CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION

Transcription

1 - 1 - CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION Profile & Background of the Proponent: The Project proponent Smt. Raziya Khanum Proprietor of M/s. Raj Minerals has been in the trade of Mining & Marketing for more than 25 years and has sufficient experience in extraction of Iron & manganese ore. The mine is operated under the guidance & supervision of Sri. B.R. Ashfaq Ahmed Khan who is the Attorney Holder of the lease area and will be responsible to carry out the proposed mine operations as contemplated in the Mining Plan and Environmental Management Plan. Objective of the Project The objective of the proposed project is to mine iron & manganese ore which shall be sold in the domestic market for the Sponge iron plants, local Ferro alloys for manufacture of manganese steel and to intermediate parties. The quality of the mineral sold will be as per the requirements of the user industry. The low grade usually finds use in manufacture of pig iron in blast furnace, high grade in Steel making. The mining lease area with M.L. No (Old M.L.No.1575) is located at Doddabyaladakere village of Hosadurga Taluk, Chitradurga District. The above said mining lease is a Government revenue land over an extent of Hectares bearing the Sy. No. 38 and 59. The project was accorded Environmental Clearance by MOEF, Government of India for production capacity of million tones/annum of Iron Ore & million tones/annum of Manganese Ore as required under EIA Notification 1994 vide letter No. J11015/78/2006-IA.II (M) dated The lessee is now desirous of further expansion of the mining production in the production levels by mechanized method of mining in combination with 10 tons capacity tippers as proposed in the approved Modified Mining Plan to maintain the production capacity of the mines at a max of 15,390 tons/ annum of Manganese ore & 3.04 lac tons/annum of iron ore. The mineable reserve estimated is about lac tons of iron ore & 0.93 lac tons of manganese ore for which an anticipated mine life at the proposed capacity would be about 10 years.

2 - 2 - The Mining Lease area is so located that: There are no metropolitan cities within 10 kms of the ML area. There are no National park or wildlife sanctuary lies within the buffer zone or nearby this region. Ecologically sensitive areas such as tropical forests, biosphere reserves and coastal areas rich coral formation fall do not in the region. The site does not fall within ½ km of any highway or railway. Displacement of people is not required. Sensitive places of notified archaeological, historical or tourist importance do not lie within or nearby the buffer zone. The area is approachable by all Weather roads and is about 10 Kms from Huliyar town, on the Huliyar-Hiriyur State Highway. The Taluk headquarters is Hosadurga, which is located South Westerly to the area. The nearest Railway Station is Tiptur, situated on Bangalore-Harihar; Broad-gauge line at a distance of about 45 Kms from the mines. Doddabyaladakere is the nearest village which is 2.25 kms to the north of the mine which facilitates with a few basic amenities. Status of the Regulatory Clearances The mine was earlier operated by Manual Method of Mining for Manganese and subsequently after inclusion of Iron ore & renewal of the lease, it was worked by Mechanized Method after obtaining Environmental Clearance as required under EIA Notification 1994 vide Clearance letter No. J-11015/78/2006-IA.II (M) dated 24th January The sanction for approval of Inclusion of Iron ore & Renewal of the Mining Lease was executed on for a period of 20 years with effect from The Modified Mining Plan is approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter No. MP/CTD/FeMn-197-SZ dated Impact studies for one season i.e., Oct Dec (2007) was conducted to prepare an EIA & EMP report for submission to KSPCB for obtaining Consent for Establishment & the Environmental Clearance from the MoEF.

3 - 3 - The company does not posses any other lease except the proposed lease area of Ha in D.B. Kere village. Lease deed/approval under NMRD 1957 is attached. The existing & operating mines within 10 kms radius of the proposed project are enlisted as below Sl. No Name Mineral Extent (Ha) Type of Mine 1 M/s. Bharat Ores & Chemicals Iron Semi-mechanised 2 M/s. Milan Minerals Iron, Manganese Mechanized 3 M/s. Madras Cements Ltd Limestone Mechanized 4 M/s. Maris Cements Ltd 5 Mahakali Mines Iron ore float, Manganese Iron, Manganese & Dolomite Mechanized Mechanized 6 Ravi Minerals Iron Manual Compliance Reports The proponent complies with the conditions stipulated by KSPCB and MOEF Environment clearance as required under EIA Notification 1994 vide letter No. J11015/78/2006-IA.II (M) dated at all times. The conditions imposed in the Environmental Clearance & CFE from the KSPCB have been followed and the proponent has applied for grant of fresh consent along with the prescribed fee before the date of expiry. The conditions indicated in Annexure 1 are being followed strictly by the proponent as per the Air & Water Act. Compliance report for the same has been prepared. Compliance for the conditions laid down under Air & Water Act 1. The noise generated is well within the prescribed limits of 75dB (A) Leq during daytime and 70dB (A) Leq during night time. 2. The AAQ emissions and other parameters have been monitored and the analysis reports are furnished. 3. The AAQM stations have been established as per the Guidelines & the details of which have been submitted along with the EIA & EMP. 4. The Environment Statement is being furnished regularly as stipulated.

