jan 2012

Regd. with RNI R.No. 71519/99 Postal Regd. No. H/HD-GPO/024/009-011

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MEJ, Vol. 13, No. 6January 2012 4MEJ, Vol. 13, No. 6January 2012 37

MEJ, Vol. 13, No. 6 January 201238

Vol. 13 No. 6 MoNthly January - 2012

The Views expressed by the authors in these pages are not necessarily those of publisher / editor / MEAI. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Correspondence Address

Secretary General,Mining Engineers’ Association of India

F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, ‘A’ Block, VI Floor,Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001.

Ph. : No. 040 - 23200510, Telefax : 040 - 66460479E-mail : [email protected] : www.meai1957.com

Editorial 05

From the President’s Desk 07

A Brief History of Hyderabad Chapter 08

News from the Mining World 12

Stability Assessment of Caverns of Hydro-electric Project with Instruments - a case study 15

- Prabhat Kumar1, S. Kiran2

Address by Justice A.K. Patnaik,Judge, Supreme Court of India, 18

HEMM accidents in Opencasts –preventive measures taken at SCCL 21

- *A.Krishna, AGM(E&M),

**V.Rammurthy, Dy.GM.

Interactive session with Stakeholders onThe Draft MMDR Bill, 2011, 15th November, 2011By Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India 23

Safety Management System (Part - 1) 26

- *Arunachalam .B, **Nagesh Shenoy

MEAI AWARDS 2011-12 33

MEAI NEWS 35

Dr. S K SarangiPresident

94370 23134

Vice President- iA. Bagchhi (099899 98600)

Vice President- iit.Victor (098221 23498)

Vice President – iii Arun Kumar Kothari (09414155413)

secretAry GenerAlA. sangameswara rao (A.s. rao) (09849870397)

Jt. secretAry cum treAsurerV.K. Verma (09490491700)

council memBers (ex-officio)dr. V. d. rajagopal (09640566777), shri r.P. Gupta (093529 50025),

shri meda Venkataiah (099002 56797), shri r. n. singh (098190 89120),shri t. V. chowdary (099493 59969)

council memBers (elected)G.s. Purohit (09001797421), s.n. mathur (09427308502),

V.s. mathur (09929991121), B. Arunachalam (09480257454),K.u. rao (098491 77677), s. Kuchroo (09234554376),

s.K. mishra (09437887515), V. Kartikeyan (09500035726),somanath Banerjee (09893019629), Koneru Venkateswara rao (092987 59625),

c.s. Krishana murthy (09822104130), r.H. sowkar (09900256793),Avijit Ghosh (09432013110), Kabir Ghosh (09928906050),

dr. t.n. Venugopal (09845217692), chetan Prakash Parihar (09887482007),d. Panduranga rao (09963744457), Binay Prakash Pandey (09448286155),

mohan sahasra Bhudhe (095611516080), shri sushanta saha (94911 45180)

council memBers (nominAted)sri n.K. nanda (09490760102), Pradeep Koneru (09840663636),Prof. A.c. narayana (099896 25346), G.V. rao (09937519181),

m. James (094442 89405)

council memBers (co-oPted)r.K. sharma (011-26814596), B. ramesh Kumar (09848099868),

n.d. rao (0674-2547950), c.s. dhaveji (094220 63909),Prabodh Kumar mohanty (09937097242)

council memBers (rePresentAtiVes of lims)national Aluminium company | south indian mines & minerals industries

Gujarat Ambuja cements ltd. | Gujarat siddhee cements ltd.Priyadarshini cements ltd.


Contents

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Editorial 05














MEAI NEWS 35


94370 23134















m. James (094442 89405)






Contents


V.K. VermaEditor

Supreme Court ban on mining in Karnataka has been appreciated by the people at large in the state. Although illegal mining has been going on for several years in various states, with China displaying insatiable appetite for iron ore in the recent past, rampant mining of iron ore was resorted to for earning maximum profit by several companies, exploiting the given opportunity. In such cases, it is futile to expect from these ‘fly-by-night’ operators to adher to environmental norms and social concerns. However, blanket-stopping of all the mining operations has affected the supply to steel and sponge iron plants of the state. Such situation would not have surfaced, had there been effective regulation in place.

Supreme Court and the High Courts have played their roles in preserving the concept of ‘sustainable development’. Parliament enacts laws to deal with the problems of environmental degradation and the courts interpret these laws to suit the essence of holistic growth or sustainable development.

Earlier, in many cases, the Apex Court tried to keep a balance between ecology and development. In late 80s in Doon Valley Case, the Supreme Court ordered the stopping of limestone mining and held that, “It is price that has to be paid for protecting and safeguarding the rights of the people to live in an healthy environment with minimal disturbance to ecological balance ……………….”. However, the Court allowed a mine to operate till the expiry of lease, as a special case, on condition that land taken on lease would be subjected to aforestation by developer. But, knowing through a notice brought before the court that there was a breach of condition- as mining was done in most unscientific way- the Apex Court directed the lessee to pay a compensation of Rs.3.00 lakh (during early 90s) to the fund of Monitoring Committee. This was done on the principle of a ‘polluter pays’.

The above judicial directives do not mean that the court favours the environment sacrificing the development process. The Court, understandably, never undervalued the necessities of minerals for industries, it addresses the people’s concern in a broader perspective and protects the national assets.

Mining and environment both are equally important for our better future and we all have to work for their inclusive growth.

MEJ wishes a very happy and prosperous NEW YEAR to all its readers and their families.

Mining Engineers’ Association of IndiaVI Floor, F-608, Raghavaratna Towers,

‘A’ Block, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids,Hyderabad - 500 001, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Tel: 040-23200510, Email: [email protected]

Editorial

V.K. VermaEditor, MEJ


Chapter Chairman Secretary

Ahmedabad A.L. Thakor S.G. Patel

Barajamda D.B. Sundara Raman Shailesh Verma

Bailadila V.K.S. Rathore B. Venkateswarlu

Bangalore D.V. Pichamuthu D.H.M.V. Swamy

Belgaum S.S. Hiremath Dr. B.K. Purandara

Bellary-Hospet S.K. Verma Nagesh Shenoy

Bhubaneswar T.K. Rath J.K. Hota

Kolkata Not functioning

Goa Dattaguru R. Vaze A. Avudaiyappan

Himalayan Arun Sharma R.K. Sharma

Hyderabad A. Sivasankar G. S. Chowdary

Jabalpur C.V. Singh -

Jaipur V.C.S. Shreemal Anil Mathur

Jodhpur Prof. Virendra Singh P.C. Purohit

Nagpur Dr. S.C. Singhal H.R. Kalihari

New Delhi Prof. B.B. Dhar Prof. G.S. Roonwal

Rajasthan Akhilesh Joshi Dr. S.S. Rathore

Dalli-Rajhara Merged with Raipur

Raipur S. Chakraborti P.Y. Dhekne

Rourkela Not functioning

Rayalaseema P.V. Krishna Yadav -

Sukinda (Merged with Bhubaneswar Chapter)

Tamil Nadu R. Natarajan P. Balamadeswaran

Veraval-Porbandar N.K. Nuwal Vinod Saraswat

Visakhapatnam R.H. Rao K. Hari Krishna

Aarvee Associates, Architects,Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-049)

ACC Ltd (LIM - 25)

A.P. Mineral Dev. Corp.Ltd., (LIM-12)

Aravali Minerals & ChemicalIndustries (P) Ltd. (LM-048)

Associated Mining Co., (LIM-19)

Associated SoapstoneDistributing Co. (P) Ltd. (LM-057)

Bharat Alloys & Energy Ltd., (LIM-36)

Designer Rocks (P) Ltd., (LIM-32)

FCI Aravali Gypsum & Minerals India Ltd. (LIM-61)

Grasim Industries Ltd., (LIM-26)0

Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd., (LIM-3)

Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-6)

Gujarat Mineral Dev. Copr Ltd. (LIM-18)

Gujarat Sidhee Cements Ltd., (LIM-4)

Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (LIM-9)(Formerly IDL Industries Limited.)

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (LIM-60)

India Cements Ltd. (LIM-16)

Indian Rare Earths Ltd., (LIM-35)

J.K. Cement Ltd (LIM - 058)

Jubilee Granites India Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-23)

Kariganur Mineral Mining Industry (LIM-41)

Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., (LIM-33)

Krishna Mines (LIM-27)

Madras Cements Ltd., (LIM-17)

Manganese Ore (India) Ltd., (LIM-37)

M.P.L. Parts & Services Ltd., (LIM-14)

MSPL Limited (LIM-30)

Mysore Minerals Limited (LIM-45)

National Aluminium Co. Ltd, (LIM-1)

NMDC Ltd. (LIM-20)

Obulapuram Mining Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-54)

Orient Cement (LIM-059)

Panduronga - Timblo Industries (LIM-056)

LIfE InStItutIonAL MEMbErS

Past Presidents & SecretariesPeriod President Secretary/Secretary General

MInInG EnGInEErS’ ASSoCIAtIon

1957-64 B.L. Verma Late B.N. Kanwar1964-67 Late N.S. Claire Late R.C. B. Srivastava1967-68 L.A. Hill Late S. Chandra1968-69 Late H.L. Chopra M.G. Jhingran1969-70 S.S. Manjrekar V.S. Rao1970-71 Late R.C.B. Srivastava M.G. Jhingran1971-72 Late R.K. Gandhi B. Roy Chowdhury1972-73 I.N. Marwaha D.D. Sharan1973-75 Late R.S. Sastry M.S. Vig1975-76 G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran

MInInG EnGInEErS’ ASSoCIAtIon of IndIA1975-76 G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran1976-78 D.L. Patni A.K. Basu1978-80 R.C. Mohanty Late S.K. De1980-81 M.K. Batra R.C. Dutta1981-82 D.K. Bose S.B. Mukherjee1982-83 P.R. Merh M.K. Srivastava1983-86 V.S. Rao L.S. Sinha1986-88 M.A.Khan D.K. Sen1988-90 Saligram Singh A. Panigrahi1990-93 M. Fasihuddin B. Mishra1993-95 K.K. Biran S. Chandrasekaran1995-97 N.S. Malliwal Dr. P.V. Rao1997-99 T.V. Chowdary Late CLVR Anjaneyulu (S.G.)1999-2001 -do- -do-2001-2003 R.N. Singh -do-2003-2007 Meda Venkataiah -do-2007-2009 R.P. Gupta Late CLVR Anjaneyulu & Shri A.S. Rao2009-2011 Dr. V.D. Rajagopal A.S. Rao2011-2013 Dr. S.K. Sarangi A.S. Rao

Pearl Mineral Ltd., (LIM-39)

Priyadarshini Cement Ltd., (LIM-5)

Radials International (LIM-29)

Rajgarhia Group of Industries (LIM - 050)

R.K. Marbles Pvt. Ltd., (LIM - 52)

Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (LIM-053)

Sagar Cements Ltd., (LIM-21)

Sandvik Asia Limited (LIM-46)

Sesa Goa Ltd., (LIM-11)

Shree Cement Ltd. (LIM-051)

Shri Sharda Cold Retreads (P) Ltd., (LIM-24)

Shree Engineering Services (LIM-15)

S.N. Mohanty (LIM - 62)

South India Mines & Minerals Industries (LIM-2)

South West Mining Ltd. (LIM-40)

Sri Kumarswamy Mineral Exports (LIM-43)

Sudarshan Group of Industries (LIM-047)

Tata Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-7)

Tata Iron & Steel Co, Ltd (LIM-8)

Terra Reserves DeterminationTechnologies (P) Ltd., (lim-055)

The K.C.P. Ltd., (LIM-22)

Thriveni Earthmovers (P) Ltd., (LIM-31)

Tungabhadra Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-42)

UltraTech Cement Ltd.,A.P. Cement Works, (LIM-28)

Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. (LIM-10)

Veerabhadrappa Sangappa& Company (LIM-44)

V. Thirupathi Naidu (LIM-34)

VS Lad & Sons (LIM-38)

W.B. Engineers International Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-13)

INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Singareni Collieries Company Ltd., (IM - 1)

Voltas Ltd. (IM - 2)

Reliance Cement Company Pvt. Ltd. (IM - 3)

MInInG EnGInEErS’ ASSoCIAtIon of IndIAregd. office : Rungta House, Barbil (Orissa)


Mining Engineers’ Association of IndiaVI Floor, F-608, Raghavaratna Towers,

‘A’ Block, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids,Hyderabad - 500 001, Andhra Pradesh, India.

Tel: 040-23200510, Email: [email protected]

From thE PrEsidEnt’s dEsk

dr. S.K. SarangiPresident, MEAI.

