EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

FOR

PUBLIC HEARING

(AS PER EIA NOTIFICATION SEPT’ 06)

OF

PROPOSED

HARRADOL UG PROJECT

(PRODUCTION CAPACIY 0.135 MTPA & LEASE AREA 27.45 Ha)

JANUARY - 2009

Prepared by :-

ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT

WESTERN COALFIELDS LIMITED

COAL ESTATE, CIVIL LINES NAGPUR - 440001

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Harradol patch is situated in the western part of Rakhikol colliery of

Damua group of collieries in between two major faults namely Bagdeo fault in

the north and Damua fault in the south. Based on the production support

drilling carried out in Harradol patch, a Geological Note was prepared and

submitted in March’ 2000 by MECL by utilizing the data of eight MHP series

(MHP 1-8) and six MKRP series (MKRP 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10) boreholes. Prior to

submission of the above geological note by MECL, a marginal scheme for

exploitation of coal reserves of Harradol patch was prepared by Kanhan Area.

The above scheme was vetted by CMPDI, RI-IV, Nagpur based on the borehole

data available at that time and was submitted to WCL in February’ 2000. The

above marginal scheme was sanctioned by competent authority on 6.3.2000

after vetting by CMPDI. However, the Harradol mine could not be started due

to some obstructions.

The Harradol mine was basically planned as a replacement mine for Bansi

Incline. Now, in the present scenario, Bansi and Rakhikol UG mines are already

exhausted and closed and Damua 26-27 Incline are also likely to be closed

due to adverse geo-mining condition. Hence, it has become very essential to

open Harradol mine to make-up the shortfall of coal to some extent.

Keeping in view of present scenario and techno-economical aspects, a draft

scheme of Harradol UG mine has been prepared by Kanhan Area, WCL and

submitted to CMPDI, RI-IV, Nagpur on 20.07.2007 for examination. After perusal

of the scheme submitted by Area, it was felt that the entire scheme needs to

be reformulated in view of the Geological Note on Harradol patch prepared

by MECL in March’ 2000. Accordingly, the present scheme has been prepared

by CMPDI, RI-IV, Nagpur on the basis of Geological Note prepared by MECL on

Harradol patch in March’ 2000 and the data furnished by the Area in the

scheme.

1.1 Recent Studies and Development

The exploration job in the western part of Rakhikol colliery was assigned to

MECL to prove the virgin patch around Harradol lying between Bagdeo &

Damua faults. Accordingly, the initial drilling work in Rakhikol colliery area was

commenced on 24.10.94 and a total 10 boreholes (6 boreholes MKRP – 1, 5, 7,

8, 9, 10 in Harradol patch and 4 boreholes MKRP – 2, 3, 4 & 6 in Markadhana

patch) were drilled by October’ 1996. Subsequently, 8 more boreholes (MHP – 1

to 8) were drilled by MECL in Harradol patch during the period from 7.11.98 to

7.12.99. Based on the data of 14 boreholes drilled in Harradol patch (8

boreholes MHP – 1 to 8 and 6 boreholes MKRP – 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 ), a note

namely “Geological Note on Production Support Drilling, Rakhikol Colliery

(Harradol Patch) Area, Pench Kanhan Valley Coalfield, Chhindwara district,

Madhya Pradesh” was prepared by MECL and submitted in March’ 2000.

The above Geological Note has revealed that the coal reserves of Harradol

Patch is partly heat affected having UVM (Unit Volatile Matter) % less than 30%.

The part of the coal reserves of Harradol patch which is not heat affected

(UVM > 30%) is medium coking coal, whereas the remaining part of the coal

reserves having UVM < 30% is non-coking coal. In the scheme for Harradol UG

mine, the heat affected non-coking coal having UVM % in the range of 18% to

30% has been considered for extraction alongwith medium coking coal. The

non coking coal having UVM % less than 18% has been excluded from the

proposed mine area.