4 The production of iron ore & manganese ore is carried out within the mine area of Ha and will be within the approved EC Capacity of lac TPA of Manganese ore & 3.04 lac TPA of iron ore. The production capacity will not be increased without the prior notice & shall be in accordance with the approved IBM Mining Plan. 6. There have been no complaints against the industry/residents/ngo/ General public in the vicinity of the mine area. 7. The internal roads within the lease area & mining area upto public roads have been maintained. 8. The roadside avenue plantation has been taken up within the lease area and surrounding villages. 9. The mine authorities shall obtain prior approval from the board after submitting location plan design details for construction of check dam. 10. Appropriate measures are taken to avoid the entry of runoff into the agricultural lands. Desiltation of the soil is being done accordingly. Objective of the Study The objective of the study is to ensure that development is sustained with minimal environmental degradation. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) serves as an important tool for integrating the objectives of environmental management with the requirement of economic growth and social development. Thus, the purpose of EIA - EMP exercise is to evaluate the beneficial and/or the adverse effects of a proposed development activity on the surrounding environment. The details of the field studies and their analytical results are given in the subsequent chapters in detail. The terms of reference meeting for the proposed expansion was held on 30 th March 2008 at the State Level Environmental Appraisal Committee constituted by the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India. Accordingly as per the directions of the Expert Committee, the proponent has been advised to prepare the EIA & EMP as per the Model terms of reference.

5 - 5 - CHAPTER-2 PROJECT DESCRIPTION A key plan to scale 1:50000 distinctly indicating the core zone and the buffer zone (whether Reserve Forest, Protected Forest, National Park, Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Elephant Reserve, Tiger Reserve, etc.) is enclosed which presents the recent features of the area showing all relevant details like habitation (both rural and urban areas), cropping pattern, water bodies, drainage systems, nallahs river, water reservoir & forests with contour at not more than 15m. 2.1 General Description of Project Need for the Project The lease area with M.L. No-2557 (old M.L. No. 1575) was worked for manganese ore but now intend to include iron ore mining in view of the existing demand for iron ore in the market. The lessee has proposed for change in the method of mining viz., mechanized method by use of machinery in combination with tippers of 10 tons capacity for enhancement of the production for the remaining plan period of three years. The proposed production is covered under the Ministry of Environment & Forests Notification Since it is mandatory to take Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi for any such proposals, environmental studies are been conducted accordingly & the project authorities have filed Consent for Establishment application to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board. 2.2 Location Details The Mining lease area with ML No is Ha situated in Doddabyaladakere village of Hosadurga Taluk, Chitradurga District. The area is covered in the Survey of India Topo sheet No. 57 C/6 & C/10. The Mining Lease area is located between, Latitude : N 13 o & N 13 o Longitude : E 76 o & E 76 o Elevation : 914m to 836m Maps showing the general location, specific location, project boundary and project site layout are enclosed.

6 Topography The general topography of the area consists of a rugged terrain with almost North- South trending hills. The subject area of the mining lease is hillock which is almost slanted & sloppy confining to parts of Doddabyaladakere village. No nallahs or streams exist within the area. The surface is covered by lateritic soil, iron ore reef & float areas and manganese ore in the lease area. A small banded hematite Quartzite also exists in the area. The highest & the lowest elevations of the mine site are 914m & 836m respectively. A map showing the topography of cadastral area is enclosed. 2.4 Geology General Geology The rock formations in this area belong to Dharwars. This area is the central group of Mysore occurrences comprising the Chitradurga, C.N.Halli and Nagamangala Belts, which reveals igneous material and also banded ferruginous rock and lime stones. The manganese ore of this area are formed due to the concentration near the surface by meteoric waters of the manganese present in the Dharwarian schists and phyllites. The general geological succession of the area is as follows: Laterite/Lateritic Soil covers BHQ s (Ferruginous) Iron ore formations Iron ore Float Manganese formations Phyllite Clay Quartzites A Surface Geological plan on a scale of 1: 2000 with contours at an interval of 5 m has been prepared (Plate - 4). This shows the surface exposures and the proposed workings. Geological Sections have been prepared to show the occurrences of iron ore on scale of 1:1000 and the same shown in Plate Local Geology Locally the area is known by the name of Kudure Kanive Kaval range and the subject area falls in revenue lands at the southern extension of the ranges. The Mining lease area is composed of only ferruginous lateritic boulders, lateritic soil, float ore & Iron ore reef and Manganese ore deposits. The bedding in the Banded Iron formation trends N25 o -50 o W-S25º-50 o E and dipping moderate to steep westwards at places. A geological plan showing all lithological units/structural details is enclosed.