Dear Members,

Greetings for New Year 2012

Since time immemorial, we have been tom-tomming that our country is endowed with vast mineral resources. Mining and winning of these valuable resources shall contribute a lot to the economic growth of the country. But, due to several constraints, mineral based industries contribute hardly 2% of GDP whereas this should be much more. The greatest hurdle in the way to achieving the expected growth of mineral industries, is lack of positive attitude of different regulatory authorities and local community is no way better. We all are aware of the fact that mineral resources are site-specific and their development will definitely affect the local ecological conditions. However, it contributes to the socio-economic condition of remote areas, improves communication, education, health and sanitation conditions of the affected area. One cannot compromise with mining of the mineral deposit, as its economic evaluation improves the national economy. Mining should continue by taking all possible safe guards to preserve and maintain the local ecological conditions. To develop the mineral industries in a scientific manner, there exists a plethora of Rules and Regulations, which are in vogue since 1884. There should not be any problem for the stake holders to abide by these Rules and Regulations, if proper support and coordination are rendered by the regulatory agencies, be it controlled by Central Govt. or State Govt. Emphasis should be given to adopt a time bound mode to facilitate the approval of all statutory provisions needed for mineral development. It should not only be time bound but must be followed by regular reviews by the regulatory authorities also, to monitor the activities and apply the provisions of accountability by defaulters. Can we, the professionals, motivate the various regulatory authorities of State and Central Governments for a scientific and smooth management of mining activities? Wish you all a Happy and Prosperous new Year.

dr. S.K. SarangiPresident

Editorial Board

Dr. S.K. Sarangi Chairman

Prof. B.B. Dhar Member

Shri B.K. Mohanty Member

Prof. Gurdeep Singh Member

Shri S.K. Agrawal Member

Shri P.C. Bakliwal Member

Shri Dipesh Dipu Member

Dr. P.T. Hanamgond Member

Dr. S.K. Mukhopadhyay Member

Prof. Sushil Bhandari Member

Shri A. Sangameswara Rao Member(A.S. Rao)

Editor

V.K. Verma (Off. : 040 - 23200510)

Cell : 94904 91700

PUBliSHEr

A. Sangameswara Rao (A.S. Rao)Secretary General,Mining Engineers’ Association of IndiaMob: 98498 70397

SUBScriPtion ratES

Indian Foreign

1. Subscription for

1 Year Rs. 550/- US$60

2 Year Rs. 1000/-

3 Year Rs. 1350/-

2. Life Subscription Rs. 6000/- (15 Years)

3. Single Copy Rs. 50/-

The magazine will be despatched

positively on 29th/30th of every

month by post to all the members

and subscribers. The publisher is

not responsible for its non-receipts

by the addressees.


Executive Committee for the term 2011-13

MInInG EnGInEErS’ ASSoCIAtIon of IndIAHYdErAbAd CHAPtEr

P n SharmaVice Chairman

A. SivasankarChairman

G S ChowdarySecretary

A ramakrishnaiahJt. Secretary/

Treasurer

b r V Susheel KumarPatron

Hon. Vice PresidentA. Manohara rao

EXECutIVE CoMMIttEE MEMbErSH.D. Nagaraja, B.S.P. Raju, B. Jagannadha Rao,

Dipesh Dipu, Pankaj Kumar and Subhaskar Reddy


Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), Hyderabad Chapter, founded in 1991, has been a very active chapter, at least in the last 10 years, serving the cause of the mining sector in general, and mining industries in the state of AP, in particular. It is functioning from the MEAI Headquarters, Hyderabad (F- 608, Raghava Ratna Towers, ‘A’ Block, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad – 500 001). There are more than 650 Life Members & Life Institutional Members presently on the rolls of the chapter. There has been tremendous increase in Life Membership from coal sector, particularly from Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. during the last two years. This increase is on account of memorable contributions from Shri A Sivasankar, Chairman, Hyderabad chapter and Shri M S. Venkataramaiah, Member MEAI and President, Coal Mine Officers’ Association (Singareni).

The MEAI was conceptionalized and formed in 1957 by a few forward looking professional mining engineers of eastern zone of the country, with a noble objective of disseminating knowledge / information and deliberating among the practicing professionals from mining industry on various aspects of opening, developing and operating mines. The association has since been serving to promote the best mining practices in the country. With each passing year the association grew larger and larger, encompassing other disciplines such as geology, metallurgy, mineral engineering who collectively contribute to the growth of mining industries in the country. Gradually, the association extended its sphere to cover other parts of country by opening chapters to focus on the activities in respective chapters’ jurisdictions. As of now, the association is coordinating 24 chapters at various mining areas throughout the country.

Hyderabad chapter was started in the year 1991, with the initiative of the lumineries in the mining arena such as Shri PC Gupta, Shri TV Chowdary, late CLVR Anjaneyulu, Shri G. Jagdeesh, Shri BRV Susheel Kumar, late Dr K K Sharma, Shri RH Rao and others. Shri PC Gupta, the then CMD, NMDC a reputed mining engineer, became the first Chairman of MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter. He was succeeded by Shri TV Chowdary, Shri PR Tripathi, late Dr KK Sharma, Shri G. Jagdeesh, Dr VD Rajagopal and currently Shri A Shivshankar is continuing as Chairman from 2009 onwards.

Since inception, the Hyderabad chapter has remained an active professional body, organizing mega and mini seminars on contemporary topics, conducting training prorammes for miners/technicians at various mining areas. The standard of training programmes has been such that the District Commissioners of the mining areas used to appreciate and request the chapter to conduct more such programmes.

a BriEF history oF hydEraBad ChaPtErAndhra Pradesh is one of the mineral-rich states in the country which ranks 2nd in the country in revenue earnings from mining of various important industrial minerals. The chapter picks up the issues / problems related to mine functioning and value added products and organizes two day / one day deliberations amongst the stake-holders and professionals. The outcome of the deliberations used to be conveyed to Government of AP and Government of India for appraisal and necessary follow up action. Taking notice of the activities of the chapter, the Government of Andhra Pradesh extended an opportunity of becoming a member in “Development of Mineral Resources and Technology upgradation Fund” (DMRTUF), a trust created by Government of Andhra Pradesh, to the chapter. The Chairman Hyderabad chapter represents the chapter as ex-officio member on the board of DMRTUF.

ACHIEVEMEntS durInG tHE PASt 6 YEArS:The topics covered for such interactions and discussions included – granite mining, ceramic minerals, problems & challenges before mining industry, mining - environment – society, judicious exploitation of mineral resources etc. Besides, the chapter invited dignitaries from India and abroad for lecture sessions to throw light on specific issues in the context of advanced exploration techniques, mining technology, environmental hurdles and project clearances, mine safety in reference to Chimakurti granite mine accident in 2009, draft MMDR Bill etc. A special session was convened in October 2010 to deliberate on Section 42 of draft MMDR 2010 with special focus on profit sharing with the mine affected people. The views expressed in the session by a cross section of professionals were forwarded to the Ministry of Mines, Government of India for consideration.

The chapter also ventures to organize the technical sessions at mining areas so that the participants from the surrounding mining projects will have an opportunity for exchange of views on practical and operational problems and possible remedial measures. Two such sessions were organized at Chimakurti granite mining area and SCCL, Kothagudem (Coal area). The chapter earned appreciation for organizing such sessions for fruitful deliberations. More such day long technical meetings at various mining projects are in the chapter’s future programme. The chapter keeps watch on global and domestic trends in production and supply of raw materials, emerging issues coming in the way of growth of mining sector and makes sincere efforts to keep its members updated.


The Hyderabad chapter maintains good rapport with the Government departments- IBM,GSI,DGMS,NRSA,NGRI & AMD and undertakings like NMDC Ltd & APMDC, besides Institutions like Andhra University, Osmania University, Institution of Engineers, the Indian Institution of Plant Engineers (Hyderabad chapter) and conducts various progammes with their support.

The Chapter contributed significantly in acquiring the accommodation (F -608, Raghavaratna Towers, ‘A ‘ Block, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad – 500 001) for headquarters (Hyderabad).

The Hyderabad chapter also supports the headquarters financially by sponsoring the publication of Mining Engineers’ Journal, the monthly publication of MEAI besides extending all the help in carrying out the objects of the association.

The achievements of the chapter were possible with the support from Government Departments and Undertakings, Industrial Houses, Educational Institutions and Life and Life Institutional Members of the chapter and particularly MEAI headquarters.

Chairmen & Secretaries of MEAI, Hyderabad Chapter

S.No Chairman (S/Shri) Secretary (S/Shri) Year

1 PC Gupta Late CLVR Anjaneyulu 1991-92

2 TV Choudhary Late CLVR Anjaneyulu 1992-93

3 TV Choudhary Late CLVR Anjaneyulu 1993-95

4 PR Tripathi Chandramohan 1995-97

5 PR Tripathi Chandramohan 1997-99

6 Late Dr KK Sharma A.S. Rao 1999-01

7 G Jagdeesh A.S. Rao 2001-03

8 G. Jagdeesh KP Rao 2003-05

9 Dr. VD Rajagopal VK Verma 2005-07

10 Dr. VD Rajagopal VK Verma 2007-09

11 A Sivasankar G Srinivas Chowdary 2009-11

12 A Sivasankar G Srinivas Chowdary 2011 continuing

distinguished members who contributed/are contributing significantly to MEAI from Hyderabad Chapter

Shri V S Rao - Former President MEAI and Former President FIMI

Md Fasihuddin - Former President MEAI

Shri T V Chowdary - Former President MEAI (for two terms)

Shri R N Singh - Former President MEAI

Dr V D Rajagopal - Former President MEAI

Late CLVR Anjaneyulu - Former Secretary General (First Sec. General)

Late Dr K K Sharma - Former Editor Mining Engineers’ Journal (First Editor)

Dr P V Rao - Former Secretary MEAI

Shri V K Verma - Editor Mining Engineers’ Journal (continuing)

Shri A S Rao - Former Secretary General (continuing)

Members from Hyderabad Chapter who occupied senior positions in Government Departments/Undertakings, Educational Institutions and Industry


Shri V S Rao - Former Director Tisco and, Former Managing Director VBC Industries

Shri P C Gupta - Former CMD NMDC

Shri P R Tripati - Former CMD NMDC

Shri B Ramesh Kumar - Former CMD NMDC

Shri M G Rao - Former Deputy Director General, GSI

Shri A V Ramamurthy - Former Dy Director General, GSI

Shri P Dharma Rao - Former Dy Director General, DGMS

Shri S K Agarwal - Former Director NMDC

Shri N K Nanda - Director NMDC (continuing)

Shri T V Chowdary - Former Director DMG AP and, Former VCMD, APMDC Ltd

Dr V D Rajagopal - Former Director DMG AP and Former VCMD, APMDC Ltd

B R V Susheel Kumar - Director DMG AP (continuing)

Prof. M A Ramulu - Former Director IIT Kharajpur

Some prominent members of the Chapter were awarded Prestigious MEAI awards like Sitaram Rungta Memorial award, NMDC Award, SRG IT Award, Smt. Balatandon Award, Simmonds Award during the last 15 years.

The Hyderabad Chapter received best chapters award instituted by MEAI twice during the last 10 years.

JoB oPPortunitiEsSibelco India Minerals Pvt Ltd, an MNC into Mining & Mineral Processing is looking for interested candidates with experience to join us for the following positions.

I & II Class Mines Manager :Should have either I or II Class Mines Manager Certificate.

Mines Foreman :Should have Mines Foreman Certificate.

Surveyor :Should have Survey Certificate of Cometency.

Email your resume with in 10 days to :[email protected].: 040-23607274/23607273


Ironä Global Steel: Global steel production in September for 64 countries,

reporting to the World Steel Association, was 123.6 million tonnes, an increase of 9.7% over September 2010. The total for the first nine months of 2011 was 1134 million tonnes, 8.2% higher than the previous year’s January to September total. Global crude steel production of the full year is estimated to be 1500 million tonnes, compared to 1413 million tonnes in 2010.

China rank’s first in nine months production (526 mt), followed by Japan (81 mt), US (64.7 mt), India (54 mt) and Russia (52 mt). (World Steel Review)

ä SAIL to up Iron ore Production India’s largest domestic steel producer, Steel Authority

of India Limited (SAIL) will boost its iron ore production to 39 million tonnes in 2013 from 23.25 million tonnes in 2010 to meet its expansion requirement. The state owned company will also boost its coking coal purchases to 21 million tonnes in 2013 from 13.8 million tonnes in 2010 (Reuters).

ä Indian Consortium and Canadian firm awarded Afghan Iron ore Contract:

A group of Indian companies and Canadian Kilo Gold mines LW have been awarded the contract to mine the Hazigak Iron Ore deposit in Afghanistan. Mining.com reported on November 19 that Indian firms were leading the chase for the huge iron ore property which is being touted by the Afghans as the world’s largest iron ore deposit at 1.8 billion tonnes. The deposit extends over 32 kilometers and covers 16 separate zones.

Bloomberg reports that President Hamid Karzai and his Government awarded three of the four Hazigak blocks to seven Indian companies led by state owned Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL) and NMDC Ltd., that were bidding with support from Indian Government. The fourth block was awarded to Kilo Gold Mines which is a Gold Exploration and Development Company. The contract is estimated to be worth some $6 billion.

ä SAIL cuts India’s Steel demand outlook by 6%: India’s steel demand is likely to grow by 6% in the

current fiscal year, nearly half the earlier forecast. With the higher interest rates, squeeze on demand from the automobile and construction sectors, maintaining the price forecast of 10 to 12% growth in consumption for the year ending March is difficult in the current environment, SAIL executive told. (Reuter)

nEWs From thE mininG Worldä Panel recommends Arcelor Mittal’s Jharkhand

Mine for clearance: An Environment Ministry panel has recommended

green nod to Arcelor Mittals’ mining project in Jharkhand having an estimated production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum of iron ore. The project, Meghahatuburu Iron and Manganese ore mine located in West Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, holds significance for the world’s largest steel maker for raw material security to its proposed 12 MTPA steel mill in the state entailing an investment of Rs.50,000 corore.

