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Sree Tirupathi Balaji Minerals Environment Management Plan

Team Labs and Consultants 1-1

ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAN

1.0 Introduction

This report discusses the management plan for mitigation/abatement of adverse

environmental impacts and enhancement of beneficial impacts due to mining. The EMP has

been designed within the framework of various legislative and regulatory requirements on

environmental and socio-economic aspects.

M/s. Sree Tirupathi Balaji Minerals proposes to conduct semi mechanized open cast method

quarrying for Colour granite extraction in an area of 4.0 ha in Survey No. 246, Amidalagondi

Village, Madakasira Mandal, Ananthapuram District, Andhra Pradesh. Transfer of quarry lease

deed was executed by Assistant Director of Mines and Geology vide proceeding No:

4617/Q2/CG/2007 dated 20.01.2012 for an unexpired portion upto 22.04.2030. Mining plan

approved by the Deputy Director of Mines and Geology, Government of Andhra Pradesh vide

Letter no. 1102/MP-ATP/2014 dated 28.11.2015. It is proposes to conduct semi mechanized

open cast method quarrying for Colour granite production of 1109 m3/annum from the lease

area. Capital proposed for the quarrying is Rs. 60 Lakhs.

M/s. Sree Tirupathi Balaji Minerals is conscious of its environmental responsibility towards

the society in minimizing the pollution load due to this project and accordingly decided to

carry out the Environment Management Plan. The objective of preparing environment

management plan is to delineate effective measures to control and to mitigate the

environmental pollution. This report presents the environment management plan, detailing

the environmentally sound technology and the measures needed to contain and mitigate the

anticipated environmental impacts due to the project.

1.1 Granite and its uses

Granite is a very common intrusive igneous rock. It is light-colored granulose plutonic rock

composed of the minerals feldspar, quartz and biotite & muscovite mica. These minerals

make granite white, pink, or light grey. Granite also contains small amounts of dark brown,

dark-green, or Colour minerals, such as hornblende and biotite mica. Granite is very hard and

dense. It can be readily cut into very large blocks and it takes an extremely high polish. The

name granite is derived from the Latin word granum, which means grain, an obvious



reference to the granular texture of granite. The average density of granite is between

2.65 and 2.75 g/cm3, with a compressive strength of above 200 Mega Pascal (MPa).

Uses

Granite has been extensively used as a dimension stone and as flooring tiles in public and

commercial buildings and monuments. With increasing amounts of acid rain in parts of the

world, granite has begun to supplant marble as a monument material, since it is much more

durable. Engineers have traditionally used polished granite surfaces to establish a plane of

reference, since they are relatively impervious and inflexible. Granite tables are used

extensively as a base for optical instruments due to granite's rigidity, high dimensional

stability and excellent vibration characteristics. Rough-cut and polished granite is used in

buildings, bridges, paving, monuments and many other exterior projects. Indoors, polished

granite slabs and tiles are used in countertops, tile floors, stair treads and many other

practical and decorative features. Presently, cut and polished granite slabs of 20 mm

thickness are preferred for flooring, while tiles of 10 or 12 mm thickness are used for

cladding.

1.2 Mining Method

The mining operations are carried out by manually and semi mechanization as open cast

mining. Hydraulic excavator and compressor jack hammers were used for cutting the rock.

Close spaced drilling of 0.2m was adopted along a straight line and charged with low

explosive to avoid feather cracks. Transportation will be made by trucks to dispatching

points.

1.3 Mine Location

M/s. Sree Tirupathi Balaji Minerals proposes to conduct semi mechanized open cast

quarrying for granite production of 1109 m3/Annum. The quarry lease area of 4.0 ha is

located at Survey No. 246, Amidalagondi Village, Madakasira Mandal, Ananthapuramu

District, Andhra Pradesh. The quarry lease area falls in the Survey of India topo sheet no. 57

G/5 of Latitude 13°59'59.8"N and Longitude 77°16'26.21"E with an elevation of 718 m. The

nearest village Amidalagondi located at a distance of 1.8 Km from the QL area in SE direction.

Nearest Railway station is Maluguru at a distance of 31.3 in SE direction. Nearest Town is

Madakasira located at a distance of 6.3 km in S direction. The road access is Madakasira to

Pavagada road passing at a distance of 0.9 Km from the QL area in East direction. Chikka



Pavagada Reserved forest is at a distance of 9.0 km in N direction. Bangarunaikanabetta RF is

at a distance of 3.0 km in NW direction. Sankarakallu RF is at a distance of 2.2 km in W

direction. Gundumalla RF is at a distance of 9.5 km in SW direction. Madakasira North RF is at

a distance of 2.3 km in S direction. Madakasira South RF is at a distance of 9.7 km in S

direction. Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka Interstate boundary is at a distance of 1.3 km in NE

direction. There is no national park, wildlife/bird sanctuary and critically polluted areas within

10km radius from the quarry lease area. Quarry lease location map is presented in figure 1.1.

Details of the quarry lease area are presented in table 1.1.

Latitude Longitude

14° 0'3.74"N 77°16'29.86"E

13°59'59.18"N 77°16'33.51"E

13°59'57.72"N 77°16'28.83"E

13°59'55.75"N 77°16'25.29"E

13°59'59.66"N 77°16'21.82"E

14° 0'0.98"N 77°16'25.42"E

Table 1.1 Details of the Lease area

State & District Mandal Village Sy. No./

Plot No.

Area in

hectares

Ownership of

occupancy

Andhra Pradesh &

Ananthapuramu

Madakasira Amidalagondi 246 4.0 Govt Land

1.4 Land use pattern of the lease area

The QL area is a mound and it is not being used for any other use except for grazing.

