Executive Summary of Mining of 110022 TPA
Bauxite ROM in Lease Area 110.07 Ha at Survey No.
275/P, Mota Balachod Village, Abdasa Taluka,
District Kutch, Gujarat
1
1
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.1
Project Description
1.1.1
About The Client
OAL was established as a venture to manufacture calcined and fused alumina products in 1974, in
technical collaboration with Karborundum, Bentueky, Czechoslovakia, by the Rajgarhia Group of
Industries. It is a multi-divisional company, having a head office at New Delhi, manufacturing facilities
at Porbandar (Gujarat) and Bhiwadi (Rajasthan) and distinction of being ISO - 9001 (Quality
Management System - QMS) certified. The Company offers a wide range of refractory and monolithic
products for the iron and steel industry and enjoys a large domestic and international clientele. An inhouse R&D facility supports the division’s product development initiatives.
1.1.2
The Rata Talab Bauxite Mine
M/s OAL holds mining lease of Rata Talab Bauxite Mine over an area of 110.07 hectares, in survey
number 275/P of Village Mota Balachod, Taluka Abdasa, District Kutch of Gujarat state. The lease was
granted by Government of Gujarat by their order dated 14.09.1973 and was executed on 03.06.1974
for a period of 20 years. The lease got expired on 02.06.1994. Lessee has applied for renewal for a
period of 10 years from 03.06.1994 to 02.06.2004. The lessee has applied for second renewal upto
02.06.2024 by their application dated 02.06.2003 and it is under the consideration of State
Government. As per new MMDR ordinance 2015, lease is valid upto 2030.
The mining plan was approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), vide their letter number 682 (23)
(551)/2007 MCCM (N) UDP dated 07/11/2007. Further the mining scheme was approved vide their
letter number 682 (23) 551/2007 MCCM (N) UDP dated 10/09/2013.
1.1.3
Reserves
As in the ML mining operation is being done since 1976 working pit is available. Based on the
geological data gathered from pit ore reserves were estimated in the ML.
In all 1779178 MT geological reserves of proved, probable & possible category has been calculated in
approved mining plan.
Thus out of 1688278 MT of demonstrated reserved only reserves to the 1553278 MT were considered
under mineable reserves. The recovery of bauxite was considered as 80% of ROM.
1.1.4
Category Wise reserves
Table 1-1: Category wise Reserves of Bauxite (MT)
Area
Proved Category
(Category 111) (MT)
Probable Category (Category
121) (MT)
Remaining resources
(MT)
110.07 Ha.
2181850
515500
430370
1.1.5
Details of Mining
The information presented in this section are taken from IBM approved mining scheme.
2
Method
The present method of mining is almost the same i.e. manual open cast mining as followed in other
bauxite deposit. The bauxite horizon is present below a thin cover of soil which is a having a thickness
0.50 M & OB in north western part of 2.00M thick. The bauxite horizon is having thickness of 3.0m
and thickness of soil cover is 0.5m.
In the proposed mining scheme, Mining will be carried out by semi mechanized open cast mining
method with the induction of drilling and blasting.
Drilling and Blasting
As per the approved mining plan, mining work will be carried out by semi mechanized open cast
method with using excavator and tipper. Bauxite horizon is compact in nature and requires less drilling
and blasting. Drilling done by jack hammer drill machine and blasting is being done by explosive.
1.1.6
Production of Bauxite Ore
The year wise details of volume of bauxite ore to be excavated and the production tonnage of
considering the recovery percentage of plant grade bauxite are presented in below table.
Table 1-2: Year wise Production during five year Scheme Period
Volume (m3)
Year
OB
ROM
Tonnage
of ROM
Recovery
of Bauxite
(90% of
ROM) MT
Waste
(10% of
ROM)
MT
Production
of Low
Grade
Bauxite
(MT) 90%
of recovery
Production
of High
Grade
Bauxite
(MT)
10% of
recovery
2013-14
-
50000
110000
99000
11000
89100
9900
2014-15
3665
50000
110000
99000
11000
89100
9900
2015-16
5300
50000
110000
99000
11000
89100
9900
2016-17
26550
49800
109560
98604
10956
88744
9860
2017-18
33325
50010
110022
99020
11002
89818
9902
Total
68840
249810
549560
494624
54958
445862
49462
1.1.7
Production of Overburden (OB)
In the proposed mining no OB is likely to be generated. The waste that is likely to be generated will be
in the form of associated clay with the bauxite horizon as mineral waste, which is below the threshold
grade, which has no sale value.
Table 1-3: Year wise OB and Waste Generation
OB including
Soil Vol. in M3
Waste Volume
of waste in M3
Total insitu Volume
of waste in M3
2013-14
-
5000
5000
6500
2014-15
3665
5000
8665
11265
2015-16
5300
5000
10300
13390
2016-17
26550
4980
31530
40989
2017-18
33325
5001
38325
49823
Year
Expanded volume
in M3
3
Year
OB including
Soil Vol. in M3
Waste Volume
of waste in M3
Total insitu Volume
of waste in M3
Expanded volume
in M3
Total
68840
24980
93820
121967
1.1.8
Stacking of Mineral Rejects and Disposal of Waste
In the proposed mining scheme, backfilling of waste will be done side by side at the time of
generation itself hence question of its height and spread does not arise. As volume of voids is much
more than material available for backfilling, backfilling of the entire mined out land upto original
ground level will not be possible. Therefore north part of mined out area will be backfilled upto original
ground level and other part of the mined out area will be used as water reservoir.
Table 1-4: Details of Backfilling in North Western part
Year
Area
proposed to
be mined out
(m2)
Volume of
Mined out
Voids (m3)
Area to be
Backfilled (m2)
Total
Backfilling
Material (m3)
2013-14
-
-
-
-
-
2014-15
-
-
-
-
-
2015-16
19400
19400
2640
14522
5.5
2016-17
9100 + 4200
50050 + 4200
6015
33085
5.5
2017-18
15520
68860
8286
45573
5.5
TOTAL
24620 + 23600
(Pit Floor)
142510
16941
93180
Avg. Depth of
Backfilling
(m)
5.5
Table 1-5: Details of Backfilling in South eastern part
Year
Area proposed
to be mined out
(m2)
Volume of
Mined out
Voids (m3)
Area to be
Backfilled (m2)
Total
Backfilling
Material (m3)
Avg. Depth of
Backfilling
(m)
2013-14
50000
50000
1857
6500
3.5
2014-15
29000
50000
6361
22265
3.5
2015-16
10600
35900
3105
10860
3.5
2016-17
7600
26600
2258
7904
3.5
2017-18
4150
14525
1234
4310
3.5
TOTAL
79000 (Pit Floor)
177025
14815
51839
3.5
Plantation
In the proposed mining scheme it is proposed to carry out afforestation on statutory barriers with the
rate of ~50 saplings per year.
4
Table 1-6: Year wise Plantation Details
1.1.9
Year
No. of Saplings
Area (m2)
2013-14
50
250
2014-15
50
250
2015-16
50
250
2016-17
50
250
2017-18
50
250
Total
250
1250
Water and Wastewater Management
Source and Requirement


