Download - R and R Plan of BBH- MEL ML 2346.pdf
DRAFT RECLAMATION AND REHABILITATION PLAN FOR
BEDARA BOMMANA HALLI IRON ORE MINE (ML NO.2346)
M/S. MINERAL ENTERPRISES LTD. (MEL), CHITRADURGA
Submitted by
ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT DIVISION Directorate of Extension
Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (An autonomous body of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India)
P.O.-New Forest, Dehradun-248006 (UK) Website: www.icfre.gov.in
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY i- ix ABBREVIATION
CHAPTER 1- INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background 1 1.2 Scope of the Study 3 1.3 Methodology 3
CHAPTER 2- MINING DESCRIPTION 2.1 INTRODUCTION 5 2.2 LOCATION OF MINE 5 2.3 MINING PLANS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES 5 2.4 MINING METHODOLOGY 9 2.5 MINE PROFILE 10
2.5.1 Mine machineries 10 2.5.2 Mine Pits 10 2.5.3 Mine Dumps 10
2.5.3.1 Inactive dump 10 2.5.3.2 Active dump 11 2.5.3.3 Sub grade ore 13
2.6 EXPLORATION 13 2.6.1 Past exploration 13 2.6.2 Proposed Exploration 13
2.7 MINE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION 14 2.8 ESTIMATED IRON ORE RESERVE 14 2.9 STRIPPING RATIO 15
2.10 ROADS 15 2.10.1 Approach roads 16 2.10.2 Haulage roads 16
2.11 TRANSPORTATION OF ORE 16 2.11.1 Existing transportation facility 18 2.11.2 Proposed transportation facility 19
2.12 SAFETY ZONE 19 CHAPTER 3- BASELINE STATUS
3.1 Study Area 20 3.1.1. Climate 20
3.1.2. Physiography of Mine Lease Area (ML- 2516) 21 3.2 Regional Geology 21
3.2.1 Local Geology 22 3.3 Physical Environment 26
3.3.1 Soil 26 3.3.2 Landuse Pattern of Chitradurga Taluk 26
3.3.2.1 Land Use Pattern of Mine Lease Area 27 3.3.3 Air Environment 30
3.3.3.1 Ambient air quality (AAQ) 30 3.3.4 Noise Environment 30 3.3.5 Water Environment 30
3.3.5.1 Basin Characteristics 31 3.3.5.2 Water Bodies 31 3.3.5.3 Drainage Pattern 31 3.3.5.4 Annual Run-off from Mine Lease Area 31 3.3.5.5 Ground Water Estimation 32 3.3.5.6 Ground Water Quality 32
3.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT 33 3.4.1 Flora 33 3.4.2 Fauna 36
3.5 SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT 48 3.5.1 Demographic Status of the Mine Affected Villages 48 3.5.2 Land Use Pattern of Villages/Town in Buffer Zone 49
CHAPTER 4- ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT 4.1 Environmental Impacts – Open Cast Iron Ore Mining In ML-2346 50
4.1.1. Impact on Landscape 50 4.1.2. Impact on Ecology 50 4.1.3. Impact on Air quality 51 4.1.4. Impact of Noise and Vibration 51 4.1.5. Impact on Water Quality 51 4.1.6 Impact on Soil Fertility 52 4.1.7 Impact on Aquatic Life 52 4.1.8 Impacts on Society 53
CHAPTER 5- REHABILITATION AND RECLAMATION PLAN 5.1 Introduction 53 5.2 Rehabilitation and Reclamation Measures 54
5.2.1 Reclamation and Rehabilitation Plan for Area under Encroachment 55 5.2.2 Stabilization of Dumps 55
5.2.2.1 Waste dump 55 5.2.2.2 Engineering measures 56
5.2.3 Sub Grade Stack/Fine Ore Stack 56 5.2.4 Surface Water Management 61
5.2.4.1 Gully Plugs 61 5.2.4.2 Check dams 61 5.2.4.3 Settling tanks 62 5.2.4.4 Culvert 62 5.2.4.5 Indicative cost for surface water management 63
5. 3 Biological Measures 66 5. 3.1 Species selection and plantation 66
5.4 Over Burden Dumps Management 68 5.4.1 Other points to be for OB dump management. 74 5.4.2 Mine pit management and rehabilitation 75 5.4.3 Management for Refractory sites 75
5.4.4 Mine Drainage Management and Rehabilitation 76 5.4.5 Management of Haul roads 77
5.5 Afforestation 79 5.5.1 Multipurpose plant species 80 5.5.2 Establishment of Nursery 83
5.6 Green Belt Development Plan 83 5.6.1 Indicative Cost of Developing Green Belt 84 5.6.2 Recommended Plant Species 84
5.7 Biodiversity Conservation Plan 85 5.7.1 Flora 85 5.7.2 Fauna 86
5.7.2.1 Habitat protection 86 5.7.2.2 Providing a corridor for the dwelling and movement of
Herpetofauna 87
5.7.2.3 Creation of Habitat for Avifauna 87 5.7.2.4 Reducing anthropogenic pressure 87
5.7.3 Aquatic Fauna 87 5.7.4 Biodiversity Conservation Area 88
5.8 SOIL MANAGEMENT PLAN 89 5.9 Production capacity based on Reserve, dump and road capacity 92
5.9.1 Permissible production capacity based on reserves 92 5.9.2 Permissible Production capacity based on Dump 93 5.9.3 Permissible Production capacity based on Road 94
5.9.4 Additional Measures if any 96 5.10 Field Observations And Suggestions 97 5.11 Implementation and Monitoring 98 5.12 Cost Summary of the Proposed Plan 101 5.13 Time Schedule 103 BIBLIOGRAPHY 106
Sl. No. TABLE
Page No.
Table-2.1 The machinery used by the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
10
Table-2.2 Details of the active dump in the mine leased area the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
11
Table-2.3 Details of category wise geological and mineable reserve 15 Table-2.4 Detail of category wise updated geological and minable reserves 15 Table-3.1 Year-Wise Land Use and Land Cover Distribution in Chitradurga
District 26
Table-3.2 Showing land use pattern of Chitradurga (2008-09) 27 Table-3.3 Showing total area under mining and allied activities as on 26.08.2011
in the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited 27
Table-3.4 Ground water quality data from the sampled locations around the in the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
32
Table-3.5 Plant Species occurring inside mine lease area in the BBH Mines (M.L 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
34
Table-3.6: Plant species found outside the mine lease area in the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
35
Table-3.7 Butterflies recorded in Chitradurga District based on present study and the secondary information
36
Table-3.8 Avifauna Recorded in the two Study Ranges of Chitradurga District 38 Table-3.9 List of Mammals recorded in Chitradurga District at different study
sites. 44
Table-3.10 List of Herpetofauna Observed in the Study Areas of Chitradurga District
45
Table-3.11 Other Herpetofauna those are likely to be in the Area (Information Taken from Records and Inventories of Surrounding Districts with Similar Climate and Vegetation)
46
Table-5.1 Cost Estimate for Dump Management Plan 57 Table-5.2 Cost Estimate for Surface Water Management Plan 63 Table- 5.3 Species Recommended for Hydro seeding (HS) 69 Table-5.4 Grasses and bamboos (Family: Poaceae) recommended for stabilization
of the OB dumps 71
Table-5.5 Species Recommended for Nitrogen Enrichment of Mine Areas 71 Table-5.6 Plant Species suitable for OB Dump and Mine Pit Stabilization 72 Table-5.7 Plant Species Suitable for Stabilization of Refractory Sites 75 Table- 5.8 Plant Species suitable for Stabilization of Nala/Drain Courses 77 Table-5.9 Plant Species recommended for Avenue Plantation along Mine Haul
Roads 78
Table-5.10 Multipurpose plant species recommended for eco-reclamation and eco-rehabilitation of mine areas
80
Table-5.11 Cost Estimate for Developing Green Belt 84 Table-5.12 Tree Species recommended for Greenbelt Development around the
mine lease area 84
Table-5.13 Recommended for restoration of the mined out areas for timber, fodder, fuel wood and medicinal plants
86
Table-5.14 Showing details of Mineable Reserves 92 Table-5.15 Detail of category wise updated geological and minable reserves 93 Table-5.16 The mode of transport used for dispatching the ore from mine lease area 95 Table-5.17 Indicative Cost Summary of the Proposed Plan 102
FIGURES
Figure 2.1 Key Mining Plan of the Area MEL ML. 2346 7 Figure 2.2 Google Map showing the Location of the Mine Lease Area of MEL, ML
2346 8
Figure 2.3 Map showing the Surface Plan of the MEL, ML -2346 12 Figure 3.1 Map showing the Locations of Environmental Monitoring Stations in
MEL, ML 2346 23
Figure 3.2 Map showing the Geological Plan of Mine Lease Area of MEL, ML 2346 24 Figure 3.3 Map showing the Geological Plan of Mine Lease Area of MEL, ML 2346 25 Figure 3.4 Map showing Existing Land Use Plan in the Mine Lease Area of MEL
Mine, ML. 2346 28
Figure 3.5 Map showing Conceptual Plan in the Mine Lease Area of MEL Mine, ML. 2346
29
Figure 5.1 Existing Dump Management Plan 59 Figure 5.2 Dump Management Plan 60 Figure 5.3 Surface Water Management Plan 65
PLATES
Plate-1 Mining at BBH Mines 108 Plate-2 OB Dump of BBH Mines 108 Plate-3 Vegetation in the study area 109 Plate-4 Expert Team during floral survey in the study area 109 Plate-5 Check dam in the study area 110 Plate-6 Use of Geotextiling for the stabilization of Dump 110
ANNEXURES
Annexures-1-9 111-136
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SUMMARY
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India has directed the Government of Karnataka to
formulate Reclamation and Rehabilitation Plan (R&R) for the mine affected districts
viz., Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur. The study was entrusted to Indian Council of
Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), Dehra Dun, by the Government of
Karnataka, vide letter No.DMG/MLS/R&R/2011-12 dated 27.12.2011. The main
objectives of the study are:
• Preparation of R&R Plan for the mining leases found to be involved in illegal
mining;
• Preparation of Supplementary Environment Management Plan for incorporating
additional environmental safeguards in respect of the leases not found to be
involved in illegal mining;
• Comprehensive environment plan for Mining Impact Zone (MIZ) for the areas
surrounding the mining lease area;
i) Short term measures; and
ii) Long term measures.
This will include all the leases, including non working leases.
The scope of the study includes collection and assessment of the existing
environmental status data such as topography, production technology, overburden
dump, top soil, soil conservation measures, environmental quality to assess the
impacts assessment and to formulation of site specific R&R plan.
Considering the time limit and constraints in collection of baseline data on the
existing environmental status the study had to mainly relay on the secondary sources
of information viz., EIA/EMP reports, Mining Scheme, environmental monitoring
conducted by external agencies such as the SPCB, Department of Mines and Geology,
and mine owners. The report received from FIMI has also been considered for
prepare of Rand R plan.
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• BBH Mines holding the Mine lease No. 2346 of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
(MEL) has mine lease area of 103.81 ha in Bheemasamudra Forest, Holalkere
Range, Chitradurga Taluk of Chitradurga District in Karnataka for a period of 20
years with the consent valid to operate up to 30.06.2012. The mine area is
situated towards west of the Chitradurga town, at a distance of 28 km by road.
The BBH Private Railway siding is the nearest one located at a distance of about
2 km from the Mine head.
• The mining plan was first approved for a maximum annual output of 1.0 MTPA
of iron ore for the period of 2009-10 to 06.10.2012. Environment clearance under
the provision of Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 1994
Environmental clearance letter: Letter No. J-110015/210/2005-IA.II (M) dated
31st March 2006, for 1 Million tons of iron ore production (Annexure 1). The
Mining is in operations for extraction of iron ore is effective from 1952 to
26.08.2011, i.e. till the closure of mine by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. First
renewal application for environmental clearance accorded vide letter no: J-
110015/210/2005-IA-II for 1 million ton of iron ore production. The second
renewal for the period from 07.10.1992 to 06.10.2012 was made for 259 ha.
However, D.M.G. approved the lease for an area of 103.81 ha only, keeping other
area in abeyance and renewed the lease under M.L.No.2346 with effect from
07.10.1992 for a period of 20 years for an extent of 103.81 ha. Total area under
mining and other allied activities is 74.60 ha and area for further mining is 29.21
ha.
• Presently, the total area under mining and allied activities is 74.60 ha and further
an area of 29.21 ha has been proposed to be undertaken for mining.
• The mine lease area is a hilly terrain. The highest and the lowest elevations of the
area are 955m and 816m msl respectively. The iron ore deposit comprises mostly
limonite, goethite and hematite in that order.
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• The soil is red loamy with the pH ranging from 6.8 to 7.4. The nitrogen content is
between 9.5 to 13kg/ ha; phosphorous is between 0.95 to 1.08 kg/ ha and
potassium ranged from 0.62 to 1.32 kg/ ha. Water holding capacity of the soil
ranged from14.85 to 18 percent.
• The Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) ranged from 80 to 120 µg/m3 and
Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) range from 25 to 35 µg /m3 in the Buffer
zone, i.e. surrounding villages.
• The main sources of noise are from stationary mining equipment, mobile mining
equipment and transportation of vehicles. Based on the EIA report carried out by
M/s Rao & Associates for BBH, in the mine area, the noise level indicated that
the leq level (day time) is less than the 72.0 dBA in the core zone, where there is
mining activity. Inside Samsung machine, the noise level was maximum (99.1
dBA); the crushing and screening plant was found to have leq of 72.0dBA for
working of 16 hrs per day. Similarly, the loading point had leq of 72 dBA and
haulage road, a leq of 65.3 dBA. The mine is situated on the hill range at a
distance of 1.5 kms from human settlements.
• Bheemasamudra reservoir is the only water body available near to the mining
area, at a distance of 4 kms. The drainage pattern of the lease area is sub –
dendritic in nature. Seventy percent of the run off with in the buffer zone drains
towards in north and south direction.
• The study area experiences an average annual rainfall of about 600 mm.
Considering the hilly terrain with dry deciduous forests and fragmented lands
due to mining operation, a runoff factor of 0.5 has been conservatively adopted
for working out the annual run-off yield, i.e. 0.054 Million Cubic Meters (MCM).
Hence the runoff water needs to be stored in the temporary settling ponds
wherein the water after silt settling be used for sprinkling the haul roads and
plantation development.
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• Ground water exploration reveals that aquifers are encountered between the
depths of 15 mbgl and 192 mbgl. Ground water occurs within the weathered and
fractured rocks under water-table conditions and semi-confined conditions.
During May 2006 (pre-monsoon season) the minimum and maximum depth to
water level are 2.43 and 13.13 mbgl respectively. During November 2006 (post-
monsoon) water level recorded ranged between 2.75 to 11.75 mbgl. Seasonal
water-level fluctuation recorded between 1.38 m to 1.86 m (Ground water
information booklet, 2007).
• Electrical conductivity of ground water in general recorded from 380 to more
than 5200 micro mhos /cm at 25 °C and the pH value recorded 7.14 to 8.16. In
general ground water is of Carbonate and Bicarbonate type. Chloride recorded
from 17 mg/l to 1688 mg/l; Fluoride ranged from 0.2 mg/l to 3.6 mg/l and
Nitrate ranged from 1 to 530 mg/l.
• The vegetation occurring in the area belongs to Southern tropical dry deciduous
(Champion and Seth, 1968). The area falls under the mixed deciduous sub
classification. According to the classification made by Legris and Pascal (1982)
the area falls under deciduous climax forests. According to this classification this
type of forests does not have the potentiality of secondary moist deciduous
forests.
• The plant resources inside and outside the mine lease area are 31 and 27 species
respectively consisting of herbs, shrubs and trees. The faunal species recorded
during the survey include mammals, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, avifauna
and aquatic birds.
• Clearing of vegetation/forest cover in the mine lease area and overburden
dumping are the most important factors that have an important bearing on the
habitat and quality of all associated faunal species due to fragmentation.
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• Only one waste dump located in North East portion of the lease area in an extent
of 10.74 ha has been envisaged. Part of the dump has been filled with over
burden waste in 3.66 ha and the rest of the area is proposed to be utilized in next
mining period. The Top RL of the waste dump is 895.6 masl and the bottom of
the dump is 846.0 masl. The height of the existing portion of the dump varies
between 17.5 m to 49 m from section to section. The slope of the waste dump
varies from section to section between 25o to 48o. The average slope on the valley
side is 40o while on the hill side it is 28o.
• No terracing of the waste dump has been done. A retaining wall of inadequate
height has been constructed in Northern side of the dump at its bottom. Total
quantity of waste material in this dump as per cross sections assessment is
around 0.544 million cum which amounts to 0.925 million tons at bulk density 1.7
ton/cum.
• Based on the cross section taken on the portion of the dump where the dumping
is proposed under the present plan period and as per scheme of mining for 07-
10-2012 to 07-10-2016-2017, which is not yet approved. The available dump
capacity for each plan period is 0.386 million cum and 0.464 million cum
respectively.
• Sub grade material (50 to 53.5% Fe) is staked between grid lines 4363 2000 to E
4363 2500 and N 1570 700 to N 1570 1200 in an area of 8.50 ha. Total quantity of
the sub grade material was purported to be 0.6 million of which 0.2 million tons
has been E-auctioned and remaining 0.4 million tons is under process for
disposal. Further the space after disposal of the sub grade ore shall be kept for
future stacking. However, the Sub grade stacks in the mine lease area should be
stored at angle of repose not more than 28o with 6m wide terrace at 10 m height
and garland drains at outer periphery of the stack are essential.
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• The mine owner has constructed 3 small gully plugs inside the lease area to
control the sediment flow and erosion into stream. Adequate gully plugs,
masonry check dams, rock-fill check dams and settling tanks has been
recommended for construction with appropriate specification. It is also proposed
to provide culverts in the form of two Hume pipes (NP-3), 1 m diameter laid
with slope from upper stream to down stream. The pipe shall be laid over 30 cm
thick cc 1:3:6 flooring having masonry support and wing walls at both the ends.
• It is recommend maintenance of the haul roads at regular intervals, which are
leading to the mine. The roads must be regularly sprinkled with water to avoid
dust spread during transportation of ore material through trucks. Tarpaulin
covering during the transportation of iron ore is a must. The drainage system is
inadequate along the haul roads and it is suggested that drainage has to be
provided all along the haul roads, to arrest sediment flow towards downstream.
• Green belt development all along the haul roads with avenue tree species such as
Albizia lebbeck, A. odoratissima, Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula has been
recommend to suppress noise and dust pollution
• There is no green belt available in the safety zone around the mine lease area. It
is recommended for development of green belt, as stipulated by MoEF with
immediate effect. Species like Ailanthus excelsa, Albizia amara, A. lebbeck,
Azadirachta indica, Boswellia serrata, Cassia fistula, Ceiba pentandra, Dalbergia
sissoo are suggested with suitable planting model for tree, shrub and her species.
• Biological measures for management of overburden dumps, sub-grade stock/
dump, mine pit area, refractory sites, mine drainage, surface water, haul road
etc., with reconstruction of suitable techniques to improve the ability and to
support the vegetation growth has been recommended with the application of
organic matter, and use of geo-textile/geo-matting.
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• A biodiversity conservation measure has also been suggested considering the
importance of the forest ecosystem in terms of its environmental services suitable
floral species have been recommended for restoration of the mined out areas for
timber, fodder, fuel wood and medicinal plant to meet the community
requirement and overall ecosystem development.
• Tree hollows are recommended to substitute by providing nest boxes of
appropriate size for the target species in the proposed restored areas. Animals,
particularly invertebrate species, are important in many ecological processes,
such as nutrient cycling, litter decomposition, soil aeration, seed dispersal, seed
predation and plant’s ability to survive fire or set seed, so that they can re-
establish after fire.
• For the sustainable and scientific mining recommended by CEC there is a need to
cap the over all ceiling of iron ore production. Therefore feasible production
capacity of the Iron ore has been calculated based on Reserve, Dump and Road.
• Reserves: As per the last approved scheme of mining the estimated total
mineable reserves is 14.00 million tonnes including 0.90 million tons of reserves
of probable and possible categories. The total available mineable reserves of 11.55
million tonnes have been estimated. Therefore the production of 0.58 million
tonnes per annum could be possible to achieve during the next 20 years.
• Dump: The additional volume of the waste material that could be accommodated
in the active dump has been estimated to be approximately at 0.46 MCM and
0.05 MCM of waste material will be used for backfilling of mined out southern
(pit E) from Northern (Pit D) during next plan period. Therefore, the quantity of
waste that can be produced corresponding to 0.51 MCM of waste material = 0.51
X 2 = 1.02 million tonnes. Quantity of ore that can be produced corresponding to
19.40 million tones waste = 1.02/0.54 = 1.89 million tonnes. Hence, production
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capacity based on dumps for 05 years, the permissible limit = 0.38 million
tonnes/annum.