An MOEF Panel Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) has recommended the project for environmental clearance subject to their obtaining Forestry and Wild Life clearance. The project has been pending for over three years. The global steel major has plans to build 2 mega steel plants of 12 MTPA each in Jharkhand and Odisha and one 6 MTPA plant in Karnataka at a total estimated investment of Rs.1,30,000 crore (USD 25 billion). (PTI). .

bASEMEtALSä base metals fall on global crisis: Base metal prices decline by 13-31% so far in the year

2011on receding hopes of recovery in the euro zone economic crisis.

The price of aluminum declined by 13% to $2140 a tonne in beginning of November 2011 as compared to $2461 in the beginning of that year. While, the price of nickel plunged by 30.69% on Nov-2, 2011 to settle at $17,300 a tonne from $24,960 in early 2011.

A recent report by India Infoline said, that Nickel has been the worst performer during November 2011, with prices registering 11% decline from previous month (October). On the global front, Nickel supply outpaced demand on a marginal basis during the first nine months of 2011, with supply growing at 18% while demand rose by 16%.

Copper prices registered moderate decline of 1% in November 2011 suppressed by looming economic uncertainty in Europe. The World Bureau of Metal statistics reported that global copper market had a surplus of 237000 tonnes in the first nine months of 2011 compared with a deficit of 148000 tonnes during the same period in 2010.

Zinc market surplus expanded to 575000 tonnes in the first nine month of 2011 as compared to a surplus of 225000 tonnes during the same period in 2010.


Lead market surplus was also aggravated and registered at 47000 tonne during January 2011-September 2011 from an over-supply of 11000 tonnes. Nickel market has witnessed moderate surplus of 8000 tonnes during Jan – Sept’2011, compared with deficit of 17000 tonnes in the same period of 2010.

"The outlook of the base metals depends upon the improvements in financial market," an analyst said.

CoALä Aditya birla Group joins bid for Australian Coal miner: India’s leading aluminium and copper producer, Aditya

Birla Group confirmed that it has officially expressed an interest in bidding for Australian coal miner NEW HOPE. Other interested parties are said to include the Tata group, Vedanta Resources and JSW Steel, though according to recent media reports, Tata and JSW have pulled out. NEW HOPE is an independent energy company which has opencast mines at Acland in South East Queensland’s Darling Downs’ region and Rosewood near Ipswich.

ä India to adopt new coal pricing formula: India will adopt the international practice of pricing coal

based on Gross Calorific Value (GCV) from January 2012 in a move to close the gap between domestic and international rates. Currently, Indian domestically mined coal is priced based on seven ratings, grades A to G, that price the respective grades according to the Useful Heat Value (UHV). The new pricing formula would reduce the price differentials between imported and domestically mined coal which ranged as high as 30% to 60% based on different UHV grades. India is the only country that did not use GCV as a benchmark for pricing.

ä Coal Ministry considers royalty share: The Coal Ministry is considering a change in the

forthcoming legislation that could lead to an increase in the price of fuel for end-users. The draft Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Bill requires the coal miners to give to the mines-affected people 26% of profit. The Ministry wants that to be changed to a share in royalties, according to senior Government officials. The Coal Ministry is of opinion that a royalty share could be passed on to users, leaving the profit intact. Such a move is unlikely to alter the money that the communities would get.

dIAMondSä bHP looking at breaking off diamond business: BHP Billiton is reviewing its diamond business which

includes two large diamond mines in Northern Canada for a potential sale of all or part of the business. The world’s largest mining company said that review, expected to be completed by the end of January, will

examine whether a continued presence in the diamond industry is consistent with BHP Billiton’s strategy.

BHP owns 80% of the Ekati diamond mine in Canada. The other 20% is owned by the two geologists who discovered the deposit in 1991. BHP also owns 51% stake in Chidiac diamond exploration property on Baffin Island

urAnIuM Australia does not use Nuclear Power though it holds

the world’s 3rd rank in Uranium production behind Kazakhstan and Canada and Australia exports 9,600 tonnes of Oxide concentrate each year valuing Aus$1.1 billion. Consequent to New Delhi’s agreeing to separate its Civil and Military Nuclear facilities and abiding by International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards under 2015 agreement with the US, the ruling party of Australia voted to lift long-standing ban on exporting Uranium to India.

PoWEr Lanco Infrastech, one of the major power producers in

the country, plans to focus on tapping the renewable energy potential in the US as the Obama administration spends $150 billion over the next 10 years to create five million jobs in the clean - energy industries.

As part of its plan to make a place for itself in the burgeoning US market, Lanco Solar has proposed to build a one-megawatt solar photovoltaic plant designed to power the Nantucket Memorial Airport, the second-busiest airport in Massachusetts state, US.

Though two other solar firms have bid for the project, a US-based newspaper reported that the Airport Commission has reportedly favoured Lanco as the Hyderabad-based company had proposed to construct the plant at its expense, using solar panels manufactured in India.

Apart from building the plant at its own cost, the newspaper claimed that Lanco would bear permission and project-management expenses and pay $1,000 a month to the airport as lease charges for the land, where the panels would be installed.

During its 20-year contract term, the company also offered to supply electricity free of cost for the first 10 years and at $.0775 per kilowatt hour, which is over 55 per cent discount to the grid price in the final 10-year period.

Even while announcing Lanco’s entry in the US solar market, the project would help the Hyderabad based power producer to earn solar renewable energy certificates and get a 30 per cent cover on the


company’s capital costs - mostly panels manufactured at its plants in India - through US federal programmes.

EXPLorAtIonä Global Exploration budget: According to Metals Economic Group’s (MEG) 22nd

edition of Corporate Exploration Strategies (CES), the estimated total 2011 budget for non-ferrous metals exploration surged to $18.2 billion. Despite increased volatility in recent months, metal prices – the primary driver of exploration spending – have remained relatively strong in 2011, giving confidence to the industry. As a result, exploration budget increased by $6.1 billion, up 50% from 2010, to set a new all time high. (Non-ferrous exploration refers to expenditures related to precious and base metals, diamonds, uranium and some industrial minerals, it specifically excludes iron ore, aluminium, coal and oil & gas).

ä tAJ MAHAL: WHItE MArbLE turnS bLACK The Taj Mahal considered one of the finest monuments

in the world, is fast losing its lustre. Its famous white marble is turning yellow, thanks to increasing levels of water and air pollution around Agra. Even worse, the white marble that covered the elevated plinth, on which the main octagonal shaped structure housing the tomb had been built, is worn out and has turned an ugly black in many patches. The same can be said about the beautiful floral patterns in red sandstone that mark some of the side passage ways of this monument. A large number of exterior decoration of the Taj comprising geometric designs in grey and black marble have fallen off and no attempt has been made to replace them.

“The Taj often attracts upto one lakh tourists a day. Unless their entry is not regulated, marble, which is a soft stone, is going to disintegrate,” said Rajiv Narain, who heads a travel operators group here. Senior archaeologist I.D. Diwedi with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has written a letter to the Director-General, ASI warning against increasing number of tourists. “The carrying capacity of a monument must be taken into account especially when marble is known to face wear and tear. The Taj is suffering tremendous stress. There is no ticketed entry for school children who come in huge numbers,” Mr Diwedi pointed.

But these are not the only problems that beset India’s best loved monument. The entire monument is wracked by malodorous dump of city’s waste at nearby Taj corridor. “The Taj corridor should have been dismantled and greened. Instead it is being used as a graveyard for the city’s cattle,” says environmentalist, Raman, a member of the newly appointed Supreme Court Monitoring Committee.

CoMPAnIES SCout for forEIGn MInES Unable to meet their export commitment to Chinese

steel companies due to a ban on iron ore mining at several locations, Indian iron ore exporters are now diversifying their operation by acquiring overseas mines to make shipments to China.

Further, domestic exporters are also scouting for newer markets to reduce their dependency on China as it accounts for over 90 per cent of the Indian iron ore exports.

Pisces Group, one of the largest iron ore exporters from the country has acquired an iron ore mine in Indonesia with a reserve of 80 million tonnes and is in advanced stage of negotiations with miners in Malaysia for joint ventures in new mines. Similarly, Maya Iron Ores, another domestic exporter is scouting for opportunities in South Africa and other Latin American countries, like Peru and Chile.

“Around 80 per cent of the 40 odd iron ore exporters from Karnataka have turned bankrupt with the ban on iron ore exports from the state. Further, there is a high level of uncertainty about our mining operations in Goa,” said Mr Soumit Jena, Managing Director, Pisces Group, explaining the need for diversifying into newer geographies to survive.

“The export duty, which was hiked to 20 per cent from 5-per cent and 15 percent respectively for iron ore fines and lumps has consumed a major share of the price advantage that Indian ores had in the market. Moreover, several mines across India are still non-operational and this has dried up the availability of the material considerably,” said Mr Praveen Kumar, Chairman, Maya Iron Ores explaining the reason for venturing abroad.

This according to iron ore exporters, has prompted Chinese steel companies to source iron ores from newer geographies like Iran, Ukraine, Congo, Zimbabwe, Indonesia and Venezuela among others. India, which accounted for almost 25-27 per cent of the total Chinese iron ore imports in 2009-10, has now dropped to less than 20 per cent, because of the disruption in supply.

According to Mr Jena, since Chinese Steel Miills are looking for new suppliers, Pisces Group is also trying to find new markets.

“Last year we exported 1.5 lakh tonnes of iron ore to

the Middle East. This year we will be exporting 2.5 lakh tonnes of iron ore to the region and would like to increase our presence there,” added Mr Jena.


1.0 IntroduCtIonThe two underground caverns, a machine hall and a transformer hall are the principal parts of GHEP. The underground caverns are located at an average depth of 300m from the surface. The machine hall is 94m long, 23.4m wide and 47m high while the transformer hall is 77m long, 20m wide and 30m high. Both the caverns are parallel to each other and are separated by a 39m wide pillar and are connected by intersection galleries (Fig. 1).

The excavation of machine hall and transformer hall has been completed. The instrumentation scheme was implemented to monitor roof and wall deformations to study the caverns stability and to generate confidence in support system.

staBility assEssmEnt oF CavErns oF hydro- ElECtriC ProJECt With instrumEnts – a CasE study

Prabhat Kumar1, S.Kiran2

AbstractThe underground power house of Ghatghar hydroelectric project (GHEP) is located in the state of Maharashtra, India for generating of 250 MW of electricity. The scheme consists of two major caverns, a machine hall, a transformer hall. The rock mass is composed of the typical basaltic trap formation viz. the compact basalts and the amygdaloidal basalts. The instrumentation consists of multi-point boreholes extensometer for measuring displacements, tape extensometer for convergence, load cells for rock load were used to monitor the stability of the caverns. These instruments were installed during the process of cavern excavation. The installation work were started in 2001 and completed in December,2002. However, monitoring of the displacements of the structures were continued to assess the stability till 2008.The continuous observations so far have revealed that the caverns and other structures are stable.

The support system required in the caverns consists of 6m long fully grouted rock bolts at the spacing of 2m center to center and 50mm thick steel fiber reinforced shortcrete (SFRS). This paper describes in detail the instrumentation scheme implemented at GHEP, analyse the monitoring data and evaluate the stability of the caverns.

1& 2) Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, Regional Centre, NagpurE-mail : [email protected], [email protected]

fig. 1 Plan layout showing the GHEP caverns & intersections ( not to scale)

2.0 SuPPort rECoMMEndAtIonS At GHEPThe support recommendations at GHEP was made using empirical approach and numerical modelling (Jethwa et. al 2001). The salient features of the support system as recommended at GHEP is shown as :

roof / Wall of Machine Hall & transformer Hall

Ü 6m long, 25-28 mm dia, full column grouted rock bolts, tensioned, 8 tonnes to be used at 2m2 grid

Ü 50 mm thick steel fibre reinforced shotcrete

3. 0 dEtALIS of PArAMEtErS MEASurEd The different parameters measured in the roof and the wall of Machine hall and Transformer hall are :

Ü Roof and wall convergence,

Ü Rock displacement around the cavern roofs and walls,

Ü Rock bolt load

3. 1 types of InstrumentsThe types of instruments and their purpose under this instrumentation scheme are described in the Table 1.

table 1 – types of instruments and their purpose

S.no. name of Instruments Purpose

1 Multi – Point Borehole Extensometer (MPBX)

Measuring displacement in rock mass around two caverns


2 Tape Extensometer (TE) Convergence measurement

3 Rock Bolts Load Cell (RBLC)

Measuring load on rock bolt

3.2 Locations of Instruments The locations of the instrumented sections were chosen to monitor the performance of the caverns near the two ends as well as the center with a view to monitor the maximum deformation (which is likely to be at the center of the cavern length) and compare it with those at the two ends where the deformations are likely to be smaller due to end effect.

Similarly, instruments were installed vertically in the cavern roof to monitor the roof behavior and at different reduced levels on the two walls to monitor the overall cavern wall behavior.

