

h) The local mines are mostlyopen cast of large sizesand mechanized, exceptfew under ground mines,while all these belong toMCL. Coal reserves of

26579 million tones openprospects of furtherdevelopment of miningactivities.

i) Besides coal other smallworkings are of fireclay.

j) Small occurrences ofquartzite, beryl etc arereported but not beingworked.

k) This zone is alreadyconsidered to be highlypolluted areas because of

coalmines and ThermalPower Plants located inthe areas.

l) Private sector mines & coalwasheries may come innear future.

Kalinga-Open castAnanta- Open castLingaraj- Open castBharatpur- Open castJagannath- Open castSouth Balanda- Open castDeulbera-Under groundNandira- Under groundTalcher-Under groundHandidhua-Under groundHingula- Open cast

Chendipada-open castKaniha- open castNatraj- open castUtkal &Adjacent areasNew private mines for captive powerplants are being developed.

Zone-3Sambalpur,Jharsugudaand Baragarharea aroundHirakudReservoir & IB

river valley.

- This zone comes afterTalcher area because ofless production of coal.Substantial quantity ofother minerals producedare Fireclay, Quartzite &Lime stone, Dolomite &

Limestone reserves ofBaragarh are 50 & 60million tones respectively.

- Private sector captivecoalmines with Thermalpower plants are proposedwith coal reserves of about21310 million tonnes in thearea. This would enhancemining and powergeneration in the area. It isa critical area fromenvironmentalconsideration for Hirakud

Coal mines of MCLBelpahad-open castLajkura-open castLilari-open castLakhanpur-open castSamaleswari- open castHirakhand-Bundia- Under ground

Himgiri-under groundOrient-i,ii,iii,iv U.GBasundhara-(E)Coal mines of Indal-Talabira- open castFire clay mines ofBelpahar of TRLQuartziteChuimpal Quartzite Jharsuguda-TRLLime stone- Dungri-ACCZinc-Sargipalli of HZL (closed)


17/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

223

reservoir.

- Increase in production ofcoal and proposed thermalPower Plants andaluminium smelters in theareas would increase thepollution load.

Zone-4Jajpur,Dhenkanal andKeonjharTrijunctianarea.

Includes Daitari and Tomkairon ore area, SukindaChromite belt and adjacentmines of quartzite & fireclay.Pyroxenite is mined in thechromite area. This zone has

high potential for nickel andplatinum group.Chrome and iron oreresources are around 158million tonnes 46 milliontonnes respectively. With highchromite potential due tocontinuation at depth miningwould continue for a longtime with Under groundworking.The chromite mines as sourceof hexavalent chromite is

considered to beenvironmentally hazardous.Accordingly this zone withmuch resource is of concernfrom environmental point ofview.

Chromite minesKaliapani-open cast (OC) -OMCSouth Kaliapani- open cast (OC) -OMCKalrangi- open cast (OC) OMCKamarda- open cast (OC) -B.C MohantyOstapal- open cast (OC) Facor

Tailangi- open cast (OC) IDCSaruabil- open cast (OC) OMCSukrangi- open cast (OC) OMCKathpal- open cast (OC) OMCKathpal- open cast (OC) FacorSukinda- TiscoSukinda-ImfaChingudipal- ImfaKaliapani chromite-JindalSukinda- open cast (OC) Ispact alloyIron oreDaitari opon cast OMCTomka- Open cast OMC

Quartzite inJajpur area small mines

Zone-5KoraputRayagadakalahandiBauxite area

Available bauxite resourcesare more than 1 billion tones.Besides, only bauxite mine atpanchaptmali, this zone hasscope for development ofnumber of large mechanizedBauxite mines along with

alumina plants. Otherresources of manganese,limestone and graphite arebeing mined in smallquantities. Limestone of Sunkiarea with 63 million tonneshas potential for increasingmining activities. Potential ofgraphite has not beenestablished in detail whilemanganese resources areabout 17 million tonnes.

Panchapatmali bauxite mine of Nalco.Baphlimali of Utkal Alumina, Kodinga maliof Aditya aluminium, Kutrumali Sijimaliof L&T, Lanjgarh of Vedanta, Karlpat ofanother alumina plant are likely to bedeveloped very soon.Pottangi, Maliparbat Kisunali & other

small bauxite deposits are also likely tobe mined soon.Nishikhal Manganese mine of OMCUmpavalli limestone mines of OMC & IDCetc.Number of small graphite mines ofvarious companies.


18/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

224

Zone-6BiramitrapurLimestone &Dolomite belt

Local opposition to bauxitemine development and socioeconomic upliftment of thepoor tribal people of thelocality has been of seriousconcern.a. It is one of the oldest

mining area of the stateb. Available resources of

dolomite and limestoneare about 360 and 400million tonnesrespectively.

c. All the mines are opencase and being captivewould continue for longtime Expansion ofcapacities is most likelyto increase production.

d. Small quartzite quarriesare operating in the zonewhile resources are notproperly assessed.

e. Pollution of mines andindustrial activity in thezone is considered to besignificant.

Gomordih limestone/dolomite mineTISCOBisra stone & Lime-OMDCLanjiberna Lime stone & dolomite-OCLPurnapani limestone- SAILKathakhurbahal-Siva cementJalangbira Lime stone & dolomite mineTanmura limestone & dolomite areas V.K.LalSmall mines of limestone and dolomite &working quarries of quartz/quartzitesalso exist.

Zone-7Baula-Nuasahichromite belt ofKeonjhar andadjacentBalasoredistrict.

