ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF IRON ORE MINING

Dr VM SHASTRI
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Iron Ore In India

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Estimated Iron Ore reserves : 23 Bt

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Haematite : 12 Bt; Magnetite : 11 Bt

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Ore production (2006-07) : 170 Mt Exports (2006-07): 100 Mt Steel production (2006-07) : 45-47 Mt MOUs signed by 3 mineral rich states of Orissa, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh : 140 Investment : Rs 3,57,344 Cr; Capacity : 150 Mt Expected Steel Production by 2011-12:>125 Mt
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Major Operations leading to Significant Impacts

Land use for Mining & Infrastructure development Displacement of persons Top soil removal Drilling and blasting Overburden dumping Mineral beneficiation Mine water pumping Toxic / contaminated waste water discharge Mineral transportation
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Impact Potential wrt Mining Cycle

Impacts

C Time

A - Prospecting C - Mine development

B Site preparation / enabling works D Operation

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E - Closure
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Impacts of Mining

Permanent / Temporary Beneficial / Harmful Reparable / irreparable Reversible / irreversible

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Impacts of Mining
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Impacts on Land Impacts on Atmosphere Impacts on Water Regime Impacts on Ecology Impacts on Society

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Impacts on Land
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Changes in topography and land scenario Change of land-use pattern Changes in drainage pattern Changes in top soil composition by run off from overburden dumps Damage to Archeological / Religious monuments

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Impacts on Atmosphere
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Increase in temperature in the area- due to industrial activity and decrease in vegetation High SPM levels due to vehicle movement and other operations Drilling and blasting contribute to explosive fumes Increase in NOx, hydrocarbons, CO and lead levels due to diesel equipment, generators, vehicle movement etc. Increase in ambient noise
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Changes in surface and ground water regime Removal of surface water bodies Damage of all aquifers above the mineral deposits Depletion of Ground Water- Pumping of high pressure aquifers, below the mineral deposits Pollution of surface water bodies - Run off from mines - Leaching from dumps - Beneficiation activities Mineral deposits rich with pyrites / sulfides leach acidic water to the water bodies On closure, open pits act as water bodies and recharge ground water table
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Impacts on Water Regime

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Impacts on Ecology
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Removal of vegetation, affects fauna too Pollution of water bodies affects aquatic ecology High fugitive emissions and release of other gaseous emissions- retard growth of vegetation Water scarcity and change in water regimedevastate agriculture & stunt growth of vegetation Noise pollution due to blasting and subsequent vibration drives away wild animals

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Impacts on Society
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Employment opportunities Infrastructure facilities (health care, education) Economic upliftment Displacement of people Loss of livelihood Changes in population dynamics Cost of living Economic disparity and frustration Water scarcity Health impacts
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Mine Plan
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Mine Plan to cover the following stages envisaged in a mine life:

Conceptualization n Development & Construction n Operation n Post-operation or Closure
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Conceptualization
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Prospecting and pre-feasibility assessment Resource evaluation Mine Planning and FR/DPR preparation Technical and financial appraisal Environmental and other regulatory appraisal

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Critical Environmental Ingredients

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Archeological Monuments Places of Religious importance Defence installations Populated urban settlements Bio-Reserves / Parks / Sanctuaries Eco-fragile areas High-yielding agricultural areas Polluted water regimes
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Resource Evaluation
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To avoid reserves underneath sensitive zones like:

Rivers and perennial water courses n Water reservoirs for societal use n Recharge zone of rich aquifers n Good agricultural land n Forests of high density (say > 0.6) n Populated areas
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Mine Development
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In the planning for mine development, important environmental considerations:

Size of mine area n Siting of mine access n Siting of infrastructure n Siting of residential area n Use of waste n Hydrological regime
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Mine Closure Plan

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Closure of mining operations Effective fencing of open pits Stabilization of waste dumps Decommissioning of infrastructure Reuse of structures / colonies

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What is Required
Optimum resource utilization Air pollution control Water management Water courses Sewage Tailings Decrease in water discharge with improved treatment facilities and recycle Noise pollution control Waste management Minimization of waste generation

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What is Required

Making EMP as a part of annual business plan Awareness campaigns Rehabilitation of mined out areas & afforestation Systematic greenery development Periodical monitoring Sustainable Mining

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Thank You!
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