Environmental Issues in Stone Quarrying and Extraction

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1 National Seminar on Dimensional Stone Quarrying Environmental Issues in Stone Quarrying and Extraction January 17, 2015 ; Bengaluru Neha Vyas Senior Environment Specialist, The World Bank

2 World Bank Operations and Dimension Stone 1. Infrastructure Projects (including due diligence monitoring of material sources; OHS issues) 2. Operations that involve Building Construction/Refurbishment 3. Financial Intermediary Support 4. MSME 5. Skill Development 6. Analytical Work 7. Policy/Background Notes

3 Key Environmental Issues Extracting stone from the earth, an arduous endeavor affects the local ecosystem and community on a number of levels. 1. Ecological Impacts/Ecosystem Losses Modify landscape and topography Require significant quantities of water and energy Can impact forests and displace wildlife population

4 Stone quarrying, if executed without regard to surrounding ecosystems and geological conditions, can easily disrupt the balance of wildlife, plant life, and water bodies in the area. For instance, removal of native vegetation coupled with alteration of topography can generate erosion problems, and site runoff can impact local waterways.

5 Key Environmental Issues 2. Occupational Health and Safety Risks For quarry employees and Local residents 3. Waste management Particularly Solid Wastes (management of unsuitable rock/overburden) Effluents/waste water (including surface run-off) 4. Particulate air pollution 5. Noise and Vibration 6. Visual/archeological/cultural issues 7. Community Interface (grievances/complaints) Weak compliance to existing regulations/norms

6 It is essential, therefore, that quarry plans be developed with an emphasis on: 1. Limiting Habitat Loss 2. Minimizing Waterway Damage 3. Erosion and Siltation Control 4. Waste Management 5. Pollution Prevention 6. Noise and Vibration Control 7. Health and Safety Measures Additionally, sites should be restored/rehabilitated once the quarry is closed.

7 Benefits of Good Environmental Management a) Increased business competitiveness b) Ensuring regulatory compliance c) Reduced corporate liabilities d) Enhanced public and community relations

8 Possible Solutions Look Beyond Regulation 1. Simply Procedures /Rules (bring it all together) 2. Bring-in Transparency and Accountability in regulatory regime 3. Improve Governance and Strengthen Enforcement - One stop shop and guidance on regulations - Standardize EM protocols/reporting 4. Demonstrate EM on the Ground 5. Use of e-techniques 6. Support/create incentives for cleaner production/ processing 7. Offsetting export related footprint - Value Addition 8. Create your own model of development 9. Communicate Better

9 1. Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative

10 What is EITI? The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global Standard to promote openness and accountable management of natural resources. Seeks to strengthen government and company systems, inform public debate, and enhance trust. In each implementing country, it is supported by a coalition of governments, companies and civil society working together.

11 EITI Countries

12 The EITI is a multistakeholder coalition of governments, companies, investors, civil society, and partner organizations. A multi-stakeholder group oversees the EITI process in implementing countries and internationally through the EITI Board.

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16 Benefits Benefits for implementing countries improved investment climate by providing a clear signal to investors and international financial institutions that the government is committed to greater transparency; Strengthens accountability and good governance. Benefits to companies and investors mitigating political and reputational risks. since investments are capital intensive and dependent on longterm stability to generate returns; Transparency of payments made to a government can help to demonstrate the contribution that the investment makes to a country. Benefits to civil society Increasing the amount of information in the public domain about those revenues that governments manage on behalf of citizens - thereby making system more accountable.

17 The World Bank is helping countries implement the EITI principles.

18 2. Promoting Green/er Buildings

19 Dimension stone rates very well in terms of the criteria for sustainability of building products: Durability Limited Environmental footprint - there are no direct greenhouse gas emissions during processing Dust created can be controlled Water used can almost be completely recycled

20 When "building green", dimension stone has a big advantage over steel, concrete, glazed glass and laminated plastics, whose productions are all energy intensive and create significant air and water pollution. As an entirely natural product, dimension stone also has an advantage over synthetic/ artificial stone products, as well as composite and space-age materials.

21 3. Quarry Site Management and Rehabilitation

22 Quarry Site Maintenance and Closure Reduction in clean-up /rehabilitation costs Well planned/managed site maintenance over the life of the quarry reduces the time and money spent on site cleanup when the quarry closes; reclaiming a well-maintained site is less laborious than restoring one with a poor preservation plan. Generation of revenue Site maintenance, interim restoration, and final rehabilitation can increase land value for future leasing and/or sale. Additionally, overburden and sludge may be sold for use in road construction and agricultural applications. Avoidance of regulatory penalties/reputational risks Site organization and proactive hazard management mitigates potential for occupational exposure; regulatory fees and legal action. Eg: US: Penalties range from $60 to $220,000 per violation.

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25 Quarry Site Maintenance and Closure Increase in employee safety and morale Employees that feel safe at work are more likely to make a greater personal investment in the company. Increased efficiency A clean and well-organized quarry site can increase production efficiency by ensuring open paths and roadways, reducing debris, and increasing the safety of employees. Enhancement of company reputation Adequate maintenance and rehabilitation practices can result in greater community acceptance of the quarry and respect for the company. A company with a reputation for being socially responsible is likely to retain current customers and attract new ones.

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27 Use of bio-engineering.

28 The World Bank and Extractive Industries Priorities are: - Enhancing sustainability - Transparency in revenue management - Inclusive job creation and - Growth opportunities and - Addressing resource-related conflicts

29 1. Investments / Operations 2. Technical Assistance Lending 3. Advisory Services 4. Partnership Programs 5. Knowledge Products

30 Addressing specific problems. Problem identification Identification of existing technological solutions Best Practice Technology (BPT) Research proposals for new technology development Dissemination of BPT to the industry

31 Watch your Environmental Footprint! Thanks!!