Table 1.2 Land use in Lease Area

S. No Purpose Extent (Ha)

1 Area under quarrying 0.4

2 Waste dump area 0.4066

3 Road 0.05

4 Infrastructure(Office, rest shelter) 0.0075

5 Green belt 0.03

6 Vacant 3.1059

Total 4.0



Fig 1.1 Location map of M/s. Sree Tirupathi Balaji Minerals



Fig 1.2 Quarry Lease Area sketch of M/s. Sree Tirupathi Balaji Minerals



2.0 Geology

The Lease area is a mound. The area is devoid of any forest or tree cover. It comprises shurbs only.

There are no prominent natural drainage channels in the area. In general the area is plain studded

with isolating hillocks. Sometimes they may raise gently as continuous hills, presenting a rugged

topography.

3.0 Regional Geology

Regionally the area represents part of the Archaean Greenstone terrain of the Dharwar Craton. It has

schistose rocks of greenstone belts. These are referred to as Archaean greenstone belts. This has

been included by the rocks of Peninsular Gneissic Complex (PGC) which has gneisses. Migamatite and

Migmatized granite suit of rocks. Gneisses and migamatites include porphyroblastic hornblende

gneiss, hornblende biotite gneiss, nebulitic to homophenus hornblende gneiss, pink and green

coloured migamatitic gneiss closepet Granite and its equivalents, namely dolerites porphyritic alkali

feldspar granite and granodiorite, belong to the Proterozoic age have intruded the above set up. The

greenstone belts, gneisses, migamatites and younger granitoids are intruded by the mafic dyke

swarms. The stratigraphy of the region is given below

Younger Intrusive

Epidote Veins

Quartz veins and reefs

Veins of alkali feldspar

Dolerite/Basalt/Gabbro Dykes

Biotite Granite

Archean

Peninsular Gneissic Complex

Hornblend granite

Biotite granite gneiss

Hornblend granite gneiss

Porphyritic hornblend granite

Dharwar Super Group Amphibolite, Hornblend schist

3.1 Local Geology

The subject area belongs to hillock raising to a height of about 25m with boulders from ground level.

It is southern slope of the hill range. However the granite sheet rock is well exposed without any over

burden. It represents late magmatic injection of closepet granite.



3.2 Brief description of litho units

Texturally the rock in the lease area is Porpharo blastick Texture with medium to course grained. The

rock is with pink and black bands. The rock is asthatically good looking. Mineralogically the Granite

consists of Quartz, Orthoclase, feldspar as essential mineral and other mafics Biotite, Mica,

hornblend, etc., as accessory mineral with fine to medium grain. The Granite available in the

demarcated area is useful for Granite Cutting and Polishing purpose.

4.0 Exploration

a. Present status:

There are three pits on Eastern, Northern and Southern side of the Q. L. area. The pit-1dimensions

are-21 m Length and 7m width with a depth of 1.3 m. The pit-2 dimensions are 9m Length and 3 m

Width with a depth of 1.2 m. The pit-3 dimensions are 10 m Length and 5 m Width with a depth of

1.5m.

5.0 Estimation and Calculation of Geological Reserves

Based on the prospecting work carried out and the present exposure of the rock, the reserves of

the area have been estimated by the following parameters. We have taken 16m as proved zone

and 2.5m as probable and possible zones in this area the recovery factor is taken only 12% as the

joints and cracks are present in the rock. The reserves available in the lease are complied as

stated below table 1.3.

Table 1.3 Reserves Estimation

Category Section

Influence

Distance in

m (A)

Section

Area in m²

(B)

Volume in

m³ (AxB)

Reserves

@ 12% in m³

(AxB) 0.12

Rock Wastage

@ 88% in m³

(AxB)0.88

Proved

A-A’ 131 1472 192832 23140 169692

B-B’ 87 1392 121104 14532 106572

C-C’ 131 1504 197024 23643 173381

Sub - Total

510960 61315 449645

Probable

A-A’ 131 230 30130 3616 26514

B-B’ 87 218 18966 2276 16690

C-C’ 131 235 30785 3694 27091

Sub - Total

79881 9586 70295

Possible

A-A’ 131 230 30130 3616 26514

B-B’ 87 218 18966 2276 16690

C-C’ 131 235 30785 3694 27091

Sub - Total

79881 9586 70295

Grand - Total

670722 80487 590235



Reserves of the buffer zone:

Total colour granite reserves = 670722m3

Total colour granite reserves blocked under buffer zone (lxbxh=535x7.5x21) = 84263 m3

Total Mineable Reserves = Total Geological Reserves – Reserves blocked under buffer zone

i.e., = 670722 - 84263 = 586459 m3

Salable colour granite reserves as 12% R.F = 70375 m3

5.1 Mineable Reserves and Life of The Quarry

Initially, the total quantity of mineable reserves is considered as (economic) marketable reserves. In

this way a total mineable reserves of 70375 m3 are available in this QL area. The average production is

proposed to obtain 1109 m3 per year. At this rate of production, the expected life of the mine is

calculated as below.

Life of the quarry: Mineable reserves/annual production = 70375/1109 = 63.5years or say 64 years.

6.0 Mining

Open Cast method of mining is carried out in this mine by manually and semi mechanization by using

compressor operated jack hammer drills, excavators and dumper etc. Transportation will be made by

trucks to dispatching points. Hydraulic excavator and compressor jack hammers were used for

cutting the rock. Close shed drilling of 0.2m was adopted along the strike line and charged with low

explosive to avoid feather cracks.