1.2 Necessity of the Scheme for Harradol UG Mine

A number of mines of Kanhan Area of WCL have been closed or are likely to

be

closed due to exhaustion of coal reserves. Bansi and Rakhikol mines of kanhan

Area are already exhausted and closed and Damua 26-27 Inclines are also

likely to be closed due to adverse geo-mining condition. The production from

Nandan-2 UG mine is presently discontinued. Under such circumstances, there

is shortfall in the production of Kanhan area and therefore opening of even

small new mine like Harradol UG mine has become essential.

Although, the coal reserves of proposed Harradol UG mine is partly medium

coking and partly non-coking and continuous supply to Nandan Washery is not

feasible, the production from Harradol mine will certainly reduce the gap

between demand and supply of coal in Kanhan area as well as in WCL. Hence

the scheme for opening the Harradol UG mine in Kanhan Area of WCL is

necessary.

2.0 PROJECT SITE INFORMATION

2.1 Location

The proposed Harradol U/G mine has been envisaged in a part of small

Harradol patch located in the western part of Rakhikol colliery of Damua

group in between two major faults namely Bagdeo fault in the north and

Damua fault in the south. The area is located in Kanhan Area of WCL and falls

in administrative jurisdiction of Junnardeo Tehsil of Chhindwara district, M.P.

2.2 Communication

The proposed Harradol mine is approachable by existing road joining Rakhikol

colliery (Incline no.-27 & 28) to Bansi mine. The Rakhikol colliery is located to the

west of Damua town and is approachable from Damua by a four km. long all

weather motarable tar road. Damua in turn is well connected to Chhindwara

via Parasia by a 72 km. tar road.

Hirdagarh railway station located about 19 km. southeast of the area is the

nearest rail head on the Amla-Parasia broad gauge section of the Central

Railway. Amla lies on the Nagpur-Delhi broad gauge line of the Central

Railway. A railway siding is also constructed from Hirdagarh to Nandan Coal

Washery which is located just 3 km away from the block.

2.3 Topography

The proposed Harradol patch has difficult and rugged terrain with Surface R.L.

ranging from 764.97m (B.H. No.- MKRP-9) to 877.67m (B.H. No.- MHP-3). The area

is covered with forest land.

3.0 GEOLOGY AND DEPOSIT APPRAISAL

3.1 Based on the data of 14 boreholes drilled in Harradol patch (8 boreholes

MHP – 1 to 8 and 6 boreholes MKRP – 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 ), a note namely

“Geological Note on Production Support Drilling, Rakhikol Colliery

(Harradol Patch) Area, Pench Kanhan Valley Coalfield, Chhindwara

district, Madhya Pradesh” was prepared by MECL and submitted in

March’ 2000. The geology of the proposed Harradol UG mine is based on

this Geological Note.

3.2 Block Boundary

The boundary of the block has been defined as follows:-

North : Bagdeo Fault, FB

South : Damua Fault, FD

East : Fault F4-F4

West : Fault F1-F1 (For Reserves Estimation Fault F2-F2 serves as

western block boundary)

3.3 Borehole Data

The present geological assessment of the block is based on the data of

following 14 boreholes :

Sl.

No.

Particulars Quantity

1. Boreholes: a) MKRP Series

b) MHP Series

6 (MKRP – 1,5,7,8,9 & 10)

8 (MHP – 1 to 8)

Total 14 boreholes

2. Meterage MKRP Series – 676.75 m

MHP Series – 1361.40 m

Total - 2038.15 m

3. Total Area 0.38 sq. km.

4. Borehole Density 37 boreholes/sq.km.

5. Analytical Data 3 B.H.s of MKRP Series (MKRP – 5, 7 &

10)

7 B.H.s of MHP Series (MHP- 1, 2, 3, 5,

6, 7 & 8)

3.4 Geological Succession of the Block

The geological succession of the block as worked out from the sub-

surface data generated from the 14 boreholes drilled in the block and

data collected from the nearby mine workings is given in the following

Table :.