Chromite was first worked outBaula and total resources ofchromite in this zone isaround 10 million tones. Ithas potential for Nickel andPlatinum group of elements.Soapstone is being locallyworked in the area. There ispotential for vanadiferrousmagnetite.

Bangur chromite OMCNuasahi chromite IMFABaula chromite- OMCBaula Chromite-FacorN\Bangur chromite- ICCLSmall quarries of soapstone.Gandhamardan iron ore mines of OMC

Zone-8Gandhamardhanand adjacent

areas ofKeonjhardistrict.

Gandhamardan iron ourdeposit as a single with morethan 250 million tonnes

reserves.

Besides gold, Kyanite and small mines ofminor minerals are worked locally.

Zone-9Northern part ofthe state inMayurbhanjdistrict.

Large ore body has potentialfor developing largemechanized operation linkedwith proposed steel plants &export. Resources of gold andother not assessed.

a. Gorumahisani, Sulaipat andBadampahar iron ore mines.

b. Joshipur, Pandupani Jadunathpur,Ghusuria. Baghajhumpaquartz/quartzite mines.

c. Rugudi Jaslipur, Chanchabani andother small china clay mines.

d. Khandikunia soapstone mine.


19/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

225

Zone-10Gopalpurcoastal area ofGanjam districtand adjacentPuri district.

There are number of smallopen cast manual mines. Ironore of this area was firstworked by TISCO. Besides leftout iron ore of about 15million tones China clay isbeing exploited in smallquarries. Similarly soap stones& quartz is also being mined.it has potential for gold,copper vanadiferrousmagnetite and asbestos.The mining activity is in lowkey today.

a) OSCOM beach sand mine of IndianRare Earth Limited producingilmenite/rutile. Sillimanite, garnetbesides zircon & Monazite. This maybring TiO2 & allied industries infuture.

b) Dimensional stone mines are beingdeveloped.

Zone-11TumudibandhGraphite area

It has the only beach sandmining in the state withadequate resources notassessed so far. There aresmall quarries of china clay inpockets small dimensionalstone quarries exist in theGanjam, Gajapati & adjacentareas.Besides graphite there arepotential for manganese.Granite is also obtained fromsmall quarries.

Graphite mines of Tumudibandh area isbeing worked by 3 to 4 parties for last 20years. Forest conservation has limitedmining activities for last 10-15 years.

Zone-12BolangirBaragarh areas

The resources are notassessed.a. Gandhamardhan bauxite

with reserves of over 200million tones is the mostpotential mining area.

b. Graphite is being workedin small quarries.

c. It has potential for leadand limestone, whichoccur in small pockets.

Development of Gandhramardan bauxitemine by Balco has been stopped due tolocal oppositionBuramal, Sekamal & Nuapara quartizitemines are operating producing smallquantities.

Besides Dudkanal graphite mine there arenumbers of small graphite operations.

Small operating quarries are not reportedand recorded from environmentalconsideration.

Zone-13Kalahandidistrict aroundTitlagarh

Graphite and gemstones areworked in number of smallquarries for which resourcesare not yet assessed.Dimensional stones are alsomined.

Mining activities are confined to smalloperations of graphite and quartzite.


20/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

226

Zone-14Boudh, Sonepur& Phulbani area

Very less mining activities sofar and would also notincreases as the area does nothave much of mineralpotential. It has small bauxitedeposits like Anamanipahar.Small occurrences ofgraphite, was quarried forsome time. It has potentialfor coal, diamond and goldbesides gems stones anddimensional stones

Kalasulia quartzite is the only operatingsmall open cast mine of ICCL.

Zone-15Cuttack

adjacentDhenkanal areas& Khurdadistrict

Mining activities continued inthe past for fire clay and

china clay. Quartzite &dolomite is mined today.Resources are very less. Stoneand murrom quarries andcrushers are in good numbers.

Fire clay mines do not operate exceptTalabasta & Telesinga fire clay mine.

Gopalpur Quartzite & Banki dolomitequarry is operating in small open castmines

Zone-16Western Orissa,Malkalgiri &Nawarangapur,Nuaparadistrict.

It has been good potential forlimestone & dolomite miningwith resources of Nuapara 10million tonnes, Nawarangapur14 million tonnes & Malkangiri250 million tonnes. China clayof Nawarangapur iron ore ofHirapur, tin ores of Malkangiri

bauxite of Khariar, haspotential, besides gold,diamond, graphite, gemstonesand dimensional stones

No significant mining activities exceptchina clay and dimensional stones insmall quarries & gemstones by trial anderror method. Tin exploitation atMalkangiri has stopped.

Response and Recommendations

Attention for small mines & quarries in unorganized sector is urgentlyrequired.

Reclamation, rehabilitation, afforestation, waste dumping, drainagecontrol, mine closure and land use planning are essential, which haveto be taken jointly by group of mines of a locality. This clusterapproach of environment management can be planned & executedcollectively by the mines of the area under supervision and monitoringof statutory agencies.

Carrying capacity study is essential before any new mine or industrycomes up in zones 1 to 5.

Regional Impact Assessment is to be periodically taken up in zones 1 to5, where land use and forest cover in mining areas need to be assessed

by satellite imagery.


21/21


OrissaCHAPTER VIII

MINING

227

Poor health, education and infrastructure i.e. road, water and powersupply in the mining areas of tribal belt need immediate attention forimprovement.

Occupational health aspects need to be monitored in major mines andmining zones.

Old abandoned areas of mines and quarries can be effectively plannedfor reclamation and converting into forest with water bodies andappropriate form of land use as per National Mineral Policy (1993) ofGovernment of India.

Chapter Viii Mining

Documents

Transcript of Chapter Viii Mining