6.1 Removal/Excavation of O.B and other quarry waste

The North- Eastern portion of the area is selected for dump yard for next five years and the waste

will be stocked over an area 1355 m2 to a height of 30m. Step dumping will be resorted. This material

can be utilised to fill the pits after quarry operations are over. When the dumps reach their optimum

height suitable greenery will be grown on these dumps to stabilize them.

6.2 Separation of Large Primary Blocks from Mother Rock by Pre-Splitting

The mining will be followed in the form of linear cut method. This involves losing of the primary block

from mother rock. Hence primary cutting will be done by line drilling method where close spaced

parallel holes along straight line will be made. Line drilling method is used for separation of primary

blocks.

1) Once the free face is developed in working place, the primary cut is taken up over a maximum

length of 10 m with a width of 3m and to a depth of 6 m, depends upon the joints availability.



These dimensions are confirmed as for field studies. Primary block will be cut into secondary

blocks by jackhammer drilling and wedge cutting and this block will be dislodged from in-situe

position by an excavator.

2) Line drilling method will be used for cutting the primary blocks which involve drilling and blasting.

3) The holes are charged with low explosive cartridge like gunpowder and non-delay detonators for

smooth blasting.

4) The use of delay detonators causes fragmentation and cracks in rocks. The non-detonating cords

are inserted into the holes and the holes are stemmed with muck and plugged at the mouth and

fired.

5) Thus the block will separate from the mother rock, which is pulled off from the face with cranes

or shovels.

6.3 Sub Division of Large Primary Block Into Secondary Block

This will be done by drilling close spaced holes (along a line) down to the depth and the secondary

block will be removed easily by just pulling it with the help of proclain. Close spaced holes will be

drilled to the half the length of the block on either side of it by using wedges blocks can be separated.

7.0 Production of commercial blocks

After primary separation, the rock mass will be carefully examined to avoid hair line cracks, mineral

segregations and veins etc. The dressing of the rough blocks will be made by chipping the edges and

geometrically equating the edges of the block at the dressing yard. The rough blocks obtained after

primary cut it will be dressed for obtained good geometric shape of granite. Thus the commercial

blocks are produced.

8.0 List of Machinery

a) Since it has been decided to undertake semi-mechanized mining operations, the below

mentioned mine machinery will be deployed.

i. Excavator – One (Bucket capacity: 1m3, Boom length: 7m, Model: Tata Hitachi 200Lc)

ii. 300 CFM – AIR compressors – One

iii. Jack Hammers – 4 units

iv. 17 tonnes Tippers – 3 No’s

b) Minor Tools: Chisels, Crow bars, pick of axes spades and hammers of different sizes.



Taking 25 working days in a month, there will be 300 working days in a year. The expected output of

raw material per day is about 3 to 4 CBM on an average. Based on the demands from the purchasers,

labour force will be increased.

9.0 Loading Equipment

Loading of the blocks will be made by chain pulley with the help of crane or proclaim by the skilled

labours to the hired trucks to transport the material to the destination of customer.

10.0 Employment Potential

Table 1.4 Employment potential

S. No Description Quantity

1 Mine Manager/Supervisor 1

2 Blaster cum Mate 1

3 Excavator operator 1

4 Compressor operator 1

5 Tipper operator 2

6 Drillers 4

7 Helpers 8

8 Cutters 7

9 Watchman 1

10 Chisel men 2

Total 28

11.0 Scheme development and production

The scheme of development and production for the first five years has been planned taking into

consideration the nature of the deposit within the lease area. It is observed that the sheet rock is

exposed on North-central portion of Q.L area without any overburden and therefore the

development of the quarry is confined towards North-Central portion of the Q.L area.

11.1 Production plan for five years

There is a vertical and free face is available on North-Central portion (near pit-1) of the Q.L area. So

the North-Central portion (near pit-1) of the Q.L area is selected to work for next five years

production. It is envisaged to produce 1109 m3 of salable granite blocks in each year. To raise this

target production about 9240 m3 of rock mass has to be mined. The site inspection reveals that the

North-Central portion (near pit-1) of Q.L area is suitable for development during first 5 years

program. Most of this area is covered by the sheet rock from top to bottom. Year wise production

and waste generation details are presented in table 1.5.



Table 1.5 Year wise Granite Production and Waste generation

Year Working

Areas m3

Bench

Height m

Volume in

m3

Recovery

Factor

Recoverable

Blocks (12 %) m3

Wastage

(88 %) in m3

1st Year

40 x 20 = 800 6 4800 0.12 576 4224

37 x 20 = 740 6 4440 0.12 533 3907

Sub - Total 9240 1109 8131

2nd Year 40 x 20 = 800 6 4800 0.12 576 4224

37 x 20 = 740 6 4440 0.12 533 3907

Sub - Total 9240 1109 8131

3rd Year

40 x 20 = 800 6 4800 0.12 576 4224

37 x 20 = 740 6 4440 0.12 533 3907

Sub - Total 9240 1109 8131

4th Year

40 x 20 = 800 6 4800 0.12 576 4224

37 x 20 = 740 6 4440 0.12 533 3907

Sub - Total 9240 1109 8131

5th Year

40 x 20 = 800 6 4800 0.12 576 4224

37 x 20 = 740 6 4440 0.12 533 3907

Sub - Total 9240 1109 8131

Grand - Total 46200 5545 40655

12.0 Drilling & Blasting

Drilling and blasting plays vital role in determining the size and shape of rough blocks. Drilling Pattern

is important in developing a working face and also preparing the rough blocks suitable for their use in

appropriate processing units. There are no important places in and around the area, blasting will be

carried with precautionary measures.

12.1 Broad Blasting Parameters

Drill-Hole patterns for primary and secondary smooth blasting. Uniform single line equidistant holes

(line drilling) will be deployed for separation of blocks from mother rock. In the case of sheet rock the

primary drilling will be in the form of equidistant vertical holes to take out blocks of Gang Saw.

