EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 MADHYA PRADESH STATE MINING CORPORATION LTD

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1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.0 MADHYA PRADESH STATE MINING CORPORATION LTD Madhya Pradesh State Mining Corporation Ltd (MPSMCL), a company of Government of Madhya Pradesh has been allotted Amelia (North) Coal Mining Project by Ministry of Coal (MOC), Government of India. Amelia (North) Coal Mining Project covering an area of ha falls in the Main Basin of Singrauli Coalfield, Sidhi District, Madhya Pradesh and is a part of Mohanban Reserved forest. 1.1 PRESENT PROPOSAL MPSMCL proposes to mine about 2.8 MTPA of coal from Amelia (North) block by adopting opencast cum underground mining for supply to power plant to be located in 50 km radius of coal block. Maximum production through opencast mining will be 2.8 MTPA and through underground mining will be 0.6 MTPA. Total production through opencast and underground mining will not exceed 2.8 MTPA Cost Of The Project MPSMCL will incur a project cost of Rs 330 crores. An amount of about Rs 25 crores has been budgeted for implementation of Environmental Management plan. 1.2 DETAILS OF AMELIA COAL MINING PROJECT COAL PRODUCTION MPSMCL proposes to mine about 2.8 MTPA of coal from Amelia (North) block by adopting opencast mining for the first 18 years. Underground mining commences in the 19 th year. Hence from 19 th year onwards the production through opencast will be restricted to 2.2 MTPA and balance 0.6 MTPA will be produced by underground mine maintaining the total production at 2.8 MTPA till 29 th year by which time opencast mining ceases. From 30 th year onwards, the production will be through underground mining only and will be continued to maintain the production rate at 0.6 MTPA till the exhaust of the deposit i.e by 41 st year. MPSMCL will adopt opencast mining by employing Shovel-Dumper combination and Continuous Surface Miners (CSM). Of the total planned coal production of 2.8 MTPA, about 2.25 MTPA will be produced by Continuous Surface Miners (CSM) (where no drilling or blasting is required) and the balance coal will be mined by Conventional opencast mining. 1

2 MPSMCL has obtained the necessary approvals from Ministry of Coal for the above production LANDUSE PATTERN OF THE MINE The following will be landuse pattern of the mine under opencast mining. LANDUSE PATTERN AREA, HA Mining area Barrier Zone Proposed road 5.50 Area under Kanchan nala 7.00 Overburden dumps Top soil dump Settling ponds Infrastructure and facility area Coal stacking area Space for Under ground incline entry 4.00 Undisturbed area TOTAL COAL RESERVES AND LIFE OF MINE The insitu coal reserves in the mining block are estimated to about million tonnes. Of this about million tonnes are estimated as mineable reserves. MPSMCL proposes to produce million tonnes under opencast mining and the balance million tonnes will be produced by underground mining. The life of the mine will be 41 years REQUIREMENTS OF THE PROJECT MPSMCL will develop core infrastructure like power, road, telecommunication, housing, service buildings viz office, store, first aid centre, canteen etc. In addition provision will be made for the opening of underground mine entries and other related infrastructure for underground mine. The site services required at proposed mine will be housed within the premises on the north-east within the mining leasearea. Total water requirement for mining and allied activities including domestic requirement are estimated as 477 m 3 /day. The drinking water will be supplied from bore well. Water for mining operations Industrial will be supplied from pumping installation at mine sump and surface reservoir. 2