3.3 Instruments Installed at GHEPThe instruments installed at different locations are as shown in Table 2.

table 2 Instrument installed at GHEP.

Locationtype of

Instrumentno. of

Instrument

Machine Hall

MPBX 17

RBLC 24

TE 3

Transformer Hall

MPBX 23

RBLC 12

TE 5 A comprehensive instrumentation scheme was implemented at GHEP covering different underground structures. Many instruments were not monitored due to inaccessibility or snapping of cable for electrical readout.

The quarterly monitoring of the instruments were being conducted regularly till 2008 to access the stability of underground structures.

4.0 observation and data analysis The instruments were monitored for various parameters periodically and the respective measurements were plotted against time to understand the displacement behavior.

4.1 Machine Hall4.1.1 roof displacement The three MPBXs installed in the crown of machine hall at chainages 54.50m, 30.75m & 13.50m have shown

fig.2 – rock displacement observations from MPbX at Ch.13.5m, rL.- 298, inst. 208 at Machine hall crown

deformation of 0.39mm, 0.43mm and 0.28mm respectively. It can be seen that the maximum displacement in roof has not exceeded 0.43 mm. Plot of rock displacement in respect of one MPBX at Ch. 13.5m is shown in Fig.2.

fig. 3 - rock displacement observations fromMPbX at Ch.13.50m, rL.- 281.90m,

Inst. 243 at upstream wall of Machine hall

4.1.2 Wall displacement The wall displacement were measured by MPBX on the upstream as well as downstream wall at various chainages and reduced levels. The maximum displacement measured by MPBXs did not exceed 1.29mm in the upstream wall of machine hall. No instruments were working condition in the downstream wall of the machine hall. Rock displacement in respect of one MPBX at Ch.13.50m is shown in Fig. 3.

4.1.3 Wall closure The wall closure by the tape extensometer could not be measured beyond a few days after installation due to approach problem. The measured wall closure over three months, however did not exceed 1mm.

4.1.4 rock bolt tensionRock bolt loadcells which were installed at different chainage and reduced level in machine hall. Observation indicated that loadcells did not experience any significant tension.


4.1.5 General assessmentThe roof and wall displacements measured by MPBX, the wall closure measured by tape extensometer and the rock bolts tension measured by load cells are too low to be insignificant. The measurements thus indicate that the roof and walls are quit stable.

4.2 transformer Hall 4.2.1 roof displacement Three MPBX were installed in the crown of transformer hall at chainages 27m, 49m and 69m. Observation from these MPBX indicate that maximum convergence has not exceeded beyond 0.5mm. Rock displacement as observed from one of these MPBX at Ch. 49m is shown in Fig. 4.

fig.4 – rock displacement observations from MPbX at Ch.49m, rL-298m, Inst. 248 at transformer hall crown

fig. 5 – rock displacement observations fromMPbX at Ch.49m, rL.-279.5m,

Inst. 247 at transformer hall downstream wall

4.2.2 Wall displacement The displacements on the downstream and the upstream walls were measured from MPBX at chainages 27m, 49m and 69m at various reduced level. The maximum displacement observed in the downstream wall was around 2.83mm only and was thus insignificant. No instruments were in working condition in the upstream wall of the transformer hall. Rock displacement as observed from one of these MPBX at Ch. 49m is shown in Fig. 5.

4.2.4 rock bolt tension The rock bolt load cells were installed at different chainages and reduced levels in the transformer hall cavern. The rock bolt tension was measured at these locations until these locations become inaccessible for further measurement. The rock bolts have not experienced any tension.

4.2.5 General assessment The roof and the wall displacement measured by MPBX, the wall closure measured by tape extensometer and the rock bolt tension measured by the load cells were all significantly low. These three types of measurements thus collectively indicate that the roof and the walls of the transformer hall are stable.

5.0 ConCLuSIonSThe following conclusions are drawn from this study.

Ü The rock displacements as measured from various instruments were practically insignificant with the time period.

Ü Results obtained from monitoring reveal that the both the caverns Machine hall & Transformer hall are quit stable.

6.0 ACKnoWLEdGEMEntSThe authors are thankful to Director, CIMFR for permission to publish the paper. Thanks are due to the Department of Irrigation, Government of Maharashtra for sponsoring this study. The authors also thankfully acknowledge the support & facilities provided by GHEP officials during the course of study.

7.0 rEfErEnCES

Barton, N., Lien, R. and Lunde, J. 1974. Engineering classification of rock masses for the design of tunnel support, Rock Mechanics, Springer-Verlag, Vol. 6,pp. 189-236.

Bieniawaski, Z.T. 1976. Engineering classification of jointed rock masses. The Civil Engineer in South Africa, Vol. 15, pp.335-344.

Bieniawaski, Z,T. 1989. The geomechanics classification in rock engineering applications, Reprinted from Proc. 4th Cong. of the Int. Society for Rock Mech.

Jethwa, J.L., Sheorey, P.R., Saharan, M.R, Murali Mohan, G., kiran S., Kumar, P., Jha B.K., 2001. Recommendation on support requirements and Excavation for Ghatghar Hydro Caverns. CMRI Project Report No. GC/MT/N/28/2000-01. p.39.

Jethwa, J.L., Bandopadhyay, C., Kumar, P., Kiran, S., Jha B.K., Jhanwar, J.C., Chakarborty, A.K. 2003.Rock Mechanics Instrumentation for Monitoring Performance of Ghatghar Hydro Caverns. CMRI Project Report No. GC/MT/N/4/2002-03, p.97.

Chakraborty, A.K., Kumar, P., Kiran, S., Jha, B.K.,Sahu, N.S., 2008. Monitoring the Stability of Hydro-caverns with Rock Mechanics Instruments at Ghatghar Hydro-electric Project. CIMFR Project Report No. GC/MT/N/13/2007-08.

4.2.3 Wall closureThe wall closure was measured by tape extensometer and was found to be nil.


On of the major controversies in public debates in current times relates to the damage that mining has done to the environment all over word. In this address, I would like to speak on how legislation seeks to preserve the environment from the adverse effects of mining, particularly in India.

We must first be clear on the constitutional provisions relating to the subject. Under Article 246 read with Entry 18 of List-11 of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, the State legislatures have the power to make laws relating to land and in exercise of this power, the State legislatures have made a provision in the land laws declaring that mines, quarries, minerals and all rights in the subsoil of any land are the property of the State Government. Hence, mines and minerals are the property of the State in which these are located. This position of law has been settled by the Supreme Court in Amritlal Nathubhai Shah and others V. Union Government of India and another [(1976) 4 SCC 108], Bhangwan Dass V. State of U.P. and others [(1976) 3 SCC 784], State of Orissa V. Union of India another [(1995) SUPP (2) SCC 154] and State of Orissa and others V. Union of India and another [(2001) 1 SCC 429]. The State Government as the owner of the mines and minerals grants 1icences and leases to others to carry on prospecting and mining within the territory of the State.

Under Article 246 read with Entry 23 of List-11 of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, the State legislature also has the power to make laws relating to regulations of mines and minerals development. This power of the State legislature to make laws relating to regulations of mines and minerals development is subject to power of Parliament under article 246 read with Entry 54 of list 1 to make laws relating to regulations of mines and minerals development to the extent to which such regulation and development under the control of Union is declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in the public interest. It is in exercise of this constitutional power that Parliament has made the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957.

All persons, however, have a fundamental right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution and the Supreme Court of India has held in several decisions that this fundamental right to life includes the right to a clean environment [Subhash Kumar V. State of Bihar and others (AIR 1991 SC 420)]. Article 48A of the Constitution, which is a Directive Principle of State policy, states that the State shall endeavour to protect and improve the environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country. Hence, it is the duty of the State to make policies and laws which would protect and improve the

addrEss By JustiCE a.k. Patnaik, JudGE, suPrEmE Court oF india, in thE intErnational sEminar on “mininG lEGislation”on 3rd dECEmBEr, 2011 at BhuBanEsWar, orGanizEd

By thE soCiEty oF GEo sCiEntists and alliEd tEChnoloGists (sGat)environment and to safeguard the forests and wild life of the country. Article 51A of the Constitution, which enumerates the fundamental duties of every citizen of India, also states in clause (g) that it shall be the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers and wild life, and to have compassion for living creatures.

In the Environmental Guidelines for Mining Operations issued by the United Nations, commonly referred to as “the Berlin Guidelines (1)”, it is stated that mining can be a potential source of wealth in developing countries, but in addition to generating wealth, mining can also be major source of degradation to the physical and social environment, unless it is properly managed. The guidelines, therefore, suggest that balanced environmental legislation must aim at minimizing the damage of mining operations by adopting sound environmental practices drawing on the enhanced knowledge base. To quote Berlin Guidelines

(1): “Environmental laws are used to address a wider range of ecological conservation, pollution and health issues and have a much wider application than just mining. Owning to the range of issues, these may be dealt with by separate laws, perhaps even administered by different agencies such as pollution, conservation and national parks bodies. Among the matters that may be covered by specific environmental legislations are:

- Environmental impact assessment (EIA), or other environmental planning. Regulations may require that a formal assessment report be prepared for approval, but may also involve some form of project permit;

- Nature conservation, protection of national parks, flora and fauna, endangered species and special scientific sites as well as cultural heritage and landscape features;

- Water pollution laws and limit discharges into waterways of mine drainage, of wastewater and also polluted runoff;

- “clean air” laws to regulate air emissions, toxic gases or dust from mining and refining operations; and

- Soil contamination by wastes and chemicals.

Other issues such as noise, waste disposal and chemicals control are also sometimes regulated by environmental laws where they do not appear under health or other legislation.”

In the light of the Berlin Guidelines, we may now come to mining legislations in our country relating to environment.


The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 provides in Section 3 that the Central Government shall have the power to take all such measures as it deems necessary or expedient for the purpose of protecting and improving the quality of the environment and preventing, controlling and abating environmental pollution. In exercise of this power, the Central Government has made the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. In Rule 5 of the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, the various factors which have to be taken into consideration by the Central Government while prohibiting or restricting the carrying on of processes and operations in different areas have been enumerated. Sub-rule (3) of Rule 5 empowers the Central Government to impose prohibition or restrictions on carrying on of processes and operations in an area by notification in the official gazette under sub rule (3) of rule 5, the Central Government has issued a notification dated 14th September, 2006 which provides for prior environmental clearance by the Central Government, Ministry of Environment and Forests in respect of some category of projects and by the State level Environment Impact Assessment Authority in respect of other category of projects. The notification also stipulates screening, scoping and appraisal committees of the Central Government and the State Government before grant of prior environmental clearance. It also provides for public consultation and the clearances of the State Pollution Control Board or the Union Territory Pollution Control Committee. The entire procedure to be followed by prior environmental clearance is detailed in the notification. The notification also provides for post environmental clearance monitoring through half-yearly compliance reports to be submitted by the Project Management in respect of the stipulated prior environmental clearances terms and conditions. Hence, the law now requires not only a prior environmental clearance for a mining project but also a continuous monitoring of the mining project.

Simultaneously with the enactment of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, Section 4A of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 has been introduced empowering the Central Government to request the State Government to make a premature termination of prospecting 1icence or mining lease in respect of any mineral other than a minor mineral for preservation of natural environment or prevention of pollution or to avoid danger to public health after giving an opportunity to the holder of the 1icence or lease of being heard. The different rules made under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 have also made provisions for protection of environment and forests.

Rule 27 of the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, which enumerates the conditions of every mining lease, provides that the lessee shall (1) take immediate measures for planting in the same area or any other area selected by the Central or State Government not less than twice the number of trees destroyed by reasons of any mining operations; (2) look after them during the subsistence of the lease after which these trees shall be handed over to the State Forest

Department or any other authority nominated by the Central or State Government; (3) restore, to the extent possible other flora destroyed by the mining operations.

The Granite Conservation and Development Rules, 1999 provides in Rule 29 that every holder of a prospecting 1icence or a lease shall take all possible precautions for the protection of environment and control of pollution while conducting prospecting, mining or processing of granite in the area for which such 1icence or lease is granted. Rule 33 of these Rules provides that air pollution due to dust, exhaust emissions or fumes during prospecting, mining or processing operations for granite and related activities shall be controlled and kept within permissible limits specified under any environmental laws for the time being in force. Rule 34 of these Rules provides that every holder of a prospecting 1icence or a lease shall take all possible precautions to prevent or reduce to a minimum the discharge of toxic and objectionable liquid effluents from granite quarry, workshop or processing plant, into surface or ground water bodies, and usable lands and these effluents shall conform to the standards laid down in this regard. Rule 35 provides that noise arising out of prospecting, mining and processing operations of granite shall be abated or controlled by the holder of prospecting 1icence or a lease at the source so as to keep it within the permissible limit. Rule 36 provides that the standards and permissible limits of all pollutants, toxins and noise referred to in Rules 33, 34 and 35 shall be those notified by the concerned authorities under the provisions of the relevant status from time to time. Rule 37 of these Rules states that every lease holder shall take immediate measure for planting in the area held under the lease or any other area selected by State Government for this purpose, such number of trees sufficient to improve the environment and to minimize effects of land degradation during the entire period of such lease and he shall look after such tree plantations during the subsistence of the lease. Similar provisions have been incorporated in the Marble Development & Conservation Rules, 2002 and other Rules.