Geological Succession of the Mining Block

Thickness Range (m) Age Formation Lithology

Minimum Maximum

Recent Soil Sandy and

Clayey soil

0.50

(MKRP – 7, 8 &

10)

3.00

(MKRP-1)

Motur SST-MGD with

variegated clays

45.54

(MKRP-9)

156.12

(MHP-2)

Lower

Permian

Barakar SST, FGD-MGD

occ. CGD &

Shale with coal

seams

23.00 (+)

(MHP- 4)

82.55 (+)

(MKRP-1)

3.5 Geological Structure

Strike and Dip

The general strike of the beds in the block is east-west and it takes

moderate swing in the western part (S 850 W – N 850 E) and eastern part

(N 660 W – S 660 E).

The dip of the beds varies between 50 to 80 due north.

Faults

A total six faults namely F1-F1, F2-F2, F3-F3, F4-F4, FB (Bagdeo Fault) and FD

(Damua Fault) have been interpreted in Harradol patch out of which

Bagdeo (FB) and Damua (FD) faults are major faults and rest are minor

faults. Out of six faults, four (F1-F1, F4-F4, Bagdeo Damua) are boundary

faults. In the western side a very narrow patch exists between F1and F2

faults, and therefore this patch has been excluded in the Geological

Report for reserve estimation. Hence, for reserve estimation, fault F2

serves as boundary fault. Thus only one fault namely F3 traverses through

the block in east-west direction with southerly downthrow of 2 to 5m.

3.6 Description and Quality of Coal Seams

The existence of three coal seams viz, Seam-III, Seam-II & Seam-I occurring in

descending order has been established in Damua-Rakhikol-Kalichappar area.

Out of the three seams, Seam-III is target seam for present exploration as it has

attained workable thickness. Seam-III splits into two sections namely Seam-

III(Top) and Seam-III(Bottom). Seam-III(Top) has attained workable thickness

whereas Seam-III (Bottom) is not persistent in the block. No borehole has been

deepened beyond Seam-III except in cases where Seam-III is not encountered

or there was difficulty in Seam correlations. Seam-II is intersected in only two

boreholes MKRP-7 & 8. None of the boreholes has been deepened upto Seam-

I.

The salient features of the only workable Seam-III (Top) are summarized

below:

Sl. No. Particulars Description

1. Seam Intersection

a) No. of Boreholes

drilled

b) Full seam

intersection

c) Part seam

intersection

d) No seam

intersection

14 (8 BHs of MHP & 6 BHs of MKRP series)

8 BHs (MHP-2, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8, MKRP- 5 & 9)

4 BHs (MHP-1 & 4, MKRP- 7 & 8)

2 BHs ( MKRP- 1 & 10)

2. Floor Depth Range (m) Minimum : 76.33 (MKRP – 8)

Maximum : 199.52 (MHP – 2)

3. Seam Thickness (m) Minimum : 2.00 (MHP – 7)

Maximum : 3.74 (MHP – 6)

4. Nature of Roof Immediate : Dominant : Shale

Subordinate : CSH

3 m column : Dominant : SST

Subordinate : Shale Aren.

5. Nature of Floor Immediate : Dominant : Shale

Subordinate : Shale Aren.

1 m column : Dominant : CSH

Subordinate : SST. Argill.

6. Quality Details :

The coal seam-III in proposed Harradol block is partly heat

affected. The coal having % volatile matter (unit coal basis)

(Vmu%) more than 30% is heat unaffected coal and is

categorized as medium coking coal. The coal having Vmu% less

than 30% is partly heat affected and is categorized as non-coking

coal. In proposed Harradol mine, coal having Vmu% less than 18%

has not been considered due to mining difficulties.

7. Synoptic Details of Quality of Seam-III (Top)

7.1 Medium Coking Coal :

Calculated Proximate

analysis on air-dried

basis on the basis of

weighted averages

a) Moisture %

b) Ash %

0.3% (MHP-3) – 1.1 % (MKRP-9)

21.8% (MHP-3) – 25.2% (MHP-5)

c) Volatile Matter %

d) Volatile Matter

(unit coal basis)

e) Grade

26.4% (MHP-5) – 26.8% (MHP-3)

32.5% (MHP-3) – 33.5% (MHP-5)

W.G.-III (MHP-5, MKRP-5) W.G.-II (MHP-3)