For domestic use water will be supplied by the means of tankers from the nearby village.
For greenbelt development and dust suppression water stored in mined out pits will be used.
Water will be supplied by tanker for domestic use; water stored in old pits will be used for plantation
and dust suppression. Total amount of water required is 32.75 KLD
Wastewater Generation and Disposal
There will not be any wastewater generation form the mining activities. The domestic waste will be
soaked in the soak pits.
1.1.10
Mine Drainage
Ground Water
The water table in the area is 12 to 15m below the general ground level during the monsoon. Ground
water in the area is generally saline and salinity increases with passage of time adter mosoon. The
water table of the area will not be tapped by working so there is no problem of lowering of water table
of the region..
Strom Water
The rain water will get collected in the mined out pits and as a common practice is used by the mine
owners for dust suppression and greenbelt development.
1.1.11
Air Emission
There is open cast mining over the area without drilling and blasting any deforestation activity so it
will not have a significant impact on air quality or climatic conditions. Although, plying of trucks will
produce some noise and dust and there magnitude will be study and presented in this report. In
addition to this, there is not much suspended dust in air of the area except in summer during the
storms. The rocks of lease area are soft and very less drilling and blasting is required. Thus
subsequent quality of the air is hardly affected. Due to simple nature of mining no chemical or toxic
effluents are discharged in the area. The detailed ambient air quality modeling is presented in EIA
report.
5
Point Source Emissions
There is no D.G Set installed for the process of mining. Hence, the marginal emissions of Suspended
Particulate Matter (SPM), Oxide of Sulphur (SO2), and Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) will not occur from
these sources.
Line Source Emissions
During movement of vehicles dust emissions will be generated and this has been considered in the
modeling exercise.
Area Source Emissions
Area source emissions in the form of particulate matter (PM) are likely to occur due to:


Open pits generated after mining operations, and
Stored piles of mined bauxite
1.1.12
Utilities Required
Key utilities required by OAL are discussed in subsequent paragraphs.
Electricity
The mine will work for eight hours i.e. general shift only. Diesel, ~3 lit/hr, will be used as fuel for
running pump for dewatering in rainy season that too for some time.
Fuel Details
Diesel, ~3 lit/hr, will be used as fuel for running pump for dewatering in rainy season that too for
some time.
1.2
Description of Environment
1.2.1
Study Area included in Environmental Setting
The study area is considered to be the mining leases area, and an additional area at a distance of 10
km all around the periphery of mining leases.
1.2.2
Long Term Meteorology
The climate in the region shows broadly four seasonal variations, namely:
Winter
:
December - February
Summer
:
March – Mid June
Monsoon
:
Mid-June - September
Post-monsoon
:
October - November
Information presented in subsequent paragraphs is from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD),
Long Term Climatological Tables. These tables give useful information about a region’s weather, since
they are collected over a 30-year period.
6
1.2.3
Study Period
The Environmental monitoring was carried out during the summer season of 2015 i.e. March, April,
and May.
1.2.4


Ambient Air Quality
Average readings indicate that, at all the stations PM10, SO2, and NOx are within the prescribed
limits of CPCB for respective categories.
Low concentrations of SO2 and NOx are reported at all locations.
1.2.5
Land Use
The proportional presence of different land uses and land cover in terms of statistical percentages was
derived for the study area. Appropriate legends were used to represent the various categories of land
use and land cover, and were then written on the prepared land use and land cover maps
1.2.6
Noise Quality
Noise level during daytime and nighttime, in Industrial area was observed within the CPCB standards
i.e. industrial area (75 dB A (d) & 70 dB A (n)).
Noise level during daytime and nighttime, in Commercial area and Residential area was observed
within the CPCB standards i.e. Commercial area (65 dB A (d) & 55 dB A (n)) residential area (55 dB A
(d) &45 dB A (n)).
1.2.7