12.2 Drilling Parameters

i. Drill holes diameter: 74/P mm

ii. Depth and inclination of the blast holes: 3 meter in case of separation primary blocks

depending on the block size. Then the drill-hole will be vertical.

iii. Burden and Spacing: 1.5m X 3 m

iv. Stemming and charging of the blast hole: The blast hole will be charged with 100 grams of

explosives and filled with clan pills subsequently; the shot hole will be stemmed using brass

stemming rods.

v. Explosive type: (1) Slurry based explosives or Gun Powder.



12.3 Site services

It is proposed to provide the site services like mine office and other statutory constructions like rest

shelter, first aid, work shed and drinking water as required at the quarry lease area. Drinking water

will be supplied to the workers from the bore well opened in the adjacent agricultural field or from

nearby village.

13.0 Water requirement

Water requirement is mainly for drinking purpose, domestic purpose, green belt maintaining and for

sprinkling on Mine haulage roads the water shall be drawn from nearby village. The domestic waste

water shall be sent to septic tank followed by soak pit. Rainwater Catch Pond of 20 KL capacity will

be provided to collect the storm water for reuse. This will ensure that the rainwater is effectively

used and minimizes the drawl of ground water resources. The water requirement is presented in

table 1.6.

Table 1.6 Water Requirement

S. No Water Usage Quantity KLD

1 Wet drilling operation (On production basis @ 100 Ltr/1 m3) 0.4

2 Water sprinkling on haul roads @ 1Ltr/Sq.Mt (500 m2)+1/4

th for waste dump 1.5

3 Domestic @ 45 Ltr/Head (28 No’s) 1.3

4 Green Belt @ 0.2 KL for 0.03 ha – 2 times a day 0.4

Total 3.6

14.0 Environment Management Plan

Environmental protection is an issue that no organization can neglect and hope to survive. The

products of civilization are being dumped upon the environment to a degree that the environment

finds difficult to assimilate. The key to the success of the integrated approach to pollution prevention

and control is the management and operation of the organization. Effective committed management

delivers a successful operation. As total commitment to the environment, not just for compliance

with legal or regulatory compliance will be the essence of environment management. Many

companies have recognized the benefits of implementing an effective environmental management

system. Environmental management plan can be effectively implemented to mitigate the pollution

levels by observing the following:

a. Pollution will be prevented or reduced at the source

b. Pollution that cannot be prevented will be recycled in an environmentally safe manner.



c. Pollution that cannot be prevented or recycled will be treated in environmentally safe

manner and

d. Disposal and other releases into the environment will be used only as a last resort and will be

conducted in an environmentally safe manner.

The proposed project is granite mine. The mine owners are aware of the adverse impacts due to the

mining activity and propose to initiate a number of measures for the environment protection within

the mine area and in the surrounding areas. The company has a stated environmental policy of

ensuring regulatory compliance with respect to the statutory laws and regulations and those

periodically issued by the Ministry of Environment, GOI, New Delhi, CPCB, New Delhi and State

Pollution Control Board.

14.1 Sources of Pollution and Control Measures

The sources of pollution are air and noise from the proposed activity mainly from Mining, drilling,

Blasting and transportation of mineral. Waste material generation, dumping and restoration.

14.1.1 Air pollution and its control

The granite quarrying does not involve much dust formation. The dust would be generated during

drilling, smooth blasting, quarrying and also during handling and transportation of the material. The

dust anticipated at drilling place will be suppressed by putting cloth around the hole. Use of sharp

drill pits for drilling holes and drills with water flushing systems (wet drilling) to reduce dust

generation. Water spraying to be adopted at Faces/sites before and after blasting, Faces/sites while

loading. Over charging of blast holes should be avoided. Personal protective equipments like nose

mask and goggles etc will be provided to the workers. Regular water spraying on haul roads during

transportation of mineral and waste by water sprinklers. Over loading of transport equipments

should be avoided to prevent spillage. Also, measures such as covering tarpaulin over the loaded

material will prevent spreading of dust particles from the trucks. Speed controls on vehicle

movements to limited speed. Wind reduction control by plantation. Over burden dump has reached

the optimum size, it will covered with top soil and water will spread on top soil and grass will be

developed on the dump. Limiting the height and slope of the stockpiles can also reduce wind speed.

Regular checking and maintenance of vehicles should be conducted and pollution under control

certificate be obtained. Periodical monitoring of ambient air quality will helps to take steps to control

the pollutants.



14.1.2 Noise pollution and its control

The major source of noise pollution is due to drilling of drill holes, machinery, smooth blasting and

vehicular movement. Blasting operations will be carried out only during daytime so as to avoid high

noise intensity in night time. Noise barriers in the form of trees are provided to attenuate the noise

levels and green belt of 6m width shall be developed to mitigate propagation of noise. Protective

equipment to reduce the noise levels like ear muffs and other protective devices will be provided to

the staff working near noise generating sources like drill machine operators and dumper drivers.

Training would be imparted to mine personnel to generate awareness about the damaging effects of

noise. The transport activity shall be restricted to day time to reduce impact on habitation. The

engines of the tractors shall be switched off during loading operation, and shall be periodically

maintained to ensure low noise levels. Proper maintenance of the equipment will also reduce the

noise.