3 The total power requirement for the proposed mine will be about 5 MVA, which will be available from a 33 kv power line. The essential staff will be provided accommodation at the colony (300 quarters) proposed to be developed outside the mining lease area. A canteen, first aid center, rest shelter and site office will be at located within the mining lease area. Vocational Training Centre will be provided for training of operators and other workmen adjoining to the main mines office. A 10 T capacity magazine will be provided. MPSMCL has applied to Chief Controller of Explosive for obtaining necessary license for location of the magazine The total manpower deployment in the mine will be ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT In view of the above proposed activity, to obtain Environmental Clearance and other statutory clearances, MPSMCL has commissioned Environmental Impact Assessment study in 10 km radius around the proposed coal mining block during Summer 06 covering the months of March - May BASELINE ENVIRONMENT Meteorology : The predominant wind direction during this period was from W (27.71 %), WNW (12.92 %) and WSW (8.13%) direction accounting to about % of the total time with calm winds of less than 1.0 kmph for about %. Wind speeds during this period were varying between kmph. Ambient air quality monitored at eight locations showed all values well within the limits of NAAQ standards specified for Rural and Residential industrial areas. Noise levels were monitored at eight locations within the study area were found to be well within the limits. Water samples collected from eight locations within the study area showed compliance of all parameters with the drinking water standard of IS Eight soil samples collected showed moderate fertility. Socio economic status of the study area is found to be moderate ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MANAGEMENT PLAN AIR ENVIRONMENT The environmental impacts arising out of the proposed 2.8 MTPA coal production by opencast mining method has been quantified to estimate the 3

4 impact on air environment. The air borne particulate matter is the main air pollutant contributed by opencast mining. Various emission sources are identified and quantified from the mining operations for the proposed 2.8 MTPA coal production. In order to assess the impact due to coal production on air environment, predictions have been carried out using and EPA approved Fugitive Dust Model for Summer 06. The quantified impacts are given below : OVERALL SCENARIO (SUMMER SEASON 06) µg/m 3 CORE ZONE BUFFER ZONE Baseline concentration (max) Predicted Concentration 295 <15 (max) Overall scenario Specified Limits 500 µg/m 3 {NAAQ limit for Industrial area} 200 µg/m 3 {NAAQ limit for Residential area} AIR POLLUTION CONTROL MEASURES The following dust prone areas are identified for adopting control measures in the mine area Dust collectors will be provided for the drilling machines Eight water tankers of 26 kl capacity will be procured for dust suppression. Fixed sprinklers in the haulage roads will be provided to suppress generation of fugitive dust. Maintenance of machinery will be takenup for reducing gaseous and noise pollution The overburden dumps stabilization will be takenup in the consecutive year of dumping by takingup compaction and afforestation to minimize the emissions due to wind. 7.5 m width all along the mining lease boundary. Additionally, around facility areas and colony will be developed under greenbelt Development of green barriers around mine, facility area and along the roads etc. Haul roads will be laid as per standards. Service roads will be black topped to avoid air-borne dust. Water spraying/sprinkling on the roads, stock piles, OB dumps will be takenup. Elevated water sprinkling posts will be provided for atomized water spraying onto the waste dumps and blasted overburden heaps. Controlled blasting technique will be adopted by using advanced nonelectric detonator. Blasting will be avoided during high wind periods. 4

5 Dust mask to workers working in dust prone will be provided. Using of sharp/pointed drills bits for the drilling of blast holes. Overfilling of dumpers and consequent spillage on the roads will be avoided. Plantation of wide leaf trees, creepers, tall grass along approach roads, and on safety barrier zones will help suppress dust. Operator cabins in all major HEMM equipment will be enclosed, to minimise dust exposure of the operators NOISE ENVIRONEMNT Noise levels produced from various sources will dissipate within a small zone around the mines. No major impact of the mining activity on the vicinity is envisaged. However, pronounced effect of above noise levels is felt only near the active working area and on the personnel working in the vicinity. The generation of noise by the quarry equipment and machinery is much below the tolerance limits. The following noise abatement measurements are proposed for implementation during operational phase: Proper and regular maintenance of vehicles, machinery and other equipment. Carrying out blasting only during day time and not on cloudy days Limiting time exposure of workers to excessive noise. The noise generated by the machinery is reduced by proper lubrication of the machinery and equipment. The workers employed are provided with protection equipment, earmuffs and ear-plugs, as a protection from the high noise level generated at the plant site wherever required. Proper and timely maintenance of mining machinery Noise levels are also controlled by using optimum explosive charge, proper delay detonators and proper stemming to prevent blow out of holes. Speed of trucks entering or leaving the mine is limited to moderate speed of 25 kmph to prevent undue noise from empty trucks. MPSMCL will develop an area of 11 ha under greenbelt around the mine periphery to contain the work zone noise levels around the mine to some extent. The mine is located on the elevated terrain and the nearby villages are away by more than 2.0 km. The chances of transmission of noise levels to the 5

