DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY, CHIKITI

MAHAVIDYALAYA
BERHAMPUR UNIVERSITY, 760001

CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the geological project report on
“MAHANADI COALFIELDS LIMITED (MCL),LAKHANPUR AREA,
JHARSUGUDA”, submitted by SURAJ OM SAHU in partial
fulfillment of the requirements for the award of the CBCS Degree
course under BERHAMPUR UNIVERSITY is a genuine work done
by him.
This work has not been submitted for any other degree, award of
distinction, elsewhere. He is advised not to publish any part of
this report without appropriate permission from the guide.

Signature of Guide
SUBMITTED BY GUIDED BY
SURAJ OM SAHU Mr.LAXMAN BEHERA
+3 3rd YEAR SCIENCE H.O.D OF DEPT.OF GEOLOGY
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I owe my depicts gracious thanks to our esteemed principal Dr.
BHABANI PRASAD PANDA for his kind approval of the
programme and encouragement in orienting the attitude for
field work.
I am extremely grateful
to Mr. LAXMAN BEHERA
(H.O.D,GEOLOGY) and Mr. SIDHARTH SHANKAR SWARO, Lecturer in
Geology, Chikiti Mahavidyalaya, Chikiti, Ganjam for their able
guidance, advice, inspiring field activity and encouragement
throughout the field training programme. I express my obligation
to Dr. RAM SANKAR PATTNAIK, who encouraged us and
empowered us for the field tour and ensured our safe journey by
supporting us right from the beginning.
I am also thank full to Sri.Sanjay kumar Jha for giving us this
golden opportunity to visit MCL and also associating in the day of
field tour.
Last but not least my heart full thanks to my friends for their co-
operation throughout the field training programme making it an
amazing experience of life, both in geology and gossip they have
contributed towards completion of a successful and memorable
field tour.
I feel proud of being the student of geology department for
getting the opportunity to participate in this successful and
memorable field tour.

SURAJ OM SAHU
ROLL NO-CK1819869
REGD NO-03683/2017
 CONTENTS

Chapter-1 INTRUDUCTION 3-5

Chapter-2 GEOMORPHOLOGY 6-9

2.1 Location
2.2 Climate
2.3 Accessibility
Chapter-3 LITHOLOGY 10-14
3.1 Stratigraphic succession
3.2 Physiography of the area
3.3 Structure
Chapter-4 METHODOLOGY 15-17
Chapter-5 ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT 18- 19
Chapter-6 CONCLUSION 20
Chapter-7 REFFERENCE 21
 LIST OF FIGURES

Fig.1 mine view from inside the querry

Fig.2 Jharsuguda map
Fig.3
 INTRODUCTION
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------_

The state of Odisha is one of the top mineral rich states of the
country where development of mining industry holds great promise
for the growth of the state, country and its people. The state is
endowed with a variety of mineral resources, coal being a major one.
It has two important coalfields of the country, namely Talcher,
Lakhanpur and Ib-valley coalfield.

Fig.1 : view from inside the querry

The Lakhanpur coal mines are an important part of the coal

mining industry in the Jharsuguda district of Odisha, India. These
mines are known for producing high-quality coal that is used for
various industrial purposes, including power generation, steel
production, and cement manufacturing.

The coal mines in the Jharsuguda-Lakhanpur area are

significant contributors to the economy of the region and play a
crucial role in meeting the energy demands of the country. The coal
extracted from these mines is primarily used by thermal power
plants located in the vicinity, as well as by other industries in the
region.
 The coal reserves in the Jharsuguda-Lakhanpur area are
estimated to be substantial, making it a key mining region in India.
The mining operations in this area are carried out by both public and
private sector companies, adhering to strict safety and
environmental regulations. The major stakeholder of the coal
production in this region is Mahanadi coalfields limited (MCL) and we
visited the LAKHANPUR & BELPAHAR AREA of MCL in the lakhanpur
block of jharsuguda.

The coalfield is situated near Cuttack-Sambalpur railway line,

which is linked to Howrah Chennai and Howrah-Mumbai railway line.
It is only 400 kms away from a major port in the eastern coast of
Odisha i.e. Paradeep port.

Railway link is available between Talcher and Paradeep-via-

Cuttack. Now Dhamra, Talcher coalfield is also favorably located for
consumers of Southern and western India itself where coal can be
transported either by rail or rail cum sea route.
 HISTORY

The earliest coal mines in Jharsuguda were established in the

early20th century by the British authorities. Coal deposits in the
region were discovered during exploratory surveys, and the mines
were set up to exploit these reserves for the rapidly industrializing
British Empire. The coal from Jharsuguda was primarily used in
steam-powered industries and for powering the railway network.