15.0 Occupational Safety and Health

Health and safety aspects of the mine will be taken care off as per the World Bank (WB) guidelines on

open pit mining. The guidelines provide the detailed information on the aspects that are required to

be taken into account for maintaining proper health and safety issues. The workers continuously

exposed to dust will be provided with protective devices like dust mask to prevent respiratory

disorders. The workers continuously exposed to a high noise will be provided with ear muffs/

earplugs. Green belt in and around the mining area will be developed to attenuate noise and dust

impact. The blasting carried out in the mine area will be carefully planned and executed under the

supervision of a responsible officer, to avoid any accidents. Provisions of rest shelter for mine

workers with facility of drinking water supply for the employees will be provided by the project

authority. The standard of the drinking water will be per WHO guidelines. Periodical training

programme to inform the employees about their task, associated risk, and safe working practices will

be undertaken. Conduct of mock drill, Safe storage & handling of explosives. Training will also include

information on accident prevention, proper control and maintenance of equipment and safe material

handling practices. Awareness on safety and ensure using of personal protective equipments (PPE) by

workers. Regular maintenance and testing of equipments will be done. A regular monitoring of the

Occupational Health and Safety will reduce the chances of accidents in the mine. Records of job



related accidents and illness should be maintained. This information will be reviewed and evaluated

to improve the effectiveness of Environmental Health and Safety programme.

Occupational Safety and Health to Control Dust Inhalation

Very little dust is expected to be generated during mining and does not affect the environment.

However while drilling, wet drilling will be practiced. It is a small scale mining activity and not much

vehicular movement is expected. All the above precautions would be adopted to prevent dust

generation at site and to be dispersed in the outside environment. However, for the safety of

workers at site, engaged at the strategic locations/dust generation points like drills, loading &

unloading points dust masks would be provided. Dust masks would prevent inhalation of RSPM

thereby reducing the risk of lung diseases and other respiratory disorders. Regular health monitoring

of workers will be carried out.

15.1 Occupational Safety and Health to Control Exposure to Noise

Blasting will be done using non delay detonators to reduce vibrations, and the amount of explosive

used will also be less at a time. There will not be heavy earth moving machinery which may create

some noise pollution. Thus the vibration and noise will be well controlled within permissible limits.

To protect the workers from exposure to high levels of noise, following measures would be adopted:

� Provision of protective devices like ear muffs/ear plugs to workers who cannot be isolated from

the source of high intensity noise, e.g. blasting;

� Reducing the exposure time of workers to the higher noise levels by shift management.

� Smooth blasting techniques, special explosives and silent non-explosive demolishing agent will

be used.

� Muffed blasting and use of Milli-second detonators will help in reducing the noise pollution.

15.2 Control of Ground Vibration & Fly Rock generation

In this area the applicant proposes to deploy blasting with less quantity of non-explosives. There will

not be any impact on surroundings, as there are less blasting and intended to use low power

explosives in this mine. It is a small scale mine and only limited No. of holes are blasted. Ground

vibrations due to blasting and its impact on various mine structures, should be studied in details

when the mine becomes operational, especially the charge per delay factor. General measures to

reduce ground vibration & fly rocks resulting from blasting are given below:

� Blasting should be carried out in the daytime, as during the night time the sound intensity



becomes higher;

� Blasting should not be carried out when strong winds are blowing towards the inhabited areas;

� Maximum permissible charge per delay should be decided on the basis of the distance of

structure to be protected from the blasting.

� The number of rows in a blast should not be more than four so that fly rock generation and

ground vibration is reduced.

� Peak particle velocity or ground vibrations for safety of nearby structures and residential

buildings should be well within 12.5 mm/sec;

� To contain fly rocks, stemming column should not be less than the burden of the hole, and the

blasting area should be muffled;

� Each blast should be carefully planned, checked, and executed under the supervision of a

responsible officer. Blasting data/observations should be recorded; and

As per the mining plan, in order to ensure slope stabilization, controlled production blasting shall be

adopted to avoid tension cracks and back breaks. Such cracks may get filled with water, which

reduces the stability of excavated slopes and the angle of slopes.

16.0 Peak Particle Velocity

The vibrations are measured as per the assessment criteria given under Bureau of Indian Standard,

“IS: 6922-1973 (Reaffirmed 2003) - Criteria for Safety and Design of Structures Subject to

Underground Blasts”.

Per the assessment criteria, the value of ground particle velocity may be computed from the

following expression:

V = K1 [Q2/3

/R] 1.25

Where

V = Ground particle velocity in mm/sec

K1 = Constant which may be normally taken as 880 for soil, weathered or soft rock and 1400 for

hard rock.

Q = Charge per delay (kg), and

R = Distance (m) from blast point

Based on the above equation, the ground particle velocities at different distances (3 m, 5 m, 10 m, 20

m, 50 m, 70 m, 100 m, 150 m and 200 m) are calculated considering K1 as 880 for soft rocks and 1400



for hard rocks. As per the Standard, for safety of structures from threshold damage, the ground

particle velocity should not exceed the following:

Soil, Weathered or Soft rock 70 mm/sec

Hard Rock 100 mm/sec

The results are presented in the Table 1.7 below for the maximum charge

Table 1.7 Ground Particle Velocity (V)

S.

No

Constant

(K1)

Charge

Per Delay

(Q in Kg)

Peak Particle Velocity (V) mm/second

Distance from the Blasting (R in meters)

3 3.2 5 10 50 70 100 150 200 500

1 880 0.20 58.29 53.77 30.78 12.94 1.73 1.14 0.73 0.44 0.31 0.10

2 1400 0.20 92.74 85.55 48.97 20.59 2.75 1.81 1.16 0.70 0.49 0.15

It is clear that with Q = 0.2 kg charge per day shall result in ground particle velocity is 1.14 mm/sec in

soft rock within a distance of 70 m while in the hard rock the ground particle velocity is 1.16 mm/sec

shall be within 100 m. There shall not be any structure with in 70 m of the quarry area, and it may be,

concluded that the ground vibrations generated by blasting during the mining operations will not

likely to effect the structures proposed in the vicinity of > 70 m from the point of blast. Concrete

structures like office, store etc should not be proposed within the core mine area. These structures

otherwise will be affected by the ground vibrations.