7 - 7 - Some of the geological features observed in the proposed area are: The general strike of the bedding and schistosity varies from NNW to NS depending on the folding pattern. The Banded Iron Formation & manganese ore zone is marked on the plan based on the exposures. The iron ore formation is associated with pockets of yellow ochre almost throughout the deposit. The area mainly comprises of lateritic soil, Iron float, Iron ore reef and interpreted by Phyllitic formations on both sides of the slopes. The Phyllite with lateritic soil is found to occur both on the East & Western side of the Iron ore & manganese deposits. The Manganese ore is found to be exposed all along the eastern slopes of the deposit in lower contours. The continuity of iron ore bands can be noticed from top to lower contours. 2.5 Mine Development & Production of Overburden The mine will be fully developed in accordance with the developmental programme proposed, so as to meet the required production target. After the third year the mine is fully developed the rate of average production will be reduced to 18,386 tons of Iron ore and manganese ore is 3,690 tons of production per annum. In float ore mining, no waste is generated the sub grade generated will be stacked separately. The total development during the manganese ore mining will be 26,100 tons of OB for the said production quantity lac tones of OB are generated during the Iron ore development. There is no sub grade generated for manganese ore, 90% of the ROM is considered as mineral rejects. Iron ore Development (Tones) Year Sub grade Iron Ore Sub grade Float Ore OB Iron ore Total 2,18,754 7,488 5,78,550

8 - 8 - Manganese ore Development (Tones) Year OB Manganese Ore Mineral Rejects (90% ROM) Total 26,100 3,41,901 Grand total 3.68 lakh tons The waste generated will be dumped in the spoil banks earmarked specifically for this purpose. The maximum height of the dump is 20m at a repose angle of 28. The year wise production of Overburden & OB dump sites are shown on the Year wise Production & Development Plan which is duly enclosed. 2.6 Conceptual mine Plan The Mining operations are proposed to be taken up with the capacity of production of an average 3,690 tons of manganese & about 18,386 tons of iron ore per annum during the proposed conceptual plan period. During the conceptual plan period the anticipated production levels of ore for successive 5 years period will be as follows: CONCEPTUAL PRIOD PRODUCTIONS YEAR IRON ORE MANGANESE ORE Production Development Production Development 5 th - 10 th th 15 th th 20 th The side burden, waste and other interburden materials will be dumped separately in the waste dump yard and later on utilized for reclamation of the area. The mineral rejects will be dumped in the dump yard separately. The maximum build up height of the dump during the conceptual period will be about 20m having 28º as natural angle of repose.

9 - 9 - However, when the ore body is proved to its full depth, the conceptual plan will be duly modified. The conceptual mine plan for every five years period for the entire mine life has been prepared and enclosed. 2.7 Mining Closure Plan It is a working mine. The geology of the area and the present mine workings indicate continuation of the mineral deposit further below. The mine working shall continue for another 20 years and hence Progressive mine closure plan is prepared as final closure plan will be prepared and submitted one year prior to the proposed closure of mining operations as per the directives of Notification GSR 330(E) dated , MCDR Since the area is not fully worked and also continuity of ore to further depths is observed in the pit, no reclamation is envisaged presently except for afforestation of dumps, parapet walls, stabilization of dumps etc. Proper fencing is proposed all around the working pit in order to prevent accidental falling of animals and human trespassing into the working pits. Watering of haul roads and plantations along the roadside shall be adopted to reduce dust pollution. Since there are no water sources/mine water the proposal for treatment and disposal of water from the mine does not arise. A Progressive Mine Closure Plan has been prepared showing the precise area put into use during the plan period including the proposed dumps & afforestations. 2.8 Proposed Production Details Manganese ore mining in the subject lease area is proposed to be Semi- mechanized open cast method of mining where as the iron ore mining would be carried out by mechanized method of mining. The envisaged quantum of Proposed Production in tones for the remaining three year of the plan period is as follows:

10 Manganese/Iron ore Production (tones) Year Manganese Ore Iron ore Float Iron ore Total 37,989 tons 11,232 tons 8,75,016 tons Grand total 8.86 lakh tons Planned Production: The actual achieved productions quantity is more; the difference of proposed production is about 42,502 tons for two year of mines working against the 2005 to 2007 of 6,150 tons of proposed manganese ore. Year Planned Production Production Achieved Difference Total 16,750 57,672 42,502 The total mineable reserves have been estimated to approximately 93,355 tons of manganese ore and at rate of 10% recovery. Considering the recovery of 80% for reef iron ore and 20% as mineral rejects/sub grade ore, the cut off grade has been consider 58% Fe and float ore recovery is about 60% and balance 40% is Mineral rejects/sub grade. 2.9 Project Details The project layout and its various components are depicted in the layout map which is enclosed here. The minerals found in the leasehold area are iron ore & manganese ore which the lessee intends to mine. The exploration is done based on certain observations of the old workings from which the geological reserves are been calculated. The physical limits of the ore body like the strike; width, depth, extension & recovery of the workings are taken into account based on which the reserves are been estimated. The elemental composition of Iron ore is analyzed as follows:

11 Ore Fe SiO 2 Al 2 O 3 P S (%) (%) (%) (%) (%) Iron ore Fines Float ore Behaviour of Ore body: The Phyllite with lateritic soil is found to occur both on the East & Western side of the Iron ore & manganese deposits. The Manganese ore is found to be exposed all along the eastern slopes of the deposit in lower contours. The continuity of iron ore bands can be noticed from top to lower contours. Based on the detailed surface mapping, sectional study of the pits and regional study of the adjoining areas iron ore are expected to be encountered further below. Ore Quality: The iron ore analysis shows that 58-64% Fe is the likely grade that will have a good potential. Properties Physical Chemical Grade -30mm to +10mm size 28-40% Mn, 58-64% Fe Use of mineral The ore produced from the mine will be used for the local domestic market such as Ferro alloys for manufacturing manganese steel and to other intermediate parties. The iron ore analyzes reveals 58-64% Fe which is found to have good potential for meeting the requirements of the domestic steel plants and also for exports. Additional Details The surface features of the lease area including the transverse sections of the mineral deposits are shown in the surface plan with contour intervals of 3m. The drainage pattern of the lease area is dendritic & most of the run off rainwater will form small nallahs & later join the main nallah. Silted water from the dumps & mines will be coursed through the trenches made with small bunds so that the water flow will be reduced. Surface subsidence are ruled out as the proposed workings are shallow opencast. Delineation of the water shed and the drainage pattern is shown in the Drainage map.