In the post-independence era, ownership of the Jharsuguda coal

mines transitioned to the Indian government. The mines were
further developed and mechanized, resulting in increased production
and output. The coal from Jharsuguda was critical in supporting the
rapid industrialization that took place in India after independence.

However, in recent years, the Jharsuguda coal mines have faced

challenges due to environmental concerns, rising production costs,
and increased competition from other coal-producing regions in
India. In order to address these issues, the Indian government has
implemented policies to promote more sustainable and efficient
mining practices, such as reducing emissions and promoting the use
of cleaner fuels like natural gas.

Despite these challenges, the Jharsuguda coal mines continue to be

an important source of coal for India, and the region remains a key
player in the country's energy industry.
 FORMATION

 CMAL Formation
Public sector company named Coal Mines Authority Limited
(CMAL) was formed to manage non coking mines on 1 st may
1973

 Coal India Limited (CIL) Formation

CIL started functioning in 1975 with 5 subsidiary companies
under it. These were Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL),
Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL), Central Coalfields Limited
(CCL), Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), and Central Mine
Planning & Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL).CIL started on 1 st
November 1975.

 MCL Formation
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited was carved out of South Eastern
Coalfields Limited in 1992 with its headquarters at Sambalpur.
  Establishment of Lakhanpur area
Lakhanpur Area was established on 03.05.1998 which was
separated from IB Valley Area. Lakhanpur Area is having three
open cast mines under its administrative control and 5 nos. of
wharf wall sidings.
In addition, IB Washery (10MTY) with pipe conveyor and silo
rapid loading system is under construction.

 MCL Got Miniratna Status

On 3rd December 2019 MCL got the glorious miniratna status in
the Miniratna Category - I CPSEs.

 Joint Ventures of MCL

• Mahanadi Basin Power Limited (SPV)
• MJSJ Coal Limited
• MNH Shakti Limited
• Mahanadi Coal Railway Limited

The above are some of the ventures of the Mahanadi Coalfields

Limited
 LOCATION

Jharsuguda district is bounded between the 21° 34’ North and

22°02’ North latitudes and also between 83°25’ East and 84°23’
East longitudes.

Jharsuguda was a subdivision of Sambalpur District and was

subsequently awarded the status of a new district. It is bounded
in the north by Sundergarh district, east by Sambalpur district,
south by Sambalpur and Bargarh district and west by Raigarh
district of Chhattisgarh State. The total geographical area is
2081.86sq. km. It is divided into five administrative blocks
namely Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda, Kirimira, Laikera, Kolabira.
Total population of the district is 579,505 as per 2011 census.
Out of the total population 60.11% live in rural areas and rest
39.89% in urban area. The population density of the district is
274 per sq. km. The literacy rate of the district is 78.86 %. The
district is well connected by rail and roads.
 GEOMORPHOLOGY
The geomorphology of Jharsuguda, located in Odisha, India, is
influenced by various geological processes, landforms, and terrain
characteristics. Here is an overview of the geomorphology of
Jharsuguda:

Geomorphological Features of Jharsuguda:

1. Plateaus:

- Jharsuguda region is characterized by undulating plateaus and

uplands, typical of the Deccan Plateau where it is situated.

- Plateaus in the region are often dissected by rivers and streams,

forming valleys and ravines.

2. Valleys and Rivers:

- The landscape features numerous valleys and riverine systems,

with the Ib River being one of the prominent rivers in the area.

- River valleys contribute to the overall drainage network and

contour the landforms in Jharsuguda.

3. Coal Mining Impact:

- The geomorphology of Jharsuguda has been significantly

impacted by coal mining activities in the region.

- Open-cast mining operations have altered the land surface,

creating pits, spoil heaps, and altered topography in certain areas.

4. Fluvial Landforms:

- Fluvial landforms like alluvial plains, terraces, and meanders can

be observed along the riverbanks and floodplains in Jharsuguda.

- River processes have shaped the landforms and sedimentary

environments in the region.
5. Hills and Escarpments:

- The presence of hills, ridges, and escarpments adds to the diverse

geomorphological features of Jharsuguda.

- These elevated landforms contribute to the overall topographic

variability in the region.

6. Weathering and Erosion:

- Weathering and erosion processes have played a role in shaping

the landforms of Jharsuguda over geological timescales.

- These processes have influenced the development of slopes,

valleys, and other geomorphic features in the area.

7. Natural Vegetation:

- The geomorphology of Jharsuguda is also marked by the presence

of natural vegetation cover, including forests, grasslands, and
wetlands.

- Vegetation interacts with the landforms and contributes to the

overall geomorphic stability and ecosystem balance.
 CLIMATE

The climate of Jharsuguda, located in the state of Odisha, India, can

be classified as a tropical savanna climate. The region experiences
distinct seasons throughout the year, with hot summers, a monsoon
season, and relatively mild winters.