The Water (Prevention and control of Pollution) Act, 1974 has made elaborate provisions for preventing and controlling pollutions of water. This Act establishes Pollution Control Boards and entrusts various functions relating to prevention and control of pollution of water to the Pollution Control Boards. Under Section 24 of this Act, discharge of any poisonous, noxious or polluting matter determined in accordance with such standards as may be laid down by the State pollution Board to enter into any stream or well or sewer or on land is prohibited and amounts to an offence. Under Section 25 of this Act, no person shall, without the previous consent of the State Pollution Board, can establish or take any steps to establish a mining operation or process which is likely to discharge sewage or trade effluent into a stream or well or sewer or on land, or bring into use any new or altered outlet for the discharge of sewage or being to make any new discharge of sewage.


The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 has made similar provisions for prevention and control of air pollution. This Act entrusts the Pollution Control Boards with various functions relating to prevention and control of air pollution. Section 21 of this Act provides that no person shall, without the previous consent of the State Pollution Control Board establish or operate any industrial plant in an air pollution control area and Section 2(K) of this Act defines “industrial plant” to mean any plant used for any industrial or trade purposes and emitting any air pollutant into the atmosphere. Hence, the definition of “industrial plant” is wide enough to cover mining operations through any plant emitting any air pollution to the atmosphere.

The provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 are also applicable to mines located in forests. Section 2 of this Act states that no State Government or other authority shall make, except with the prior approval of the Central Government, any order directing that any forest land or any portion thereof may be used for any non-forest purpose. The Supreme Court has held in the famous case of T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad V. Union of India and others [(1997) 2 SCC 267] that mining of any mineral, being a non-forest purpose, is not permissible without the prior approval of the Central Government. Whenever the Central Government grants permission for any mining activity in a forest area under Section 2 of this Act, it lays down a condition that a certain extent of other area will be reconverted into forest so that the forest area is not reduced. Under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, the State Government has power to declare a certain area as a sanctuary for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wild life or its environment, if such area is of adequate ecological, faunal, floral, geomorphological, natural or zoological significance. Under this Act, the State Government also has the power to constitute any area as a National Park for the purpose of protecting, propagating or developing wild life therein or its environment. In such areas declared as a Sanctuary or a National Park, mining activity has been prohibited by the Supreme Court and High Courts by appropriate directions. (Tarun Bharat Singh, Alwar V. Union of India and others–AIR 1992 SC 514).

Till recently, the remedies against environmental pollution by mining activities were by way of writs/directions issued by the High Courts and the Supreme Court in exercise of their judicial powers under Articles 226 and 32 of the Constitution. In appropriate cases, the Pollution Control Boards also issue directions under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control Pollution) Act, 1981 to prevent and control water and air pollution. The Central Government also has been vested with the power under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 to issue appropriate directions to any person, officer or any authority including a direction to close

a mining operation or a process, The aforesaid three Acts also have provisions for penalty for contravention of the relevant provisions of the Acts.

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 has now constituted a Tribunal, which has the jurisdiction over all civil cases where a substantial question relating to environmental law arises out of the implementation of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, the water (Prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 amongst other Acts. This tribunal has the power to grant relief and compensation to the victims of pollution and other environmental damage and pass orders for restitution of property damage and for restitution of the environment for such area or areas, as the Tribunal may think fit. This tribunal has also the appellate jurisdiction over the decisions of the State Pollution Control Boards and the State Government under the water (prevention and control of pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and over the decisions of the Central Government under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

In the latest decision in Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited V. T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad [(2011) 7 SCC 338], however, the Supreme Court has held that a case of environmental pollution comes to the Court after the project is established and the Court is faced with a fait accompli kind of situation which in the ultimate analysis leads to grant of ex post facto clearance. The Supreme Court has therefore suggested that a regulatory mechanism should be put in place and till the time search mechanism is put in place, the Ministry of environment and Forest should prepare a panel of accredited institutions from which alone the project proponent should obtain the Rapid EIA and that too on the terms of reference to be formulated by the Ministry of Environment and Forest. In the recent International Seminar on Global Environment & Disaster Management : Law & Society held on 22-24 July, 2011 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has also announced that the Government is contemplating to enact a legislation constituting a regulatory authority for environment.

In conclusion, I must say that mining is necessary for development, but development at the cost of environment will only lead to destruction. Moreover, mines and minerals cannot be depleted for the benefit of the present generation only. Mines and minerals have also to be preserved for the benefit of future generations. Hence, the Supreme Court in the recent case in Lafarge Umiam Mining Private Limited has held that mining must take care of the equitable principles of intergenerational equity and sustainable development as an on-going process.


The Singareni Collieries Co., Ltd., (SCCL) is a Government Coal mining Company with joint ownership by State Government of Andhra Pradesh and Government of India on a 51:49 equity basis. The Singareni coal reserves stretch across about 350Kms along Pranahitha-Godavari valley of Andhra Pradesh with a proven geological reserves aggregating to whopping 8791 million tones. SCCL has currently 14 opencast and 36 underground mines in 4 districts of Andhra Pradesh with a manpower of around 67,615. Ü The Coal reserves geologically proved in the Godavari

coal field (A.P) as 0-300mtrs. Depth: 5560 million tonnes. 300-600mtrs. Depth: 3317 million tonnes.

Ü The targets and outputs of SCCL are: Target for 2010-11: 51.30million tonnes. Actual for 2010-11: 51.33million tonnes. Target for 2011-12: 52.20million tonnes.

Of the coal output for 2010-11, the share from opencasts is about 77%.

Ü The technologies in operation at SCCL for opencast mining are

hEmm aCCidEnts in oPEnCasts –PrEvEntivE mEasurEs takEn at sCCl

* A.Krishna, AGM(E&M), ** V.rammurthy, dy.GM.

* AGM (E & M) ** DY GM (Corporate, Safety, Dpt), SCCLThe paper was presented during the two day Seminar on “Modern Trends & Maintenance of Equipment”, jointly

organized by the Indian Institution of Plant Engineers (AP Chapter) and MEAI on 7th & 8th July 2011 at Hyderabad.

- Shovel and dumpers - Draglines - In-pit crushing & conveying - Surface miner

SCCL had put up a pioneering effort in the introduction of mechanization in coal mining industry in India. Opencast machinery like walking draglines, shovels and high capacity dumpers was introduced in 1975. In-pit crushing and conveyor technology for overburden removal and coal extraction were commissioned in 1994 at Ramagundam. In the year 2002, surface miner technology for selective mining which is eco-friendly and cost effective was introduced.

As production targets are high for opencast projects, the review of accidents related to heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM) needs to be thoroughly analyzed and remedial measures are required to be taken to achieve the targets smoothly without damage to the equipment or personnel. The dumpers being tyre mounted and deployed more in number at any opencast mine for transport of coal or overburden, the chances of accidents related to dumpers are more than any other equipment in opencast projects.

Cause wise fatal accidents

Dumpers

2006 2007 2008 2009 20102011

(uptoMay)

A F A F A F A F A F A F

- - 1 1 2 3 2 2 - - 1 1

Other wheeled trackless - - 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 2 - -

HEMM (other than dumpers) 1 1 3 3 1 1 2 2 - - - -

Cause wise Serious Accidents

Dumpers 5 5 2 2 3 3 3 3 1 1 2 2

Other wheeled trackless - - 1 2 - - 3 3 2 2 - -

HEMM (other than dumpers) 2 2 - - - - 1 1 4 4 - -

1. the statistics of accidents at opencasts in SCCL for the last 5years are furnished below.

The figures clearly indicate rate of accidents is more in both fatal and serious due to involvement of dumpers. It may be noted that of 22 fatal accidents happened during last 5 years in opencasts, 19 fatal accidents occurred due to involvement of dumpers alone. The nature of accidents was analyzed and causes were grouped into two categories.

frequently observed accidents related to dumpers are:Ü Dumpers are bogged down while unloading the

overburden at dump yards.Ü Collision of dumpers/trucks either head on or from

rear.


Ü Dumper hitting a stationary dumper/truck (failed or under breakdown) on the haul road.

Ü Dumper hitting other dumper at shovel loading point during placement for loading.

Ü Dumper hitting the other dumper while reversing at feeder for unloading.

Ü Dumper failed in the haul road rolls back on a ramp or sloping haul road getting overturned due run-over the side beam or divider.

Ü Dumper travelling with raised bucket hitting the over headline or cable crossover.

Ü Dumper/truck topples to the sides while unloading the overburden due to improper loading, improper level of floor or due to loading of heavy boulder by the shovel.

Ü Dumper hitting the motor grader working on the haul roads.

Ü Dumpers get toppled or overturned due to over speed and loss of control especially when there are sharp curves in the haul roads and during night hours working.

Accidents normally observed in the opencast mines with equipment other than dumpers:Ü During marching from the base camp/workshop to

quarry, drill or shovel hitting the overhead lines or cable crossovers.

Ü Dragging drill/shovel cable with dozer, cable gets damaged due to run over by the crawler chain.

Ü Drill operator while trying to ensure the position of drill rods by peeping through the cabin gets exposed to fall of any foreign object or failed hose on the head.

Ü While moving the drill, the drill cable runs over by the crawler of the drill.

Ü Dozer getting toppled to side while trying to level or clear the place on the edge of heap or bench.

Ü Dozer/shovel/drill bogged down in part wholes over underground mine gallery.

Ü Heavy equipment like water tanker or diesel browser parked on a bench moving on its own and getting toppled or causing serious consequences.

Ü While fixing adopter/tooth point the shovel operator suddenly raises/moves the bucket without sounding alarm/horn.

Ü Diesel browser/water tanker moving in the sloping haul road in slushy/wet condition gets toppled due to tyres skidding.

Hence, in order to prevent such situations as stated above, SCCL has the taken following steps to prevent accidents related to HEMM as listed below.Ü Each Opencast project shall strictly fulfill the conditions

as per the permission from the DGMS.Ü Safe code of practices was evolved at each opencast

mine for various types of activities like å HEMM operation (equipment-wise) separately å Safe code of practices for light vehicles

å Traffic rules and provision of dividers on all haul roads.

å parking & standby conditions & procedures; procedure for overtaking, reversing

å playing light vehicles in the haul roads with speed limit of

å haul roads for HEMM å Material handling å Working on heights å Operation of drill machine å Operation of crane å Dismantling and assembling Tyres å Arc welding and gas welding on HEMM å Maintenance Batteries å Electrical maintenance on overhead lines, HEMM,

shutdown procedures etc. å Maintenance of HEMM (equipment-wise)

Ü These safe codes of practices are explained to all the concerned supervisors, work persons involved in operation and maintenance. Copies of these code of practices are issued to all the concerned individually.

Ü The details of the accidents are kept in the SCCL website and are accessible to everybody along with the recommendations to avert such accidents in future. Similarly, circulars are issued from the ISO corporate from time to time. Some are again kept available in SCCL website for easy access to all.

Ü The monthly safety committee meetings held at the opencast mines wherein all the members are encouraged to participate in discussion on accidents and circulars are issued by ISO.

Ü Every year safety week competitions are held among opencast mines and best mine is selected. These safe codes of practices are prepared keeping in view the permission conditions from DGMS and based on experience from previous accidents in SCCL or else where. Hence, these are constantly updated.

Ü The movement of persons on ground is totally prohibited specially at all shovel loading points, haul roads and dump yards. Radium jackets were issued to all personnel working in such areas.

Ü The lighting in quarry was improved by fixing sodium vapour/metal halide flood light fittings on haul roads and active working areas. Cluster light fittings on telescopic towers is also being used as per the site conditions.

Ü SCCL has introduced high capacity dumpers for transport of overburden thus reducing total number of moving equipment.

Ü Pit safety committees are held monthly in the offloading areas encouraging work persons for active participation in safe operations.