7.2 Non Coking Coal :

Calculated Proximate

analysis on air-dried

basis on the basis of

weighted averages

e) Moisture %

f) Ash %

g) Volatile Matter %

h) Volatile Matter

(unit coal basis)

e) Grade

f) Total Sulphur

0.2% (MHP-6) – 1.1 % (MHP-2)

23.1% (MHP-6) – 32.9% (MHP-7)

12.5% (MHP-7) – 19.5% (MHP-6)

14.7% (MHP-7) – 23.1% (MHP-6)

Grade-‘B’ to ‘D’

0.52 % (MHP – 1)

3.7 Geological Reserves

Boundary of the Block for Reseves Estimation

The boundary of the block for reserve estimation has been defined as

follows :-

North : Bagdeo Fault, F (B)

South : Damua Fault, F (D)

East : Fault F4-F4

West : Fault F2-F2

Methodology

a) Method of law of gradual change has been adopted from one

borehole to another. On this assumption, the iso-chore, iso-grade

and iso-vol (Vmu%) lines have been drawn on the seam folio which

form the basis for reserve estimation.

b) Separate reserves of the seams have been assessed for the following

Volatile Matter (Unit Coal) cut-offs, based on which the coals of

seams have been categorized as Medium Coking Coal, Non-Coking

Coal and Heat Affected Coal (Jhama).

i) VM/UC% exceeding 30 - Medium coking coal

ii) VM/UC% exceeding 18 - Non-coking coal

but not exceeding 30

iii) VM/UC% not exceeding 18 - Jhama (Heat Affected Coal)

c) Reserves have been estimated for in-band thickness and grade

only. While delineating the in-band thickness, all the carbonaceous

shale band upto 0.30 m thickness have been included in the seam.

The obvious bands (0.05 m and above) however, have been

wexcluded while arriving at in-band thickness.

d) The specific gravity of different grades of coal have been deduced

as per the formula (misc., pub. No. 58 Jan. 1981-GSI).

i) Medium coking coal

Specific gravity = (Ash x0.01) + 1.27

ii) Non-coking coal

Specific gravity = (Ash x 0.01) + 1.28

e) The grade of non-coking coal is based on Useful Heat Value (Hu)

which has been determined by using the empirical formula

Hu = 8900 – 138 (A % + M %) k.Cal/kg.

Summary of Reserves

A total reserve of 0.525 Mt of medium coking coal and 0.990 Mt of non-

coking have been estimated in Seam-III (Top) in Harradol patch. The

Vmu % wise coal reserves in Harradol patch is tabulated below :

Summary of Geological Reserves : Seam-III (Top)

Medium Vmu % Net Geological Reserves

(Mt)

A) Medium Coking

Coal

> 30 % 0.525

Sub-Total 0.525

B) Non Coking Coal 18 % - 30 % 0.745

< 18 % 0.245

Sub-Total 0.990

TOTAL 1.515

4.0 MINE BOUNDARIES, RESERVES & MINE LIFE

4.1 Mine Boundaries

The proposed Harradol UG mine has been envisaged in Harradol Patch

to extract the coal upto 18 % VMu and hence the southern side

boundary of the mine is demarcated by 18 % VMu line. In the northern

side, very limited space and reserve is available between minor fault F3-F3

and Bagdeo fault (northern geological boundary fault) and therefore

the northern mine boundary has been limited upto the minor fault F3-F3.

In the eastern and western side, the geological boundaries considered

for reserve estimation are the mine boundaries. Thus, the mine

boundaries of proposed Harradol mine are as follows :-

North : Fault F3-F3 and Bagdeo Fault, FB

South : 18 % VMu line and Damua Fault, FD

East : Fault F4-F4

West : Fault F2-F2

4.2 Coal Reserves

The area lying between fault F3-F3 and Bagdeo fault and the area in

southern side of 18 % VMu line of Harradol block have been excluded

from proposed mine boundary of Harradol UG mine. After excluding the

reserves blocked in these excluded areas and after considering mining

losses, the total extractable reserves have been worked out as follows:-

Medium Vmu % Extractable Reserves (Mt)

A) Medium Coking

Coal

> 30 % 0.248

B) Non Coking Coal 18 % - 30 % 0.323

< 18 % NIL

TOTAL 0.571

4.3 Target Production and Mine Life

Due to limited extent of the mine, only one district can be worked in the mine. It

is proposed to work the mine with conventional Bord and Pillar method of

mining.