12 Mining Details Exploration The exploration is done based on certain observations of the old workings from which the geological reserves are been calculated. The physical limits of the ore body like the strike; width, depth, extension & recovery of the workings are taken into account based on which the reserves are been estimated. Prospecting DTH drilling already carried out for Iron ore is shown on the geological plan. 18 DTH holes are proposed for drilling during the plan period for manganese ore deposits. The area of influence is assumed based on the exposure of mineral outcrops and working pits. The indicated thickness of the outcrops, exposures of the workings and drilled borehole logging of sub surface geology are considered for calculation of proved reserves. An influence of 5 mts below the proved depth is taken for calculation of probable reserves and below 5 mts this is taken for possible reserves. The bulk density is taken as 2.7 and recovery factor of 10% for manganese and similarly for iron ore it is taken as 80% recovery. Year No. of Boreholes Depth 1 st 6 30 mtrs 2 nd 6 30 mtrs 3 rd 3 30 mtrs 4 th 3 30 mtrs The proposed DTH bore holes with its locations are shown in the geological plan enclosed. The reserve estimation is done by cross sectional method. The cross sections are drawn based on the surface geological data and drilled (DTH) borehole logging Reserves The reserves are been estimated based on the present configuration of the pit exposures & the ore quantity after deducting the production of the last working years, the reserves re-estimated are given in the table,

13 (Quantity in Tons) Reserves Proved Probable Possible Total Iron ore Float ,984 Iron ore reef ,81,460 Manganese ,985 Mineable reserves are classified under UNFC code of classification which is as follows, (Lac tons) Category Iron ore Manganese ore Total Method of Mining The subject lease area was previously worked for manganese & iron ore by Semimechanized open cast method of mining which has resulted with approachable roads for working. Considering various technical parameters it is proposed to work the deposits by adopting 6 m bench height with an ultimate pit slope of 45. The bench height and the width will be maintained under Metalliferrous Mines Regulations specified by DGMS. The width of the working benches will be greater than the height. The proposed working depths for Manganese ore & Iron ore are 887m RL and 813.5m RL respectively. I) Proposed Mechanization As per the proposal, the mine shall be worked by opencast mechanized method of mining by deploying requisite machineries and manpower as discussed below for production of iron ore and manganese ore. It is envisaged to deploy Wheel loader, JCB, hydraulic excavator EX-200LC along with 10 tons capacity tippers for transport of iron ore from the pit to the Stock yard.

14 Machineries Capacity HP Total Nos Hydraulic Excavator 0.9 Cu.m JCB 0.65 Cu.m 60 1 Wheel loader 1.5 Cu.m Water tanker 5000 lts - 1 Tippers SE tons Screening/Crushing Plant 250 tons/hrs - 1 About 5 tippers will be deployed for Iron ore production and development & about 2 tippers to be deployed for manganese ore production while one tipper would be kept as spare to be used during the vehicle breakdowns. II) Proposed Manpower The proposed quantity of production & development of both Iron and manganese ore will be carried out in a shift of 8 hours, 300 working days/ annum. Since the excavation, loading and other development activities for manganese ore will be semi-mechanized, the man power required will be about 25 people and since the iron ore mining is fully mechanized except for float ore & screening no large scale man power is required. Thus the total labor force required for handling and other miscellaneous works will be about 60. III) Drilling and Blasting The mine workings indicate the friable nature of ore body at depths which does not require drilling & blasting & hence not proposed, if any hard strata are encountered for developmental works, contractual drilling & blasting arrangements will be made. Any modifications in method of working, IBM guidance will be taken in this regard Disposal of OB/solid waste Nature of Waste: The waste generated during mining is ore zone waste, which consists of Shale, phyllite & overburden material with BHQ rubbles. During the course of mining, excavation consists of both minerals and waste material. Since iron ore is excavated from float as well as reef zones, the waste generated is the interstitial waste as overburden. The waste excavated for production of iron ore shall be dumped in the area earmarked for this purpose.