Ü Statutory training is made compulsory for all personnel in the offloading areas.


intEraCtivE sEssion With stakEholdErs on thE draFt mmdr Bill, 2011, 15 novEmBEr, 2011 at BanGalorE, PrEsEntation By shri anil suBrahmanyam, ministry oF minEs, Govt. oF india

Exploration to be prioritizedHLC recommendationä Two tier structure to be replaced by three-tier structure

and RP on non-exclusive basisä RP holder to get LAPL/PL on first-in-timeä Introduce LAPL to attract heavy expenditure and high

technology in exploration of non-bulk mineralsä Higher fees and penalties for lack of seriousness and

non-compliance

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Non-exclusive RP, PL/HTREL and ML form the three

tiers of concessions in the new Bill [section 8]ä Progression from RP to PL on first-in-time [section

22(7)]ä HTREL introduced for this purpose - granted on first-in-

time basis only [section 22(4)]ä Fees for RP-Rs.50-Rs500 per sq Km [section 19(1)],

upto Rs.50 per hectare for PL and Rs.5000 per sq. km for HTREL [section 21(1)]

transparent procedures for grant of concessionsAreas where existence of minerals is known to State GovernmentHLC recommendationsä Fully prospected ore bodies to be auctionedä Central Government to notify the areasä Auction process not necessary in case of grant of ML

to persons willing to set up downstream industry in States

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011State Governments:-ä can notify the area where reconnaissance has been

conducted and mineralization of specified minerals established (as per UNFC system) for grant of prospecting licence or mining lease though competitive bidding

ä In competitive bid process weightages assigned to selection criteria, including setting up of downstream industries

ä Swiss challenge for PL in non-notified areas [section 13]

transparent procedures for grant of concessionsAreas where existence of minerals is unknown to State Government

HLC recommendationä Concessions to be granted on First-in-time basis

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä State Government to grant concessions for exploration

(HTREL and PL) on first-in-time basis (in case of PL first-in-time applies only if the area is not notified for bidding) [section 22(4)]

ä Direct mining lease cannot be granted on first-in-time basis [section 13]

ä Non-exclusive Reconnaissance Permit and HTREL ensures competitiveness and inflow of high technology in the mining sector

Seamless transition of mineral concessionsHLC recommendationsä On completion of exploration, the right of a licence

holder tomove to the next form of concession should be a statutory right and not subject to discretions

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Assured transition from exploration stage to mining

lease in case conditions of licence are met [section 22]

ä Essential for investor confidence at exploration stage transferability of mineral concessionsHLC recommendationä PL /ML allowed to be transferable on premium to

incentivize stand alone exploration companies

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Transfer of mineral concession (including data) allowed

for consideration to eligible party [section 17and 18]ä Approval of State Government only in case of mining

lease (Central Government for Coal, Atomic and Beach sand minerals)- only intimation in other cases [section 18]

ä State Governments may call for bids in case ‘consideration’ amount for transfer is felt to be insufficient [section 18]

Extension rather than ‘renewal’ of concessionHLC recommendationsä Mineral concession holders should have the right

to renewal of the concession if they have met the obligations of the concession, and since renewal means ‘fresh grant’ in judicial parlance, extension to be given instead of renewal.


New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Concessions for prospecting and mining to be extended

by the State Government till exhaustion of deposit [section 28]

ä Essential in the case of prospecting licence and mining lease which have been granted on the basis of competitive bids for a particular deposit

ä Desirable to ensure scientific mining and efficient extraction- in long run to reduce environmental damage by avoiding opening of new areas

time limits for disposal of concessionsHLC recommendationCentral government may entertain applications from aggrieved parties and take a final decision thereupon in the event of failure of the state government to take a decision within the time frame

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä State Governments to dispose concessions in

prescribed time limits (3-4 months) [section 14]ä Time limit for Central Government also defined [section

14]ä Redress against delays through independent Mining

Tribunal to be set up at Central (major minerals) [section 85] and State level (minor minerals) [section 99]

reservation of areasHLC recommendationsä Reservation of mineral bearing areas for PSU only for

specified purposes such as meeting the requirements of SME for raw

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Reservation of areas by Government only for the

purposes of conservation of minerals [section 37]ä Reservation of areas for PSUs removed in interest of

maintaining arm’s length and level playing fieldä Preference to value addition, end-use, captive use, ore-

linkage, infrastructure creation in grant of concessions [section 13]

ä Reservation for PSUs cannot co-exist with competitive bidding

Cluster miningHLC recommendationEfforts would also be made to grant mineral concessions to consortia of small-scale miners and users who are otherwise qualified, for a cluster of small deposits so that the benefits of economies of scale are reaped

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Cluster mining for small deposits encouraged by

concessional dead rent [section 6]

ä Preference to cooperatives in grant of mining lease for cluster mining [section 6]

ä Existing small mines to continue in the new regime, irrespective of the size of the lease [section 4(1)]

Streamlining the systemHLC recommendationä No prior approval of Central Government necessary for

grant RP

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Prior approval of Central Government required by

State Government for grant, extension and transfer of mineral concessions for Coal, Atomic minerals and Beach sand minerals [section 8]

ä Prior approval for the 10 major metallic minerals obviated by setting up of Mining Tribunal which has power to look into decision making as well as delays for all major minerals

transparent regulationHLC recommendationä Multi-departmental Coordination-cum-Empowered

Committee approach is the closest arrangement to a single window clearance that can be

ä The penalties should be increased several fold and so should the punishments. Illegal mining amounts to stealing of public property and should be a non-bailable, cognisable criminal offence, for which, in the mineral-rich states, there should be

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä State Governments to set up Special Courts to expedite

prosecution in illegal mining [section 107]ä National Regulatory Authority have powers to integrate

and prosecute in cases of large scale- organized and inter-state illegal mining [section 69]

ä Statutory Coordination-cum-Empowered Committee at Central and State level created in order to:

– coordinate between various agencies for clearance – improve procedures – ensure sustainable development – Prevent illegal mining [section 102 and 103]

Stringent deterrent for illegal miningHLC recommendationä Cancellation powers not directly mentioned in the Act,

but forms a part of the Mining lease deed document.

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Cancellation of mineral concession and disqualification

of person to obtain concessions in future in case of conviction under Act [section 119]


ä Determination of mining lease on direction of Central Government if mining activity found to be aiding organized crime or anti-national activities [section 119]

ä Stringent penalties for offencesä Independent Regulator to intervene in cases of large

scale illegal mining with inter-State ramifications [section 69]

Sustainable MiningHLC recommendationä Sustainable Development Framework to be prepared

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Sharing of mining benefits with local population affected

by mining activities through District Mineral Foundation ,for recurring payments to affected persons and to create local socio-economic infrastructure [section 43]

ä All mining activities to adhere to a Sustainable Development Framework involving SIA and EIA [section 46]

ä Consultation with local community before notifying an area for mining related activities and for post-closure land use [section 13 and 32]

fair compensation to State GovernmentsHLC recommendationä State Government s to get fair compensation for

minerals mined

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Competitive bids to generate revenues in grant of

concessions in known mineralised areasä Independent Regulator for reviewing and recommending

rates of royalty and Dead rent , with incentives for beneficiation, value addition etc [section 68]

ä Cess on major minerals, upto 10% of royalty, may be levied by State Governments for funding capacity building of DGMs , for IT applications and to prevent illegal mining [section 45]

Special provisions for tribal areasHLC recommendationä Adequate protection of stakeholder rights of local

population in mining areas

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Preference to tribal cooperatives on small deposits

[section 6]ä Minor minerals concessions only after consultation

with Gram Sabha in tribal areas [section 13]ä Mining benefits to be shared through a District Mineral

Foundation, to include representatives of affected families also [section 43]

Strategic control of mineralsHLC recommendationä control over strategic minerals-production or export

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Central Government may ban grant of new concession

for strategic minerals needing conservation [section 37]

ä Central Government may impose restriction on grant and operation of mineral concessions (can be used to ban exports of any particular grade also) [section 46]

ä Premature termination of lease in public interest or public safety, with compensation [section 31]

transitionHLC recommendationExisting RP to continue under new Act.

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Exclusive RPs under existing Act to continue for two

years or actual period, whichever is less

ä All pending applications for mineral concessions to lapse (except for applications where prior approval has been granted by Central Government, and where letter of intent has been issued and where application has been filed for seamless transition)

ä ML renewal cases shall be treated as extension cases

ä Moratorium on new PL for two years [section 134]

deviations from HLC recommendationsHLC recommendationä Prior approval of Central Government not required for

grant of RP

ä Direct PL over 50 sq km

ä Central Government to notify areas for auction

ä Central Government to take decisions in case of failure of State Government to take decision in timely manner on concessions

ä 10% funds out of royalty to be ear marked for local area development

New draft MMDR Bill, 2011ä Prior approval of Central Government required only for

coal, atomic and beach sand minerals [section 8]

ä No separate area limit for direct PL [section 6]

ä State Governments as the owners of minerals to notify the areas [section 13]

ä Redressal through Mining Tribunal at Central and State level for major and minor minerals [section 85 and 99]

ä Amount equal to 100% of royalty to be used for local area development [section 43]


Chapter IAccidents do not result from one single factor, but are the result of a breakdown or other deficiency of a number of systems designed to manage risk

“The essence of safety management system is to avoid high risk, manage medium risks and live with low risks.”

saFEty manaGEmEnt systEm*Arunachalam .b, **nagesh Shenoy

PArt - 1

*Manager, Vocational Training Centre, Hospet, Karnataka**Dy. General Manager, M/S. MSPL Ltd, Hospet, Karnataka

1.0 IntroductionWHY WE nEEd to MAnAGE rISKThe Management is responsible for the control and safety of all persons at the mine. Maintaining safety standards is a corporate responsibility and social obligation. Many of the contractors do high-risk jobs, like construction, repair or other jobs not done by regular mine workers. This could be due to conditions like short terms operations, non-availability of equipment/ tools & tackles with mine owner, non-availability of skilled persons or activity having high risk rating which regular employees are either reluctant or refuse to perform. Management should select competent contractors for the job to ensure the safety of personnel, plant and equipment. Contractor should be competent to deal with risks of the proposed job. Efficient hazard identification followed by risk assessment improves safety standards.

Trend, world over is, to make the statutory provisions ‘Flexible’ by switching over from the regime of ‘Prescriptive Regulation’ to ‘Self Regulatory or Goal Setting Legislation’. The concept of “Risk management” through “Risk assessment” contributes greatly towards achieving these objectives

1.1 Provisions under convention 176 of International Labour organisation (for salient points refer Annexure1):QuotEPrEVEntIVE And ProtECtIVE MEASurES At tHE MInE A. Responsibilities of employers In taking preventive and protective measures under this

Part of the Convention the employer shall assess the risk and deal with it in the following order of priority:

(a) eliminate the risk; (b) control the risk at source; (c) minimize the risk by means that include the design

of safe work systems; and (d) in so far as the risk remains, provide for the use

of personal protective equipment, having regard to what is reasonable, practicable and feasible, and to good practice and the exercise of due diligence.

unQuotE 1.2 Provisions under the constitution of India QuotEArticle 41The state shall within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make effective provision for securing the right to work, to education, and to public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want. The safety, health and welfare of workers employed in the mine are the concern of the central government (entry 55 Article 246)Unquote

1.3 Provision under mining statute (Annexure 2):Rules and regulations to cover various safety aspects of mining have been framed under Mines Act 1952. Need for implementation and details of procedure of Safety Management System are dealt in the recommendations under ninth and tenth National Conferences on Safety in Mines. Circular issued by the Director General of Mines Safety bearing number 13 of 2002, details the method of implementation of Safety Management System and Circular issued by the Director General of Mines Safety bearing number 8 of 2009 details the auditing procedure.

The objectives of Safety Management System are to identify hazard, assess risk, formulate & take control measures and re-assess to find the residual risk and maintain within tolerable limits. 1.5 Safety Management System in briefThe Safety Management system helps by ensuring that policies, procedures and consistent training build a culture dedicated to safety and by incorporating policies concerning accidents, injuries and near misses into safety management system, the mine develops a culture where safety is respected.

To assess the risk, hazard needs to be identified and clearly understood. Elimination of one hazard should not create another. Control measures are to be implemented with


caution, monitored and fine tuned. This makes operations safer. A safe working environment boosts up production levels by better morale. Control measures are site specific, calibre oriented and are not universal.

A strong risk management process can decrease problems. A good risk management process is critical in cutting down on surprises, or unexpected project risks. Such a process can also help with problem resolution when changes occur, as those changes are anticipated and actions have already been reviewed and approved, avoiding knee jerk reactions.

1.6 Benefits of Safety Management SystemThe benefits of Safety Management System worked down to finest details and implemented are:

It eliminates or reduces the hazard and makes working safer.

It reduces the chance or severity of an event.

It brings down the risk rating of the hazards through application of control measures making it tolerable and therefore, acceptable.

It assigns responsibility for implementation of control measures and for monitoring them.

It gives room for continuous improvement by spelling out the periodicity for reviewing the hazard, re-rating risk and modifying control measures.

It brings transparency in the system by assigning the process of auditing.

It determines training methods, as the weakness or requirement of additional knowledge for execution of activity is identified.

It makes the working safe by reporting & investigating into such hazardous areas brought out by reporting of incidents and near misses and evolve control measures.

2.0 Various situations for applicability of Safety management system:

Highly mechanised underground coal mines having (problems like geological disturbances, gas, coal dust explosion, fall of roof & sides, spontaneous combustion, inundation, fire, stowing, use of electricity, subsidence, outburst, over winding, rope haulages, explosives, belt conveyors, locomotives etc., to be addressed) long wall, bord & pillar, sublevel caving, horizon mining, inclined slicing, blasting gallery, room & pillar, multi seam/ multi section workings.

Highly mechanised underground metal mines having (problems like geological disturbances, fall of roof & sides, inundation, fire, over winding, explosives, belt conveyors, locomotives, use of electricity, ore dressing, toxic minerals like lead, manganese etc., to

be addressed) sublevel caving/stoping, room & pillar, shrinkage stopping, cut & fill, multi vein/ multi section workings,

Large size highly mechanised open cast mines of hilly or flat terrain (problems like slope stability, ground vibration, machinery maintenance, inundation, dewatering, fire including spontaneous combustion, equipment stability , dump yards, stockyards, haulage etc., to be addressed)

Off-shore and on-shore oil & gas mines (problems like fire, blow out , pressure vessels, pontoons, welding, life saving problems, corrosion, fall of persons or objects to be addressed)

Use of surface miners for limestone in opencast limestone mines on flat terrain.