Soil Quality
The porosity ranged from 48 % to 56 % and WHC varied from26 % to 62 %
The soil permeability was very slow which ranged from 1.94 mm/hr to 3.23 mm/hr mainly due to
predominance of sodium at site as well as other places, in spite of the fact that soil texture was
sandy loam in majority of the villages except at site having silty clay loam texture.
The EC of soil ranged from 0.229 dS/m to 0.414 dS/m, while ESP varied from 0.02 to 0.89. The
pH of soil ranged from 7.87 to 8.27, which indicates that soils are neutral to slightly alkaline.
Among water soluble cations predominance of sodium was seen followed by magnesium, calcium
and potassium.
1.2.8
Geology
Prior to visit we studied Google earth image dated 18/10/2013 which shows that a drainage of 3rd to
4thorder passes through lease area but in actuality no drain is seen. We consulted topography section
of mining report and noted that middle part of lease area forms Naira River passage flowing SW. The
slopes of the lease area merges towards the center line. Thus the earlier drainage is modified. The
rainwater collected in mine area will flow towards SW and will require a barrage to impound. The channel
is blocked with earth material on the Northern part.
1.2.9
Hydrogeology
Abdasa taluka, where in the mine lies, receives an annual average rainfall of 343 mm. The water level
in the area is ~16 m below ground level during post monsoon observed in the well situated near the
mining lease.
7
The geological conditions do not favor for groundwater storage due to salinity and physical properties
of formations. The samples collected and analyzed shows high salt content. Thus only surface water
storage is feasible for short duration only because of scanty rainfall as well as weather conditions
1.2.10 Water Quality
Groundwater in this area is saline due to geological conditions and physical properties of formation.
However few wells show results in acceptable limit and it is because of floating water conditions.
1.2.11 Biological Environment
Study area falling within 10 km radius (Buffer zone) from the mining site was predominantly
dominated by three major habitat types such as agricultural land, waste land and forest land. The
mining site is surrounded by few agriculture fields, the major crop practiced in this region are Cotton
and Wheat. The cropping is mainly monsoon depended due to the absence of any irrigation facility.
Study area falling within 10 km radius (Buffer zone) from the mining site was predominantly
dominated by three major habitat types such as agricultural land, waste land and forest land. The
mining site is surrounded by few agriculture fields, the major crop practiced in this region are Cotton
and Wheat. The cropping is mainly monsoon depended due to the absence of any irrigation facility.
Totally 39 species of floral species observed in core zone. Amon this 12 species trees, 11 species
shrubs and 16 species herbs listed in the study area
Among the birds in the study area, Pea fowl (Pavo cristatus) is included in schedule I of Wild life
protection Act (1972), while many other birds are included in schedule IV.
Among the reptiles, Indian Cobra (Naja naja), and Common Rat Snake (Ptyas mucosus) were provided
protection as per Schedule-II of Wild life protection act, (1972).
Among mammals; Common Mongoose (Herpestes edwardsi), is a schedule –II mammals. Nilgai
(Boselaphus tragocamelus) and Wild Boars (Sus scrofa Linnaeus) are provided protection by
incorporating them in schedule–III, Hares and five stripped squirrels are included in schedule IV of
Wild Life Protection act 1972.
None of the sighted animal species can be assigned endemic species category of the study area.
1.2.12 Social Profile
The Study area consists of 30 habitations in project study area. Total 3683 households are covering
17718 populations in the Study area. Out of the total population, male are 9025 (50.94%) and female
population are 8693 (49.06%). It can be estimated that, in the study area, each household consist
less than 5 persons. This information is extracted from the Census of India, 2011.
As per Corporate Social Responsibility Notification (Schedule VII, Company Act), the Company has
earmarked Approx 16.50 Lakh Rs. for undertaking the CSR activities. An annual budget of INR ~3
Lakh per annum (till five year) for the same has been kept aside by OAl. CSR activities shall be done in
surrounding villages of Project area.
8
1.3
Anticipated Environmental Impact and Mitigation measures.
1.3.1



Ambient Air
Detailed average readings indicate at all air ambient station PM10, SO2 and NOX are within the
prescribed limit of CPCB for respective categories.
Low concentrations of SO2 and NOX are observed at all the locations.
In order to reduce the air pollution, it is proposed to develop greenbelt as suggested.
For pit source emission, the maximum 24 hours GLC within mine is estimated to be 9.34 µg/m3. This
GLC is expected to occur at a distance of 200 m from the source towards the East within the site.
1.3.2
Land
The project site covers total 110.07 hectares of lease area. This shows that there will be change in
land use/cover pattern typically from river land without scrub, muddy area, scrub, open, close, mining
area, agricultural land classes within lease period to Mining area. Vegetation classes includes land
covered by Acacia sp. and Prosopis juliflora species. Mining activity in years to come will be carried out
to expand open pit i.e. existing Mining area. Muddy area is the part of water body present within the
lease area. This shows that mining activity would have effect on basically close, open and scrub
vegetation classes, agricultural land, and water body.
In the proposed mining scheme, it is suggested that the waste generated during scheme period will be
backfilled. As volume of voids is much more than material available for backfilling so entire mined out
land upto original ground level will not be possible. Therefore part of mined out area will be backfilled
upto original ground level and other part of the mined out area will be used as water reservoir. On this
backfilled area in some portion plantation activity will be carried out. So there will be change in mining
area to barren land, plantation and water reservoir on the completion of mining activity.
1.3.3
Noise
For site preparation, during construction phase operation of equipment like Tipper, roller, Excavator
etc. will be used. The equipment will be used during daytime and will emit noise within permissible
limits. Thus, there will not be any adverse impact on nearby habitation due to proposed activity.
Vehicle movement for transportation of materials and work force to the site will cause minor noise
emission as the frequency of vehicular movement is few times in a week
Mitigation Methods