• Road: 70% of iron ore production is transported to BBH Private Railway siding,
which is at a distance of about 2 kms. And remaining 30% of the transport from
mines itself by road. The transport to railway siding is made using 31 tons
capacity dumpers and the remaining 30% is transported using 10tonnes tippers
(5%) and 16 tons truck (95%). Based on the existing infrastructure facilities, the
mine can be permitted to operate at 1.00 million-tonnes/annum capacity.
• The permissible limit of annual production minimum of the above three criteria is
considered as 0.58 million tonnes/annum based on the available quantity of iron
ore reserves.
• Rehabilitation and Reclamation plan will be useful in providing a framework for
various target groups for undertaking scientific rehabilitation and reclamation of
mined out areas. An estimate cost of Rs. 602.90 lakhs has been proposed for
excluding R &R Plan including the cost for Biodiversity Management Plan,
Monitoring and Evaluation, Capacity Building, development of common
infrastructure, etc.
• Regular monitoring of the R&R programme will not only establish valuable
reference data for authorities to ensure and demonstrate compliance with
regulatory requirements but also in subsequent decision-making on operational
parameters needed to ensure better oversight of the entire site specific land use
for sustainable management. And, the success of the Reclamation and
Rehabilitation plan will depend upon its proper implementation and rigorous
monitoring which can be ensured only through a specialized institution that has
the requisite competence, composite scientific expertise and professionals. The
capacity building of the personals involved in implementation of this plan by an
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expert scientific organization is also an essential input for the successful
implementation of this plan.
• The successful, regional management of Reclamation and Rehabilitation
plan requires strategic integration of a very specialized ecological,
taxonomical, biological and engineering interagency that allows scientists and
land managers to reach a consensus. . In our country there are limited
institutions having such composite expertise and experience for execution and
monitoring of such specialized tasks. Therefore, consortium of institutes headed
by ICFRE may be formulated for effective monitoring and the implementation of
the R & R Plan.
• Further, the task force constituted as per the recommendation made in Chapter-9
of the macro EIA report- ICFRE can ensure proper monitoring and implementation
of R&R plan, EMP and Capacity building of the personal involved in the
implementation of proposed plan. And, these parameters should be the key
indicators while revalidating the mine plan with good mining practice.
X X X X
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ABBREVIATIONS
S. NO. ABBREVIATION FULL FORM
1. % Percentage 2. cm Centimeter 3. CPCB Center Pollution Control Board 4. CSO Central Statistic Office 5. Cum Cubic meter 6. EIA Environment Impact Assessment 7. EL Elevation 8. FC Forest clearance 9. Fe Iron 10. ha Hectare 11. HEMM heavy earth moving machinery 12. km2 Kilometer square 13. m Meter 14. m2 Meter square 15. m3 Meter cube 16. masl Meter above sea level 17. mg/l Milligram per Liter 18. ML Mining lease 19. mm Millimeter 20. MML Mysore Minerals Limited 21. MoEF Ministry of Environment and Forest 22. MTPA Metric ton per annum 23. NAAQS National Ambient Air Quality Standards 24. NMDC National Mineral Development
Corporation 25. PWD Public Works Department 26. RET Rare, Endangered and Threatened 27. SPCB State Pollution Control Board 28. UNDP United Nations Development Programme 29. UNFC United Nations Framework Classification 30. ° C Degree Centigrade 31. SH State Highway 32. KSEB Karnataka State Electricity Boars
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CHAPTER-1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, considering the severe and
significant damage caused due to unscientific and unregulated mining in Bellary,
Chitradurga and Tumkur district in Karnataka and based on the macro EIA
report submitted by ICFRE directed the Government of Karnataka
to submit a Reclamation and Rehabilitation (R&R) plan for the mine affected
districts within three months. The Government of Karnataka, keeping in view
the National Environmental Standards and the commitment for holistic approach
for sustainable management of the area affected has awarded the study of
formulation of R&R plan to Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education
(ICFRE), Dehra Dun, vide letter No.DMG/MLS/R&R/2011-12 dated 27.12.2011.
The Director, Department of Mines and Geology, Bangalore, vide letter no.
DMG/MLS/R&R/2011-12/15179 dated 31.03.2012 and called upon the Director
General, ICFRE, Dehradun to take up the task of preparation of Reclamation and
Rehabilitation plan for category “A” mines, with lease area of 50 ha and above, in
the first phase.
The work assigned to ICFRE includes:
Preparation of R&R Plan for the mining leases found to be involved in
illegal mining.
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Preparation of supplementary Environment Management Plan for
incorporating additional environmental safeguards in respect of the
leases not found to be involved in illegal mining.
Comprehensive environmental plan for Mining Impact Zone (MIZ) for
the areas surrounding the mining lease areas including all the leases and
non working leases.
Short term measures and
Long term measures
ICFRE initiated the R&R study in association with domain experts and in
consultation with district administration and Department of Mines and Geology,
Bellary district for identifying representative mines. Accordingly, BBH Mines of
M/s. Mineral Enterprises Ltd., in Bheemasamudra mine sector, Holalkere range,
Chitradurga taluka, Chitradurga district was identified as the mine is cleared by
the Central Empowered Committee (CEC). The main objectives of the study are
as under:
To delineate the level of degradation on various environmental
components, such as physical, biological and sociological aspects due to
mining.
To identify suitable site specific model plan for rehabilitation and
reclamation.
To provide code of practices and guidelines for pollution reduction,
recovery, reuse and recycle as well as frame work for rehabilitation and
reclamation plan.
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The team of experts undertook a detailed pilot survey in the BBH Mines
of M/s Mineral Enterprises Ltd. in Chiradurga District during their visit from 9th
to 20th May 2012.
1.2 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The scopes of the study inter-alia include all the mine related and allied
activities. The scope of the study is briefed below:
Sampled iron ore mine, study area indicating their location on the map.
Technology presently used in iron ore mining and pollution control
measures adopted.
In-depth study of sample representative mines for formulating R&R plan
on the basis of technology, production, and pollution and CEC approval.
Primary data collection through survey and field visits. Secondary source
of information from EIA/EMP reports, documents from the mine owners,
CPCB, SPCB, regional IBM, Department of Mines and Geology with
respect to air and water quality, waste, other environmental concerns
regarding iron ore mining, relevant documents collected from
stakeholders and state government departments.
1.3 METHODOLOGY
Team of experts from ICFRE, domain experts from reputed organizations
along with the mine owners/ representatives visited the BBH Mine lease area
(M.L.No.2346) of M.E.L visited on 9th May 2012 and had an elobrate discussion
with the mine owners, officials from the mine to have an understanding about
the mining activities, methodology and the procedures followed. Information
and comments regarding proposals of scheme of mining, lease sketch, key plan,
surface plan, geological plan / cross sections, five years working plans and cross
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sections, dump management plan, sections, land use plan, conceptual plan,
environmental management plan, progressive mine closure plan, details of
violations and their compliance were collected and verified. The report received
from FIMI has also been considered for prepare of Rand R plan
During the field survey, the expert team physically verified the ground
truth and collected information on various aspects such as details of the mined
out area, waste dumps, dump yard, storage of top soil, infrastructure, sub grade
mineral storage, mineral stock, active/inactive dumps and watershed of the area.
Protective measures like retaining walls, check dams, gully plugs and rock fill
dams were inspected. Location of boundary pillars along with intermediate
pillars was verified. Necessary information pertaining to land use, climate,
geology, soil, air, noise and water environment and demographic status of the
mine affected villages was collected from Pollution Control Board and the
Revenue Department of Govt. of Karnataka. Details of fauna available in the area
were collected from the earlier studies conducted by ICFRE, in connection with
preparation of macro level EIA and the Forest Working Plan, Chitradurga Forest
Division. The maps and documents submitted by the mining lessee to ICFRE
were also verified and referred for preparation of the R & R plan.
XXXXX
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CHAPTER-2
MINE DESCRIPTION
2.1. INTRODUCTION
BBH Mines holding the Mine lease No. 2346 of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
(MEL) has mine lease of 103.81 ha in Bheemasamudra Forest, Holalkere Range,
Chitradurga Taluk of Chitradurga District in Karnataka for a period of 20 years
with the consent valid to operate up to 30.06.2012. Applied for renewal on
02.03.2012 for C.F.O. and was rejected from KSPCB stating the verdiction of
Hon’ble Supreme Court of India order dated 26.08.2011.
2.2. LOCATION OF MINE
The mine area is located between longitude:76°12’49.5”E - 76°13’45.8”E and
latitude:14°12’5.7”E - 14°13’3.2”E and it falls in Survey of India Top sheet No.57-
B/4. The mine area is situated towards west of the Chitradurga town, at a
distance of 28 km by road. The BBH Private Railway siding is the nearest one
located at a distance of about 2 km from the Mine head. The key plan and the
google map of the study area are depicted in Figure 2.1 and 2.2.
2.3. MINING PLANS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCES
The following are the details of mining plan and statutory clearance:-
Environmental Clearance: Environmental clearance letter: Letter No. J-
110015/210/2005-IA.II (M) dated 31st March 2006, for 1 Million tons of iron ore
production (Annexure 1).
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Forest Clearence Act approval: Area granted under FC Act: Letter No. F.No 8-
83/93-FC dated 04-04-1997 for an area of 105 ha. , for 20 years w.e.f 07/10/1992.
Approved letter along with sketch is enclosed as Annexure 2.
Approved mining plan /scheme including copy of plan/scheme submitted to
IBM/pending for approval: Mining scheme: For the period 2009-10 to 06.10.2012,
for 1.00 Million tons per annum of Iron Ore production.
Consent to operate (CTO) under the Air and the Water Acts by Karnataka State
Pollution Control Board: Consent to operate is valid up to 30.06.2012 (Annexure
3) and applied for renewal on 02.03.2012 for C.F.O. The application was rejected
from KSPCB stating Hon’ble Supreme Court of India order dated 26.08.2011. The
copy of the letter is enclosed as Annexure 4.
Explosive license: The Explosive License has been surrendered on 15th
November 2011(Annexure 5). The ore is soft and friable in nature. The mining
of the ore is being carried out by excavators only.
Authorization under hazardous wastes rules: Authorization for Handling
Hazardous Waste, Letter No.KSPCB/HWM/1227 dated, 21st November 2009,
valid up to 30.06.2013 (Annexure 6).
Any other approvals relevant to the lease: Permission from Forest Department
for installation of temporary crushing and screening plant, weighbridges and
Electrical supply units (Annexure 7). The crushing and screening plant has been
dismantled now.
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Figure 2.1: Key Mining Plan of the Area MEL ML. 2346
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Figure-2.2: Google Map showing the Location of the Mine Lease Area of MEL, ML 2346
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2.4. MINING METHODOLOGY
The Mining is in operations for extraction of iron ore is effective from 1952 to
26.08.2011, i.e. till the closure of mine by Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The
lease area is extensively under mining along the entire length and breadth with
working and non-working pits of various sizes. Presently, waste handling is
observed by deploying machinery for operation of loading and transportation.
Rock-breakers, Ripper & Dozers are used for removal of medium hard rock in
drilling and blasting sites. The material loaded into 10 tonnes, 16 tonnes and 31
tonnes trucks by hydraulic excavators. From the waste benches, the material is
hauled directly to waste dumps. Similarly ore is loaded into 10 tonnes/31 tonnes
tipper trucks and hauled to process plants. Wheel Loaders are used for loading ore
from stack yard and Rippers Dozer, Graders, Vibrating Rollers were observed to
be deployed in the Mine. Sprinkling of water through water tankers in the mine
lease are is done to control dust pollution; soil bider technique from Australia is
used to strengthen the road compaction and avoid erosion.
Renewal application was made for 259 ha. during the second renewal for the
period from 07.10.1992 to 06.10.2012. However, D.M.G. executed the lease for an
area of 103.81 ha only, keeping other area in abeyance and renewed the lease under
M.L.No.2346 with effect from 07.10.1992 for a period of 20 years. Forest Clearance
was accorded over an extent of 105.00 ha. (100.17 ha for Mining + 4.83 ha for road
and auxiliary facility)
Mine has been developed as per permission of Director of Mines Safety following
the relevant stipulations as below:
1. The height of the benches in overburden, ore-body or other rock formation
shall not be more than the digging height of the machine used for digging,
excavation or removal.
2. The width of any bench shall not be less than-
(a) The width of the widest machine plying on the bench plus five meters, or
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(b) If dumpers ply on a bench, thrice the width of the dumper, or the height of
the bench, whichever is more. 11.55 million
2.5. MINE PROFILE
2.5.1 Mine Machineries
The list of mining machineries used in the Mine is given below:-
Table-2.1: The Enterprises Limited machinery used by the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral
S. No. Name of Machinery Capacity Number 1 TATA Tippers 10 tonnes 12 2 Wheel Loaders 1.7 cum 01
3 Hydraulic Excavator BEML
Hydraulic Excavator EX – 200 0.90 cum 0.90 cum
01 01
4 Tractor Mounted Compressor VT – 4
400 cfm 01
5 Washing Plant 100 tonnes/hour 01 6 Crushing & Screening Plant 20 & 150 tonnes /
hour 01
7 Screening Plant 200 tonnes/hour 01 8 Generators 250 KVA
125 KVA 55 KVA
01 01 01
9 Water Tanker 9000 liters. 5000 ltrs.
01 01
2.5.2 Mine Pits
Mining is done only in one pit and its dimension is 740m x 278m x 148m (L x B x
D). Total Number of Benches is 15 with bench height of 6m and width of 7 to 8
meters. The top RL and Bottom RL of the Pit are 946 MSL and 810 MSL
respectively. Ultimate pit limit in next 5 year plan period is up to 784 MSL.
2.5.3 Mine dumps
2.5.3.1 Inactive dump
There is no inactive dump available in this mine.
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2.5.3.2 Active Dump
There is only one active dump and a part of the active dump has been
stabilized. The total quantity of OB material dumped is 925844 tonnes. It is
spread over an area of 3.6 ha. Top RL of the waste dump is 896.45m RL and
the bottom of the dump is 839m RL. It has three benches of 10 m each.
Retaining wall of 200 m length has been constructed at the bottom of the
dump. Angle of the slope of the dump is around 28°. Details of section-wise
OB dump are given below in the Table 2.2. The surface plan of the mine is
depicted in Figure 2.3.
Table-2.2: Details of the active dump in the mine leased area the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
SECTIONS Cross
Section Area (m2)
Influence (m)
Volume (m3)
Bulk Density
Tonnage (tonnes)
A – A’ 1718.8 50 85941 1.7 146099.7 B – B’ 4137.9 50 206896 1.7 351723.2 C - C' 4038.2 50 201909 1.7 343245.3 D – D' 997.4 50 49868 1.7 84775.6
Total 544614 925843.8
The dumping has been proposed to be continued from 815m RL to 868m RL in
north east direction by retreating method and by making 6 benches of height 10 m
and width of 8 m.
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Figure-2.3: Map showing the Surface Plan of the MEL, ML -2346
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2.5.3 Sub grade ore
The mine lease has only one sub grade dump and at the time of closure, 6 million
tonnes of sub grade ore in the grade varying from 50 to 53.5 percent of Fe of -
10mm size balance was estimated. Out of the estimated subgrade ore 2 million
tonnes have already been E – auctioned. The remaining quantity of 4 million
tonnes has been taken into account under annual production target and proposed
to be sold through E – auction. However Geo-textile (Coir mats) has been used to
stabilize the sub grade ore.
2.6. EXPLORATION
2.6.1 Past Exploration
14.14 million tonnes of iron ore reserves were estimated to be proved ore by
drilling 141 exploratory bore holes for the total meterage of 5654.54 m (out of 141
BH, 128 BH data received and used for the interpretation) based on the fresh
geological mapping. Also, stocks of 5,160,112 tonnes sub grade iron ore were
estimated thus the total reserves are 19301025 tonnes of iron ore and 883500 tonnes
of manganese ore. The ore reserves were calculated by the cross sectional method
for calculating the volume. The bulk density of the ore is considered as 2.25
tons/m3.
2.6.2 Proposed Exploration
There was no proposal for additional boreholes; however 9 core drill holes of total
depth of 909.5 m were made. Based on the past exploration, the revised reserves
are calculated by a method of cross sections drawn at 50m intervals. On the basis
of this exploration, the estimated reserves as on 01.02.2012 are 41.16 MT. These
shall be indicated in the proposed Mining Plan during renewal of the lease. During
the future mining plan period i.e. from 2012 to 2017, it is proposed to drill 16
number of core drill holes (total drilling depth of 513m), for further exploring the
deposit.
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2.7. MINE DEVELOPMENT AND PRODUCTION
As per the proposal of approved Mining Scheme for the period 01.04.2009 to 06.10.2012,
the planned / achieved production and development obtained from lease are as under:
Year
Production(ROM)
(in tonnes)
Development
(in tonnes)
Stripping ratio
(in tonnes)
Planned Achieved Planned Achieved Planned Achieved
2007-08 1058285 470630 365915 5
71446 0.35 1.21
2008-09 1062616 355659 290908 273002 0.27 0.76
Sub-total 2120901 826289 656823 844448 0.31 1.02
2009-10 1000046 999952 478070 291111 0.48 0.29
2010-11 1000046 999835 232270 211803 0.23 0.21
2011-12 1000046 444816 523270 415080 0.52 0.93
Sub-total 3000138 2444603 1233610 917994 0.41 0.38
Grand total 5121039 3270892 1890433 1762442 0.37 0.54
(Source: Stripping ratio is estimated based on actual production and generation of waste
from approved scheme of mining from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011 and from draft mining
plan from 2012-13 to 2016-2017)
2.8. ESTIMATED IRON ORE RESERVES
As per the approved modified scheme of mining from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011 approved
on 17.06.2009, the category wise total mineable reserves of 14.00 million tonnes have been
estimated. The details of iron ore reserve are given below:
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Table- : Details of category wise geological and mineable reserve
S.No. Category of reserves
UNFC category Mineable reserve as on1.4.09
(in Tonnes)
1 Proved 111 13097832 2 Probable 121 608633 3 Possible 333 293552
Total 14000017
(Source- Approved scheme of Mining dated 17.06.2009 for 2009-10 to 2012-13)
A total production of 2444603 tonnes was obtained from the period of 2009-10 to
2011-2012 after the approval of mining plan which was depleted from the previously
assessed reserves of 14000017 tonnes. Details of the category wise updated reserves
are furnished below in the table:
Table- ?: Detail of category wise updated geological and minable reserves
S.No. Category of reserves
UNFC category Mineable reserve as on1.4.09
(in Tonnes)
1 Proved 111 10653229
2 Probable 121 608633
3 Possible 333 293552
Total 11555414
In the present case actual possible reserves of 293552 tonnes which are less than
the 50% of proved and probable reserves have been taken into account for estimating
the total reserves as per the CEC guidelines dated 26.04.2011. Hence the total updated
(balanced) reserves are of 11.56 million tonnes as on 1.04.2012
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2.9. STRIPPING RATIO
Ore to OB ratio is around 1:0.54 (overall), and concurrent backfill is possible after 4
years as per approved scheme of Mining dated 17.06.2009 for 2009-10 to 2012-13
(refer para 2.7).
2.10. ROADS
2.10.1 Approach Roads
The approach road to mine head is around 2 km from SH 48, and this point is
around 25 km from Chitradurga city. This road is a two-way road with an average
width of 12.5 m.
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2.10.2 Haulage Roads
Internal roads with gradient not exceeding 1 in 16 and 10m width with proper
super elevation have been laid out. Avenue trees were planted wherever possible.
At some places one-way transport and medians are also provided. Adequate
machinery for maintenance deployed and dust suppression measures undertaken.
The internal and external road plan is provided in Annexure 8.
2.11. TRANSPORTATION OF ORE
The transportation of ore from the mine head to dedicated railway siding
(developed by lessee) is done through trucks. This accounts for 70 percent of the
dispatches. The remaining 30 percent of the transportation is done by trucks to
such locations where the customer’s requirement is at a short distance and railway
facilities are away from their plants. The railway siding is around 2 km from the
mine head (stock yard) and 500m from the lease boundary. With a view to reduce
road transportation from the mines to the bare minimum thereby reducing dust
and carbon emission, the company conceptualized the creation of a railway spur
line from the main railway line till adjacent portion of mine lease. This reduced
the huge convoys of trucks, which would otherwise have to carry large quantities
of ore, disturbing and polluting the area in the vicinity of the mines. This step has
had a positive impact by reducing the ensuing pollution significantly.
Salient features of the spur line are:
Length of Line : 7.2 Km.
Total length of tracks laid : 10.5 km
No. of loading platforms : 2
Average loading capacity : 10,000 to 15,000 tons/day
Loading hours : Round the clock/24 hrs
Approx. Cost of the line : 100 crores
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2.11.1 Existing Transportation Facility
Transport of the Mineral is being done locally through hired truck/dumpers.