Mining of radioactive minerals in underground mines as well as beach sands.

Semi mechanised opencast / underground mines where smaller size equipment are used (coal and metal).

Ore dressing facilities with large crushers, belt conveyors, pumps, cyclones, tailing ponds.

Coal handling plant and coal washing system

Manual worked mines

3.0 Safety Management - roles and responsibilitiesEnsuring the safety of a mining operation is a complex task requiring the continued commitment of all personnel associated with the mine, as well as compliance with all safety legislation, guidelines and circulars. In the effective management of safety, all mine personnel have different roles to play but still have the same objective. They also share a duty of care to: -

Provide a safe place of work

Provide proper equipment and facilities

Have and follow a safe system of work

Have competent staff

Look after fellow employees

Take appropriate precautions

Raise safety issues and continuously improve the system

Have appropriate emergency procedures

The roles of the following Key Staff in the Safety System should be clearly spelt out in the safety management system as well as in all the lower levels of the plan.

owner, Agent, Manager, Supervisor, Safety officer, Workmen Inspector, trade union representative,


Mechanic, operator, Worker, Contractor and Contractor’s Management staff, etc.

4.0 definitions used in Safety Management System (S.M.S)HAZArd: A source of potential harm or a situation with a potential to cause loss.

rISK: The chance of something happening that will have an impact on objectives. It is measured in consequence and likelihood.

rISK ASSESSMEnt: Is a process that involves measurement of risk to determine priorities and to enable identification of appropriate level of risk treatment.

rISK ControL: Implementation of strategies to prevent or control hazards

rISK rAtInG: The category or level of risk assigned following risk assessment

rISK MAnAGEMEnt: Overall description of the steps taken to manage risk by identifying hazards and implementing controls in the workplace. This is a systematic application of management policies, procedures and practices to the tasks of identifying, analysing, assessing, treating and monitoring risk.

5.0 the documentation 5.1 Safety Management Plans.The Safety Management Plan is a working document which outlines all the actions to be carried out to ensure the safety and health at the work place. This document is fundamental to the management of safety by the Health and Safety Committee and Management. The issues which should be addressed in the Safety Management Plan include: -

1. Company Profile

2. Scope of Safety Management Systems

3. References

4. Terms and Definitions

5. Occupational Health and safety Policy

6. Procedure for review of Safety Management System

Important committees or (safety related) meetings dates

Dates to review policies, manual or work procedures

Dates required for hazard analysis to be completed

Outcomes or actions following review of hazards, accidents and statistics

Actions, dates and responsibilities to complete agreed actions

Achievement of actions

7. Time schedule for completion of hazard analyses and provision for review

8. Outcome of major hazard analysis

9. Performance measurement and monitoring

10. Evaluation of compliance

11. Incident Investigation,

12. Corrective and preventive action

13. Internal Audit schedules and compliances

14. Roles and Responsibility,

15. Accountability and authority

5.2 Safety ManualAccompanying the Safety Management Plan should be a Safety Manual. This manual would outline the operational procedures to comply with the overall and specific hazard management plans.

It is the document that would be available to all workers on site and should enable them to be aware of not only the framework within which they have to work but also what is expected from them to ensure a safe and healthy working environment.

It could contain: -

1. References to Statutory provisions

2. References to Provisions of Standing Orders made in the establishment that affects the health and safety of all

3. References to Circulars issued by the Directorate General Of Mines Safety that affects the health and safety of all

4. References to Circulars issued by the mine management that affects the health and safety of all

5. List of hazards

6. Risk Assessment Criteria

7. List of Safe operating Procedures

8. Process for introducing new methods, equipment or material etc

9. Training requirements

10. Emergency Preparedness and Response

11. Safety Management Forms

Format of Operational Control Procedure

Format of Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment


Format of Non Conformance report of SMS Audit

Format of Employees Training

Format for Incident Information register

Format for Work Permit System

12. Medical examination schedules

13. Entitlements for employees injured or suffering health impacts at the mine

14. Relevant Acts and Regulations

6.0 Levels of Safety Management System There are three levels for implementation of Safety Management System

A) The Strategic Level that: spells out the Health and Safety Policy of the

organisation

assigns the Roles and Responsibilities of different levels in the hierarchy

forms the Safety Committee for the purposes of implementation of the system

B) Management Level: Identifies the hazards that may be present and

manages the risk

Initiates and implements Safety Management Plans

Prepares the Safety Manual

C) Operational Level: Where necessary re-designs or modifications

in operational processes and lists down Safe Operating Procedures

Promotes a process of continuous improvement

Defines Role of Managers and Supervisors for implementing the Safety Management System for ensuring

1. that the working environment is safe for workers

2. that planned work methods are safe and followed

3. that all accidents and near misses are investigated

4. that workers are competent & know their duties

7.0 Conducting a hazard risk assessment:Hazards are to be evaluated in terms of the likelihood and the damage they may cause. All possible hazards that could be encountered are to be considered. Some hazards are more likely to cause problems than others at a given mine and some would result in greater damage than in some other mine. These differences are identified by conducting a risk analysis. The outcome of the analysis is used to target sources and the types of events that are most likely to occur and/or are most destructive.

Emergency situations that are very likely to occur and would do considerable damage to people and/or property are targeted for immediate remedy. Plans are made for effective response, if remedy is not possible. Potential situations that are less likely or that would have less severe consequences are identified for attention after the more serious hazards have been addressed.

For all hazards that pose a potential chance of multiple fatalities at one time and are not fully controlled, a Hazard Management Plan must be drawn up.

8.1 Steps in implementation of Safety management System

1. Assembling the Team

2. Identifying the Hazards

3. Assessing and ranking of the risk

4. Treatment Controls and Action Plans

5. Induction, training & continuous improvement


6. Conducting Investigation & reporting accident / incident / near miss situations

7. Auditing, reviewing and revising of the Safety management system

Narrowing the list down to the most important risks is critical for making sure that the list is used.

If these steps in the risk management process are skipped, the team can find itself in constant reaction mode, simply implementing a contingency plan for each risk after that risk catches by surprise.

8.1.1 Assembling the TeamFor the purposes of identifying the hazard, assessing the risk etc., a team is constituted. The team should constitute representatives from all categories of work men and also nature of work (E.g. a semi skilled worker may be working only with drilling crew / with blaster / with mechanic). Attention has to be paid for blend in case mining operations are carried out beyond day light hours. Blend should be judicious and number should be enough to get contributions from all levels and location/activities but not too many that makes the execution of exercise cumbersome. Too big a crowd becomes unwieldy to handle, therefore may defeat the purpose and end up in chaos.

In case of very large organisations there could be sub-teams. These sub-teams could conduct the risk assessment activity within their sphere of activity and later representatives of sub-teams convene and deliberate in a joint forum. This will take care of overlapping activities, if any. The object is that all categories will have their share.

The head of the team, the coordinator for activities connected to safety management System should be spelt out. After a team has completed this exercise once, the members will be better conditioned on what attention is to be paid while managing the project so that they are more proactive in observing/noticing changes or issues early.

It should also be borne in mind that such outcomes are much valued as individuals own the procedure and is not thrust upon them.

Depending upon the total strength, a portion of the team, say 25% of strength, should be changed on a periodical basis. This will enable to identify the hazards without bias and also bring out new hazards that were hitherto not noticed.

Annexure IExcerpts from ILO convention 176 (Safety and Health in Mines Convention, 1995):

PrEVEntIVE And ProtECtIVE MEASurES At tHE MInE A. Responsibilities of employers In taking preventive and protective measures under this Part of the Convention the employer shall assess the risk and deal with it in the following order of priority:

(a) eliminate the risk;

(b) control the risk at source;

(c) minimize the risk by means that include the design of safe working systems and

(d) in so far as the risk remains, provide for the use of personal protective equipment, having regard to what is reasonable, practicable and feasible and to good practice and the exercise of due diligence.

Employers shall take all necessary measures to eliminate or minimize the risks to safety and health in mines under their control, and in particular:

a) ensure that the mine is designed, constructed and provided with electrical, mechanical and other equipment, including a communication system, to provide conditions for safe operation and a healthy working environment;

b) ensure that the mine is commissioned, operated, maintained and decommissioned in such a way that workers can perform the work assigned to them without endangering their safety and health or that of other persons;

c) take steps to maintain the stability of the ground in areas to which persons have access in the context of their work;

d) whenever practicable, provide, from every underground workplace, two exits, each of which is connected to separate means of egress to the surface;

e) ensure the monitoring, assessment and regular inspection of the working environment to identify various hazards to which the workers may be exposed and to assess their level of exposure;

f) ensure adequate ventilation for all underground workings to which access is permitted;

g) in respect of zones susceptible to particular hazards, draw up and implement an operating plan and procedures to ensure a safe system of work and the protection of workers

h) take measures and precautions appropriate to the nature of a mine operation to prevent, detect and combat the start and spread of fires and explosions; and

i) ensure that when there is serious danger to the safety and health of workers, operations are


stopped and workers are evacuated to a safe location.

Article 8 The employer shall prepare an emergency response plan, specific to each mine, for reasonably foreseeable industrial and natural disasters.

Article 9 Where workers are exposed to physical, chemical or biological hazards, the employer shall:

a) inform the workers in a comprehensible manner, of the hazards associated with their work, the health risks involved and relevant preventive and protective measures;

b) take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize the risks resulting from exposure to those hazards;

c) where adequate protection against risk of accident or injury to health including exposure to adverse conditions cannot be ensured by other means, provide and maintain at no cost to the worker, suitable protective equipment, clothing as necessary and other facilities defined by national laws or regulations and

d) provide workers who have suffered from an injuries or illness at the workplace with first aid, appropriate transportation from the workplace and access to appropriate medical facilities.

Article 10 The employer shall ensure that:

a) adequate training and retraining programmes and comprehensible instructions are provided for workers, at no cost to them, on safety and health matters as well as on the work assigned;

b) in accordance with national laws and regulations, adequate supervision and control are provided in each shift to secure the safe operation of the mine;

c) a system is established so that the names of all persons who are underground can be accurately known at any time, as well as their probable location;

d) all accidents and dangerous occurrences, as defined by national laws or regulations, are investigated and appropriate remedial action is taken and a report, as specified by national laws and regulations, is made to the competent authority on accidents and dangerous occurrences.

Article 11 On the basis of general principles of occupational health and in accordance with national laws and regulations, the employer shall ensure the provision of regular health surveillance of workers exposed to occupational health hazards specific to mining.

b. rIGHtS And dutIES of WorKErS And tHEIr rEPrESEntAtIVES Article 13 1. Under the national laws and regulations referred to in

Article 4, workers shall have the following rights:

a) to report accidents, dangerous occurrences and hazards to the employer and to the competent authority;

b) to request and obtain, where there is cause for concern on safety and health grounds, inspections and investigations to be conducted by the employer and the competent authority;

c) to know and be informed of workplace hazards that may affect their safety or health;

d) to obtain information relevant to their safety or health, held by the employer or the competent authority;

e) to remove themselves from any location at the mine when circumstances arise which appear, with reasonable justification, to pose a serious danger to their safety or health; and

f) to collectively select safety and health representatives.

2. The safety and health representatives referred to in paragraph 1(f) above shall, in accordance with national laws and regulations, have the following rights:

a) to represent workers on all aspects of workplace safety and health, including where applicable, the exercise of the rights provided in paragraph 1 above;

b) to:

participate in inspections and investigations conducted by the employer and by the competent authority at the workplace; and

monitor and investigate safety and health matters;

c) to have recourse to advisers and independent experts;

d) to consult with the employer in a timely fashion on safety and health matters, including policies and procedures;

e) to consult with the competent authority; and

f) to receive, relevant to the area for which they have been selected, notice of accidents and dangerous occurrences.

Article 14 Under national laws and regulations, workers shall have the duty, in accordance with their training:

a) to comply with prescribed safety and health measures;


b) to take reasonable care for their own safety and health and that of other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work, including proper care and use of protective clothing, facilities and equipment placed at their disposal for this purpose;

c) to report forthwith to their immediate supervisor any situation which they believe could present a risk to their safety or health or that of other persons, and which they cannot properly deal with themselves; and

d) to cooperate with the employer to permit compliance with the duties and responsibilities placed on the employer pursuant to the Convention.

C. CooPErAtIon Article 15 Measures shall be taken, in accordance with national laws and regulations, to encourage cooperation between employers and workers and their representatives to promote safety and health in mines.

PArt IV. IMPLEMEntAtIon Article 16 the Member shall: a) take all necessary measures, including the

provision of appropriate penalties and corrective measures, to ensure the effective enforcement of the provisions of the Convention; and

b) provide appropriate inspection services to supervise the application of the measures to be taken in pursuance of the Convention and provide these services with the resources necessary for the accomplishment of their tasks.

Annexure 2Excerpts From Recommendations of Tenth Conference9.0. “Safety Management System”: Strategies for Implementation and Path forward9.1. Every mine should employ a sound risk analysis

process, should conduct a risk assessment, and should develop a safety management plan to address the significant hazards identified by the analysis/ assessment.

9.2. The managements of every mining company should adopt the process of safety management system and commit itself for proper formulation and implementation of the same in totality. Necessary resources should be allocated for implementation of the control measures identified by the risk assessment process.