15 The average generation of waste in the proposed plan period of mining is about 7.97 lakh tons for Iron ore & 3.68 lakh tons of waste is generated during the manganese ore production, and conceptual plan period is about 7.10 lakh tons of Iron ore and manganese ore production generated waste is about 7.18 lakh tons including Mineral reject & Overburden waste. The waste disposal yards are located on the South-Eastern side of the lease area away from the proposed workings; this is barren and non-mineralized area. The area is ideal for dumping and is also devoid of any vegetation. Mineral Beneficiation The mineral beneficiation process is not proposed for the proposed plan period except for manual sorting & sizing for manganese ore & dry screening for iron ore. Iron ore ROM will be dry screened mechanically using double deck screening to produce -40 to +12mm calibrated ore and -12mm size products, +40mm size ore will be manually broken & sorted separately, Flow sheet of the dry screening plant Hopper Conveyor Belt Double deck Screen (40mm & 12mm) Iron ore (C-ORE) - 40 mm +12 mm Iron ore fines - 12 mm Iron ore lumpy + 40 mm 2.11 Impact on Hydrology Mining activity in an area generally affects the water quality and hydrology of that area. Water may carry suspended solid waste from the mine, which may reduce the channel capacity of watercourse by way of siltation and scree deposition and consequently inducing erosion and scouring of sides. Erosion from solid waste affects good

16 agricultural lands by way of siltation. These lands become infertile, on which cultivation becomes impossible. To minimize the effects to the best possible extent, drainage control system has been designed with settling ponds, sumps/check dams and garland drains. The occurrence of ground water is controlled by the intensity and depth of weathering and by the presence of joints and fractures, which may vary from place to place. During the rainy season due to infiltration of rainwater, the weathered zone gets fully charged and water table rises and augments the ground water storage. Occurrence of ground water thus is mainly controlled by water table conditions. The recharge of the ground water is mainly due to the rainfall which is quite scanty in the region. Therefore the depth of the water table level in the area is 45-50m the ground level. Even if enhancement of recharge results in the concomitant decrease of surface runoff, it is not a matter of concern, because ultimately, the percolated water will emerge again to the surface in the form of seep, spring or well withdrawal. The ore body occurs along the hill ridge. The natural gullies drain the rainwater from the workings and encountering ground water in this mine is ruled out, as the water table is about 45-50m below the general ground level. Zero waste mining: The proposed mining is ensured to be a zero waste mining process by adopting scientific mining for extracting all the minerals that are extractable & which will be utilized optimally. Though mineral beneficiation is not proposed, the sorted & sized ore is transported from the mines to the yard after crushing & screening according to the specifications of the user industry or the parameters specified for sale. The low grade ore usually finds use in manufacture of pig iron in blast furnace. Higher grades of ore are sold to the steel industry. Recovery of associated minerals is carried out to increase the resource base of the minerals, the sub grade minerals generated is proposed to be utilized either by blending them with higher grades to meet the buyer s requirements or stacked for future whenever the demand for that particular grade arises. Life of the mine anticipated would be for about 10 years for the proposed production. Cost of the project is 500 lacs as per the latest estimate.

17 CHAPTER-3 BASELINE DATA: Description of Baseline status of Environment, Anticipated Environmental Impacts & Proposed Mitigating Measures 3 General Description The baseline environment quality represents the background environmental scenario of various environmental components. The baseline quality monitored reflects the emission from vehicular movement and other local activities within 10km radius of the study area. The scope of the baseline studies includes detailed characterization of various components like Meteorological Observations, Ambient Air Quality, Noise Quality, Water Quality, Soil Quality, Socio-economic & Demographic Studies & anticipating their impacts on the respective environment for which mitigating measures are proposed. The mathematical models used for predictions is the steady state Gaussian plume dispersion model designed for point sources and area sources for air quality. In case of noise, water, land, biological and socio-economic environments, the predictions have been made based on scientific methodology and judgments. To create a better environment, it is necessary to understand the cause and effect of the impact so that suitable corrective measures can be designed. Parameter Micrometeorological Studies Air Quality Data Noise quality Studies Water Quality Analysis Soil Quality Studies Ecological Studies Socio-economic & Demographic Studies Inference To assess wind pattern in order to identify air pollution impacts on neighboring environment. To assess baseline ambient air quality status of the area. To identify noise producing areas & anticipated noise levels. To identify baseline water quality To identify existing soil quality. To identify the presence of any endangered species and impacts due to proposed activities. To know the baseline socio-economic status of the study area.

18 Air Environment Baseline Status Climate & Meteorology The area of study comes under the Tropical zone climate as seen in many parts of peninsular India. On-site monitoring is undertaken for various meteorological variables in order to generate site-specific data. Micrometeorological data within the project area during the meteorological survey was assessed through a weather monitoring station set up at the mine site. The meteorological data has also been compiled from the readings obtained from the monitoring stations set up near the mine site and from secondary sources like IMD, Chitradurga for the following climatic parameters. The meteorological parameters monitored during the Study Period (October to December 07) are Temperature, Humidity, Wind Speed & Direction & Rainfall. The observations monitored are tabulated as Annexure 1 & 2. Based on the wind speed & its direction wind roses were constructed to arrive at the general wind direction and its speed for the study period. Annexure 3 shows the wind rose data of the area during the study period. Study period Oct 07 Nov 07 Dec 07 Temperature (ºC) Min Max Humidity (%) Min Max Wind speed (km/hr) Min Max Rainfall (mm) Predominant wind direction NE

19 The meteorological data of the proposed area during the study period is graphically represented as follows: Temperature (ºC) MIN MAX 0 OCT NOV DEC Humidity (%) DEC NOV MAX MIN OCT The rainfall data of the study zone from has been collected and is tabulated. It is observed from the data collected that the highest rainfall received was in the year 2000 (1136.4mm) and the lowest was in the year 2003 (416mm). The average rainfall for the last twenty one years is about mm/year. Yearly Cumulative Rainfall (mm) The rainfall data for the year 2007 is also collected and the details are given below, the data shows that the area received its highest rainfall in October for this year with an annual rainfall accounting to around 575 mm.