Presently lessee has 6 weighbridges within the lease area. Internet and networking
railtel facilities have also been established to download the permits (forest, DMG,
Vat and etc.). The documents are issued at centralized plaza (where all permits and
relevant documents are issued at one place).
To maintain exact tonnage loading in to transport vehicles, all the loading
machines (wheel loaders) are fixed with weighing machines (on board). The 2nd
cross checking is done at Weigh Bridge and in case of any variation during the 2nd
check, top up small excavators are used to add or remove materials, so that exact
tonnage is dispatched equivalent to the permitted carrying capacity of the trucks.
Lessee has two check posts to ensure that the truck drivers carry all the required
transit documents and verify to ascertain that the trucks before moving out of the
mine area are covered with tarpaulin. A railway spur line as mentioned above is
also used for transportation of mined ores.
The available truck/transport facilities are as follows:-
31 tons capacity trucks of 30 Nos. are used exclusively for railway.
16 tonnes capacity trucks of 1200 nos. is used for Road transport to different
destinations.
10 tonnes capacity of 30 nos. used for Road transportation to different
destinations.
Transport from mining face up to railway siding after covering it with
tarpaulin.
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2.11.2 Proposed Transportation Facility
At the main railway junction of Chikajajur - Amritapura, where the railway spur
line gets connected, it is proposed to have a Y – type connection from their line
connecting the main line. At present the railway wagons coming from Guntakal
sector are taken to Chikkajajur and then return to BBH siding. With this proposed
to Y – loop, the wagons can directly connects to BBH siding, which reduce the
travel time by 4 hours, apart from the fuel consumption for extra distance by6 rail.
By the proposed Y – loop, more number of wagons can added at the siding so that
maximum material can be transported by rail, which in turn will bring down the
road traffic and pollution. It is also proposed to setup a conveyor belt from mine
head to railway siding as well as to the proposed steel plant area adjacent to the
mining lease.
2.12. SAFETY ZONE
Green belt has been developed along the periphery of the lease boundary, except
where natural vegetation is available. The green belt has not been developed in the
north-west portion of the lease area. It was informed by the company that, green
belt in the uncovered area will be developed on issue of permission from Hon’ble
C.E.C. for re-opening of the mine.
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CHAPTER-3
BASELINE STATUS
3.1 STUDY AREA
BBH Mines of M/s. Mineral Enterprises Ltd., is in Bheemasamudra mine
sector, Holalkere range, Chitradurga taluka of Chitradurga district. The
extent of ML area is 103.81 ha.
The study includes the assessment of existing environment, viz., land, water, air,
noise, flora, and fauna along with socio-economic study of the study area. Analysis
and synthesis of these parameters give an overall perception of positive and
negative impacts. The study area with locations of monitoring stations for ambient
air, noise, water and soil sampling stations is shown in Figure 3.1.
3.1.1 Climate
The climate of this district, which is in the south-west part of the Deccan plateau, is
marked by hot summer months, low rainfall and a pleasant monsoon season. The
temperature is around 14o C to 15o C during November and December months and
goes up to 40o C to 41oC during April and May months of the year. The monsoon
season extends over a period of six months from June to November. The district
receives almost an equal amount of rainfall during the South-west monsoon (June
to September) and during the North-east monsoon period (October to November).
The average annual rainfall in the district is 580 mm with an average of 40 rainy
days. October happens to be the month with the heaviest rainfall. The relative
humidity is high during the monsoon, ranging from 70 percent to 75 percent and
remains low in the rest of the year, particularly in the summer months. Winds are
generally moderate during summer and strong during rainy season. In the South-
west monsoon period, the winds blow mainly from a south-westerly or westerly
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direction. In the rest of the year the winds are predominantly from directions
between north-east and south-east.
3.1.2 Physiography of the Mine Lease Area
The mine lease area is a hilly terrain. The highest and the lowest elevations of the
area are 955m and 816m msl respectively. The area is having gentle slope towards
north-west and south-east directions.
3.2 REGIONAL GEOLOGY
The important geological rock formations in the district are crystalline schists,
granitic gneisses and the newer granites with few intrusive dykes, all belonging to
the oldest rock formations. The schists and their associated rocks constitute a
portion of the Dharwar system and are designated as the Chitradurga and the
Chikanayakanahalli schist belt. The schistose rocks consist of a complex series of
crystalline schists, quartzite’s, limestone, manganiferous clay schists and banded
iron ore formation.
The granitic gneisses occupying a large part of the district are grouped
under a separate formation under the title “Peninsular gneiss ” that include
a heterogeneous mixture of several types of granitic rocks with enclosed
lenses and patches of hornblendic schists. Peninsular gneisses are usually
banded in appearance and are of light to dark grey in colour and form
excellent building stones. On weathering they yield red lateritic soils.
Peninsular gneisses are found in Challakere, eastern parts of Hiriyur and
Hosadurga taluks and in some patches of Chitradurga and Holalkere
taluks.
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3.2.1 Local geology
The topmost surface of the area is covered with lateratised soil and iron ore floats
followed by iron ore reef, banded hematite quartzite, with phyllite in lower levels.
Iron ore is in the form of thin beds of laminations with few intervening clay and
silicate bands, which suggests the break in sedimentation or deposition from time
to time. The banded iron formations are dark blue in colour, fine-grained and
strongly bonded. The bonding is due to silicate and iron rich oxide. The ore is
bedded with lot of structural disturbances resulting in series of folds. The iron ore
deposit comprises mostly limonite, goethite and hematite in that order. The
character of the ore is given below:
I. Physical: The +10mm portion of the ore is very hard, having a tumbler index of
+80. This +10 mm portion comprises 29 percent of ROM. The balance 71 percent
comprises fines of poor quality iron ore in the form of friable ore.
II. Chemical: The chemical analysis of ROM is as follows:
ROM Fe Above 45% Mn 2 to 7 % SiO2 3 to 5 % Al2O3 2 to 4% The general sequence of the rock formation is given below
1) Soil mixed with tallus and iron Ore Float
2) Iron ore reef
3) Banded Hematite quartzite
4) Shale/phyllites
The general strike of the deposit is NS and the dip is due west. The geological plan
and geological cross sectionof mine lease area is shown in Figure-3.2 and 3.3.
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Figure-3.1: Map showing the Locations of Environmental Monitoring Stations in MEL, ML 2346
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Figure-3.2: Map showing the Geological Plan of Mine Lease Area of MEL, ML 2346
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Figure-3.3: Map showing the Geological Plan of Mine Lease Area of MEL, ML 2346
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3.3 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
3.3.1 Soil
The soil found here is red loamy. pH of the soil in the mine area range from 6.8 to
7.4. The nitrogen content in the soils is between 9.5 to 13kg/ ha; phosphorous is
between 0.95 to 1.08 kg/ ha and potassium range from 0.62 to 1.32 kg/ ha. Water
holding capacity of the soil ranged from14.85 to 18 percent.
3.3.2 Land use Pattern of Chitradurga District
The land use and land cover data distribution for Chitradurga district is shown
in Table 3.1 and 3.2.
Table 3.1: Year-Wise Land Use and Land Cover Distribution in Chitradurga District
Area (in Sq.Km) **
Sl No Land Cover 2000 2006 2011 1 Dense Forest 72.8 73.2 73.2 2 Open Forest 343.4 340.0 338.7
A Forest Subtotal 416.2 413.2 411.9
3 Scrubs 1053.6 1053.2 1046.6 4 Agriculture 6286.6 6316.9 6284.7 5 Mines/OB 3.0 9.6 7.1 6 Ore Dump .9 2.3 3.4 B Mine Sub Total 3.9 11.9 10.5
7 Stone Quarry 2.1 8.7 9.6 8 Settlement 89.8 92.3 94.9 9 Surface Water 422.5 383.2 423.4
10 Barren Rocky 165.3 160.6 158.4 Total 8440 8440 8440
** Area statistics are rounded off to single decimal digit considering the scale of mapping at 1:50 000
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Table 3.2: Showing land use pattern of Chitradurga (2008-09)
Forest Agricultural land
Land not available for cultivation
other cultivable land
Area sown
Fallow land
Non-agricultural
land
Barren Cultivable waste
Permanent pasture
Trees and grove
12049 93911 1725 12295 4455 25 11278 891
3.3.2.1 Land use Pattern of Mine Lease Area
The total area under mining and allied activities is 74.60 ha and area for future
mining is 29.21ha. The details of the land use of the mining lease are given below
in table 3.3 and Fig. 3.4 and the conceptual plan of the mine lease area is depicted
in figure 3.5:
Table 3.3: Showing total area under mining and allied activities as on 26.08.2011 in the the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
S.No. Particulars Existing (broken up) in ha.
(As on 26.08.2011) 1 Area under mining pit 32.59 2 Sub grade Mineral Stock 8.50 3 Overburden/dump 3.66 4 Area for Mineral stock 6.50 5 Old working 8.23 6 Area for Roads 1.65 7 Area for Plant 2.00 8 Greenbelt 3.94 9 Afforestation 7.53 10 Area for future mining 29.21
Total area 103.81
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Figure-3.4: Map showing Existing Land Use Plan in the Mine Lease Area of MEL Mine, ML. 2346
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Figure-3.5: Map showing Conceptual Plan in the Mine Lease Area of MEL Mine, ML. 2346
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3.3.3 Air Environment
Air quality monitoring is done at four locations – Palya village, Hirekandavadi,
Megalahalli and Bheemasamudra village, to know the levels of pollutants and
dust in the ambient air for the targeted pollutants such as SPM, RPM, SO2 and
NO. Apart from that, the monitoring is done in core zone at 4 different locations
namely, crushing and screening plant, loading area, dumping area and mines
office.
3.3.3.1 Ambient air quality (AAQ)
The Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM) ranged from 80 to 120 mg/ cum and
Respirable Particulate Matter (RPM) range from 25 to 35mg/ cum in the Buffer
zone, i.e. surrounding villages. The detailed air monitoring report of core zone
and buffer zone for the period of April 2010 to December 2011 made by the
Mining Company is given in Annexure 9.
3.3.4 Noise Environment
Mining and allied activities usually result in noise pollution and excessive noise
has adverse impact on human beings and associated environment, including
domestic animals, wildlife, natural ecosystems and structures. To know the
ambient noise levels in the study area, noise levels were recorded at the mining
area and near villages using noise level recorder. The noise levels in these
locations were found to be within the prescribed limits.
3.3.5 Water Environment
Mining and allied activities have adverse impacts on water bodies due to
changes in mine drainage, siltation and dust. The impact on water environment
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has been considered on the basis of water consumption and impact on water
bodies.
3.3.5.1 Basin Characteristics
The area falls under the Krishna Basin. The major rivers, the Tungabhadra with
its tributaries and the Vedavati drains in the area ultimately joins the Krishna
River.
The mining activity is confined to the top of the hill range and there are no
perennial streams or nallas in the mine lease area. However, seasonal streams are
present in the mine area, which become active during the monsoon season.
Bheemasamudra reservoir is located at distance of 4 km from the mine lease.
3.3.5.2 Water Bodies
Bheemasamudra reservoir is the only water body available near to the mining
area, at a distance of 4 kms.
3.3.5.3 Drainage Pattern
The drainage pattern of the lease area is sub – dendritic in nature. Seventy
percent of the run off with in the buffer zone drains towards in north and south
direction.
3.3.5.4 Annual Run-off From Mine Lease Area
The study area experiences an average annual rainfall of about 600 mm and
considering the hilly terrain with dry deciduous forests and fragmented lands
due to mining operation, a runoff factor of 0.5 has been conservatively adopted
for working out the annual run-off yield, i.e. 0.054 Million Cubic Meters (MCM).
Hence the runoff water is stored in the temporary settling ponds wherein the
water after silt settling is used for sprinkling the haul roads and plantation
development.
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3.3.5.5 Ground Water Estimation
Ground water exploration reveals that aquifers are encountered between the
depths of 15 mbgl and 192 mbgl. In Chitradurga taluk, bore wells were drilled
from a minimum depth of 105.34 mbgl to a maximum of 200 mbgl. Depth of
weathered zone range from 5.52m to 2.61mbgl.Yeild ranges from 0.04 to 5.42 lps.
Transmissivity ranges from 2.37 to 40.84m2/day. Specific capacity ranges from
4.53 to 43.94 lpm/m draw down. Ground water occurs within the weathered and
fractured rocks under water-table conditions and semi-confined conditions.
During May 2006 (pre-monsoon season) the minimum and maximum depth to
water level are 2.43 and 13.13 mbgl respectively. During November 2006 (post-
monsoon) water level ranges from 2.75 to 11.75 mbgl. Seasonal water-level
fluctuation varies from 1.38 m to 1.86 m (Ground water information booklet,
2007)
3.3.5.6 Ground Water Quality
Electrical conductivity of ground water in general ranges from 380 to more than
5200 micro mhos /cm at 25 °C. The pH value in general ranges from 7.14 to 8.16.
In general ground water is of Carbonate and Bicarbonate type. Chloride varies
from 17 mg/l to 1688 mg/l. Fluoride ranges from 0.2 mg/l to 3.6 mg/l. Nitrate
ranges from 1 to 530 mg/l ( Table 3.4).
Table 3.4: Ground water quality data from the sampled locations around the in the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
Parameter Bheemasa
mudra Palya Hirekan
davadi Megalahalli
Colour, Hazen units 6 6 4 3 Taste Ag Ag Ag Ag
Temperature 0C 28.5 27.8 27.9 26.3 pH 7.75 7.94 7.87 8.24
Turbidity in NTU 5 6 6 3
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Conductivity, mhos/cm 780 990 840 510 TDS, mg/l 530 614 529 357
T.Alkalinity as CaCo3, mg/l
231 256 195 153
TH as CaCo3, mg/l 210 235 215 215 Calcium as Ca mg/l 38 52 54 32
Magnesium as Mg, mg/l 28 26 19 33 Iron as Fe, mg/l 0.19 0.13 0.19 0.31
Sodium as Na, mg/l 23 44 29 18 Potassium as K, mg/l 0.16 0.18 0.32 1.2
Manganese as Mn, mg/l <0.001 <0.001
<0.001 <0.01
Chlorides as Cl, mg/l 36 36 30 50 Sulphates SO4, mg/l 30 46 26 38 Nitrates as NO3, mg/l 22 18 20 24 Fluorides as F, mg/l 0.86 0.68 0.64 0.44 Coliform Organisms, MPN/100 ml
6
8
10
2
3.4 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
3.4.1 Flora
Natural vegetation
The vegetation occurring in the area belongs to Southern tropical dry deciduous
(Champion and Seth, 1968). The area falls under the mixed deciduous sub
classification. According to the classification made by Legris and Pascal (1982)
the area falls under deciduous climax forests. According to this classification this
type of forests does not have the potentiality of secondary moist deciduous
forests. The canopy is open and the majority of the trees are leafless during the
dry months. The flowering and fruiting are generally far advanced before the
first flush of new leaves appears with the showers in April – May.
The dominant tree species found in the area are Anogeissus latifolia, Buchanania
lanzan, Cassia fistula, Radermachera xylocarpa, Bridelia retusa, Holarrhena
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pubescens,Wrightia tomentosa, Grewia orbiculata. Terminalia chebula, Chloroxylon
sweitenia, Santalum album are seen occasionally. And few climbers and twiners
like Celastrus paniculata, Cocculus hirsutua, Aristolochia indica, Asparagus racemosus,
Cardiospermum halicacabum are also observed. Cassia auriculata, Tecoma stans,
Dodonaea viscosa, Gardenia gummifera, Clerodendrum serratum etc. The ground
flora is chiefly seasonal. The dominant herbs include Acalypha indica, Achyranthes
aspera, Aerva lanata, Crotalaria albida, Bidens biternata, Blepharis maderaspatana,
Justicia simplex, Leucas aspera, Cassia occidentalis and Leucas cephalotes. The
dominant grasses include species like Apluda mutica, Chloris inflata, Chrysopogon
fulvus, Cynodon dactylon, Heteropogon contortus etc. Striga asiatica occur as root
parasite associated with grasses ( Tables 3.5 and 3.6).
Table 3.5: Plant Species occurring inside mine lease area in the the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
S.No Botanical name Habit Family Local/kannada name
1. Acacia ferruginea Tree Mimosaceae Banniz 2. Acacia mangium Tree Mimosaceae 3. Albizia lebbeck Tree Caesalpiniaceae Baage 4. Alternathera
pungens Herb Amaranthaceae
5. Argemone mexicana Herb Papavaraceae Haladi dattoori 6. Atylosia
scarabaeoides Climber Fabaceae
7. Azadirachta indica Tree Meliaceae Bevu 8. Butea monospermal Tree Fabaceae Muttuga 9. Calotropis procera Shrub Asclepiadaceae Kempu ekka 10. Capparis divaricata Shrub Capparaceae 11. Cipadessa baccifera Shrub Meliaceae Nela bevu 12. Croton
bonplandianus Herb Cuphorbiaceae Seeme enne gida
13. Eucalyptus sp Tree Myrtaceae 14. Eupatorium
odoratum Herb Asteraceae Communist
weed 15. Euphorbia hirta Herb Euphorbiaceae
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16. Evolvulus alsinoides Herb Convolvulaceae Vishnukranthi 17. Ficus religiosa Tree Moraceae Arali 18. Hardwickia binata Tree 19. Hemidesmus
indicus Climber Asclepiadaceae Sogde berina
balli 20. Indigofera linifolia Herb Fabaceae 21. Leucas aspera Herb Lamiaceae Tumbe 22. Mimosa pudica Herb Mimosaceae Muttidare muni 23. Oxalis corniculata Herb Oxalidaceae Huli soppu 24. Parthenium
hysterophorus Herb Asteraceae Congress kale
25. Passiflora foetida Climber Passifloraceae Kukke balli 26. Polygonum
plebeium Herb Polygonacaeae
27. Solanum torvum Shrub Solanaceae 28. Spermacoce hispida Herb Rubiaceae 29. Stachytarpheta
jamaicensis Herb Amaranthaceae
30. Tecoma stans Shrub Bignoniaceae Haladi gante hoo
31. Tridax procumbens Herb Asteraceae
Table 3.6: Plant species found outside the mine lease area in the the BBH Mines (M.L No. 2346) of M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited
Sl. No
Botanical name Habit Family Local/kannada name
1 Adiantum lunulatum Herb Adiantaceae 2 Anogeissus latifolia Tree Anacardiaceae Dindiga 3 Azadirachta indica Tree Meliaceae Bevu 4 Bridelia retusa Tree Euphorbiaceae 5 Buchanania lanzan Tree Anacardiaceae 6 Cassia fistula Tree Caesalpiniaceae Kakke 7 Celastrus paniculata Climber Celastraceae Jyotismathi 8 Cipadessa baccifera Shrub Meliaceae Nelabevu 9 Dodonaea viscosa Shrub Sapindaceae Bandarike 10 Ficus religiosa Tree Moraceae Arali 11 Gardenia gummifera Tree Rubiaceae 12 Hemidesmus indicus Climber Asclepiadaceae Sogade 13 Hybanthus Herb Violaceae Prusharathna
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enneaspermus 14 Lantana camara Shrub Verbenaceae Lantana 15 Mallotus phillipensis Tree Euphorbiaceae Kumkumda
mara 16 Maytenus emarginata Shrub Celastraceae 17 Oxalis corniculata Herb Oxalidaceae Huli soppu 18 Radermachera xylocarpa Tree Bignoniaceae 19 Santalum album Tree Santalaceae Srigandha 20 Spermacoce articularis Herb Rubiaceae 21 Stereospermum
personatum Tree Bignoniaceae Paadari mara
22 Syzigium cumini Tree Myrtaceae Nerale 23 Terminalia chebula Tree Combretaceae Alale 24 Tylophora indica Climber Asclepiadaceae Aadumuttada
balli 25 Vernonia cinerea Herb Asteraceae Sahadevi 26 Wendlandia thyrsoidea Tree Rubiaceae 27 Wrightia tinctorea Tree Apocynaceae Aale
3.4.2 Fauna
Clearing of vegetation/forest cover in the mine lease area is one of the most
important factors that have an important bearing on the habitat and quality of all
associated faunal species. Mining activity and overburden dumping in slopes has
resulted in fragmentation of forest, vegetation patches which have interrupted
the movement of wildlife. Following is the list of faunal species found in the
district of Chitradurga. The list is based on the Macro level EIA studies
undertaken by ICFRE and secondary data (Tables 3.7 to 3.11).