17.0 Water Quality Management

The operation of the mine will not generate any appreciable quantity of liquid waste. The ground

water table in this belt is 23m below form the surface and the quarrying will be done on above the

surface. Maximum depth of the quarry will be 12 m from top of the hill which is about 25 m height

from ground level, flooding by ground water is not anticipated. However during rainy months, there

is a possibility of wet conditions developing in the working pit this will be minimized, if not altogether

eliminated, by adopting simple techniques like digging trenches all round to drain off rainwater and

preventing surface run off from entering and flooding working pit. The water from the pits will be

pumped by deploying suitable pumps, if and when required, the mine drainage can be effectively

managed and the pit kept dry to keep up the production schedule.



17.1 Water Resources

In this area water table is at greater depth of 23m BGL. There are no wells or springs in the area.

Hence there will not be adverse effect on ground water due to quarrying. The daily water

requirement for the mine operations would be approximately 3.6 KLD. Water sprinkling on mine

haulage roads etc shall consume 1.5 KLD. Wet drilling operations consume about 0.4 KLD. For green

belt development water consumption is about 0.2 KLD. Domestic purpose is about 1.3 KLD. The

drinking water is to be sourced from nearby village through tankers and rainwater collected will be

used for sprinkling, green belt development and etc. The generation of wastewater from domestic

sources is expected to be approximately 0.9 KLD, which will be sent to septic tank followed by soak

pit.

17.2 Water Management

Following measures will be adopted to mitigate the impact on the water resources:

� The blasting activities will have to take care on the sinkholes, cracks and fissures in the site

activities.

� During excavation and drilling activities effort must be taken to avoid face collapse at these

cracks and fissures.

� To prevent surface water contamination by oil/grease, leak proof containers shall be used for

storage and transportation of oil/grease. The floors of oil/grease handling area will be kept

effectively impervious.

� To prevent degradation and maintain the water quality during rainy season, adequate control

measures should be adopted to check the mine run-off into the natural streams.

17.3 Catchment Area Treatment Plan

A catchment area treatment plan has been developed keeping in mind the results of the hydrology/

hydrogeology of the area and the climate data. As there are no perennial water sources running on

or through the site, the mine water discharge is limited to the monsoon season only. To keep water

from entering the mine during this period, a garland drain will be developed along the mine’s top

bench, which will bend to guide the water to the nearest natural surface drain.

In terms of water quality, good mining practices are planned, additionally the natural state of

surrounding areas, should ensure that rain water run-off from the mine does not contain any toxic

elements. As the site has no overburden, potential discharge of sediments is quite limited and any



residual particles which are washed down will be captured by a sump located at the lowest bench.

The sump will be cleaned regularly and discharge water monitored consistently. If required, based

on monitoring, an additional catch pit can be located at the main garland drain.

The sump proposed in the bottom bench will be designed based on the peak discharge and will be

expanded over a period of time to accommodate the increasing quantum of water discharge.

Presently, the capacity of the sump is designed to hold the entire quantum of peak discharge water

for more than 10 minutes. The garland drain shall be provided surrounding the mine area.

Garland drain and siltation pond need to be constructed of appropriate size to arrest silt and

sediment flows from soil and mineral dumps. The water so collected will be utilised for watering the

mine area, roads, green belt development etc. The drain should be regularly desilted and maintained.

The garland drain (size, gradient and length) and sump capacity will be designed keeping 50% safety

margin over and above the peak sudden rainfall and maximum discharge in the area adjoining the

mine site. Sump capacity should also provide adequate retention period to provide proper settling of

silt material. The surface water around the mine, and infrastructure will be regularly tested and

appropriate control measures adopted in case of any pollutant is detected above the prescribed

limits.

18.0 Waste Management plan

During five years operations a total rock mass 46200 m3 will be excavated and 5545 m

3 of granite

blocks will be recoverable from this rock mass and remaining material of about 40655 m3 will go as

waste.

19.0 Dump Area

Waste will be dumped over an area of 0.1355 ha to a height of 30 m in the NE portion of lease area

(with in lease area). By the end of lease period total dump area is 0.4066 ha. During the first five

years about 40655 m3 of waste material will be generated. Step dumping will be resorted. This

material can be utilized to fill the pits after quarry operations are over. When the dumps reach their

optimum height suitable greenery will be grown on these dumps to stabilize them.

20.0 Land Management

Land degradation is one of the major adverse impacts of opencast mining in the form of excavated

voids and also in the form of waste dumps. Land reclamation plan must be implemented

simultaneously with the mining activities.



20.1 Land Reclamation

No reclamation is proposed in the five years period because, the mining will be continued to further

depths and reclamation could be possible only after completion of mining up to the proposed depth.

Reclamation and rehabilitation of the lands affected by quarrying will be done by back filling, soil

anelioration and afforestation. The back filling of the mine starts from the Eastern end proceeds

towards Western side. Drainage will be developed along the slopes of the mound. Reclamation of the

effected land includes back filling, Drainage development, spreading and fertilization of soil, leveling

and revegetation etc., Care will be taken to implement the said factors.