6 nearest village from the mining activities carriedout on the elevated terrain are remote WATER ENVIRONMENT Kanchan nala passes across the mining lease area on the eastern part carrying storm water from the upstream catchment area of 3000 ha. The mine is located in heavy rainfall area. The rain water from the active mining area in the initial period will drain through slopes into Kanchan nala. On progress of mining, working pit formed will arrest the flow of storm water into the seasonal nalla due to change in the topography of the mining area. Hence to mitigate the impact of mining on Kanchan nala and Kanchan nala on the mining, a concrete wall of appropriate thickness and height will be erected in between the quarry and the Kanchan nala. Part of OB generated through the life of the mine will be accommodated in surface dump within the ML area over an area of Ha and Ha, having 100 m height. The top of the dump will be divided into separate plots with bunds around them so that max water is absorbed in the dump. Any extra water will be drained along the sides through systematic drains. The water collected through the drains will be routed to the proposed three settling ponds proposed within the mining lease area. Apart from the above MPSMCL proposed to implement the following measures to prevent water pollution Check dams will be provided at discharge ends of the garland drains leading to settling ponds. A water gradient of about 1 in 100 will be kept at every bench towards inside of the bench to prevent formation of gullies in the bench slopes. Chutes will be constructed by using local stone or masonry to guide the water in areas with loose soil to prevent erosion and uncontrolled descent of water wherever necessary. For handling the run-off from built-up area, open masonry drain with outlets to nearby natural drains would also be provided these drains would be maintained regularly to avoid choking. Effective implementation of the above measures will reduce the impact on the surface water bodies. GROUND WATER TABLE The ground water table within the area from surface in pre monsoon and post monsoon is varying between 3-15 m and 2-7 m respectively. Hence, the ground water table will be encountered even during the 1st year of mining. The mine sump water will accumulate from precipitation and from mine 6

7 seepage and will be disposed into a surface reservoir located at the northeastern part of the ML area. There is presently no ground water abstraction in the core zone comprising lease area of sqkm as the area falls in reserved forest having no ground water withdrawal structures of any kind. With opening of the open cast mine, a total of 2100 m 3 /day will be generated as ground water draft from the mining pits to be drained out. The seepage due to ground water will be collected in the bottom of the pit and will be pumped into a desilting pond. Part of the water to the tune of 367 m 3 /day will be used for mining and allied activities like dust suppression and excess water will be discharged into Kanchan nala after treatment. The mined out areas will be backfilled and the backfilling will start from 4th year onwards till the quarry is completely worked out. As per the conceptual mine plan, out of the total excavated area of hectare, hectare will be backfilled as the mining progresses and an open up area of about hectares (with partial backfilled in ha) will remain as a reservoir which will serve as recharge pit or as a source of water supply for public use. WATER CONSUMPTION AND WASTEWATER GENERATION Total fresh water requirement for mining and allied activities including domestic requirement are estimated as 477 m 3 /day. The wastewater generation from the above consumption is mainly from Workshop and Domestic consumption. The wastewater generated from the workshop is treated for oil and grease removal. The oil free water is used for dust suppression within the mine area. The domestic wastewater will be treated in septic tanks followed by soak pits. STORM WATER MANAGEMENT The topographical and physiological features of the mine lease area have been studied to design proper Storm water management plan. The 2 m wide paved drain will be constructed along the haul road, which will drain the undisturbed areas and will be connected to local natural nala. Storm water from the active mining area will be collected through garland drains provided with sedimentation traps. The collected water as detailed above will be routed into the settling ponds for desiltation. Desilted water will be discharged into Kanchan Nala. MPSMCL will provide drains around the coal dumps to collect run-off for diverting into settling ponds tanks before discharge into natural drain. 7