Table 3.7: Butterflies recorded in Chitradurga District based on the present study and the secondary information
S.No Species Name Common Name Conservation
Status (WPA)
I.Hesperiidae (Skippers) 1. Hasora chromus Common Banded Awl - 2. Spialia galba Indian Skipper - II.Papilionidae (Swallowtails)
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S.No Species Name Common Name Conservation
Status (WPA)
3. Atrophaneura hector Crimson Rose Sch.I 4. Graphium Agamemnon Tailed Jay - 5. Papilio demoleus Lime Butterfly -
6. Papilio polytes form romulus & stichius
Common Mormon -
III Pieridae (Whites & Yellows) 7. Belenois aurota Pioneer - 8. Catopsilia Pomona Common Emigrant - 9. Catopsilia Pomona Lemon Emigrant - 10. Catopsilia pyranthe Mottled Emigrant 11. Cepora nerissa Common Gull Sch.II 12. Colotis amata Small Salmon Arab - 13. Colotis etrida Small Orange Tip - 14. Delias eucharis Common Jezebel - 15. Eurema brigitta Small Grass Yellow - 16. Eurema hecabe Common Grass Yellow - 17. Eurema laeta Spotless Grass Yellow - 18. Ixias pyrene Yellow Orange Tip - 19. Leptosia nina Psyche -
IV Lycaenidae (Blues) 20. Castalius rosimon Common Pierrot Sch.I 21. Catochrysops panormus Silver Forget-Me-Not - 22. Euchrysops cnejus Gram Blue - 23. Jamides celeno Common Cerulean - 24. Pseudozizeeria maha Pale Grass Blue - 25. Spindasis vulcanus Common Silverline - 26. Zizeeria Karsandra Dark Grass Blue - 27. Zizina otis Lesser Grass Blue - 28. Zizula hylax Tiny Grass Blue -
V Nymphalidae (Brush-footed Butterflies) 29. Acraea violae Tawny Coster - 30. Ariadne ariadne Angled Castor - 31. Ariadne merione Common Castor - 32. Byblia ilithyia Joker - 33. Danaus chrysippus Plain Tiger - 34. Danaus genutia Striped Tiger - 35. Euploea Sylvester Double-branded Crow -
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S.No Species Name Common Name Conservation
Status (WPA)
36. Euthalia nais Baronet - 37. Hypolimnas bolina Great Eggfly - 38. Hypolimnas misippus Danaid Eggfly Sch.I 39. Junonia hierta Yellow Pansy - 40. Junonia iphita Chocolate Pansy - 41. Junonia lemonias Lemon Pansy - 42. Junonia orithiya Blue Pansy -
43. Melanitis leda Common Evening Brown
-
44. Mycalesis perseus Common Bushbrown - 45. Neptis hylas Common Sailer - 46. Tirumala limniace Blue Tiger - 47. Ypthima asterope Common Threering - 48. Ypthima ceylonica White Fourring - 49. Ypthima huebneri Common Fourring -
Table 3.8. Avifauna Recorded in the two Study Ranges of Chitradurga District
S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
1 Accipiter
badius Shikhra* (R ) Accipitridae - IV
2 Acridotheres tristis
Common Myna* (R)
Sturnidae -
IV
3 Aegithina tiphia
Common Iora (R) Corvidae - IV
4 Alauda gulgula Oriental Skylark (R)
Alaudidae - -
5 Alcedo Hercules
Common Kingfisher (R)
Alcedinidae - -
6 Amaurornis phoenicurus
White-breasted Waterhen (R)
Rallidae - -
7 Anastomus oscitans
Asian Openbill (R) Ciconiidae - -
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S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
8 Anthus rufulus Paddyfield Pipit (R)
Passeridae - -
9 Apus affinis House Swift (R) Apodidae - - 10 Aquila hastata Indian Spotted
Eagle Accipitridae - -
11 Ardeola grayii Indian Pond Heron (R)
Ardeidae - -
12 Athene brama Spotted Owlet* (R))
Strigidae - IV
13 Bubo bubo Eurasian Eagle-Owl (R)
Strigidae - IV
14 Bubulcus ibis Cattle Egret (R) Ardeidae - - 15 Butastur leesa White-eyed
Buzzard (R) Accipitridae - -
16 Calloperdix lunulata
Painted Spurfowl (R)
Phasianidae - -
17 Caprimulgus asiaticus
Indian Nightjar *(R)
Caprimulgidae - IV
18 Centropus sinensis
Greater Coucal* (R )
Centropodidae - IV
19 Chrysomma sinense
Yellow-eyed Babbler
Sylvidae - -
20 Ciracias benghalensis
Indian Roller* (R ) Coraciidae - IV
21 Circaetus gallicus
Short-toed Snake -Eagle (R )
Accipitridae -
22 Clamator jacobinus
Pied Cuckoo (M ) Cuculidae - IV
23 Columba livia Rock Pigeon* (R) Columbidae - - 24 Copsychus
saularis Oriental Magpie Robin (R)
Muscicapidae - -
25 Coracina macei Large Cuckoo-shrike (R)
Corvidae - -
26 Corvus macrorhynchos
Large-billed Corvidae - -
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S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
Crow* (R) 27 Corvus
splendens House Crow* (R) Corvidae - IV
28 Cosmerodius albus
Great Egret (R) Ardeidae - -
29 Cypsiurus halasiensis
Asian Palm Swift* (R)
Apodidae - -
30 Dendrocitta vagabunda
Rufous Treepie* (R)
Corvidae - IV
31 Dicrurus macrocercus
Black Drongo* (R ) Corvidae - IV
32 Dinopium benghalense
Black-rumped Flameback* (R)
Picidae - IV
33 Dinopium javanense
Common Flameback (R)
Picidae - -
34 Egretta garzetta
Little Egret (R) Ardeidae - -
35 Elanus caerulus
Black-shouldered Kite* (R )
Accipitridae - -
36 Eudynamys scolopacea
Asian Koel* (R) Cuculidae - IV
37 Falco tinnunculus
Common Kestrel (R)
Falconidae - -
38 Francolinus pondicerianus
Grey Francolin* (R)
Phasianidae - IV
39 Halcyon smyrnensis
White-throated Kingfisher* (R)
Dacelonidae - -
40 Himantopus himantopus
Black- winged Stilt (R)
Charadriidae - -
41 Hirundo daurica
Red-rumped Swallow (R))
Hirundinidae - -
42 Hirundo rustica
Barn Swallow* (R ) Hirundinidae - -
43 Hirundo smithii
Wire-tailed Swallow* (R)
Hirundinidae - -
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S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
44 Ketupa zeylonensis
Brown Fish-Owl (R)
Strigidae - IV
45 Lanius excubitor
Great Grey Shrike (R)
Lanidae - -
46 Lanius meridionalis
Southern Grey Shrike (R)
- -
47 Lonchura malabarica
Indian Silverbill* (R)
Passeridae - IV
48 Lonchura malacca
Black-headed Munia (R)
Passeridae - -
49 Lonchura punctulata
Scaly-breasted Munia* (R)
Passeridae - -
50 Megalaima haemacephala
Coppersmith Barbet* (R)
Megalaimidae - IV
51 Merops orientalis
Green Bee-eater* (R )
Meropidae - -
52 Mesophoyx intermedia
Intermediate egret (R)
Ardeidae - -
53 Milvus migrans
Black Kite* (R ) Accipitridae - IV
54 Mirafra affinis Jerdon's Bush-Lark Alaudidae - - 55 Mirafra
cantillans Singing Bush Lark (R)
Alaudidae - -
56 Mirafra erythroptera
Indian Bush Lark (R)
Alaudidae - IV
57 Motacilla cinerea
Grey Wagtail (M ) Passeridae - -
58 Motacilla maderaspatensis
White-browed Wagtail* (R)
Passeridae - -
59 Nectarinia asiatica
Purple Sunbird (R )
Nectarinidae - IV
60 Nectarinia zeylonica
Purple-rumped Sunbird* (R)
Nectarinidae - IV
61 Neophron Egyptian Vulture Accipitridae - IV
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S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
percnopterus (R) 62 Ocyceros
birostris Indian Grey Hornbill (R)
Bucerotidae - -
63 Oriolus oriolus Eurasian Golden Oriole (R)
Corvidae - IV
64 Orthotomus sutorius
Common Tailorbird* (R )
Sylvidae - IV
65 Parus major Great Tit (R) Paridae - - 66 Passer
domesticus House Sparrow* (R)
Passeridae - -
67 Pavo cristatus Indian Peafowl* (R)
Phasianidae - I
68 Perdicula asiatica
Jungle Bush-Quail (R)
Phasianidae - -
69 Pernis ptilorhyncus
Oriental Honey-Buzzard (R)
Accipitridae - -
70 Phalacrocorax niger
Little Cormorant (R)
Phalacrocoracidae
- -
71 Phylloscopus collybita
Common Chiffchaff (R)
Sylvidae - -
72 Plegadis falcinellus
Glossy Ibis (R) Threskiornithidae
NT
-
73 Ploceus philippinus
Baya Weaver* (R) Passeridae - IV
74 Prinia hodgsonii
Grey-breasted Prinia (R )
Cysticolidae - -
75 Prinia inornata Plain Prinia* (R) Cysticolidae - - 76 Prinia socialis Ashy Prinia* (R) Cysticolidae - - 77 Psittacula
krameri Rose-ringed Parakeet* (R)
Psittacidae - IV
78 Pycnonotus cafer
Red-vented Bulbul* (R)
Pycnonotidae - IV
79 Pycnonotus jocosus
Red-Whiskered Bulbul (R)
Pycnonotidae - IV
80 Pycnonotus White-browed Pycnonotidae - -
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S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
luteolus Bulbul (R) 81 Pycnonotus
Xantholaemus Yellow-throated Bulbul (R)
Pycnonotidae - -
82 Rhipidura albicollis
White-throated Fantail (R)
Corvidae - -
83 Rhipidura aureola
White-browed Fantail (R)
Corvidae - -
84 Saxicola caprata
Pied Bushchat (M) Muscicapidae - -
85 Saxicoloides fulicata
Indian Robin* (R) Muscicapidae - -
86 Spilornis cheela Crested Serpent Eagle (R)
Accipitridae - -
87 Streptopelia chinensis
Spotted- Dove* (R) Columbidae - IV
88 Streptopelia orientalis
Oriental Turtle Dove (M)
Columbidae - -
89 Streptopelia senegalensis
Laughing Dove* (R)
Columbidae - IV
90 Sturnus erythropygius
Chestnut-tailled Starling (R)
Sturnidae - -
91 Sturnus pagodarus
Brahminy Starling* (R)
Sturnidae - IV
92 Sylvia curruca Lesser Whitethroat (R)
Sylvidae - IV
93 Threskiornis melanocephalus
Black-headed Ibis (R)
Threskiornithidae
- -
94 Turdoides caudatus
Common Babbler (R)
Sylvidae - IV
95 Turdoides malcolmi
Large Grey Babbler* (R )
Sylvidae - -
96 Turdoides subrufus
Jungle Babbler (R) Sylvidae - IV
97 Upupa epops Common Hoopoe* (M)
Upupidae - -
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S.No Scientific Name
Common Name Family
Conservation
Status
IUC
N
2000
IWPA
98 Vanellus indicus
Red-wattled Lapwing* (R)
Charadridae - -
99 Zosterops palpebrosus
Oriental White-eye (R)
Zosteropidae - -
R: Resident; M: Migrant; NT : Near threatened
Table 3.9. List of Mammals recorded in Chitradurga District at different study
sites.
S. No. Species Name Common Name Family
Conservation Status
CA
MP
1998
, IU
CN
20
00
IWPA
19
72
1 Panthera pardus Common Leopard Felidae LR-nt Sch-I
2 Felis chaus Jungle Cat Felidae LR-nt Sch-II 3 Canis aureus Jackal Canidae LR-lc Sch-II 4 Canis lupus Indian Wolf Canidae LR-nt Sch-I 5 Vulpes bengalensis Indian Fox Canidae LC Sch-II 6 Melursus ursinus Sloth Bear Ursidae VU Sch-I 7 Axis axis Spotted Deer Cervidae LR Sch-II
8 Cynopterus sphinx Short-nosed Fruit Bat Pteropodidae LR-nt
9 Funambulus palmarum
Three - striped Palm Squirrel Sciuridae LR-lc Sch-IV
10 Herpestes edwardsii
Common Grey Mongoose Herpestidae LR-lc Sch-IV
11 Hyaena hyaena Striped Hyaena Hyaenidae LR Sch-III
12 Hystrix indica Indian Porcupine Hystricidae LR-lc Sch-IV
13 Lepus nigricollis Indian Hare Leporidae LR-lc Sch-IV
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Blacknaped
14 Macaca radiata Bonnet Macaque Cercopithecidae LR Sch-II
15 Manis crassicaudata
Indian Pangolin Manidae LR Sch-I
16 Mus musculus House Mouse Muridae LC
17 Rattus rattus Rock/House Rat Muridae LR-lc Sch-IV
18 Sus scrofa Wild Pig Suidae LC Sch-III
19 Viverricula indica Small Indian Civet Viverridae LR-nt Sch-II
LR: Lower risk; LR-Ic: Lower risk-least concern; LR-nt:Lower risk –near threatened; VU:Vulnerable; LC: Least concern
Table 3.10. List of Herpetofauna Observed in the Study Areas of Chitradurga District
S.No Species Name Common and
Vernacular Name
Family
Conservation Status
WLP
A
1972
IUC
N
2000
A. Amphibian 1 Bufo stomaticus Marbled Toad Bufonidae LC
2 Dattaphrynus melanostictus Common Toad Bufonidae - LC
3 Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis Skittering Frog Dicroglossidae Sch–IV LC
4 Euphlyctis hexadactylus
Green Pond Frog Dicroglossidae Sch–IV LC
5 Fejervarya limnocharis
Paddy Field Frog Dicroglossidae - LC
6 Hoplobatrachus tigerinus Indian Bullfrog Dicroglossidae - LC
7 Microhyla rubra Microhylidae - LC B. Reptiles
8 Acanthodactylus cantoris
Indian Fringe Toed Lizard Lacertidae -
9 Calotes ellioti Elliot’s Lizard Agamidae - LC
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10 Calotes versicolor Garden Lizard Agamidae - LC
11 Eutropis carinata Grass Skink Scincidae - LC
12 Eutropis macularia Bronze Grass Skink Scincidae - LC
13 Geochelone elegans Star Tortoise Testudinidae Sch-II LR-lc
14
Hemidactylus flaviviridis
Yellow- green House Gecko Gekkonidae - LC
15 Ophisops leschenaultii Lacertidae -
LC: Least concern; LR-lc: Lower risk- least concern
Table 3.11. Other Herpetofauna those are likely to be in the Area (Information
Taken from Records and Inventories of Surrounding Districts with Similar Climate and Vegetation)
S. No Species Name Common Name Family
Conservation Status
IUC
N
WLP
A
A. AMPHIBIANS 1 Bufo hololius Malabar Toad Bufonidae 2 Microhyla ornata Ornate Frog Microhylidae LR-LC _ Microhyla sholigari - - EN
3 Polypedates maculatus
Common tree frog
Rhacophoridae -
B. REPTILES
4 Ahaetulla nasuta Common Vine Snake
Colubridae - Sch IV
5 Bungarus caeruleus Indian Krait Elapidae - Sch IV
6 Calotes rouxii Roux’s Lizard Agamidae NE
7 Chamaeleo zeylanicus Indian Chamaeleaon
Chamaeleonidae VU -
8 Cnemaspis indica Indian Day Gecko
Gekkonidae -
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S. No Species Name Common Name Family
Conservation Status
IUC
N
WLP
A
9 Coelognathus helena Copper-headed Trinket Snake
Colubridae LR-NT Sch-IV
10 Crocodylus palustris Mugger or Marsh Crocodile
Crocodylidae VU Sch-I
11 Daboia russelii Russell’s Viper Viperidae LR-NT Sch-II
12 Echis carinatus Saw-scaled Viper
Viperidae LR-NT Sch-IV
13 Erix conicus Common sand boa
Boidae LR-NT Sch-IV
14 Eryx johnii Red Sand Boa Boidae LR-LC Sch-IV 15 Hemidactylus brooki Brook’s Gecko Gekkonidae LC
16 Hemidactylus frenatus
Asian House Gecko
Gekkonidae - -
17 Hemidactylus gigantieus
Giant Gecko Gekkonidae - -
18 Hemidactylus maculatus
Spotted Rock gecko
Gekkonidae - -
19 Hemidactylus reticulatus
Reticulated Gecko
Gekkonidae - -
20 Hemidactylus triedrus
Termite-hill Gecko
Gekkonidae - -
21 Lissemys punctata Indian flapshell turtle
Trionychidae LR-NT Sch-I
22 Lycodan aulicus Common wolf snake
Colubridae LR-LC Sch-IV
23 Lygosoma punctatus Spotted Supple skink
Scincidae LR-LC -
24 Naja naja Spectacled cobra Elapidae LR-NT Sch-II
25 Oligodon arnensis Banded Kukri Snake
Colubridae - -
26 Ophisops beddomei Lacertidae - -
27 Psammophilus dorsalis
South Indian Rock Agama
Agamidae - -
28 Ptyas mucosa Indian rat snake Colubridae LR-NT Sch-II
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S. No Species Name Common Name Family
Conservation Status
IUC
N
WLP
A
29 Python molurus Indian rock python
Boidae LR-NT Sch-I
30 Ramphotyplops braminus
Braminy Blind Snake
Typhlopidae LR-NT Sch-IV
31 Sitana ponticeriana Fan Throated Lizard
Agamidae - LC
32 Typhlops jerdoni Jerdon’s Blind Snake
Typhlopidae - -
33 Varanus bengalensis Bengal Monitor Varanidae VU Sch-II
34 Xenochrophis piscator
Checkered keelback Water Snake
Colubridae LR-LC Sch-II
LR-lc: Lower risk- least concern; En: Endangered; LR-nt: Lower risk- near threatened; VU: Vulnerable; LC: Least concern
3.5. SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT
3.5.1 Demographic status of the mine affected villages
The population break-up of all the villages falling within the buffer zone as per
1991 census data is given below:
Population SC ST
Male Female Total Male Female Male Female
24,577 22060 46,637 5,542 5,015 6,673 4,595
The total population within the buffer zone is about 46,637.
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The distribution of male and female literates with in the buffer zone is as follows:
Literates
Year Male Female Total
1991 14.553 8,794 23,347
The literates within the buffer zone as per the 1991 census were 23,347
constituting 50.06 percent of total population. The male literate level is about
62.33 percent and female was 37.67 percent.
As a matter of fact, mining is the major economic activity in this area and it
provided job opportunity to the local people. The living standared of people also
improved due to the mining industry.
3.5.2 Land Use Pattern of Villages/ Towns in Buffer Zone
The buffer-zone of 10 km radius of the mine has 45 villages. The land use pattern
of the buffer zone indicates that, the forest land constitues about 16.70 percent
(5,250 ha). About 68.96 percent (21.673 ha) of the land has been under
agricultural use. The land, which is not available for cultivation (wasteland) is
about 12.73 percent (4,000 ha) and about 1.15 percent (480 ha) of the total buffer
zone is under residential/villages/roads etc.
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CHAPTER-4
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
4.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS – OPEN CAST IRON ORE MINING
The open cast iron mining has several environmental impacts and the
detailsimpact in the BBH mines are summarized as below:
4.1.1 Impact on landscape
The mine lease area consists of 103.81 ha of forest land, located on hilly area
consisting of dry deciduous vegetation. The landscape of the hilly terrain has
been modified to a large extent due to mining activities since 1952. The disposal
of waste material has been carried out in the mine lease area in an unscientific
manner, without proper measures for stabilization, resulting in erosion of the
waste dumps. Some of the natural streams/ Nalas which are seasonal were cut
off, resulting in hindrance to their smooth flow downwards.
Erosion from OB dumps results in significant loading of sediments (including
chemical pollutants) to nearby water-bodies, especially during rainy season.
Erosion/sediment loading has been observed from mining areas such as open pit
areas, waste rock and overburden piles, haul roads and access roads, ore
stockpiles, exploration areas and reclamation areas.
4.1.2 Impact on Ecology
The entire mining area is located in the forest land and therefore the direct
impact on the biodiversity is inevitable. Major portion of the forests in the project
area are southern tropical dry mixed deciduous forest (5A/C3 type) according to
forest type by Champion and Seth (1968). The ecology of the mine area has been
much disturbed due to mining and transportation activities. Therefore,
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reclamation of the mined out area and proper afforestation plan using native
species are to be taken up to restore the ecology.
4.1.3 Impact on Air Quality
The impacts on air environment due to mining and allied activity include
production capacity, machinery involved, and control measures adopted
operation and maintenance of various equipments and vehicles. Apart from
these, there are other activities associated viz., transportation of ore and wastes,
stocking facilities and dump management within the mine lease area have
contribute to pollution.