20 Rainfall Data in mm (2007) Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Total Air Pollutants Air pollution is the excessive concentration of foreign matter in the air adversely affects the well being of the individual or causes damage to property. An inventory of air contaminants is a necessary step towards control of air pollution. The ambient air quality of the lease area is studied in the 10 km radius; the quality of air in the study area is characterized by four factors, i.e., the Suspended particulate matter (SPM), Respirable particulate matter (RPM), Sulphur dioxide (SO 2 ) and Oxides of Nitrogen (NO X ). Air sampling was carried using the following methodologies: Parameters SPM RPM SO 2 NO X Sampling Methods High-volume Filtration Method using a Hi-Volume Sampler Gravimetric method West-Gaeke Colorimetric method Jacobs-Hochheiser method Location of monitoring stations for air quality were decided (as per MOEF guideline for AAQM) after field survey keeping in view the location of stationary emission sources & their placement with respect to topography, micro-meteorology, inhabitation, sensitive places and archaeological sites. To establish the existing air quality, air sampling and monitoring work has been taken up & is assessed through a network of 6 air quality monitoring stations fixed in accordance with the wind rose drawn. Six monitoring stations were selected of which one is fixed within the core zone while the remaining five stations are fixed at various distances within 6kms from the mine site. Monitoring station A6 has been taken along the road intersecting Gollarahatti & Kenkere in the southeast direction of the mine site. These stations are shown in the Air quality monitoring stations location map enclosed herewith.

21 Code Station Distance, kms Direction Elevation A1 Mine Site 0.50 C 914 A2 Doddabyaladakere 2.25 N 760 A3 Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE 740 A4 Naganaikanakatte 6.00 NW 720 A5 Melanahalli 5.25 E 800 A6 Gollarahatti (Kenkere) 5.00 SE 740 Terrain features: The terrain around air quality monitoring stations was observed during field survey since they are important in assessing the air quality of the study area. The highest elevation of the mine is 914m above MSL. Naganaikanakatte is a low lying area at an elevation of 720m above MSL. Melanahalli is a hilly area with an elevation of 800m from the mines and there are no water bodies within 5 kms of the mine site. The data thus obtained is considered for preparing this report. Max, Min, Average and Percentile values have been computed from the raw data collected at individual sampling stations to represent the ambient air quality status. The max ambient air quality levels in the study area are summarized below. Detailed AAQ including percentile values of all the locations is given as Annexure-4. Code SPM RPM SO 2 NO X Max Min Max Min Max Min Max Min A A A A A A It may be observed from the above data that all the parameters are well within the permissible limits of Industrial/mixed use and rural areas as per CPCB norms. The SPM & RPM concentrations of the core zone also confirms to the permissible limits. The maximum concentration recorded for buffer zone villages for SPM were found to be 184µg/m 3 in Jaisuvarnapura village. This is due to the frequent movement of public

22 transport vehicles and tractor movement as there is main road along the village which is frequently being used for transportation. The 98 th percentile of these parameters are given below Code SPM RPM SO 2 NO X A A A A A A Ambient Air quality Standards Permissible Limits of Air Quality Parameters as per CPCB for Industrial and Mixed use are given below: S. No. Parameters Concentration in µg/m 3 1 SPM RPM SO NOx 120 Fugitive emissions The micro meteorological data for the region was consistent with the general meteorology for the study period. The fugitive emissions in and around the mining area is largely from the excavation area, the screening plant & also along the transportation routes contributed by diesel operated excavation/ loading equipment and vehicles plying on haul roads Anticipated impacts An attempt has been made to predict the incremental rise of various ground level concentrations for the production proposed of about 3.04 lac tons/ annum of Iron ore & 15,390 tons/annum of Manganese ore. The impacts envisaged due to mining activity are evaluated based on various factors. The emission inventory of the pollutants is as follows,

23 Sources Operations Involved Pollutant Released Active mine site, Mine Haul Road Loading & Transportation Movement of public transport vehicles Emissions due to diesel operated excavation & loading equipment. SPM & RPM SO 2 & NO x The impact of mining operations on air quality is negligible on the areas outside the mining zone. Drilling operations of the mine are considered as point sources. Extraction of mineral by various activities in mining area, are considered as area sources. Transportation of mineral from mining benches to tipper platform of crushing plant is considered as line sources. The present study assesses the impact on air environment due to the proposed iron & manganese ore mining activities. This report gives the maximum (24 hrs) concentration of SPM up to a distance of 10 kms along major wind directions and selected stations covering calculated stability conditions during the study period, Oct to Dec Prediction of Fugitive Dust Emission The emission in the present case has been computed using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), USA established emission factors. The calculation is based on the tonnage of ore produced, the distance traveled by the vehicles in the mine, distance of dumps from the mine face etc. Sum of these contributing factors was taken as the source of emission and utilized to arrive at the emission rates (mass per unit time). The details of emission computed from various sources are given below: Ore output per annum: 3,18,681 tons/annum Excavation: Tonnage handled per day: /300 = 1062 tpd Tonnage handled per hour: 1062/8 = 133 Dust generated per hour: x = 53.9 kg/hour Dust generated per second: 53.9/3600 = kg/sec