8 Part of OB generated through the life of the mine will be accommodated in surface dump within the ML area over an area of Ha and Ha, having 100 m height. The top of the dump will be divided into separate plots with bunds around them so that max water is absorbed in the dump. Any extra water will be drained along the sides either through systematic drains along roads or along paved chutes in controlled manner as detailed above LAND ENVIRONMENT SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT The solid waste generated from the mine area is categorized as a. Top Soil b. waste Management A TOP SOIL MANAGEMENT The thickness of soil cover varies between 0.50 m to 7.50 m. the total top soil generation from the active mine area of 475 ha is about 2.38 mcum. The total topsoil generated be stacked separately. MPSMCL has earmarked an area of ha for storage of top soil upto a maximum height of 6.0 m. The dump is designed for accommodating soil volume of about mcum. The location of the top soil dump is in between the pit and the Kanchan nala. The balance mcum will be utilized for carpeting of the backfilled areas and dumps. B WASTE MANAGEMENT A total quantity of mcum of solid waste will be generated from the mining operation of the proposed Amelia Coal Mine Project. The disposal of overburden is proposed in the following two ways a. OVERBURDEN DUMPING b. BACKFILLING million cum will be dumped externally in the external overburden dump and the remaining mcum will be backfilled in the mined out voids. RECLAMATION OF MINED OUT AREA - OPENCAST MINING Of the total mine lease area of ha, the mining operations upto life of the mine will disturb about 475 Ha. by way of excavation which is about 65 % of the core zone and the balance 35 % of the area will be utilized for dumps, stock yards, settling ponds, colony, mine infrastructure etc. 8

9 MPSMCL will restore ha of the minedout area by backfilled upto 425 m msl. The backfilled area will be a flat terrain and the balance area (94.12 Ha) will be converted into a water reservoir after partial backfilling. The dump area covered under 162 ha will be stabilized. The dump formation will be completed by the end of 7 th year and reclamation will commence from 2 nd year and will continue upto the end of 9 th year AFFORESTATION MPSMCL will develop afforestation with a density of 1500 saplings per hectare in the following areas. a. Barrier Zone : ha b. Overburden and top soil dump : ha c. Undisturbed area : ha d. Backfilled area : ha In order to develop the green belt and afforestation in scientific way, MPSMCL will establish a nursery which will be developed. Plantation activity is coordinated by an Environmental Manager, Horticulturist and supervisors SOCIO-ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT The total mining lease area of ha is forest land. No human habitation which needs rehabilitation exists in the mining lease area. Hence the mining activities does not involve any displacement of human settlement. The mining activity will improve the economic status of the people around the lease area. The following are the benefits envisaged from opening of the mine : MPSMCL will provide direct employment in the mines for about 1037 persons and indirect employment through contract laborers, transport sector etc. for say 2000 persons Closer interaction and understanding between people from different regions, culture, social traits etc. Improvement in the general living standards and knowledge sharing Availability of various infrastructural facilities like pucca roads, improvement in communication, provision of electricity, water supply, educational & recreational facilities, hospitals, dispensaries, libraries etc. needed for the local society 9

10 Economic growth not only in the region but also the country as a whole Utilisation of the coal available in the region for generating power which is essential for the countries economy Benefit to State and Central governments by way of royalty, cess, Sales tax, duties etc. from this project OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY All safety measures and precautions as per Coal Mines Regulations and Circulars of DGMS will be followed strictly. Required medical facilities will be created close to the site. Highest safety will be ensured in the working conditions of the mines. 1.4 BUDGET FOR EMP MPSMCL will incur a capital amount of Rs 2500 lakhs towards implementation of Environmental Management Plan apart from annual recurring cost of Rs 50 Lakhs. * * * 10