4.1.4 Impact of Noise and Vibration
Mining machinery and heavy-duty vehicles cause noise pollution and effect of
noise is much pronounced near the active working areas. The main sources of
noise are from stationary mining equipment, mobile mining equipment and
transportation of vehicles. The report on the EIA study carried out by M/s Rao &
Associates for the company, in the mine area, with reference to the noise level
indicated that the leq level (day time) is less than the 72.0 dBA in the core zone,
where there is mining activity. Inside Samsung machine, the noise level was
maximum (99.1 dBA); the crushing and screening plant was found to have leq of
72.0dBA for working of 16 hrs per day.
Similarly, the loading point had leq of 72 dBA and haulage road, a leq of 65.3
dBA. The mine is situated on the hill range at a distance of 1.5 kms from human
settlements.
4.1.5 Impact on Water Quality
Mining activities cause adverse impact due to mine drainage and siltation due to
storm water. No perennial rivers/nallahs are present in this area.
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4.1.6 Impact on soil fertility
The run-off water directly going to nearby fields changes the nutrient content of
soil and subsoil layers thereby reducing the fertility of the land. This manifests
itself in the form of loss of crop yield. As the mining activity disturbs the topsoil
which contain the nutrients and beneficial microbes, the soil fertility will be
completely lost.
4.1.7 Impact on Aquatic Life
The seasonal streams/ Nalas ultimately terminate into Bheemasamudra
reservoir, resulting chronic level water pollution due to increased sediment, total
solids, other minerals and leachates from the dumps. Such type of impacts
associated with erosion and sediments, typically results in both short-term and
long-term impacts. In surface water, elevated concentration of particulate matter
in the water column can produce both chronic and acute toxic effects on fish and
other aquatic life. Continuous deposition of silt and sediments due to run off
from mines is likely to impact the aquatic life such as frogs, fishes, wetland birds
and aquatic insects if no adequate preventive measures are not undertaken in
terms of their habitat quality, productivity, and abundance and diversity.
4.1.8 Impact on Society
The villagers in the buffer zone are mainly dependent on agriculture for their
livelihood. The mining activities provide them employment opportunities and
improved standard of living. However, the people who get employment in mine
related activities lose interest in agricultural works which indirectly affects the
agriculture productivity. Occupational health hazards like noise induced hearing
loss and occupational lung diseases due to inhalation of silica dust and fine iron
ore particles are the major problems encountered.
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CHAPTER-5
REHABILITATION AND RECLAMATION PLAN
5.1 INTRODUCTION
In the process of opencast mining, several changes occur in the physical, chemical,
biological and microbial properties of the environment (Kundu and Ghose, 1998; Singh
and Singh, 2006; Padmavathiamma and Li, 2007, Sheoran et al., 2009; Sheoran et al.,
2010). Degradation level depends on climatic conditions and various other factors. If
the biological reclamation is not done well in time, leaching will remove the nutrients
due to the rainwater erosion, the nutrient cycle will break down, and the soil will
ultimately become biologically unproductive. The objective of the study is to assess the
deterioration due to mining and allied activities and to evolve restoration techniques for
the renewal of the damaged land for its sustainable and beneficial use.
The mine rehabilitation plan should aim:
To stabilize loose over burden (OB) dumps and mined out areas
To check soil erosion and sediment loss
To ameliorate substratum in term of:
• Soil moisture retention
• Nutrient retention
• Microbial biomass
To enhance diversity of plants, animal and micro-organisms
To regulate natural process of ecosystem, namely,
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• Productivity
• Nutrient cycling
• Water recharging
• Soil protection
• Sheltering and providing conditions to plant and animal species
To cater the need of local people for their daily needs
To develop visual and aesthetic view of the area
The successful Reclamation and Rehabilitation plan for the mine will primarily depend
on following considerations:
1. Rehabilitation and Reclamation of Encroached Areas.
2. Loose OB dumps and their stabilization
3. Mining pits, their back filling and stabilization
4. Nala/Stream courses and their stabilization
5. Development of vegetation on non-mineralized areas
6. Safety zone and Greenbelt Development
7. Avenue plantation all along mine haul roads
8. Regular monitoring by an independent scientific agency
5.2 Rehabilitation and Reclamation Measures
The measures contemplated under the R and R plan are broadly categorized under the
following heads:
1. R and R measures for areas considered under encroachment.
2. Stabilization of Dumps
3. Surface Water Management
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4. Afforestation/ Plantation
5. Green Belt Development
6. Supplementary Environment Safeguard Plans (SESP) for the areas impacting the
environment within and outside the mine lease areas.
5.2.1 Reclamation and Rehabilation Plan for Area under Encroachment
As per the sketch prepared on the behest of the CEC, there is no encroachment by the
lessee has figured out.
5.2.2 Stabilization of Dumps
Control of erosion is important both during mining and during post mining
rehabilitation program. A major objective of rehabilitation is to establish an adequate
cover of vegetation to stabilize the site and prevent or control erosion.
5.2.2.1 Waste dump
Only one waste dump located in North East portion of the lease area in an extent of
10.74 ha has been envisaged. Part of the dump has been filled with over burden waste in
3.66 ha and the rest of the area is proposed to be utilized in next SOM period. The Top
RL of the waste dump is 895.6 masl and the bottom of the dump is 846.0 masl. The
height of the existing portion of the dump varies between 17.5 m to 49 m from section to
section (Figure 5.1). The slope of the waste dump varies from section to section between
25 o to 48o. The average slope on the valley side is 40o while on the hill side it is 28o. No
terracing of the waste dump has been done. However, a retaining wall of inadequate
height and a small portion has been constructed in Northern side of the dump at its
bottom. Total quantity of waste material in this dump as per cross sections is around
0.544 million cum. Based on the cross section taken on the portion of the dump where
the dumping is proposed under the present plan period and as per SOM for 07-10-2012
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to 07-10-2016-2017, not yet approved, the available dump capacity for next plan period
is 0.464 million cum.
5.2.2.2 Engineering Measures
The waste dump has to be properly maintained such that neither there is any
subsidence or lump of the material disposed from the dump nor any rill/ gully
formation on the surface of the dump takes place. Therefore, it has to be stabilised and
strengthened by taking various engineering protective measures such as well designed
stone masonry retaining wall at toe and at intermediate levels (terraces) and garland
drain of size 1 m bottom width, 2 m top width, 1 m height with 1:2 side slopes in front
of it. The garland drains at different levels shall be connected in inclined fashion by
constructing chutes at every 15 m or wherever the gradient suddenly changes. In the
present case 860 RM and 690 RM of 5 m and 3 m high retaining wall respectively shall
be constructed. The total length of the garland drain has also been assessed as 1705 RM.
5.2.3.2. Sub Grade Stack/Fine Ore Stack
Presently, sub grade material (50 to 53.5% Fe) is staked at three places one on the
North East boundary of the lease and the other two at on the North- east and southern
boundary of the lease between grid lines E 4363 2000 to E 4363 2500 and N 1570 700 to N
1570 1200 in an area of 8.50 ha. Total quantity of the sub grade material was purported
to be 0.6 million tons which after E-auction of 0.2 million tons has reduced to 0.4 million
tons. The balance quantity in the sub grade waste is also under the process of disposal.
On complete removal of the sub grade from these dumps the space shall be kept for
future stacking.
The slope stability increases considerably by grading i.e., by construction of steps or
terraces to reduce the slope gradient. To manage Sub grade stacks in the mine lease area
it should be stored at angle of repose not more than 28o with 6m wide terrace at 10 m
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height and garland drains at outer periphery of the stack is essential. The outer surface
of the slope of the sub-grade shall be overlaid with geo-textile. The detail estimate for
dump stabilisation through engineering and biological measures for waste dump and
sub-grade stack is given in Table-5.1. The dump management plan is shown in Figure.
5.2
Table-5.1: Indicative Cost Estimate for Dump Management Plan including subgrade
for MEL Mine, Ml- 2346
Sl. No.
Particulars No L (m) B (m) H (m)
Qty. m3
Rate (Rs.) Amount (Rs. Lac)
1a
Retaining walls at toe of waste OB dump
(i) R-R dry stone masonry
1 860 (1+3)/2 5 8600 520/m3 44.72
(ii) C-C 1:4:8 in foundation
1 860 3.3 0.15 425.7 3284.95/m3 13.98
1b
Retaining walls at intermediate locations of waste dump
(i) R-R dry stone masonry
1 480+210 (1+2)/2 3 3105 520/m3 16.15
(ii) C-C 1:4:8 in foundation
1 480+210 2.3 0.15 238.05 3284.95/m3 7.82
2a
Garland drain (1 m bottom width, 2 m top width and 1 m deep in all terraces)
1
1
1550x2
1550
0.5
2.0
1.0
0.5
1550
1550
520/m3
520/m3
8.06
8.06
2b
Garland drain (1 m bottom width, 2 m top width and 1 m deep in inclined chutes)
1
1
155x2
155
0.5
2.0
1.0
0.5
155
155
520/m3
520/m3
0.81
0.81
3 Providing and fixing geo-textile
7.5 ha 10, 00,000/ ha
75.00
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on outer surface of slope of waste dump
4
Providing and fixing geo-textile on outer surface of slope of sub-grade dumps
8.5 ha 10, 00,000/ ha
85.00
5 Plantation over waste dump area
10.74 ha
1.74/ha 18.69
TOTAL 279.10
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Figure-5.1: Existing Dump Management Plan of MEL, ML 2346
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Figure-5.2: Dump Management Plan MEL, ML 2346
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5.2.4 Surface Water Management
The run-off resulting from rainfall on the surface of the ML area if not allowed to flow
through natural streams shall result in heavy erosion in the form of gullies and sheet
erosion. This will result in land degradation and detachment of loose soil particles
which in turn increase the turbidity of flowing water and thus impairing its quality. The
rainwater should be channelized and controlled through various engineering structures
like retaining walls, gully plugs, check dams, garland drains and settling tanks
depending upon the field conditions to prevent the further land degradation and rolling
down the soil/waste material to the down slope and ultimately into seasonal streams.
Details of the engineering and biological measures are discussed below:
5.2.4.1 Gully Plugs
Gullies are mainly formed on account of physiography, soil type and heavy biotic
pressure in the area. The scouring of streams at their peak flows and sediment laden
run-off cause gullies. The gullies would be required to be treated with
engineering/mechanical methods. The mine owner has constructed 3 small gully plugs
inside the lease area to control the sediment flow and erosion into stream. Six gully
plugs are now being proposed outside the ML area across the seasonal drainage flowing
from the mining area to down slopes. The top width of the gully plugs should be kept as
1.5 m and the vertical side slope shall be provided.
5.2.4.2 Check Dams
Check dams would be constructed in some of the areas outside the ML to promote
growth of vegetation to arrest flow of silted water and consequently to lead the
stabilization of slopes/area and further prevention of deepening of gullies and erosion.
Different types of check dams such as masonry and rock filled have been proposed to be
constructed at vital points across the streams. Though the mine owner has constructed
seven masonry check dams outside the lease area, yet, four masonry check dams of 20 m
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length and 2.5 m high and two rock fill check dams of 15 m x 3 m x 4 m have been
proposed depending upon site conditions. The top width of the rock-fill check dams
should be kept as 3m and the vertical side slope shall be provided.
5.2.4.3 Settling Tanks
In all six settling tanks of 30m x 15m x 3m have been proposed, two at the bottom of
waste dump within the ML area and two each at North East and South boundaries
connected to garland drains to slow down the flow of water and to arrest the loose
sediments from the waste dumps and also to store water for watering the green belt.
The settling tanks should be constructed in stone masonry in cement sand mortar 1:5
and shall be plastered from inside
5.2.4.4 Culvert
Seasonal Nalas at many places cross the net work of mine roads outside and within the
lease area. At some places proper crossing of the drainage has not been provided, with
the result that the embankments are subjected to erosion. The streams during rain fall of
higher intensity period flows over the mine roads and cause wide gully formation. This
warrants for proper channelization of the streams at the crossings by providing culverts.
It is proposed that the culverts should be provided in the form of two Hume pipes (NP-
3), 1 m diameter laid with slope from upper stream to down stream. The pipe shall be
laid over 30 cm thick cc 1:3:6 flooring having masonry support and wing walls at both
the ends. The foundation of the stone masonry structures should be about 1.5 m below
the bed of the Nala so as to cater for scouring action during the flood period. The bed of
the Nala should be pitched with stone/ rip-rap in a thickness of 0.6 m below the bed
level extending up to the return wing wall. The two Hume pipes should be separated
horizontally by 0.5 m. The end wall should be raised 1-1.5 m above the HFL.
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5.2.4.5 Indicative Cost Estimate for Surface Water Management
The following individual engineering measures are need to be constructed, such as
settling tanks, check dams, gully plugs and culverts in the mine lease area for surface
water management. The number of engineering structures to be required for the entire
area was assessed and accordingly the financial provisions have been made.
Engineering measures such as settling tanks, check dams, gully plugs and culverts have
been proposed for the area both inside and outside of the lease area. The overall
indicative cost of the surface management plan is shown in Table-5.2 and Figure 5.3
and the indicative cost has been worked out to be Rs. 168.97 lacs.
Table-5.2: Indicative Cost Estimate for Surface Water Management Plan for MEL Mine, ML- 2346
Sl. No. Particulars No L (m) B (m) H
(m) Qty. m3 Rate (Rs.)
Amount (Rs. lac)
1 Gully Plug 6 10 3 3 540 520/m3 2.81
2 Masonry Check Dam (20 mx 2.5m)
2 20 - 40 40,000/m 16.00
3 Rock fill Check Dam
2 15 (3+11)/2 4.0 840 520/m3 4.44
5
Stone masonry settling tank (30m x 15 m x 3 m), 6 nos.
i C. C. 1:4:8 1x6 33.6 15.6 0.20 628.98 3284.95/m3 20.66 ii C. C. 1:3:6 1x6 33.6 15.6 0.20 628.98 3584.30/m3 22.55
iii
RR Stone masonry 1:5 Cement mortar (in long walls)
2x6 30.0 (1.0 + 1.5)/2
3.0 1350 3235.00/m3 43.67
iv RR Stone masonry 1:5 Cement
2x6 13.0 (1.0 + 1.5)/2
3.0 585 3235.00/m3 18.92
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mortar (in short walls)
v
Cement plaster in 1:4 in cement sand mortar (inside tank)
2x6 30+15 - 3.0 1620 130.00/m3 2.10
vi
Cement plaster in 1:4 in cement sand mortar (top of tank)
2x6 30+13 - 1.0 516 130.00/m3 0.67
vii
Cement pointing 1:3 in cement sand mortar on outer surface of long walls
2x6 (33+32) - 1.5 1170 63.68/m3 0.75
viii
Cement pointing 1:3 in cement sand mortar on outer surface of short walls
2x6 (18+17) - 1.5 630 63.68/m3 0.40
6
Providing Hume Pipe Culvert (NP-3) 1 m dia, of 2 pipes
4 12 -- -- 48 RM
75,000/RM 36.00
TOTAL 168.97
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Figure-5.3: Surface Water Management Plan for MEL Mine, ML- 2346
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5.3. BIOLOGICAL MEASURES
In order to restore the ecological functioning of mined out areas besides engineering
measures; biological measures must be drafted and implemented with immediate effect.
When attempting to restore a native ecosystem, effort is to establish a self-sustaining
system, so that succession processes lead to the desired floral and faunal complexes. The
seasonal distribution and reliability of rainfall determines the best time to establish
vegetation. Biological measures, if implemented successfully will result in the
establishment of self sustaining ecosystem. All the preparatory works must be
completed before the time when seeds are most likely to experience the conditions that
they need to germinate and survive, i.e. adequate rainfall and suitable temperatures.
The biological measures will employ the identification and selection of suitable plant
species adaptable to the existing climatic and sub-stratum conditions, collection of
planting materials (seeds, rhizomes, bulbs, cuttings etc.), raising these planting stocks in
nursery or directly sowing on the OB dumps/mined out areas depending on the species
characteristics and availability of planting resource. The elevation of mine site varies
between 800 m to 940 m above msl and the average annual rainfall is about 500 – 600
mm (Source: Irrigation department, Chitradurga District).
5.3.1 Species Selection and Plantation
The ultimate objective of the biological measure is to restore the natural vegetation
occurring in and around the mine area and also to provide a corridor for free movement
of the wildlife. The species selected for establishment is based on the future land use of
the area, soil conditions and climate.
Species which have similar growth forms to the original vegetation, and thrive in
areas with comparable soil types, drainage status, aspect and climate, are most
appropriate.
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The native species which occur in the natural vegetation area are the best
candidate for restoration purpose.
Care must be taken to avoid introducing a species which could become an
unacceptable fire hazard, invade surrounding areas of native vegetation, or
become a weed.
Suitable leguminous species should be selected to improve fertility of the mine
disturbed substratum.
Species having a good canopy cover should be selected and used where a quick
cover for erosion control is required.
Depending upon the plant characteristic, seed size the species can be propagated by
various methods i.e., seed broadcast, seed mixed with soil, hydro-seeding,
seedlings, rhizomes, bulbs, slips, root stocks.
a) Seed broadcasting: Seeds can be sown directly by broadcasting them over the
selected areas.
b) Seed mixed with soil: Seeds are mixed in soil and made into small balls which
are then broadcast over the selected sites. This practice is applied in those species
whose seeds are very minute like grasses. The earthen balls are made by mixing
soil, farm yard manure (FYM), seeds and required quantity of water.
c) Hydro-seeding: Inaccessible areas like steep slopes hydroseeding technique can
be applied. In this technique slurry of appropriate quantity and consistency is
prepared consisting of water, FYM and seeds. This slurry is sprinkled over the
selected sites with the help of either hydro-seeders or manually sprinkling with a
jug or such containers.
d) Planting rhizomes, bulbs, slips, root stocks: These stocking materials are planted
by simply digging holes in an appropriate depth.
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e) Planting seedlings: In this method a pit of appropriate size, depending on the
site conditions and size of the poly-bag, is dug out and stones are removed. Pits
are filled back with the mixture of good quality soil (preferably from the silting
tanks/top soil preserved) and FYM. In this dressed pit the seedlings are planted.
Reconnaissance survey was made to assess the present status of biological
componentsof the adjoining areas of mined lands for identification and selection of
plant species to be used in restoration process.
5.4 OVER BURDEN DUMPS MANAGEMENT
The mine has one active dump over an area of 3.66 ha out of 10.74 ha of total proposed
area. The existing dump has three terraces each of height and width of 10 m and 8m,
respectively. The proposed dump will have about 6 terraces with about similar
dimensions. The lessee has already made some afforestation efforts by planting, on
bottom two terraces, with plant species like Pongamia pinnata, Simarouba glauca,
Azadarachta indica, Cassia auriculiformis, Leucaena leucocephala, Accacia nilotica, Accacia
mangium, Delonix regia, Vetiveria zizanoides, Stylosanthes hamata, etc. Though some of
these species are growing well on OB dumps but as regard to restore the original
vegetation of the area these species are not suitable.
The species used in restoration process should be in proper combination of all plant
forms such as grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees as recorded in the natural forests. In
addition the aim of restoration should be on protection of soil erosion from loose
overburden dumps, soil moisture retention as well as enrichment of soil fertility.
Before initiation of biological restoration, the OB dumps should be made into
recommended benches and terraces with appropriate angle. The steep OB dump slopes
being unstable and having loose material may get disturbed immediately by rains which
may result in soil erosion and formation of gullies. Furthermore direct exposure to
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sunlight may also result in loss of soil moisture and increase of substratum temperature
which may hamper the growth and establishment of vegetation. To overcome these
problems geo textile/coir mats may be used followed by the seed broadcasting and
planting of suitable plant species over geo textile or coir mat. Seed broadcasting has to
be taken up by using hydroseeder or by spreading slurry manually. The species
recommended for hydroseeding on mine OB dumps and fragile unstable surfaces are
Bothriochloa pertusa, Cassia auriculata, Cassia occidentalis, C. tora, Crotalaria juncea, C. albida,
Cymbopogon flexuosus, C. martinii, C. nardus, Dactyloctenium aegyptium, Dichanthium
annulatum, Heteropogon contortus, Stylosanthes fruticosa, Tephrosia purpurea etc. (Table-5.3).
These species will get established in due course of time and cover the disturbed areas. In
addition to hydroseeding, planting of suitable shrubs, creepers and trees have to be
done on slopes by making holes in geo textile/coir mat.