9.3 Necessary training of all employees of mining companies should be organized with the help of experts, both national and international, for optimal adoption of the safety management system

(To be continued in MEJ-February 2012)

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The Mining Engineers' Association of India presents awards sponsored by the Industry/individuals to selected individuals during Annual General Meeting every year. Nominations for the following awards to be presented during the AGM 2011-12, in the prescribed form, are invited so as to reach the Secretary General by 31.03.2012.

Applicants may please note that once a certain award was presented to an individual, his nomination will not be considered again for the same award.

(A) nomination for the year 2011-12 for the following awards:

1. MEAI – Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award for the best paper on Mining related issues during the year 2011.

2. MEAI NMDC Award for significant contribution to Iron Ore Industry during the year 2011-12.

3. MEAI Simminds Award for significant contribution to limestone industry during 2011-12.

4. MEAI Smt. Bala Tandon Memorial Award in recognition of contribution to Mining Industry for improving ecology, environment and afforestation during the year 2011-12.

5. MEAI Abheraj Baldota Memoral Gold Medal Award (Mining Engineer of the year 2011-12) in recognition of significant contribution to Mining Industry by a Mining Engineers with 20 years of experience in the Industry.

6. MEAI Abheraj Baldota Memorial Gold Medal Award (Young Mining Engineer of the year 2011-12) in recognition of significant service to Mining Industry by an Young Mining Engineer who has not completed 35 years of age as on 30.03.2012.

7. MEAI-SRG Informational Technology Award in recognition of significant contribution to Mining Industry adopting Information Technology during the year 2011-12.

8. Master Tanay Chadha Memorial Geologist Award in recognition of significant contribution by a geologist in the field of Mineral Exploration, quality control and production, mine planning etc. during the year 2011-12.

9. MEAI- Smt Veena Roonwal Memorial Award to a Mining Engineer/Geologist/a qualified person involved with Mining Industry for presenting a paper during the year 2011-12 in a seminar/symposium workshop organized by MEAI on “Water Management in and around a working mine” or “Implementation of New/ Latest Technology in Mining”.

mEai aWards 2011-1210. MEAI- Smt Kiran Devi Singhal Memorial Award

to a person (MEAI Member/Non member- need not necessarily be from mining discipline for his/her contribution in the field of “Development and Conversation of Minerals and Environment” in and around Metalliferous mines (excluding Coal and oil).

(b) nominations for the year 2010-11 for the following awards which were carried forward from the previous year to be presented during the AGM 2011-12 :

1. NMDC Award 2010-11

2. Master Tanay Chadha Memorial Geologist Award 2010-11

3. Smt Veena Roonwal Memorial Award

4. Abheraj Baldota Young Mining Engineer Award (the candidate should not have completed 35 years as on 30.03.2011)

The nominations may be sent in the profarma indicated below along with enclosures in 4 sets or a soft copy.

General laws applicable for all awards

i. The awards are presented by MEAI from the donations/ assurances from the organizations/ individuals who instituted the awards indicating the name of the donor.

ii. The awards are normally presented to the members of the association who contributed significantly to different aspects of mining and mineral industries. However, qualified and eligible non-members who contributed memorable services to the growth of the Mining and Mineral Industries will also be considered depending upon the merits.

iii. The awards are presented during the Annual General Meeting organized every year.

iv. Individual Nominations for the awards will be called for well in advance before conducting the AGM.

v. The nominations from the individuals in the prescribed proforma will have to be routed through the Chairman of the chapter to which the applying members belong or through a Council Member.

vi. The awards will be finalized by a Selection Committee headed by the President MEAI constituted for the purpose.

vii. The Selection Committee will be constituted every year by the Council.

viii. The members of the Selection Committee will be chosen from among the Vice Presidents, the Council Members, the Chapter Chairmen and the Secretaries,


Former Presidents, Secretary General, Jt. Secretary cum Treasurer and Editor – MEJ by rotation every year. However, other MEAI members and non-members will also be considered for their experience in specific fields.

ix. There will be at least 3 expert members in each Committee and the majority opinion from the members will be taken into consideration while finalizing the selection of a candidates to receive the awards.

x. The Selection Committee if so required, may co-opt an out side expert from the industry to help them in finalizing the selection.

xi. The Selection Committee may decide the award in favour of one or more candidates.

xii. In case the Selection Committee feels that the standard of the papers received is not up to the mark, the award will not be given to any one for that year and the award is carried over to the next year. The Selection Committee may decide to give two awards to two different persons (one for the previous year and the other for the current year) during the succeeding year.

xiii. The nominations should be forwarded to the Secretary General, Mining Engineers’ Association of India before the stipulated date and the Secretary General shall forward them to the respective members of the Selection Committee.

xiv. Nominations received after the stipulated date will not be considered.

xv. No travel expenses will be reimbursed to the candidates towards the travel to the place of the AGM in which the awards will be presented and back to their place of residence.

xvi. The nominations and the enclosures for the awards should be forwarded in four sets along with their bio-data and two recent photographs.

xvii. A person who received a particular award once, will not be considered for the same award during the subsequent years.

xviii. The general reputation of the candidates applying for the award, in MEAI and the mining community will be taken into consideration while finalizing the awards.

AnounCEMEnt(Executive development Programme)

In continuation of the announcement in December issue of Mining Engineers’ Journal for December 2011 on the Executive Development Programme “Productivity, Profits and Registration in Mineral Resources Management”, this is to intimate that the proposed programme is postponed indifferently on account of unavoidable circumstances.

Further intimation on the programme will be published in MEJ on finalization of the dates.

Secretary GeneralMInInG EnGInEErS’ ASSoCIAtIon of IndIA

Quotable Quotesa Good book is the precious life blood of a master spirit, embalmed and treasured upon purpose to a life beyond life.

~ John Milton ~sow a thought and reap an action,sow an action and reap a habitsow a habit and reap a charactersow a character and reap a destiny

~ Nissim ezekiel ~

ProforMA1. Name :

2. Date of Birth :

3. Academic Qualification :

4. Professional Qualification :

5. Whether a Member/

Life Member of MEAI :

6. Applying for which award :

7. Specific details for the award applied :

as per requirement of bye-lays

(Enclose the relevant documents)

Date :

Certified that I know Shri...........................................................

..................................................................... personally and his

application is being forwarded for consideration.

Chairman, MEAI Chapter...........................................................

............................... (Or) Council Member, MEAI

Enclosed copies of documents on experience and achievements (a hardcopy and softcopy).

i.ii.iii.


Dr S.K. Sarangi, President MEAI took over as the President, Society of Geo - Scientists and Allied Technologists during the Annual General Meeting of the Society on 03.10.2011 at Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

During the AGM Prof. B.B. Dhar, Chairman MEAI, New Delhi Chapter, delivered the K S. Mahapatra, Memorial Lecture highlighting various management related issues for the growth of Mining Industry and congratulated Dr. S K. Sarangi on his taking over as President SGAT.

Shri V S Rao, Former President MEAI and Former President, FIMI, while congratulating Dr. S K. Sarangi expressed that he would continue to serve both MEAI and SGAT concurrently in a befitting manner.

Dr S K Sarangi was felicitated on behalf of MEAI by presenting flower bouquet (by Shri A.S. Rao, Secretary General) a shawl (by Prof. B B. Dhar) and a memento (by Shri V S Rao).

Prof. G S. Roonwal, Secretary, New Delhi Chapter was one of the important members of MEAI who attended the above function.

During the above meeting, Prof. T N. Singh of IIT Bombay was awarded the SGAT, Award of Excellence for 2011 and Prof. C. Kashipati of Andhra University, Waltair, Andhra Pradesh was awarded the Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award 2011.

The MEJ congratulates Dr. S K. Sarangi, Prof. T N Singh and Prof. C Kashipati on their achievements.

SoME PHotoS of tHE MEEtInG

mEai nEWs

dr. s k. saranGi, PrEsidEnt mEai takEs ovEr as thE PrEsidEnt, soCiEty oF GEo-sCiEntists and alliEd tEChnoloGists

dr. S.K. Sarangi, newly elected Presidentfelicitated by senior members of SGAt,

dr. r.C. Mohanty, Ex-President, Prof. G.b. Mishra,Ex-Vice President and b.K. Mohanty, Advisor

dr. S.K. Sarangi, newly elected President felicitated by Shri A.S. rao, Secretry General, MEAI

dr. S.K. Sarangi, newly elected President felicitated by Prof. b.b. dhar, Chairman, delhi Chapter, MEAI

Sri V.S. rao, former President MEAI presented momento to dr. S.K. Sarangi


Printed by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining Engineers’ Association of India, Published by A.S. Rao, Secretary General,on behalf of Mining Engineers’ Association of India and printed at Deepu Printers at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor),

Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. and published at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor),Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Editor : V.K. Verma

confErEncES, SEminarS, workSHoPS Etc.,IndIA

2011

13 - 14 January 2012 : Conference on "Mining for Sustainability" CIDADE DE GOA, Goa, organised by FIMI Contact : 91-11-26814592, Email: [email protected]

28 - 31 January 2012 : "4th Asian Mining Congress (by MGMI) & 4th International Mining Exploration Mineral Processing technology & Machaniry Exhibition (by tAfCon), at Salt Lake Ground, Kolkata. Contact : TAFCON Projects (India) Ltd. Email: [email protected], web: www.internationalminingexhibition.com

1 - 2 February 2012 : Work shop on “Managing Environmental Impact of rock blasting in Mining and Infrastructure development Projects” at Hotel Siddharth International, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Contact : Prof. Sushil Bhandari, Tel: 0291 – 2624063 and 2430189 – Fax-0291-2624063, Email: [email protected], http/-www.earthresourcetechnology.com

1 - 4 February 2012 : Stona 2012 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre. Contact : All India Granites & Stone Association (AIGSA) “STONA”, 429/7, 12th Cross Sadashivanagar, Bangalore - 560 080. Tel.: +91-80-23612541, Email: [email protected]/[email protected]/[email protected] www.stonaaigsa.com

6 - 11 February 2012 : 10th International Kimberlite Conference 2012 at The Sheraton Bangalore. Contact : R.H. Sawkar (Geological Society of India) Convener, No. 63, 12th Cross Basappa Layout, Gavipuram, Bangalore - 560 019. Mobile : +91 97312 61053, Tel.: +91 8040745800, Tel.fax : +91 8026613352, Email: [email protected], website : www.10ikcbangalore.com

11 - 12 May 2012 : “12th Annual Symposium on new Equepment, new technology management and Safety in Mines” at Bhubaneshwar by Geomin Tech, contact : Shri J.K. Hota, Cell: 093373 00818 / 099374 97760, Email: [email protected]

28 - 30 November 2012 : “13th International Symposium on Environment Issues and Waste Management in Energy and Mineral Production” at New Delhi, India. Contact : Dr. Raj Singhal, Email: [email protected].

AbroAd2011

7 - 9 January 2012 : International Conference on "the Geology of the Arabian Plate and the oman Mountains" Muscat, Oman; This conference is intended to be a broader consideration of not only the geology of Oman but also the entire Arabian Plate. Organised by : Sultan Qaboos University; Contact person : Prof. Sobhi Nasir; Webnsite: http://ww.geoman2012; Deadline for abstracts/proposals; Not available; Check the event website for latest details.

28 - 30 January 2012 : 6th International Seminar on "deep and High Stress Mining", Novotel Pearth Langley Hotel, Western Australia. Contact : 61 922 11200, Email: [email protected]

5 - 6 June 2012 : 3rd International Conference on "Processing of Industrial Minerals & Coal ‘12" (PIMC ‘12); Istanbul, Turkey; Organised by : MEI in consultation with Prof. Guven Onal. Contact person Dr. Barry Wills; Website; http;//www.min-eng.com/pimc12/index.gtnk; Deadline for abstracts/proposals; Not available; Check the event website for latest details.

10 -13 June 2012 : 4th International Conference on Process development in Iron and Steelmaking; Organised by MEFOS - Metallurgical Research Institute AB; Contact person: Lotti Jarlebro; P.O. Box 812 SE-971 25, Lulea, Sweden; email: <[email protected]> or Karein Edfast, Information coordinator. P.O. Box 812 SE-971 25, Lulea, Sweden, Email : <[email protected]>; web: <www.scanmet.info>.

2 - 10 August 2012 : 34th International Geological Congress : Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Theme : Unearthing our Past and Future; Organised by : Australian Geoscience Council; Contact person : Liz Cuffe; Website : http://www.34igc.org; Deadline for abstracts/proposals: Not available; Check the event website for latest details.

18 - 19 September 2012 : Seminar on "Water in Mining 2012" Brisbane, Queensland, Visit : www.ausimm.com.au

20 - 29 November 2012 : "10th International Symposium on rock fragmentati on by blasting" at New Delhi, Contact : Dr. Pradeep K. Singh, Tel.: +91-326-2296028, Fax: +91-326-296211, Email: [email protected], Website: www.fragblast10.org

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Contents

Regd. with RNI R.No. 71519/99 Postal Regd. No. H/HD-GPO/024/009-011

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jan 2012

Documents

chirag ali

draft mmdr

raghav ratna

director dmg

australian

district mineral

sloping haul

wheeled trackless