Selection of new low-noise equipment from the manufactures failing which use of additional
retrofits if available.
Modifications of the older equipment or method by incorporating minor design changes
Implementation of an effective planned preventive maintenance which reduces noise level by
more than 50 %
Use of noise barriers and total enclosures to block, redirect or reduce the flow of sound energy
from all equipment including DG set and compressor before it reaches the receiver.
9
1.3.4
Soil
Impact on Soil Environment




Top fertile soil layer will be removed to excavate bauxite.
Prosopis julifera plants will be uprooted, which have occupied entire area.
Dusting on field crops due to blasting and transportation.
Harvested rain water in mining pits may become saline/alkaline, which may deteriorate soil quality
at site and/or adjoining area farmers, if they use for irrigation.
Mitigation Measures




Preserve top soil layers to be used for afforestation.
Use symbiotic and non-symbiotic microbes along with organic manures for efficient raising of trees
(afforestation).
Trucks carrying raw material should be covered to avoid dusting on field crops.
Soil (EC, pH & ESP) and Water (EC, pH & SAR) quality should be monitored periodically and if
they become alkaline use iron pyrite or sulphur as an amendments and liberal quantity of organic
manures as soils are calcareous in nature.
1.3.5
Water
There is no perennial surface water course or surface water body within the leasehold area due to
scanty and unpredictable rainfall. Further, at the time of mining, 70 people/day due to which, the
quantity of waste water generated will be very less i.e. 32.75 KLD. This wastewater will be disposed
off through septic tank and soak pit thereby reducing the impact on surface water bodies.
The rainwater will accumulate in the mined out pits as well as in the pits created during lease period
will be harvested which will be used for dust suppression. Proper lining of the mined out pits will
ensure quality of rain water for reuse as a part of conservation and reuse of water (precious source).
1.3.6
Ecology and Biodiversity
Proposed project activity is part of existing lease area which is reported with common floral and faunal
species. Removal of these (flora) species will not have significant or permanent impact on the habitat
structure of associated faunal diversity. Considering all ecological components, all impacts are
expected “Less Severe” after scoring. However, strict implementation of EMP / mitigation measures
are required to ensure that the biodiversity of the study area should not affected negatively.
10
1.4
Environmental Monitoring Program
S. No.
Activity
Schedule
Air Pollution Monitoring
1
Ambient air monitoring of parameters specified by
CPCB in their air consents from time to time within the
mining lease area.
Once in every season at each station except
monsoon
2
Ambient air monitoring of parameters specified by
GPCB in their air consents from time to time at stations
outside mining lease area.
As per Common Consent and Authorization (CCA)
& Environmental Clearance conditions.
1
Monitoring of one sample of tube well and open well at
plant / nearby location. Parameters are essential
parameters as per IS: 10500:1991.
Water Pollution Monitoring
Once in every season except monsoon.
Noise Quality Monitoring
1
Noise in the ambient atmosphere in mining lease
Once in every season except monsoon
2
Maintenance and service of mechanized equipment
and vehicles
Regularly
Soil Quality Monitoring
1
1.5
Soil at two locations
Once in every year
Additional Studies
1.5.1
Risk Assessment and Disaster Management Plan
The methodology for the risk assessment has been based on the specific risk assessment guidance issued by
the Directorate General of Mine Safety (DGMS), Dhanbad, vide Circular No.13 of 2002, dated 31st December,
2002
1.5.2
Hazard Identification
The identification of hazards has been done considering operations
1.5.3
Risk Assessment
On the basis of the above scoring format of DGMS, and after a perusal of the resultant scores, professional
judgment was exercised in selecting the following scale for assessing risk levels:



Level 1: > 15; i.e., requiring immediate action
Level 2: <15 but > 5; i.e., requiring management action
Level 3: < 5; i.e., low risks requiring periodic review
In some cases personnel are only exposed to the hazard for part of the time. Hence, the more detailed analysis
of the risk ranking can be carried out by taking exposure (% time personnel are present) and probability
(chance that they will be harmed) into consideration. Thus:

Risk Score = (Probability x Exposure) x Consequence
11
1.5.4
Hazard Analysis
The hazards cover working at heights, slope and bench stability, mineral transport and force majeure
conditions (rainfall & flooding). Risk level 1 and risk level 2 are taken into consideration.
1.5.5
Control and Action Plans
To ensure that causes leading to the possible consequences are prevented from occurring, control and action
plans are developed and suggested and discussed in greater details in section 6.6.
1.5.6





Disaster Management Plan
The DMP is supposed to be a dynamic, changing, document focusing on continual improvement of
emergency response planning and arrangements. A structure working on a Plan, Do, Check & Review
(PDCR) cycle has been therefore suggested.
The Environment, Health, and Safety (EHS) policies are to be made accessible to all at site and to other
stakeholders.
Possible emergency situations can broadly be classified into unintended explosions, vehicle collision, and
inundation.
Responsibilities, resources, and timeframes are allocated for implementing the objectives.
Assembly points, liaison with state authorities, task force of essential staff, emergency control center, fire
fighting etc. are discussed.
Treatment of affected persons



Injured / Affected persons shall be provided suitable first-aid treatment and sent to Co.'s Doctor for further
treatment depending on injury.
Patients requiring further treatment shall be sent in Ambulances to Hospitals in Porbandar
Patients suffering from minor problems shall be discharged and sent home after preliminary treatment
Training
Regular training of all concerned personnel will be conducted to enable the Staff to face any type of
Emergency be it Natural Disaster, Fire in Equipment, Building or any explosion in quarry.
DMP Audit, Non Conformance and Corrective Action and Preventive Action
Since this DMP has been designed as a dynamic document, it is required that its performance be audited at
regular intervals. Ideally, persons auditing the DMP should be external auditors (i.e. not employed at the site
being audited). Audits will be periodic, at intervals that are decided by the Head Office.
Review of Emergency Performance
On the basis of these, the management will record its decisions and consider modifying the DMP, as deemed
appropriate.
1.6
Project Benefits
There are various attractive commercial and social reasons which are responsible for the development of
bauxite mining.
12



First of all, the mining company uses high-grade bauxite ore for their own use in their company situated at
Porbandar and sells the low-grade bauxite to local market or export it.
Secondly mining activities in any area provide source of employment to the local inhabitants and helps in
decreasing the migration of local people from their native places.
Apart from all these, bauxite mining will benefits the national government by all these social issues and
also by the revenue provided by the mining company.
Therefore, mining will produce useful bauxite, generates wealth for the country, provide employment
opportunity to local people and helps in increasing their living standards
1.7
Environment Management Plan
The EMP provides a delivery mechanism to address potential adverse impacts, to instruct contractors and to
introduce standards of good practice to be adopted for all project works. For each stage of the programme, the
EMP lists all the requirements to ensure effective mitigation of significant biophysical and socio-economic
impacts identified in the EIA. The EMP covers the following:
Role of OAL and its contractors;
 A comprehensive listing of the mitigation measures (actions) will be prepared and implemented
 The parameters that will be monitored to ensure effective implementation of the action;
The timing for implementation of the action to ensure that the objectives of mitigation are fully met
13