Table-5.3. Species Recommended for Hydro seeding (HS)
Sl. No. Species Local Name Family A. Herbs and Grasses 1. Bothriochloa pertusa Aanekattu hullu Poaceae 2. Cassia occidentalis Gunduthagase Caesalpiniaceae 3. Cassia tora Ganduthagase Caesalpiniaceae 4. Crotalaria albida Giligiligida Fabaceae 5. Crotalaria juncea Sannasenabu Fabaceae 6. Cymbopogon flexuosus Anthibale hullu Poaceae 7. Cymbopogon martini Kaashi hullu Poaceae 8. Cymbopogon nardus Ganda hanchi hullu Poaceae 9. Cynodon dactylon Garike hullu Poaceae 10. Dactyloctenium aegyptium - Poaceae 11. Dichanthium annulatum Ganjala garike hullu Poaceae 12. Eleusine indica - Poaceae 13. Heteropogon contortus Ooobina hullu Poaceae 14. Stylosanthes fruticosa Hamata grass Fabaceae 15. Tephrosia purpurea Kaadu thogari Fabaceae B. Shrubs 16. Calotropis gigantea Ekka Asclepiadaceae 17. Calotropis procera Kempuekka Asclepiadaceae 18. Cassia auriculata Aavarike Caesalpiniaceae
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On the moderate slopes and terraces where no geo matting/coir mat is used, contour
trenches should be made on the slopes for giving proper anchorage and support to the
seeds and other planting stock, especially grasses. The distance between two adjoining
contours should be about one meter. For stabilization of slopes rows of grasses, which
are known drought tolerant, fast colonizers in low nutrient soil and best soil binders, are
to be planted. Grasses to be planted should be raised in the nurseries and then planted
on the slopes of OB dumps and any other areas. In the absence of sufficient stock of
grasses in the nurseries, clumps of grasses can also be collected from adjacent areas
without disturbing the natural vegetation cover of the area.
a) Grasses
The important grass species to be planted on exposed slopes and terraces are:
Bothriochloa pertusa, Chrysopogon fulvus, Cymbopogon flexuosus, C. martinii, C. nardus,
Cynodon dactylon, Dichanthium annulatum, Eleusine indica, Heteropogon contortus,
Saccharum spontaneum, etc., have been suggested for planting in the form of slips, seed
broadcast, earthen balls, and hydroseeding as given in Table-5.3.
The grass species are available in plenty around the area. It is strongly recommended
that the above grasses may be grown and multiplied in the nursery for their plantation
in the mined areas. Different species of grasses should be planted on slopes as slips at
distance of about 30 cm from plant to plant.
b) Leguminous species
In addition to the grass species preference for leguminous should also be given in order
to enrich the fertility of the substratum. The legumes play an important role in
increasing the soil nitrogen for they have symboitic nitrogen fixing bacteria. Seeds of
following species suggested for mined out areas and OB dumps can be collected from
adjacent forest area or purchased from the recognized private nurseries/forest
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departments: Crotalaria albida, C. juncea, C. retusa, C. verrucosa, Indigofera cassioides,
Mimosa pudica, Stylosanthes fruticosa, Tephrosia purpurea, T. villosa, etc. (Table-5.4 and 5.5).
Table 5.4. Grasses and bamboos (Family: Poaceae) recommended for stabilization of
the OB dumps
Sl. No. Species Local Name Method of Propagation* 1 Bambusa arundinacea Bidiru Rh, EB 2 Bothriochloa pertusa Aanekattu hullu EB, HS 3 Chrysopogon fulvus Ganjigarike EB, HS, S 4 Cymbopogon flexuosus Anthibale hullu HS, S 5 Cymbopogon martini Kaashi hullu HS, S 6 Cymbopogon nardus Ganda hanchi hullu HS, S 7 Cynodon dactylon Garike hullu HS, EB 8 Dendrocalamus strictus Gandubidiru Rh, EB 9 Dichanthium annulatum Ganjala garike hullu EB, HS 10 Eleusine indica Hechhulli hullu EB, HS 11 Heteropogon contortus Ooobina hullu EB, HS 12 Saccharum spontaneum Darbe hullu EB, HS, S 13 Vetiveria zizanoides Khus khus EB, S
*EB-earthen balls, HS-Hydro-seeding, Rh-Rhizome, S-Slips, SB-Seed broadcast Table-5.5: Species Recommended for Nitrogen Enrichment of Mine Areas
Sl. No. Species Local Name Family Method of Propagation*
A.Herbs 1. Cassia mimosoides Gundu thagase Caesalpiniaceae HS, SB 2. Cassia occidentalis Doddathagase Caesalpiniaceae HS, SB 3. Cassia tora Ganduthase Caesalpiniaceae HS, SB 4. Crotalaria albida Giligili gida Fabaceae HS, SB 5. Crotalaria juncea Sanna senabu Fabaceae SB 6. Crotalaria retusa Gejjegida Fabaceae SB 7. Crotalaria verrucosa Gijigiji gida Fabaceae HS, SB 8. Mimosa pudica Muttidaremuni Mimosaceae EB, SB 9. Stylosanthes fruticosa Haamata grass Fabaceae EB, SB 10. Tephrosia purpurea Koggi Fabaceae EB, SB 11. Tephrosia villosa
Kaadu thogari Fabaceae EB, SB
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B.Shrubs 12 Cassia auriculata Aavarike Caesalpiniaceae HS, SB 13 Cassia hirsuta Caesalpiniaceae HS, SB 14 Indigofera cassioides Muttidare muni Fabaceae HS, SB
*EB-earthen balls, HS-Hydro-seeding, SB-Seed broadcast
c) Trees
After the establishment of the grasses and shrubs on the slopes and terraces of the OB
dumps, the planting of indigenous tree species should be taken up within one year of
grass plantation. Plant to plant spacing of tree on the terraces should be in 3m x 3m
distance. Similarly on slopes spacing should be 2m x 2m. Species composition should be
mixed as recorded in the natural forest around the mine. The details of tree species to be
planted are given in Table-5.6.
Table-5.6. Plant Species suitable for OB Dump and Mine Pit Stabilization
Sl. No. Plant species Local names Family Method of propagation*
A. Herbs and Grasses 1 Bothriochloa pertusa Aanekattu
hullu Poaceae EB, HS
2 Chrysopogon fulvus Poaceae EB, HS, S 3 Cymbopogon flexuosus Ganjigarike Poaceae HS, S 4 Cymbopogon martini Kaashihuillu Poaceae HS, S 5 Cymbopogon nardus Citronella enne
hullu Poaceae HS, S
6 Dichanthium annulatum Ganjalagarike Poaceae EB, HS 7 Heteropogon contortus Oobina hullu Poaceae EB, HS 8 Saccharum spontaneum Darbe hullu Poaceae HS, S 9 Stylosanthes fruticosa Hamata grass Fabaceae HS, SB
B. Shrubs 10 Agave americana Aane katthaale Agavaceae B 11 Agave sisalana Boodu Katthaale Agavaceae B 12 Calotropis gigantea Ekka Asclepiadaceae EB, HS 13 Calotropis procera Kempu ekka Asclepiadaceae EB, HS 14 Cassia auriculata Aavarike Caesalpiniaceae HS, SB 15 Cipadessa baccifera Narachalu gida Meliaceae SB
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16 Dendrocalamus strictus Gandu bidiru Poaceae Rh 17 Dodonaea viscosa Bandarike Sapindaceae SB, Sl 18 Maytenus emarginata Thandarasi Celastraceae SB 19 Vitex negundo Lakki Verbenaceae BC
C. Trees 20 Acacia catechu Kaachu Mimosaceae SL 21 Acacia chundra Kempu
khairada Jaali Mimosaceae SL
22 Acacia ferruginea Banni mara Mimosaceae SL 23 Acacia nilotica Kari Jaali Mimosaceae SL 24 Aegle marmelos Bilva patre Rutaceae SL 25 Albizia lebbeck Baage Mimosaceae SL 26 Albizia odoratissima Bilvaara Mimosaceae SL 27 Albizia procera Bili baage Mimosaceae SL 28 Annona squamosa Seethaaphala Annonaceae SL 29 Anogeissus latifolia Dindiga Combretaceae SL 30 Azadirachta indica Bevu Meliaceae SL 31 Bauhinia racemosa Kaadu
mandaara Caesalpiniaceae SL
32 Boswellia serrata Maddi Burseraceae SL 33 Cassia fistula Kakke Caesalpiniaceae SL 34 Chloroxylon swietenia Hurugalu mara Flindersiaceae SL 35 Dalbergia latifolia Beete mara Fabaceae SL 36 Dalbergia sissoo Shishta Baage Fabaceae RS, SL 37 Diospyros melanoxylon Beedi yele mara Ebenaceae SL 38 Dolichandrone atrovirens Udide mara Bignoniaceae SL 39 Ficus racemosa Atthi Moraceae SL 40 Ficus religiosa Arali Moraceae SL 41 Givotia rottleriformis Thella puniki Euphorbiaceae SL 42 Gmelina arborea Shivani Verbenaceae SL 43 Grewia tiliifolia Sannudippe Tiliaceae SL 44 Haldina cordifolia Hetthaega Rubiaceae SL 45 Hardwickia binata Kammra Caesalpiniaceae SL 46 Holoptelea integrifolia Thapasee mara Ulmaceae SL 47 Lagerstroemia parviflora Hole
Daasavaala Lythraceae SL
48 Limonia acidissima Baela Rutaceae SL 49 Madhuca longifolia var.
latifolia Hole hippe Sapotaceae SL
50 Mitragyna parvifolia Kadavaala Rubiaceae SL
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51 Morinda pubescens Haladi paavate Rubiaceae SL 52 Phyllanthus emblica Nelli Euphorbiaceae SL 53 Pithecelobium dulce Seeme hunise Mimosaceae SL 54 Pongamia pinnata Honge Fabaceae SL 55 Pterocarpus marsupium Honne Fabaceae SL 56 Santalam album Srigandha Santalaceae SL 57 Soymida febrifuga Somo mara Meliaceae SL 58 Stereospermum colais Paadari Bignoniaceae SL 59 Tamarindus indica Hunise Caesalpiniaceae SL 60 Terminalia bellirica Thaare Combretaceae SL 61 Terminalia chebula Alale Combretaceae SL 62 Wrightia tinctoria Beppaale Rubiaceae SL 63 Ziziphus mauritiana Bore hannu Rhamnaceae SL
*B-Bulb/Bulbills, BC-Branch cutting, HS-Hydro-seeding, EB-earthen balls, Rh-Rhizome,
RS-Root stock, S-Slips, SB-Seed broadcast, SL-seedling
5.4.1 Other Points to be for OB Dump Management
In addition to the engineering and biological measures other points of consideration for
OB dump management are as follows:
• The topsoil collected and stacked during the initial stages of mining should be
used in plantation programme.
• The over burdens have to be dumped in benches made for the purpose of
stabilization, and it should be ensured that no over burden encroach the natural
nalas under any circumstances.
• All along the slope of the OB dumps, garland drains constructed should be
connected to natural drain/nala. Regular de-silting has to be carried out, i.e.,
before and after monsoon season and the silt material can be used for plantation
purpose.
• The over burden should be filled back in such a way that the water drains out
into the streams in the same ratio as it is flowing naturally. Therefore, provision
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should be made to flow down the rainwater gradually in all natural streams
equally. The direction of course of flow should not be changed or modified.
5.4.2 Mine Pit Management and Rehabilitation
After extraction of iron ore, all hard overburden/wastes generated during mining
operations should be used in back filling of mine pits or dumped in the worked out area
of the mine so as to maintain and bring back the original shape of the terrain as far as
possible. The mine pits have to be leveled after extraction of the ore to match the
contour of the area. The stacked top soil has to be spread over on compacted back filled
area in order to facilitate the re-vegetation process, which in turn controls silt flow
towards the downstream. The construction of channels all along the boundary of the
mine pit has to be made to help in arresting runoff and preventing soil erosion.
5.4.3 Management of Refractory Sites
The areas which lack any nutrient containing soil can be planted with Agave americana,
A. sisalana, Dodonaea viscosa, Euphorbia tirucalli, E. tortilis, Sterculia urens which have been
proved successful in extreme conditions (Table 5.7).
Table-5.7: Plant Species Suitable for Stabilization of Refractory Sites
Sl. No. Plant species Local name Family Habit 1 Agave americana Aane Katthaale Agavaceae Shrub 2 Agave sisalana Boodu Katthaale Agavaceae Shrub 3 Dodonaea viscosa Bandarike Sapindaceae Shrub 4 Euphorbia tirucalli Kolu kalli Euphorbiaceae Shrub 5 Euphorbia tortilis Thirugu kalli Euphorbiaceae Shrub 6 Sterculia urens Kempu dale mara Sterculiaceae Tree
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5.4.4 Mine Drainage Management and Rehabilitation
The drainage management and rehabilitation plan for this mine is recommended as
follows:
a) Provide proper gradient and drainage arrangement at the mine benches and over
burden dumping area
b) After trapping the suspended solids in garland drains just below the over burden
dumps, the water has to be allowed to flow down the dump slopes to join natural
streams/nalas through settling tank with filtration arrangements, so that all the
suspended solids and sediments will be arrested.
c) Plantation of indigenous and other economically important trees, shrubs, herbs and
grasses at the point of discharge, where the mine outlet will pass through bio-
engineering structures and on OB dumps has to be taken up, so that the
sediment/silt flow will be arrested from the site and soil moisture can be
maintained.
d) The drain/nala bunds shall be planted with suitable grasses, herbs, shrubs and
trees, namely, Acacia nilotica, Agave americana, A. sisalana, Bambusa arundinacea,
Calotropis gigantea, Calotropis procera, Cassia auriculata, Chrysopogon fulvus,
Cymbopogon flexuosus, C. martinii, C. nardus, Dendrocalamus strictus, Dichanthium
annulatum, Ficus racemosa, Heteropogon contortus, Indigofera cassioides, Saccharum
spontaneum, Syzygium cumini, Terminalia arjuna, Vitex negundo etc. (Table-5.8). At
steep slopes necessary engineering and biological measures have to be undertaken
to prevent soil erosion.
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Table- 5.8: Plant Species suitable for Stabilization of Nala/Drain Courses
Sl.No. Plant species Local name Family Habit 1 Acacia nilotica Kari gobbali Mimosaceae Tree 2 Agave americana Aane Katthaale Agavaceae Shrub 3 Agave sisalana Boodu Katthaale Agavaceae Shrub 4 Bambusa arundinacea Aane bidiru Poaceae Shrub 5 Calotropis gigantea Ekka Asclepiadaceae Shrub 6 Calotropis procera Bili ekka Asclepiadaceae Shrub 7 Cassia auriculata Aavarike Caesalpiniaceae Shrub 8 Chrysopogon fulvus Ganjigarike Poaceae Herb 9 Cymbopogon flexuosus Anthibele hullu Poaceae Herb
10 Cymbopogon martinii Kaashi hullu Poaceae Herb
11 Cymbopogon nardus Citronella enne hullu Poaceae Herb
12 Dendrocalamus strictus
Gandu bidiru Poaceae Shrub
13 Dichanthium annulatum
Ganjagarike hullu Poaceae Herb
14 Ficus racemosa Atthi mara Moraceae Tree 15 Heteropogon contortus Oobina hullu Poaceae Herb 16 Indigofera cassioides Goggae Fabaceae Shrub
17 Saccharum spontaneum
Darbe hullu Poaceae Herb
18 Stereospermum colais Paadari mara Bignoniaceae Tree 19 Syzygium cumini Nerale Myrtaceae Tree 20 Terminalia arjuna Hole matthi Combretaceae Tree 21 Vitex negundo Lakki Verbenaceae Shrub
5.4.5 Management of Haul Roads
The present condition of haul roads, which are leading to the mine, should be
maintained at regular intervals. The roads must be regularly sprinkled with water to
avoid dust spread during transportation of ore material through trucks.
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Tarpaulin covering during the transportation of iron ore is a must. The drainage system
is inadequate along the haul roads and it is suggested that drainage has to be provided
all along the haul roads, to arrest sediment flow towards downstream.
All along the haul roads following fast growing avenue tree species should be planted
to suppress the noise and dust pollution (Table-5.9): Albizia lebbeck, A. odoratissima,
Azadirachta indica, Cassia fistula, Ficus benghalensis,Ficus racemosa, Gmelina arborea,Grewia
tiliifolia, Pongamia pinnata, Tamarindus indica, Thespesia populnea and Terminalia catappa
( four rows on either side at a distance of 2.5 m apart)
Table-5.9: Plant Species recommended for Avenue Plantation along Mine
Haul Roads
Sl. No. Plant species Family Local name Habit 1 Acacia nilotica Mimosaceae Kare gobbali Tree 2 Albizia amara Mimosaceae Chigare Tree 3 Albizia lebbeck Mimosaceae Baage Tree 4 Albizia odoratissima Mimosaceae Bilvaara Tree 5 Albizia procera Mimosaceae Bilibaage Tree 6 Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Bevu Tree 7 Cassia fistula Caesalpiniaceae Kakke Tree 8 Dalbergia latifolia Fabaceae Beete Tree 9 Dalbergia sissoo Fabaceae Shista baage Tree
10 Ficus benghalensis Moraceae Aalada mara Tree 11 Ficus racemosa Moraceae Atthi mara Tree 12 Ficus religiosa Moraceae Arali mara Tree 13 Gmelina arborea Verbenaceae Shivani Tree 14 Grewia tiliifolia Tiliaceae Sannudippe Tree 15 Holoptelea
integrifolia Ulmaceae Thapasee mara
Tree
16 Pongamia pinnata Fabaceae Honge Tree 17 Stereospermum colais Bignoniaceae Paadari mara Tree 18 Tamarindus indica Caesalpiniaceae Hunise Tree 19
Terminalia catappa Combretaceae Kaadu baadaami
Tree
20 Thespesia populnea Malvaceae
Hoovarasi mara
Tree
21 Trema orientalis Ulmaceae Gorklu mara Tree
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5.5 AFFORESTATION
Afforestation of the mined out and other available areas which are not fragmented but
are degraded due to mining activity is the main component of re-vegetation process to
mitigate the negative impacts of the mining on environment. By afforestation and
restoration of the ecosystem as closely to the pre-mining is possible and accomplished.
In the context of the mines under study, the mine lease area though not fully mined out,
an afforestation plan has been formulated considering the conceptual closure plan of the
mines. After excluding the area finally classified under over burden dumps, green belt,
afforeated area, the area to be afforested in ML-2346 has been worked out to be 80.37 ha
[lease area 102.53 ha as per CEC sketch – (OB dump 10.74 ha + Green belt 3.89 ha +
afforested area 7.53 ha)]. The afforestation covering 1000 trees and 2500 shrubs per ha,
inclusive of maintenance for five years has been worked out as per the norms of State
Forest Department, Karnataka. The total indicative cost for afforestation in 80.37 ha @
Rs. 1.74 Lakh/ha has been worked to be Rs 139.84 Lakhs. It is recommended that the
work of afforestation should be entrusted to the State Forest Department, Karnataka and
the periodical monitoring shall be assigned to a National specialized Scientific
Institutions.
Afforestaion shall be made through:
Propagates (seeds, tubers, corms, bulbs, rhizomes and roots) stored in top soil.
Planting nursery-raised seedlings
By seed dibbling
Transplants of individuals from natural areas without disturbing the area.
It is usually more economical to establish plants by direct seeding than by planting
seedlings. Planting nursery-raised seedlings is most appropriate when the particular
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species cannot be established in suitable numbers through seeding or topsoil return. It
may be possible to propagate these species from seeds, cuttings, bulbs, rhizomes and
grow them on in containers in a nursery and then plant them as a part of the restoration
process. Planting seedlings may also be appropriate where the restoration objectives
require a systematic layout of plants, as in the case of establishing a plantation.
5.5.1 Multipurpose Plant Species
The multipurpose plant species recommended for eco-rehabilitation and reclamation of
mine areas are presented in Table- 5.10.
Table 5.10. Multipurpose plant species recommended for eco-reclamation and eco-rehabilitation of mine areas
Sl. No.