20.1.1 Soil Conservation Measures

Top soil, if any will be properly stacked at earmarked dump site with adequate measures and the

same will be used for reclamation and rehabilitation of the mined out areas. Topsoil will not used for

refilling, but may be sparingly used for plantation purpose and also dumped in the dump yard. To

prevent soil erosion and wash-off of dump-fines from freshly excavated benches and dumps

following measures shall be adopted:

• Garland drains will be provided around the mine wherever required to arrest any soil from

the mine area being carried away by the rain water;

• Toe drains with suitable baffles will be provided all along the toe of the soil dumps to arrest

any soil from the dump slopes being carried away by the rain water;

• Loose material slopes will be covered by mineation by making contour trenches at 5 m

interval to check soil erosion both due to wind and rain;

Retaining walls (concrete or local stone) will be provided, around the stockpile or wherever required,

to support the benches or any loose material as well as to arrest sliding of loose debris.

21.0 House Keeping

Proper housekeeping and cleanliness will be maintained in the infrastructure facilities. Wet mopping

will be adopted to conserve water. Sign boards will be provided in the work areas and the road and

building highlighting the safety and occupational aspects.

22.0 Transport Systems

Nearest Railway station is Maluguru at a distance of 31.3 in SE direction. The road access is

Madakasira to Pavagada road passing at a distance of 0.9 Km from the QL area in East direction. The

finished product and waste material is transported by road using trucks of 17 Tons capacity. The



number of trips will be approximately 1 in five days for transportation of mineral and the trucks are

covered with tarpaulin. The lessee will deploy three tippers to transport the finished product, waste

blocks, unfinished and finished blocks from quarry site to yard and trucks to transport sized

dimensional blocks from yard to destination. Cranes will do the loading of blocks. The materials while

transporting do not pose any hazard. Sufficient parking facilities will be provided for vehicles loading

and unloading of material. Safety signs will be displayed inside and outside the mine to avoid road

accidents.

23.0 Environmental Greening Program

Environmental greening program is an important component of the Environment Management Plan

and is an imperative requirement for sink of air pollutants including noise as per the guidelines issued

by the Ministry of Environment and forests, Govt. of India. Conceptualization, design and

implementation of the proposed activity, taking into account the specific requirement of the

proposed mining activity and the site conditions are presented. Green cover in mining area not only

help in reducing pollution level, but also improves the ecological conditions and prevent soil erosion

to great extent. It further improves the aesthetics and beneficially influences the microclimate of the

surrounding. In every year about 50m length of buffer zone will be planted along the boundary in all

directions of the area. About 33 saplings consisting of Neem, Teak will be planted per year over an

area of 50m x 6m at 3m interval. The environmental greening program as designed comprises the

location and development of a shelterbelt and Afforestation in about 0.03 Hectares. The shelterbelt

will contain species, which act as windbreakers so that the environment within the mine is contained;

the planting of different species in rows is envisaged in general in the greenbelt. A dedicated cell in

the mine should be established for post plantation care, which include, regular watering, manuring,

protective measures etc. Diseased and dead plants should be uprooted and replaced by fresh

saplings. Regular monitoring on survival rate and remedial action should be done in an organized and

planned manner.

24.0 Socio-economic Environment

The project provides an opportunity for the local people to get employment directly or indirectly and

helps in the upliftment of the socioeconomic status of the area. The proposed project would generate

an employment of 28. The local inhabitants of the area live in the villages surrounding the mine area

and their main occupation is Agriculture. In a small way they rear cattle and sheep for sustenance.



The mining activity in this belt will benefit the locals both directly and indirectly. The direct

beneficiaries will be those who get employed in the mines as skilled and un-skilled workers. The

indirect beneficiaries will be those who open small business to sell goods required by the residents

whose “Per Capita” income will be enhanced by the mining activity, and thereby their purchasing

power. In the long run a lot of social good is expected in the comparatively backward area when the

inhabitants will be able to send their children to school. The change, though slow, is bound to be

perceptible. The management will involve in social activities of stakeholders/surrounding community

by planning the betterment of neighboring social conditions through awareness and welfare

programs to ensure an improved relation, useful in the long run. Many of the beneficiaries of such

programs will include own employees as well. The goodwill of the local populace can never be

ignored. It is proposed to supply drinking water and medical facilities to the villagers. The

management will also support for vocational training and assistance in utilizing government

programs. The channels employed may vary either through direct contact or by means of local

organizations. Another important facet of social environment identified by the project proponents is

a green appearance; hence the management will develop a green belt towards aesthetic

beautification as the same is necessary to be considered as a responsible, social neighbor.

25.0 Disaster Planning

The mining operation shall be carried out under the management control and direction of a qualified

mines manager holding a Second class manager’s certificate of competency to manage a

metalliferous mine granted by Director General of mines safety (DGMS). DGMS have been issuing a

number of standing orders and circulars to be followed by the mine management in case of disaster,

if any. Moreover mining staff would be sent to refresher courses from time to time to keep them

abreast of the regulations. However following natural/ quarrying hazards may occur during normal

operation

� Slope failure at the mine faces;

� Accident due to explosives;

� Accident due to heavy equipment/machinery;

� Sabotage in case of magazine; and

� Accidents due to fly rocks and boulders.

In order to take care of above hazards/disasters, the following control shall be adopted:



� All safety precautions and provisions of Metalliferous Mine regulation 1961 are strictly followed

during all mining operations;

� Checking and regular maintenance of garland drains and earthen bunds to avoid any inflow of

surface water into mining area;

� Entry of unauthorized persons shall be prohibited;

� Fire fighting and first aid provisions in the mines office and mining Area;

� Provision of all the safety appliances such as safety boots, helmets, dust masks, ear mufflers,

goggles etc. would be made available to the employees and regular check to ensure the use;

� Training and refresher courses for all the employees working in the hazardous premises;

� Working of mine as per approved plan, related amendments and other regulatory provisions;

� Cleaning of mine faces shall be done regularly;

� Handling of explosives, charging and blasting shall be carried out by competent persons only;

� Provision of magazine at safe place with fencing and necessary security arrangement;

� Suppression of dust on the haulage roads by providing water sprinkling.