Here is a general overview of the climate in Jharsuguda:

1. Summer (March to June): Summers in Jharsuguda are hot and dry,

with temperatures often reaching highs of around40-45°C (104-
113°F). The months of April and May are usually the hottest, with
intense heat and dry weather prevailing during this period.

2. Monsoon (July to September): The monsoon season in Jharsuguda

typically begins in July and lasts until September. During this time,
the region receives a significant amount of rainfall, which is vital for
agriculture and replenishing water sources. The humidity levels are
high during the monsoon season.

3. Winter (October to February): Winters in Jharsuguda are relatively

mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from around10-25°C
(50-77°F). The weather is dry and comfortable during this period,
making it an ideal time to visit the region.

Overall, Jharsuguda experiences a semi-arid climate with distinct

seasons. The monsoon season brings much-needed rainfall to the
region, supporting agriculture and the local ecosystem. If you have
any more specific questions about the climate of Jharsuguda
ACCESSABILITY
The study area is situated at 333 km to the nort-west of the capital
city Bhubaneswar and about 30 km from the nearest city jharsuguda.
One can reach out to the mines area through any private vehicle
from jharsuguda.

Getting to Jharsuguda is quite convenient, with various modes of

transportation available to reach this bustling city in Odisha, India!

 By Air:

The nearest airport to Jharsuguda is the Jharsuguda Airport (JRG),

which connects the city to domestic destinations like Delhi, Mumbai,
Kolkata, and others. Regular flights operate to and from Jharsuguda,
offering air connectivity to travelers.

 By Train:
Jharsuguda Junction Railway Station is a major railway station in the
area, well-connected to various parts of the country. Trains from
major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bhubaneswar run to
Jharsuguda, making it easily accessible by rail.

 By Road:

Jharsuguda is well-connected by road networks, with buses and

private vehicles being common modes of transport. National
Highway 49 passes through Jharsuguda, providing access to nearby
cities and states. State transport buses and private operators offer
regular services to and from Jharsuguda.
 LITHOLOGY

ROCK TYPE :
The district is underlain by crystalline and sedimentary rocks
belonging to Precambrian and Permo – Carboniferous age.
Late sedimentaries of Recent to sub
recent age developed in patches. The main rock types of the
area are:

 Granite gneisses:
Granite gneisses are the most prominent rock types in the
district generally occupying the undulating plains forming low
hills and mounds represented by
biotite granite gneiss, porphyritic gneiss etc.
 Iron Ore Group:
Iron Ore Group of metasediments comprise mainly of
quartzites and occurs in the north eastern part of the district.

 Gangpur Group:
The rocks of Gangpur Group are mainly mica schists which are
often traversed by pegmatites and quartz veins.
 Chandrapur and Raipur Groups:
Chandrapur and Raipur Group of rocks comprise of
sandstones, shales, quartzites and conglomerates which occur
in the western part of the district as an extension of
Chhattisgarh basin.
 Intrusive:
Basic dykes (dolerite and epidiorites) are seen cutting through
the gneissic
rocks over considerable aerial extent.
 Gondwana sedimentaries:
Gondwana sedimentaries comprising a thick sequence of
Sandstone, shale, sandy shales and workable coal seams
occur in the west central part of the district in the Ib valley.
Laterites discontinuously occur as capping over older
formations. Alluvium of recent to sub-recent origin occurs in
small patches in the vicinity of prominent rivers.
STRUCTURE :
Raja Rao (1982) has indicated that the Gondwana sediments of
the basin form a north-westerly plunging syncline with the closure in
the east and the younger horizons outcropping progressively
towards west. However, the northerly dipping beds and increase in
the number of coal seams from south to north indicate a possible
homoclinal structure.

Fig-3.1 showing normal faulting

LITHOLOGICAL SUCCESSION :

The lithological succession of Jharsuguda is characterized by a

diverse range of rock formations that have shaped the geology and
mineral wealth of the region. Here's an overview of the lithological
succession typically observed in the Jharsuguda area:

1. Gondwana Super Group:

- Jharsuguda falls within the Gondwana Super Group, known for its
significant sedimentary rock formations.

- The Gondwana rocks in the region consist of layers of sandstones,

shales, conglomerates, and coal seams, reflecting the ancient
environments in which they were deposited.

2. Barakar Formation:

- The Barakar Formation within the Gondwana Super Group is

prominent in Jharsuguda and is known for its coal-bearing
sequences.

- This formation typically consists of layers of sandstones, shales,

and coal seams, which are crucial for the coal mining industry in the
region.