Plant species Local name Family Uses
A. Grasses and Herbs 1 Aristida setacea Dodda hanchi
hullu Poaceae C
2 Bothriochloa pertusa Aanekattu hullu Poaceae F 3 Cassia occidentalis Doddathagase Caesalpiniaceae M 4 Cassia tora Gundu thagase Caesalpiniaceae M 5 Chrysopogon fulvus Ganjigarike Poaceae F 6 Crotalaria juncea Sanna senabu Fabaceae F 7 Cymbopogon flexuosus Anthibale hullu Poaceae C 8 Cymbopogon martinii Kaashi hullu Poaceae C 9 Cymbopogon nardus Ganda hanchi
hullu Poaceae C
10 Cynodon dactylon Garike hullu Poaceae F 11 Dactyloctenium
aegyptium Kaadu Raagi hullu
Poaceae F
12 Dichanthium annulatum Ganjala garike hullu
Poaceae F
13 Eleusine indica Hecchulli hullu Poaceae F 14 Heteropogon contortus Oobina hullu Poaceae F 15 Mimosa pudica Muttidare muni Mimosaceae M 16 Tephrosia purpurea Koggi Fabaceae M 17 Vetiveria ziznoides Khus khus Poaceae M
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B. Climbers and Shrubs 18 Argyreia nervosa Samudra hale
balli Convolvulaceae M
19 Agave americana Aane Katthaale Agavaceae C 20 Agave sisalana Boodu
Katthaale Agavaceae C
21 Bambusa arundinacea Bidiru Poaceae E, C 22 Calotropis gigantea Ekka Asclepiadaceae M 23 Calotropis procera Bili ekka Asclepiadaceae M 24 Cassia auriculata Aavarike Caesalpiniaceae M 25 Dendrocalamus strictus Gandubidiru Poaceae E, C 26 Euphorbia tirucalli Atthimara Euphorbiaceae M 27 Indigofera cassioides Goggae Fabaceae E 28 Jatropha curcas Dodda haralu Euphorbiaceae M, C 29 Jatropha gossypifolia Chikka kaada
haralu Euphorbiaceae M
30 Vitex negundo Lakki Verbenaceae M C. Trees
31 Acacia catechu Kaachu Mimosaceae C 32 Acacia nilotica Kare Jaali Mimosaceae T 33 Aegle marmelos Bela Rutaceae M, E, C 34 Ailanthus excelsa Dodda mara Simaroubaceae C 35 Alangium salvifolium Ankole Alangiaceae M,T 36 Albizia amara Chujjulu Mimosaceae T 37 Albizia lebbeck Baage Mimosaceae T 38 Annona squamosa Seethaphala Annonaceae M,E,C 39 Anogeissus latifolia Dindiga Combretaceae T 40 Azadirachta indica Bevu Meliaceae M, T, F, C 41 Boswellia serrata Maddi mara Burseraceae M, C 42 Cassia fistula Kakke Caesalpiniaceae M 43 Ceiba pentandra Booruga Bombaceae C 44 Chloroxylon swietenia Hurugalu mara Flindersiaceae M, T 45 Dalbergia latifolia Beete mara Fabaceae T 46 Dalbergia paniculata Pachari mara Fabaceae T 47 Dalbergia sissoo Shishta bage,
Britimara Fabaceae T
48 Diospyros melanoxylon Tumri Ebenaceae E, C 49 Drypetes roxburgii Haalu
kalli,Kolukalli Euphorbiaceae M
50 Ficus benghalensis Arali Moraceae M, T, F
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51 Ficus racemosa Atthi Moraceae M,E 52 Ficus religiosa Aralimara Moraceae M,F 53 Givotia rottleriformis Hetthaega Euphorbiaceae C 54 Gmelina arborea Shivani Verbenaceae T 55 Grewia tiliifolia Sannudippe Tiliaceae T 56 Haldina cordifolia Hetthaega Rubiaceae T 57 Hardwickia binata Asanagurgi Caesalpiniaceae T 58 Holoptelea integrifolia Tapasimara Ulmaceae T 59 Lagerstroemia parviflora Hole
daasawaaala Lythraceae T
60 Lannea coromandelica Gumpina Anacardiaceae T 61 Limonia acidissima Baelada hannu Rutaceae M, E, C 62 Madhuca longifolia var.
latifolia Ippe Sapotaceae E, C
63 Mitragyna parvifolia Kadavala Rubiaceae T 64 Morinda pubescens Haladi paavate Rubiaceae T 65 Phyllanthus emblica Nelli Euphorbiaceae M,C 66 Pithecelobium dulce Seeme hunise Mimosaceae E, F 67 Pongamia pinnata Honge Fabaceae M, C 68 Pterocarpus marsupium Honne Fabaceae M,T 69 Santalam album Srigandh Santalaceae M, C 70 Soymida febrifuga Somi mara Meliaceae M 71 Sterculia urens Somi mara Sterculiaceae M, C 72 Syzygium cumini Nerale Myrtaceae T, E,C 73 Tamarindus indica Hunise Caesalpiniaceae T, E,C 74 Tectona grandis Thega Verbenaceae T 75 Terminalia arjuna Arjuna,
Holematthi Combretaceae M, T
76 Terminalia bellirica Thaare Combretaceae M, C 77 Terminalia catappa Kaadu
Baadaami Combretaceae E,C
78 Terminalia chebula Alale Combretaceae M, C 79 Terminalia elliptica Combretaceae T 80 Wrightia tinctoria Haale Rubiaceae C 81 Ziziphus mauritiana Bore Rhamnaceae E,C
M=Medicinal; T=Timber; E=Edible; F=Fodder; C=Commercial
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5.5.2 Establishment of Nursery
The already existing nursery is inadequate to cater the needs the plantation activity as
suggested in this report. Following suggestions are made to improve the existing
nursery.
• Minimum of two acres of land must be allotted for setting up the nursery.
• Efforts should be made to employ local people who are familiar with the local
flora.
• Seeds of the species prescribed for various purposes should be procured for
raising the seedlings.
• A separate area should be earmarked for establishing Medicinal plant nursery.
• Unemployed youth and women should be employed in the nursery. They should
be given adequate training in nursery techniques.
• The programme of raising seedling by the local women should be encouraged.
5.6 GREENBELT DEVELOPMENT PLAN
There is no green belt available in the safety zone around the mine lease area. In order to
minimize the impact of mining on environmental components outside the mine lease
area, it is recommended that greenbelt development all along within the mine lease area
in 7.5m width, as stipulated by MoEF, has to be made with immediate effect. The
greenbelt will act as a barrier to trap the suspended dust particles and also suppresses
noise and air pollutants. It is also important to create a green belt with tall seedlings (>1
m height) of fast growing native species so as to establish with good survival percentage
at the earliest.
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5.6.1 Indicative Cost of Developing Green Belt
The greenbelt area has to be developed in the estimated 3.89 ha area along the periphery
of Mine Lease Area- 2346. Based on the per hectare indicative cost of Rs. 2.57 Lakhs the
cost of developing green belt works out to Rs. 9.99 Lakhs as given in Table-5.11.
Table-5.11: Indicative Cost Estimate for Developing Green Belt
Sl. No. Mine Lease Area Area of Green Belt (ha)
Rate/ha (Rs. in lakhs)
Amount(Rs. in lakhs)
1 ML-2346 3.89 2.57 9.99 Total 9.99
5.6.2 Recommended Plant Species
The important tree species, namely, Ailanthus excelsa, Albizia amara, A. lebbeck,
Azadirachta indica, Boswellia serrata, Cassia fistula, Ceiba pentandra, Dalbergia sissoo, Drypetes
roxburgii, Ficus benghalensis, F. religiosa, Gmelina arborea, Haldina cordifolia, Hardwickia
binata, Holoptelea integrifolia, Lagerstroemia parviflora, Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia,
Mitragyna parvifolia, Phyllanthus emblica, Pithecelobium dulce, Pongamia pinnata,
Stereospermum colais and Tectona grandis have been recommended for greenbelt
plantation around the mine lease area in four rows (2.5 m x2.5 m spacing) as given in %
(Table-5.12).
Table-5.12: Tree Species recommended for Greenbelt Development around the mine
lease area.
Sl. No. Botanical name Local name Family 1. Ailanthus excelsa Dodda mara Simaroubaceae 2. Albizia amara Chujjulu Mimosaceae 3. Albizia lebbeck Baage Mimosaceae 4. Albizia procera Bilibage Mimosaceae 5. Azadirachta indica Bevu Meliaceae 6. Boswellia serrata Maddi mara Burseraceae 7. Cassia fistula Kakke Caesalpiniaceae
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8. Dalbergia latifolia Beete mara Fabaceae 9. Dalbergia paniculata Pachari mara Fabaceae 10. Dalbergia sissoo Shishta bage,
Britimara Fabaceae
11. Ficus benghalensis Aaladamara Moraceae 12. Ficus religiosa Aralimara Moraceae 13. Gmelina arborea Shivane mara Verbenaceae 14. Grewia tiliifolia Sannudippe Tiliaceae 15. Haldina cordifolia Hetthaega Rubiaceae 16. Hardwickia binata Asanagurgi Caesalpiniaceae 17. Holoptelea integrifolia Tapasimara Ulmaceae 18. Lagerstroemia parviflora Holedasawala Lythraceae 19. Madhuca longifolia var. latifolia Ippemara Sapotaceae 20. Mitragyna parvifolia Kadavala Rubiaceae 21. Phyllanthus emblica Bettada nellikai Euphorbiaceae 22. Pithecelobium dulce Seeme hunuse mara Mimosaceae 23. Pongamia pinnata Hongemara Fabaceae 24. Schleichera oleosa Saagade mara Meliaceae 25. Stereospermum colais Paadarimara Bignoniaceae 26. Tectona grandis Thegadamara Verbenaceae 27. Trema orientalis Gorklu mara Ulmaceae
5.7 BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION PLAN
The zone in which the present mine study was carried out has comparatively rich in
vegetation especially in the zones adjoining the mine lease area.
5.7.1 Flora
Considering the importance of the forest ecosystem in terms of its environmental
services suitable floral species have been recommended for restoration of the mined out
areas for timber, fodder, fuel wood and medicinal plants to meet the community
requirement and overall ecosystem development (Table-5.13).
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Table 5.13. Recommended for restoration of the mined out areas for timber, fodder, fuel wood and medicinal plants
S.No. Botanical name Family Habit Remarks 1 Aristolochia indica Aristolochiaceae Climber Medicinal 2 Celastrus paniculata Celastraceae Climber RET/ Medicinal 3 Cocculus hirsutus Menispermaceae Climber Medicinal 4 Tylophora indica Asclepiadaceae Climber Medicinal 5 Hybanthus enneaspermus Violaceae Herb Medicinal 6 Calotropis gigantea Asclepiadaceae Shrub Medicinal 7 Cassia auriculata Caesalpiniaceae Shrub Medicinal 8 Acacia catechu Mimosaceae Tree Medicinal 9 Anogeissus latifolia Combretaceae Tree Medicinal 10 Azadirachta indica Meliaceae Tree Medicinal 11 Bridelia retusa Euphorbiaceae Tree 12 Buchanania lanzan Anacardiaceae Tree Medicinal 13 Canthium parviflorum Rubiaceae Tree 14 Cassia fistula Caesalpiniaceae Tree Medicinal 15 Catunaregam spinosa Rubiaceae Tree Medicinal 16 Ficus religiosa Moraceae Tree Medicinal 17 Flacourtia indica Flacourtiaceae Tree Medicinal 18 Gardenia gummifera Rubiaceae Tree Medicinal 19 Holarrhena pubescens Apocynaceae Tree Medicinal 20 Ixora pavetta Rubiaceae Tree 21 Mallotus phillipensis Euphorbiaceae Tree Medicinal 22 Pongamia glabra Fabacaeae Tree 23 Santalum album Santalaceae Tree RET/Medicinal 24 Wendlandia thyrsoidea Rubiaceae Tree 25 Wrightia tinctorea Apocynaceae Tree Medicinal
5.7.2 Fauna
Following suggestions are made in this plan to improve the faunal population:
5.7.2.1 Habitat Protection
The diversity of animal species and their abundance is largely dependent on the
availability of suitable habitats. All measures as suggested in Biological measures must
be followed to achieve success in Biodiversity Conservation plan. No natural materials
(physical and biological) should be displaced from the natural habitat. The natural
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habitat area outside the mining lease area should be declared as non human interference
area.
5.7.2.2 Providing a Corridor for the Dwelling and Movement of Herpetofauna
A corridor must be created among the fragmented habitat by planting trees, shrubs,
herbs and grasses to allow the movement of Herpetofauna.
5.7.2.3 Creation of Habitat for Avifauna
Fruit, fodder and shelter providing trees such as Ficus benghalensis, Ficus religiosa, Ficus
racemosa, Madhuca longifolia, and Alangium solvifolium, Diospyros melanoxylon, Limonia
acidissima, Phyllanthus emblica, Aegle marmelos, Annona squamosa, Azadirachta indica,
Pithecelobium dulce, Syzygium cumini, Tamarindus indica and Ziziphus maurtiana may be
planted to attract birds as well as other wildlife.
5.7.2.4 Reducing Anthropogenic Pressure
• No mining activity should be allowed between 6 pm and 6am
• Bright lights should not be used after 6 pm.
• Vehicular traffic should be banned between 6pm and 6am.
5.7.3 Aquatic Fauna
The drainage of this mine area leads to Bhimasamundra. Seasonal nalas originate around
the mine area. The watercourses within and adjoining areas are formed during
monsoon to drain off as surface water. Such precipitation water originating from the
mine areas may contaminate the freshwater sources and increased flow of suspended
mine solids and sediments into the streams and nalas. Hence, this water is proposed to
be let out through a series of biological and engineering measures as suggested in the
earlier chapters of the present report.
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The bio-engineering measures such as plantation of grasses along slopes, contour drains
and back fill areas; check dams, rock fill dams as recommended in section 5.1 should be
adopted to regulate sediment flow and water run-off. Further, it is also suggested that
during mining operations, localized pits should be created to collect mine water, which
should be pumped out through peripheral drains of the mine. All the existing drains
arising from the mine area should be well connected to natural streams/nalas only after
passing through bio-engineering structures. Garland trenches should be provided all
along the OB dumps Ore and sub grade ore dumps of mine area to protect from soil
erosion which may result in siltation of the streams. By adopting the above measures,
the aquatic faunal diversity may not get affected from the mining activity.
5.7.4 Biodiversity Conservation Area
It was observed during the visit that 2 locations of the area one in abandoned area
(Ramanayak pit) and another in a future mining area(Adjacent to D block) was rich in
Biodiversity consisting of unique plant associations which is typical of tropical
deciduous forest type and they may be protected without any disturbance.
1. This area is known as Ramanayan pit and is an abandoned pit since 1992 due the
presence of very low quality of iron and Manganese. The area consists of virgin
vegetation association which has characters of tropical deciduous forest type.
Several individuals of Celastrus paniculata RET species is growing in this area besides
several species of medicinal importance. This location is having 1.59 ha of land and
lies in following geographical location:
1. N140 13’02.02’’; E 760 12’57.2’’
2. N140 13’ 03.5’’; E 760 12’ 57.2”
3. N 140 12’59’’; E760 12’55.4’’
4. N 140 12’ 57.7’’; E 760 12’ 58.7’’
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2. The second potential biodiversity is in future mining area adjacent to D block.
Undisturbed till date. The area has 4.88 ha of land and lies in following geographical
location (IN WGS 84 FORMAT):
1. N 14 12 55.6 E 76 13 24.8
2. .N 14 12 57.7 E 76 13 24.1
3. N 14 13 01.5 E 76 13 12.0
4. N 14 12 50.9 E 76 13 07.5
5. N 14 12 51.5 E 76 13 09.8
6. N 14 12 52.3 E 76 13 11.2
7. N 14 12 55.9 E 76 13 13.2
8. N 14 12 57.6 E 76 13 13.9
9. N 14 12 58.4 E 76 13 15.0
The area has comparative dense canopy with typical plant associations. It is found that
few RET species like Santalum album and Celastrus paniculata and several species of
medicinal importance are found in the area.
The above mentioned areas are suitable for preserving as a potential biodiversity
Conservation area as they encompass typical plant associations as occurring in the
natural areas. The area could be used plant gene bank which can cater the need of seeds
of local plant species. The areas are having valleys, grass lands and thick patches of
vegetation which serve as suitable habitat for movement of wildlife.
5.8 SOIL MANAGEMENT PLAN
Development projects in any region must learn to respect the ecological integrity and the
priority of conserving biodiversity of the region for long-term sustainability of the
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mineral extraction initiatives, for economic development and dependent human well-
beings. It is therefore important to reclaim and rehabilitate the mining areas,
conservation of flora and fauna including beneficial microbes. The microbes play an
important role in maintaining the biological equilibrium of the ecosystem. Among
different microbes, there is a symbiotic group of fungi called ‘mycorrhizae’. They are
extremely important as they help in transport of phosphorous and other essential
elements to the plant system from the soil. These mycorrhizal fungi also protect the
plants against soil borne and root borne diseases. Other than mycorrhizal fungi, the
beneficial microbes such as Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) viz.,
Azotobacter, Azospirillum, Rhizobium and Phosphobactreria (species of Bacillus and
Pseudomonas) involved in breakdown of organic matter, N2 fixation, and secretion of
plant growth hormones and increase of available mineral nutrients in soil. They are also
helpful to build up other beneficial micro-flora and in turn improve soil health (Mohan
and Karthkeyan, 2011). These beneficial microbes are considered as bio-inoculants or
bio-fertilizers and they improve the growth and quality of the seedlings in nursery and
also help the plants for better survival and establishment in problematic areas like
mined areas and maintain soil structure. The type of bio-fertilizers and the application
rate will vary according to the site, soil type and post-mining land use.
Furthermore, most of the restoration programme will include application of organic
fertilizers like farmyard manure (FYM), green/leaf manure and vermi compost. Initial
applications of these organic fertilizers have been shown to increase species numbers,
plant density and growth rates. Various organic wastes can also have value as both
fertilizers and soil amendments based on the availability.
The most practical way to increase the nitrogen capital of ecosystems is to establish
nitrogen-fixing plants, usually legumes, which can quickly increase the nitrogen levels in
the system. The easiest method is to broadcast large quantity of seeds of Horse gram
(Macrotyloma uniflorum) immediately after first showers. Vesicular Arbuscular
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Mycorrhizal (VAM) fungi and Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) can be
applied along with fully composted farmyard manure and vermi compost to increase the
growth of the plants as well as fertility of the soil.
The following measures in respect of soil management can be adopted in reclamation
and rehabilitation of mined areas:
• Beneficial microbes are present in the top soil of mining areas. Hence, the top soil
must be removed at the time of mining and dumped separately at a
predetermined area as per the mine land use plan and be used for reclamation
and rehabilitation of mined areas.
• Necessary precautions has to be taken to preserve the fertility and shelf life of the
micro flora in the top soil by adopting suitable height of the top soil dumps and
preventing losses due to erosion during the phase of temporary storage.
• The top soil containing beneficial micro flora of the site must be spread over the
mined out areas including OB dumps and back filled areas during the process of
mined land rehabilitation.
In addition, adopting the following management techniques with the use and
application of beneficial microorganisms as bio-inoculants (bio-fertilizers) along with
organic fertilizers will be very effective during the mine spoil reclamation and
rehabilitation programme:
The beneficial microorganisms can be introduced as bio-fertilizers during
afforestation in the overburden dumps and other mined out areas through
planting of suitable fast growing native plant species (inoculated with bio-
fertilizers and organic fertilizers) like grasses, herbs, shrubs and trees.
The seedlings can be inoculated with Vesicular Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (VAM)
fungi and other beneficial microorganisms like PGPRs (Azotobacter,
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Azospirillum, Phosphobacterium, Rhizobium) along with the bio-manures/
organic manures like fully composted farmyard manure, vermi-compost, leaf
compost in the nursery.
The bio-fertilizer inoculated seedlings/saplings should be planted during the
process of rehabilitation of mined areas.
The pits dug out for planting of saplings for afforetation should be filled with the
mixture of biofertilizers and organic manures (preferably 15 gm biofertilizers +
750gm to 1kg organic manure per pit)
5.9. PRODUCTION CAPACITY BASED ON RESERVE, DUMP AND ROAD
CAPACITY
5.9.1 Permissible Production Capacity Based on Reserves
As per the approved scheme of mining from 2009-2010 to 2010-2011, the category wise
total mineable reserves of 14.00 million tonnes have been estimated. The details of iron
ore reserve are given below:
Table- 5.14: Details of category wise geological and mineable reserve
S.No. Category of reserves
UNFC category Mineable reserve as on1.4.09
(in Tonnes)
1 Proved 111 13097832 2 Probable 121 608633 3 Possible 333 293552
Total 14000017
(Source- Approved scheme of Mining dated 17.06.2009 for 2009-10 to 2012-13)
A total production of 2444603 tonnes was obtained from the period of 2009-10
to 2011-2012 after the approval of mining plan which was depleted from the
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previously assessed reserves of 14000017 tonnes. Details of the category wise
updated reserves are furnished below in the table:
Table- 5.15: Detail of category wise updated geological and minable reserves
S.No. Category of reserves
UNFC category Mineable reserve as on1.4.09
(in Tonnes)
1 Proved 111 10653229
2 Probable 121 608633 3 Possible 333 293552
Total 11555414
In the present case actual possible reserves of 293552 tonnes which are less than
the 50% of proved and probable reserves have been taken into account for
estimating the total reserves as per the CEC guidelines dated 26.04.2011. Hence the
total updated (balanced) reserves are of 11.56 million tonnes as on 1.04.2012.
Therefore the production of 0.578 or say 0.58 million tonnes per annum could be
possible to achieve during the next 20 years.