24 Transport: Stock yard/waste dump Waste dump distance (average): 1 km Tonnage handled/day: /300 = 1062 tpd Tonnage per vehicle: 10 tones No. of vehicle trips: 2 x 1062/10 = 212 Total vehicle km traveled/day: 212 x 1 = 212 kms Vehicle- km per hour: 212/8 = km Dust generation = x = 31.2 kg/hr Dust generation per second = 31.2/3600 = kg/sec Total Dust emission rate from the mine operations is: kg/sec kg/sec = kg/sec or 23.7 gm/sec The above mentioned emission rates are uncontrolled emissions. Due to installation and operation of dust control measures at mining site the emissions will be one third of the estimated emissions. This is based on the onsite experience and literature reference. Accordingly emission rate considered in modeling is 23.7/3 = 7.9 gm/sec. The emission rates and conditions have been summarized in the Table below: Mine Area Dust emission rate Uncontrolled Controlled Emission temperature In gm/sec Ambient The fugitive emissions on the flora & fauna are not anticipated as the area is devoid of any vegetation except for some thorny shrubs & bushes; the area is also not a significant faunal habitat such that the emissions are insignificant to cause any impact on them Prediction of Impact on Ambient Air Quality Mathematical Model for Pollutants Dispersion To predict the ambient air quality of the area the mathematical model used is the ISCST (Industrial Source complex - Short Term ISC-3) model. This ISC model for area sources uses the steady state Gaussian plume equation for a continuous source. For prediction of the center of mine was assumed (0, 0) as the emission source coordinates in the mathematical modeling

25 Modeling Procedure Data in respect of wind speed, wind direction; temperature etc., recorded during baseline studies is utilized in this calculation. For predicting the impacts, the monitoring stations with their distance, direction and difference in elevation has been considered. The average wind speed in the respective directions was found to be <2 mts/sec and the same has been considered. The elevation of the source i.e. mine site is taken as 914m RL as per Toposheet No. 57 C/6 & C/10 of Survey of India. Ground level Concentration Prediction of ground level concentration (GLC) due to the proposed mining activities has been made using the ISCST (Industrial Source complex-short Term ISC-3) model. This model for area sources uses the steady state Gaussian plume equation for a continuous source. The ground level concentration at a receptor located downwind of all or a portion of the source area is given by a double integral in the upwind (x) and crosswind (y) direction as: Where Q K V D y C (x, y, 0) = exp. [-0.5 (------) 2 ] 2π Us σ Y σ Z σ Y Q = Area source emission rate (mass per unit area per unit time) K = units scaling coefficient V = vertical term. D = decay term as function of x σy σz = standard deviation of lateral and vertical concentration distribution (m) Us = mean wind speed at release height Vertical Term The vertical term includes the effects of source elevation, receptor elevation, plume rise, limited mixing in vertical and gravitational settling and dry deposition of particulate (with diameters greater than about 0.1 micron).

26 In the present case effects on the ambient air concentrations due to gravitational settling and dry deposition have been neglected. The vertical term without deposition effects is given by He n-1(2n Hm-He) 2 (2n Hm+He) 2 V = (L + γ) exp Σ γ exp exp σz 2 i=l 2 σz 2 2 σz 2 Where, H = effective release height of emissions (plume rise + physical stack height) Hm = mixing height γ = Reflection co-efficient The infinite series term in equation accounts for the effects of restrictions on vertical plume growth at the top of mixing layer. Complete reflection from earth surface has been assumed (γ = l). Estimation of σy and σz The values of σy and σz have been shown to relate to the diffusion coefficients in the y & z directions. Based on experimental observations of the dispersion of real plumes, Pasquill and Gifford have devised a method for calculating σy and σz of a spreading plume from a knowledge of the atmospheric stability. Six categories of atmospheric stability, A thru F, were suggested and these are shown in the table as functions of wind and solar radiation. Surface wind speed (m/s) Day time isolation Night time conditions Strong Moderate Slight Thin low clouds < 4/8 <2 A A-B B E F 2-3 A-B B C E F 3-5 B B-C D D E 5-6 C C-D D D D >6 C D D D D A- Extremely unstable B- Moderately unstable C- Slightly unstable D- Neutral E- Slightly stable F- Moderately stable Overcast clouds > 3/8

27 The values of the wind speed shown in the above table correspond to measurements made at a height of 10 m. The stability category is known from appropriate weather conditions, σy and σz values for any downwind distance X can be calculated from the equations: σy = AX0.903 σz = BXP Where the values of A, B and p are given in the table below: Class A X 1 X <= X 1 X 2 X <= X 1 <=X 2 (mtrs) B P (mtrs) B P A B C D E For number of sources more than one simulation is done for each individual source and then added. In order to calculate σy and σz for various receptor points for given wind direction following equation is used. x = - (X(R) X(S) Sin (WD) Y(R) Y(S) Cos (WD)) Where (X(R), Y(R) are receptor point coordinates and X(S) and Y(S) are source co ordinates and WD is wind angle from north. Atmospheric Stability Many alternative models are developed by different authors to relate σy and σz with down wind distance (x) under different atmospheric stability conditions. Unfortunately none of these have been found to be comprehensive enough to be applicable under all types of topographic and meteorological conditions. On the basis of available information, ISI adopted Pasquill Gifford stability classification system for flat terrains and Mc Elroy stability classification system for non-smooth and uneven areas such as urban and other undulating areas. The study area is flat in present case therefore Pasquill Gifford stability classification system will be applicable in accordance with ISI recommendations as described above.