3. Talchir Formation:

- The Talchir Formation, which underlies the Barakar Formation, is

another important lithological unit in Jharsuguda.

- It is characterized by sandstones, shales, and conglomerates and

serves as a significant stratigraphic unit in the Gondwana sequence.
4. Rotliegendes Formation:

- In addition to the Gondwana rocks, the region may also have

deposits from the Rotliegendes Formation, which is part of the
Permo-Carboniferous sequence.

- The Rotliegendes Formation is known for its sandstones and

occasionally contains hydrocarbon reservoirs in other regions.

5. Intrusive Rocks:

- Jharsuguda may also have occurrences of intrusive rocks, such as

granites or gabbros, which have intruded into the surrounding
sedimentary formations.

- These intrusive rocks can have economic significance for mineral

exploration and potentially contribute to the geological diversity of
the region.

Overall, the lithological succession of Jharsuguda showcases a mix of

sedimentary rocks, coal-bearing formations, and potentially intrusive
rocks, highlighting the geological complexity and mineral resource
potential of the area.
 Chapter-4

METHODOLOGY
The coal mining is the process of extracting coal from
the ground. The most economical method of coal
extraction from coal seams depends on the depth and
qualities of coal seams and the geology and
environmental factor. These are operated in three
phases like below.
1.Extraction of overburden
2.Extraction of coal
3.Reclamation of mined out area

1.Extraction of Overburden
 Overburden lying above coal seam are often
fragmented by use of the explosives in the hole then
overburden is removed by using large earth moving
equipments such as draggling, shovel and trucks,
excavator and trucks or bucket , Wheel and conveyors.
This overburden is put into the previously mined areas.
TRANSPORTATION OF OVERBURDEN

2.Extraction of coal
When all the overburden are removed, the underlying
coal seam will exposed. This block of coal is blasted or
otherwise loaded into trucks or conveyor for transport
to the coal preparation. The overall stripping ratio of
mine is 1:0:72. Coal quality is form medium to low
grade. Mine is equipped with 12.5 m3 large blackhole
shovel with high capacity trucks.
3.Reclamation of mined out area
The stripped overburden is transported to already
mined out areas to back fill it. The main aim of
reclamation is to restore the ecosystem as here we
have seen ma field annyd other plantation have
grown. This is also very much necessary to maintain
the ecological between different biospheres.
 Chapter-6

ENVIRONMENTAL
ASPECT
There are number of activities which are associated
with coal mining that includes blasting, drilling, loading,
unloading, transportation of coal etc. These activities
give rise to pollutants which affect not only the
environment but the health of the local inhabitants in
general. There is considerable impact of opencast coal
mining when it comes to environment. The overburden
dumps, mines waste after combustion gives out
sulphurous fumes which are poisonous.
Protection and conservation of environment have been
the prime consideration right from the drawing board
stage. During basic engineering stage detailed
environment impact assessment done for preparing
the environment management plan.
All the possible steps have been taken on
implementation of Environmental plan in and around
Mining area to avoid Environmental Hazards.
Peripheral barriers with green belts design has been
developed all around the mine.
Control of dust of mining areas are being carried out
by regular water sprinklers. Dust extractors and woods
are provided at rusher transfer points and conveyor
system.

Noise and vibration level of all equipment and

machineries have kept within TLVS through periodic
hygiene surveys.

Reclamation of mined out area is a continuous process

in the mining operation. After the total excavation of
the bauxite the mined out area is suitably back filled
and afforested for rehabilitation and restoration of
natural landscape.
Mine Safety
MCL is one of the fast-growing Subsidiary of Coal India Ltd with due diligence
towards safety and conservation. MCL has a "Safety Policy" in place with the
objective to achieve "Zero Harm Potential". To attain the safety norms
&standards, an Internal Safety Organization (ISO) functions at Corporate,
Area and Unit Level. The company campaigns for safety and conducts various
awareness programmes at regular intervals among employees at every level.
With sustained growth in production level, MCL makes all-out efforts to
minimize rate of accidents over the years.

Some of the key coal mines operated by MCL in Jharsuguda include:

1. Basundhara Coal Mine: Located in Jharsuguda district, Basundhara coal mine is one of the
significant operations of MCL in the region. It contributes to the coal production and supports the
energy needs of the area.

2. Kulda Coal Mine: Another important mine under MCL in Jharsuguda is the Kulda coal mine. It is a
part of MCL's operations aimed at efficiently extracting coal resources in the region.

3. Lakhanpur Coal Mine: This coal mine, operated by MCL, is also located in Jharsuguda and
contributes to the overall coal production in the area.

4. Hingula Coal Mine: Hingula coal mine is another prominent operation of MCL in Jharsuguda
known for its coal extraction activities.