5.9.2 Permissible Production capacity based on Dump
The additional volume of the waste material that could be accommodated in the active
dump has been estimated approximately at 0.46 MCM during next plan period in an
area of 5.33 ha (Figure 5.2) and 0.05 MCM (as per submitted mining scheme 2012-13 to
2016-17 chapter 4. The total waste generation for next plan period is 1.02 million tonnes
i.e. 0.51 MCM) of waste material will be used for backfilling of mined out southern (pit
E) from Northern (Pit D) during the next plan period. The details of production based
on this dump capacity are as per following:
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Total additional waste that would be accommodated in the defined area for
dump during next plan period = 0.46 MCM
Volume that can be accumulated in backfilling of exhausted pit = 0.05 MCM
Therefore, quantum of waste material corresponding to this volume 0.46 MCM+
0.05 MCM = 0.51 MCM
Therefore, the quantity of waste that can be produced corresponding to 0.51
MCM of waste material = 0.51 X 2 = 1.02 million tonne
Given average ore to waste material ration = 1: 0.54 (as per appoved SOM
17.06.2009 for 2009-10 to 2012-13)
Therefore,quantity of ore that can be produced corresponding to 1.02 million
tones waste = 1.02/0.54 = 1.89 million tonnes
Hence, the annual production capacity = 1.89/5 = 0.38 MT/ annum for next five
years.
5.9.3 Permissible Production Capacity based on Road.
The 70% of iron ore production is transported to BBH Private Railway siding, which is at
a distance of about 2 Kms. And remaining 30% of the transport from mines itself. Entire
transport to railway siding is done in 31 tonnes capacity dumpers. Where as remaining
30% of transport is carried out in 10 tonnes tippers (5%) and 16 tonnes truck (95%).
The transport of ore from the mines lease area is made from Mine Check post gate no:3
to State highway 48, through 12.5 m ( 7.5 m for loaded truck amd 5m wide for return
truck separated by diverder) wide mud road for a distance of 2 Kms belong to mine
leassee.
The transportation of ore through BBH Private Railway siding is made for JSW plant,
which is located at Thoranagallu at a distance of about 210 Kms. Also, some part of the
ore is despatched to B.M.M. Ispath located at Hospet at a distance of 235 Kms and other
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favourable locations. Based on the production and the record available, 0.3 million
tonnes of ore has been recorded to be transported by the road in tarpaulin-covered
trucks.
The rest of 0.7 million tonnes from the mine lease area has been transported through
private railway siding which at a distance of about 2 Kms has been loaded through 75
numbers of dumpers @ rate of 31 tonnes capacity per day.
Table 5.16: The mode of trasnport used for despatchigthe ore from mine lease area
SL.No. MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
No of Trucks/day
CAPACITY Quantity in tonnes/annum
1 By Road 5 10 tonnes 15000 2 By Road 59 16 tonnes 285000 3 From BBH private
Railway siding 75 31 tonnes 700000
TOTAL 139 1000000
Based on the above information and existing infrastructure facilities, the mine can be
permitted to operate at 1.00 million-tonnes/annum capacity.
A detail of the production capacity for all criteria is given as under:
Sr. No. Criteria Permissible Production Limit (Million Tonnes)/annum
1. Reserves 0.58 2. Dump Capacity 0.38 3. Road Capacity 1.00
The permissible limit of annual production minimum of the above three criteria is
considered as 0.38 million tonnes/annum based on the capacity of dump.
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5.9.4 Additional measures if any
• Drilling and blasting operations should be totally avoided and ore should be
mined by using ripper dozer.
• Mining should not be carried out beyond the existing pit limits.
• The green belt has not been developed in the north-west portion of the lease
area. It was informed by the company that, green belt in the uncovered area will
be developed on issue of permission from Hon’ble C.E.C. for re-opening of the
mine
• 70 percent of transportation of ore is done by railway siding developed by the
leesee and remaining 30 percent transporation of ore is done by road.
• Concurrent backfilling of the existing pit after exhausiting a part of the deposit
should be carried out.
• Backfilling of the pits should be carried out after reaching its ultimate pit limits
so that enough space for dumping of waste material will be available.
• Transportation of ore from mining faces upto railway sidings should be
proposed by a pipe conveyor belt so as to avoid the transportation of ore in
trucks.
• Afforestation over a length of 300m in the left over portion of the safety zone
should also be carried out which is located along the lease boundary pillar 4th ,
5th and 6th in the northern side.
• The total quantity of subgrade material is 6 million tones is available after the
closure of mining operations out of which 2 million tones is being lifted after e-
auction and the balance quantity of sub - grade is also under the process of
disposal through e-auction. On complete removal of sub grade material the
enough space will be available in future for dumping of waste material.
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5.10 FIELD OBSERVATIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
• Northern side of OB dump stabilized area, retaining wall should be constructed
at the bottom.
• Silt deposition noticed in the Eucalyptus plantation.
• No green belt all along the boundary in Northern side.
• Garland drain should be constructed around the active dump.
• On active OB dumps the species planted are: Acacia auriculiformis, Eucalyptus
tereticornis, Cassia siamea, Leucaena leucocephala, Simarouba glauca and
Pongamia pinnata, most of which are exotics. The exotics should not planted and
suitable native plant species used when new planting activity is taken up.
Grasses are also to be used for stabilizing OB dump.
• Chitradurga is a high wind velocity area, and therefore shelter belt plantation
should be appropriate for the area.
• Plantation should be raised scientifically with proper spacing and native grasses,
shrubs and tree species including fruit bearing trees.
• 2 check dams found towards northern side near 2nd and 3rd pillar.
• Stabilized OB dumps eroded and deep gullies formed. Garland drain and
retaining wall should be constructed at the bottom of OB dumps.
• All the check dams should be desilted periodically in order to ensure its proper
functioning.
• Boundary pillars should be constructed as per norms with numbers and GPS
readings.
• The area where the Nala crosses the road, a culvert with 60 cm dia RCC Hume
Pipe (NP3) should be made for about 20 m length.
• In another area, flow of Nala was blocked by road embankment. In this area,
culvert should be constructed.
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• The area where sub-grade ore material was dumped should also be considered
as “unbroken”
• Protection walls of 1.5 m height should be constructed for the check dam near the
Office building. The culvert already constructed on the Nala should be
strengthened.
• The invasive weeds like Lantana camara etc. grown inside as well as around the
check dam areas, settling tanks etc should be removed.
• Manganese pits 2 Nos., abandoned about 15 years back but not surrendered to
government; proposes to hand over.
• Though retaining wall is existing at OB dump in North-East direction, it is not
having sufficient height to prevent the flow of debris. Therefore, recommended
engineering measures should be undertaken by the lessee.
• Though the tree plantation has been done on the above steep dump, due to gully
formation the trees may get uprooted in near future. Steps should be taken to
prevent gully formation.
• The lessee has planted sufficient number of trees, but it was observed that in
many locations monoculture has been followed. The lessee should desist from
monoculture and plant different species preferably with local plant species.
• In abandoned site adjacent to Anjana mines only Neem plants have been
planted. This area should be provided with ground covering herbs and grasses,
followed by shrubs also.
• It was observed that Acacia mangium, Acacia auriculiformis, Delonix regia and
few other exotic plant species are also grown which may interfere with the local
biodiversity. The lessee should here after should not plant these species.
• Weeds like Parthenium, Lantana and Chromolaena are spreading to natural areas.
Deweeding work must be undertaken before flowering stage.
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5.11 IMPLEMENTATION AND MONITORING
Rehabilitation is the principal process used to mitigate the long-term impacts of mining
on the environment. The main objective of the proposed rehabilitation plan is to restore
the pre-mining conditions as closely as possible in order to ensure the future
sustainability of the site. The proposed Reclamation and Rehabilitation plan has been
aimed for topographic reconstruction with engineering and biological measures for
erosion control and re-vegetation with adequate soil amendments including application
of beneficial microbes (bio-fertilizers) such as mycorrihizal fungi, PGPRs etc for re-
establishment of nutrient cycle for sustainability of restoration. Also, encouraging the
native fauna to return to areas cleared for mining is the integrated aim of this restoration
programme which aims to restore a natural ecosystem. The recommended provisions are
to be implemented by the mine owner in consonance with the macro-level EIA report of
ICFRE submitted to Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. This report has outlined the major
impacts of iron ore mining in Chitradurga district on various aspects of environmental
degradation.
Further, the findings of macro-level EIA report and recommendations made in the chapter
nine of the report “Scientific Mining in Chitradurga District, Karnataka - The Way Ahead”
and the direction on it by the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India to protect further
environmental degradation may be corroborated with the current Reclamation and
Rehabilitation plan and common infrastructure proposed.
Another important aspect is the regular monitoring of the implementation of the
proposed measures of the current Reclamation and Rehabilitation Plan in order to ensure
rehabilitation of the mine affected areas as envisaged in the plan. Monitoring provides a
method of measuring progress against an objective. In addition, site surveillance may be
necessary to demonstrate that the mine site remains safe and poses no environmental or
health risks. Regular monitoring also allows for a proactive response where the
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rehabilitation process is found to be lacking in the desired results. Monitoring also
provides valuable reference data for authorities in subsequent decision-making and in
refining environmental permitting procedures or land use planning.
Therefore, it would be essential that the monitoring is done by a body having competent
and composite scientific expertise as it would need to be conducted using transparent and
scientifically rigorous procedures. These programs need to combine cost-effectiveness
with credibility to regulators, local communities and other interested parties. The
objective assessment of the mine site should be consistent with the adaptive management
technique (do-monitor-evaluate-revise). In our country there are limited institutions
having such composite expertise and experience for execution and monitoring of such
specialized tasks. Therefore, consortium of institutes headed by ICFRE may be formulated
for effective monitoring and the implementation of the R & R Plan.
Monitoring a landscape’s health over time in response to environmental, management or
regulatory drivers is important for land managers, ranging from individuals to
governments, especially when the monitoring output has direct relevance for
management decision-making. Monitoring may be seeking to look for evidence of
landscape degradation or of rehabilitation progress and the procedure needs to have
equal facility in dealing with these scenarios. Therefore, it is also essential that the skills of
both, the mine owners and the managers, should be upgraded through professionally
designed refresher courses. This training would equip them to:
Respond to environmental impacts
Develop plans to address impacts
To implement the plans and evaluate the results, and
Report and record on results
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In order to achieve these objectives, it is recommended that suitable refresher courses
should be designed and conducted by some competent organization which has the
scientific expertise and experience in the field of mine rehabilitation.
5.12 COST SUMMARY OF THE PROPOSED PLAN
The indicative cost estimated for the engineering and biological measure for Reclamation
and Rehabilitation Plan is approx. Rs. 602.90 lakhs (Rupees Five Crores Forty Seven Lakhs
and Forty NineThousand only). The cost for implementation of Social Management Plan
(SMP), Biodiversity Management Plan, Monitoring and implementation of Reclamation
and Rehabilitation Plan, capacity building of the personal involved, infrastructure etc.,
shall be met from allocating of 10% of the annual sale proceeds from the mines, in respect
of “Category: A“ mine. As decided earlier, a task force to be constituted as per the
recommendation of Macro-level EIA report and the direction of Hon’ble Supreme Court
of India for implementation of R&R plan and EMP. The breakup of the indicative cost
estimate is given below in Table-5.17.
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Table-5.17: Indicative Cost Summary of the Proposed Plan
Sl. No.
Item of work Amount in Lac.
1 Estimate for dump management plan (stabilisation of dump by
construction of retaining walls, garland drains and geo-textile)
279.10
2 Surface water management through Construction of Gully Plug,Check Dam and Settling
tanks
168.97
3 Green belt 9.99 4 Soil amendments 5.00 5 Afforestaion 139.84 6 Social Management Plan (SMP),
Biodiversity Management Plan, Monitoring and implementation of
R&R plan, capacity building, infrastructure etc.
10% of the annual sale proceeds from the mines, in respect of “Category:A“ mine, may be
transferred to SPV for the purpose of taking up various ameliorative and mitigative majors in district
Bellary or as decided by task force to be constituted as per the
recommendation of Macro-level EIA report and the direction of
honorable Supreme Court of India for implementation of R&R plan
and EMP Total 602.90 lac
excluding cost serial No. 6 proposed above
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5.13 TIME SCHEDULE
Draft IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE OF MITIGATION / ENGINEERING MEASURES FOR BBH Iron Ore Mines -M/s Mineral Enterprises Limited –M.L.No:2346 UNDER REMAINING LIFE OF MINE FOR A PERIOD OF 20 YEARS AT PRESENT PRODUCTION CAPACITY OF 0.58 MT / ANNUM
Description
Qty. Work to be done
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 19th 20th
Retaining walls at toe of waste dump
860m `@143 m
/ Annum
Retaining walls at intermediate locations of waste dump
690m @143 m
/ Annum
Garland Drain (GD-1)
3100 m
`@517 m /
Annum
Garland Drain (GD-2)
310m `@155 m
/ Annum
Settling Tank (Stone Masonary)
6 Nos
Gully Plugs
6 Nos
Masonary Check
2 Nos
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Dam Rock fill check Dam
2 Nos
Hume Pipe Culvert (NP-3)
4 Nos
Rectification of Mine Benches as per DGMS rules & as per mining scheme /plan
Reclamation / Backfilling of exhusted pits
10.95 Mcu
m
`@3.65 Mcum / Annum
Green Belt development on safety zone area
3.89 Ha
`@0.97 Ha /
Annum
Afforested Area
7.53 ha
Plantation on Dumps
10.74 Ha
`@1.07 Ha /
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Annum
Plantation on Backfilled pits
32.59 Ha
1.38 Ha /
Annum
Providing and fixing geo-textile on outer surface of slope of waste dump and sub grade dump
(as per the
requirement)
Strenthening & Gap Plantation
Environmental Monitoring & watch - Ward after closure
NOTE: 1st year means it is the date of re-opening of the mine after Renewal / Supreme court Clearences
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5.14 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Champion, H.G. and Seth, S.K. 1968. A revised Survey of the Forest types of India. Govt.
of India Publications. New Delhi.
Environmental Impact Assesment (EIA) (Interim Report) on ground water and allied
fields in and around BBH iron ore mines, Bedra Bommanahalli, Chitradurga
district, Karnataka.
Environmental impact assesment and environmental management plan of BBH iron ore
mines, M/s Mineral Enterprises Ltd., Bangalore.
Ground water information booklet, Chitradurga district, Karnataka, South Western
Region, Bangalore, August 2007.
Kundu, N.K. and Ghose, M.K. 1998. Studies on the Exisiting Plant Communities in
Easterns Coal Field Areas with a view to Reclamation of Mined Outlands. Journal
of Environmental Biology. 19 (1): 83-89.
Legris and Pascal, 1982. Explanatory booklet on the map of South India. French Institute Pondicherry.
Padmavathiamma, P.K. and Li, L.Y. 2007. Phytoremediation Technology:
Hyperaccumulation Metals in Plants. Water Air Soil Pollution 184(1-4): 105-126.
Sheoran, V., Sheoran, A.S. and Poonia, P. 2009. Phytomining: A Review. Minerals
Engineering. 22(12): 1007–1019.
Sheoran, V., Sheoran, A.S. and Poonia, P. 2010. Soil Reclamation of Abandoned Mine
Land by Revegetation: A Review. International Journal of Soil, Sediment and Water:
3(2): Article 13.
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Singh, A.N. and Singh, J.S. 2006. Experiments on Ecological Restoration of Coal Mine
Spoil using Native Trees in a Dry Tropical Environment, India: A Synthesis. New
Forests. 31: 25-39.
V. Mohan and A. Karthikeyan. 2011. Biofertilizers and Biomanures (Techniques for
Production, Maintenance and Application). Institute of Forest Genetics and Tree
Breeding, Coimbatore - 641 002., Tamil Nadu, India pp.1-44.
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PLATES
Plate1: Mining at BBH Mines
Plate2: OB Dump of BBH Mines
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Plate 3: Vegetation in the study area
Plate 4: Expert Team during floral survey in the study area
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Plate 5: Check dam in the study area
Plate 6: Use of Geotextiling for the stabilization of Dump
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ANNEXURES
Annexure- 1
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Annexure-2
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Annexure- 3
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Annexure-4
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Annexure- 5
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Annexure-6
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Annexure-7
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Annexure- 8
Internal and External Road Map
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Annexure- 9
AIR QUALITY REPORT SURROUNDING THE VILLAGE COVER FOR BBH MINES (2346)
Month VILLAGES
Palya Village HireKandavadi Meghalahalli Bheemasamudra SPM RPM S02 NOX SPM RPM S02 NOX SPM RPM S02 NOX SPM RPM S02 NOX
01/04/2010 105.75 25.25 9.25 10.14 109.63 28.25 8.46 9.81 107.25 24.75 8.49 9.79 110.50 30.75 8.13 9.8401/05/2010 112.13 26.75 9.61 11.09 104.38 21.75 8.89 10.03 102.75 24.63 9.73 10.90 120.50 23.13 8.60 10.0001/06/2010 94.25 23.25 8.90 10.44 93.88 23.38 8.84 11.19 98.88 24.63 8.30 10.61 95.50 27.25 8.96 11.0601/07/2010 93.88 21.50 8.01 9.51 102.13 23.25 8.70 9.58 91.88 20.75 7.84 9.36 110.88 24.63 8.16 9.6601/08/2010 86.25 21.50 8.26 9.39 90.75 22.63 8.23 9.24 91.63 23.38 7.96 9.93 7.00 23.50 8.80 10.1801/09/2010 86.25 22.25 8.59 9.46 87.50 26.00 8.99 10.10 93.00 25.13 8.88 10.15 100.38 28.38 8.73 10.2501/10/2010 105.75 27.25 9.20 10.21 110.50 28.88 9.46 10.76 112.25 29.00 9.54 10.45 109.88 26.50 9.14 10.3001/11/2010 112.37 29.12 8.05 10.07 102.62 25.87 8.26 9.68 97.25 25.12 8.52 9.77 103.62 23.87 9.18 10.03 01/12/2010 107.50 27.00 8.16 9.52 107.87 26.87 9.25 10.13 104.50 26.00 8.46 9.81 110.50 30.75 8.13 9.8401/01/2011 107.37 26.50 8.60 10.01 107.25 27.37 8.85 10.21 103.62 27.00 8.15 9.50 105.75 30.25 8.50 9.8501/02/2011 112.50 27.75 8.36 10.22 112.87 27.00 8.87 10.38 108.00 27.62 8.35 9.67 112.50 28.87 8.27 10.8701/03/2011 110.62 30.50 8.11 9.97 110.25 30.50 8.55 10.37 107.50 27.75 8.11 9.83 106.37 30.37 8.02 10.0501/04/2011 114.87 28.62 8.21 10.06 113.00 30.75 8.31 10.27 110.25 29.62 8.15 10.28 109.75 30.00 8.20 10.3301/05/2011 104.50 24.50 8.23 10.21 103.00 25.50 8.28 10.66 102.12 26.25 7.96 10.13 105.75 25.62 8.07 10.3601/06/2011 97.12 25.25 7.88 10.01 93.75 22.37 8.02 10.47 93.85 24.00 7.85 10.71 97.12 24.87 8.22 10.3301/07/2011 83.37 20.62 7.17 9.33 83.62 22.37 7.58 9.40 87.62 23.50 7.82 10.71 91.12 22.75 7.81 9.7701/08/2011 80.25 23.75 7.79 8.95 78.50 22.75 8.46 9.48 79.38 22.38 7.83 8.93 84.38 24.50 7.75 8.78 01/09/2011 86.00 27.25 8.10 10.85 85.38 25.88 7.79 10.35 83.00 26.50 8.04 11.03 85.88 28.38 7.88 9.9001/10/2011 80.50 26.63 8.00 11.31 82.25 27.38 7.98 11.14 84.00 27.25 8.34 11.25 82.88 26.75 8.33 11.4101/11/2011 69.00 18.50 8.35 9.74 66.63 17.63 8.85 9.94 65.40 17.80 8.50 10.00 70.63 18.50 8.64 10.2601/12/2011 78.63 19.50 8.20 9.81 81.25 19.88 9.01 9.88 79.00 22.10 9.30 10.60 87.13 20.63 9.11 10.32
STANDARD VALUES
LOCATION SPM RPS S02 NOX INDUSTRIAL 500 150 120 120.00
Residential/Rural 200 100 80 80.00
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Annexure- 10
Mineral Enterprises Limited,M.L/No.2346 Bedara Bommanahalli Iron Ore Mines Proposed back filling of mined out pit
SECTION SECTION AREA IN Sqm
INFLUENCE IN Mts VOLUME IN Cum
H-H' 7598 50 379900 I-I' 11583 50 579150 J-J' 15333 50 766650
K-K' 21939 50 1096950 L-L' 27704 50 1385200
M-M' 31365 50 1568250 N-N' 33267 50 1663350 O-O' 30952 50 1547600 P-P' 20820 50 1041000 Q-Q' 14976 50 748800 R-R' 3499 50 174950
TOTAL 10951800 Source: Received from lessee