28 Estimates of Impact With a wide fluctuation in meteorological parameters it is a complex task to predict post project ambient air quality. With available ambient air quality data and incremental concentrations computed through mathematical modeling the following post project ambient air quality has been predicted. Pollutant: SPM Units in µg/m 3 Location Dist kms Direction Background Level Predicted Conc. Resultant Conc. Mine Site - C Doddabyaladakere 2.25 N Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE Naganaikanakatte 6.00 NW Melanahalli 5.25 E Gollarahatti (Kenkere) 5.00 SE The predicted incremental concentration at the core zone is µg/m 3 & the post project incremental concentration is predicted to be µg/m 3. Though the values are well below the stipulated limits, it indicates that adoption of scientific mining methods with better management plans need to be undertaken which are outlined in the following chapters, so that the net pollution scenario will not cause any adverse impact to the surrounding environment. Since there are no pollution sources of SO 2 & NOx, these have been predicted as nil. No adverse impact is envisaged on the roads due to the proposed project as the road used for haulage connects the nearest State Highway, the Huliyar-Hiriyur road which is a kilometer from the mine site. The road connecting the highway is an asphalted road which is generally used by some of the neighboring mines like the Madras Minerals, the Maris Cements, etc, for transportation of the ore. The road is regularly maintained by asphalting it such that the dust due to transportation is avoided. The dust emanated due to project is nil as the trucks loaded will be covered with tarpaulins to avoid spreading of fine dust Proposed Mitigating Measures Various mitigative measures are proposed to lower the pollutants that emanate due to the various mining activities. From the viewpoint of maintenance of an acceptable

29 ambient air quality in the region, it is desirable that air quality should be monitored on a regular basis to check with the standards prescribed by the CPCB. The sources of air pollution in the proposed lease area are mainly due to mining and the haulage activities. The meteorology of the area becomes an important parameter in environmental issues in the mining settlements. Suitable measures to protect the inhabitants and environment against the dust and fumes emanating from vehicular movements are required to be taken. Alternatives to conventional Engines are suggested for the machineries used for the various activities. The conventional gasoline engines can be replaced by LPG, natural gas or other less polluting fuels. Dust Control Dust is the major air pollutant generated from the mining operations; it is generally generated during the loading and transportations of the mineral. All the required precautions would be adopted to prevent dust generation at site and that would be dispersed to the surroundings. However for the safety of the workers at site engaged at strategic locations/dust generation points like loading & unloading points, dust masks would be provided there by reducing the risk of lung diseases & other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring of workers will be carried out. The mitigation measures proposed to maintain the air quality are as follows It is proposed to take up mitigative measures in the form of sprinkling water in the sensitive areas and also create green belt along lease boundary to act as a dust barrier. For these purposes water tank fitted with sprayer are being used on haul road, etc. In addition to the use of dust collectors, dust extractors are provided to all drilling machine operations. Adopting wet drilling method will also help reduce the dust generation. Avoid overfilling of tippers & consequent spillage on the roads. Ore carrying trucks will be covered by tarpaulins to avoid escape of fine dust to the atmosphere. The water availability is adequate & the company will provide structures for ground water recharging in their field to replenish the aquifer.

30 The green belt proposed all round the mining area will act as a dust filter and arrest the spread of air borne dust on to the nearby agricultural lands and villages. The top soil dump surfaces are proposed to be covered by mulches and growing of grasses and legumes, which protects not only from wind erosion but also will improve the soil quantity. The office complex is also surrounded by green belt, to arrest the spread of dust to the workshop and other office buildings. Conveyor belts are not proposed as the extent of mining area is small. The proponent has proposed piped sprinkling of water to mitigate the dust pollution in the haulage roads in the core area. A delineation of a plan for the piped water sprinkling system has been done where the proponent proposes to lay pipes along the haul roads from an altitude of 902m RL where a water tank has been provided for this purpose. The pipes will be fitted with atomizers which will help in better mitigation of dust emission due to mining. 3.2 Noise Environment Baseline Status Mining and allied activities are usually noise-prone activities. Excessive noise levels may cause adverse effects on human beings and its associated environment including domestic animals, wild life, natural ecosystem and structures. As per the guidelines of IBM, noise levels in the core zone near the sources and at different sites in the buffer zone have been recorded. Ambient Noise levels within the mine and around were recorded using a digital sound level meter to establish the existing scenario. Annexure-5 gives the sound levels recorded at the monitoring locations in the core and buffer zones. Locations of noise recording stations are shown in noise quality monitoring station plan and also given below: Code Station Distance, kms Direction N1 Mine site - - N2 Doddabyaladakere 2.25 N N3 Jaisuvarnapura 3.25 NE N4 Naganaikanakatte 6.00 NW N5 Melanahalli 5.25 E