26.0 Environment Management Cell

A Cell for Environmental Management within Mine lease area at the project level, will take the

overall responsibility for co-ordination of the actions required for environmental management and

mitigation, and for monitoring the progress of the proposed management plans and actions to be

taken for the project. The Cell will be under the overall supervision of the Mine Manager, and

responsible for monitoring of the implementation of the various actions which are to be executed by

the agencies specified in the EMP. The Cell will be headed by Mine Manager and the other members

of the cell that will include a Horticulturist.

The EMC will prepare a formal report on environmental management and mitigation for the

Environmental issues at the Mine, at six-monthly intervals. Reports on any urgent or significant

issues may be prepared at shorter intervals. Apart from responsibilities listed above, the EMC will

have the responsibility of the following:

� Collection of water and air samples within and outside the work zone;

� Analyzing the water and air samples;

� Implementation of the control and protective measures;

� Land reclamation and vegetation;



� Co-ordination of the environment related activities;

� Collection of the statistics of health of workers;

� Green belt development;

� Awareness and implementing safety programmes; and

� Monitor the progress of implementation of EMP.

26.1 Post Project Monitoring

The survey of post project monitoring comprises of the following monitoring aspects;

a. Ambient air quality survey

b. Noise Level Monitoring

c. Water quality monitoring

Ambient air quality and noise level Monitoring will be carried out at minimum four stations, two

stations within mine site and two stations nearby residential areas outside the mine. Parameters like

particulate matter, sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen carbon monoxide and lead will be monitored

in case of ambient air quality. Water quality monitoring will be carried out in the mine working area,

sump and nearby village. The frequency of monitoring is preferably once in three months on 24 hour

basis. The samples will be collected in accordance with the procedures given by CPCB.

26.2 Other Management Aspects

Records will be maintained for the analysis of ambient air quality, noise levels and water quality.

These records are not only required for the perusal of the Pollution Control Board authorities to take

preventive action against the environmental pollution. The management will maintain the records as

per the hazardous waste regulations and EPA regulations and apply for the annual consents for air

and water, and renewal of authorization for the storage of hazardous waste as per the Hazardous

Waste (Handling & Management) Rules, 1989. The records of hazardous waste manifest will be

maintained. The mine will obtain the consent for establishment (CFE) and consent for operation

(CFO) from State Pollution Control Board as required under section 25/26 of the Water act, 1974 and

under section 21/22 of Air Act, 1981, before commissioning and production as directed by the

Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. The CFO will be renewed each year by the management in

consultation with SPCB. The mine will submit environmental statement every year before September

30. The management ensures that it will comply with all the directions and regulations issued by the

Ministry of Environment and Forests, New Delhi, State and Central Pollution Control Boards. The



Consent for Establishment, Consent for Operation will be displayed in a conspicuous location for the

information of the inspecting authorities of different departments.

27.0 Cost proposed for Environmental Protection Measures

The cost estimate of environment management is presented in table 1.8.

Table 1.8 Environment Management - Cost Estimate

S.

No.

Description Item Capital

cost (Rs.)

Recurring

cost (Rs.)

Remarks

1 Air pollution Nose masks 28 No's 26880 2688

Once a week. Replaceable, and

cost may increase with time

Cloth for drillers 4 no's 1.0m each. 480 128 Issued quarterly

Gunny bags for covering the surface

of jackhammer holes 10000 2400

As and when needed, Lump

sum.

Road wetting @ 1 Ltr/500 Sq. m. and

waste dump settling (1/4 of wetting)

- 5000 Ltrs tank

18198 5459

Water tanker cost @ one

tankers per day for 300 days

Plantation on road side - 3m interval

and buffer zone - 3m interval plus

maintenance

11250 5250

Re-plant the non-surviving

plants, watering and protection

from animals

Sub Total 66808 15925

2 Water

pollution

Construction of garland drains 90000 7200

Once only for the lease

period/life of mine

De-silting operations 63700 13650 Yearly and manual operations

Construction of check dams 208800 69600

Once in year, cost incurred is to

buy sand bags and filling sand

Construction of retaining wall for

waste dump in slope side 124800 24000

Cost of construction of wall

around the dip side of the dump.

Sub Total 487300 114450

3 Noise

pollution

Maintenance of machinery suitably -

Rs. 4000 per 3 months 60000 33000

Included in main cost

PPE's like Ear muffs - Rs. 15 each 840 560 Once in six months

Sub Total 60840 33560

4 Occupational

Safety and

Health

First aid kits - 2 No's Fire

extinguishers - 2 No's 6000 2000

Once in year, replace by

conducting periodical checkup

PPE's to all employees (hand gloves

@ Rs. 30, safety shoe @ Rs. 1500 and

helmet @ Rs. 100)

70720 29702

Safety shoe twice in a year,

helmets once in three years and

hand gloves thrice in a year

Training and awareness programs on

risk factors during emergencies by

the experts

7000 3500

Once in six months and create

sign boards about the risk and

safety precautions regularly

Periodical medical checkup and

supply of medicines - Rs. 600 per

head

16800 2912

Once in a year and supply of

medicines for every three

months

Sub Total 100520 38114

5 Environmental Ambient air quality studies - Once in - 13600 Will be done through



monitoring six months - 2 locations MoEF&CC/NABL recognised

laboratories Water quality studies - Once a year -

2 Locations - 3000

Noise studies - Once in six months - 2

Locations - 4400

Vibration studies - Once in year - 1

locations - 7800

Sub Total - 28800

Grand Total 715468 230850

Documents

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