LHD Loading on Belt Conveyors

In this Option, It is proposed to work one district with 3 nos. of LHDs. Considering

LHD productivity as 150 tpd/machine, it is envisaged that 450 tpd will be

produced from the mine corresponding to 0.135 Mty production target. The

total extractable reserve in Harradol mine has been assessed as 0.571 Mt and

with a target production of 0.135Mty, the revenue life works out to 5 years. The

total life of the mine including gestation period works out to 8 years.

The production schedule in the proposed Harradol UG mine is as follows :

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Total

PRODUC-

TION (Mt)

Nil Nil Nil 0.075 0.135 0.135 0.135 0.091 0.571

5.0 MODE OF ENTRY

Because of lower capacity and limited life of the mine, a pair of inclines will be

sufficient as mode of entry in the proposed Harradol UG mine. It is proposed to

locate these inclines at the western end of the property as shown in the Seam

Folio Plan. The inclines are proposed to be driven at a gradient of 1 in 4 with a

total length of 180m for each incline. The dimension of the inclines is 4.8m x

3.0m.

6.0 MINING STRATEGY

6.1 Surface Constraints on Mine Development

It is proposed in this scheme to acquire 4.85 ha forest land under surface

right for mine entries and other surface infra-structure. In addition to

requirement of 4.85 ha forest land under surface right, 22.60 ha forest land will

be required under mining right in proposed Harradol UG mine for which

permission will have to be sought from forest department. Recently, Net

Present Value is demanded by forest department for working below the forest

land if the tensile strain developed on surface due to mine working exceeds

the permissible limit. To ascertain the strain value on surface due to proposed

mine working, it has been proposed in this scheme to carry out subsidence

prediction analysis by some scientific agency. In absence of subsidence

analysis for the proposed area, Capital provision has been made in this scheme

for payment of NPV to forest department, compensatory afforestation etc. for

the entire 27.45 ha (4.85 ha under surface right + 22.60 ha under mining right).

The acquisition of forest land is one of the major surface constraints for mine

development.

6.2 Selection of Mining Method

The proposed Harradol mine area is not potential for opencast mining due to

higher depth (45m to 200m) and less thickness of coal seam (average 2 to 3 m)

resulting into very high stripping ratio. Moreover, the area is totally forest land.

Hence, opencast method of mining is totally ruled out for the proposed mine.

Due to very limited extent of mine area and meager coal reserves, the

mechanized method of mining like Longwall and Continuous Miner are totally

ruled out.

Hence, conventional B&P method of mining with solid blasting at face and

mechanized loading has been proposed in this scheme. It is ,therefore,

proposed to deploy LHDs to load blasted coal on pony belt conveyor and to

transport the coal upto surface through a series of gate and trunk belt

conveyors.

6.3 Mine Development Strategy

The proposed inclines will touch the coal seam in the north western side which

is dip most point along the trunk roads. Therefore the development in trunk

roads will be from dip to rise. Four number of main dip/rise trunk roadways have

been proposed from incline touching point in north to southern boundary (18 %

Vmu line). After drivage of main dip/rise to some extent, panel gate roads will

be developed along eastern side. Only one panel is possible in the mine due to

limited area. However, sub-panelling will be done during depillaring depending

upon the incubation period of coal.

6.4 Dimension of Pillars & Roadways

Indian Coal Mines Regulations restrict roadway width and height to a maximum

of 4.8m and 3.0m respectively. It is proposed in this scheme to make all future

roadways of 4.8m width. The height of galleries will be restricted to 3.0m.

Indian Coal Mines Regulation define pillar dimension in terms of depth of

workings and width of roadways. The same shall be followed in the proposed

Harradol mine.

7.0 METHOD OF WORK, MINING SYSTEM & EQUIPMENT

7.1 Level of Mechanisation at Face

Coal Preparation

To ensure the availability of blasted coal to match the loading capacity of

LHDs, Universal Drill machines have been proposed for drilling of blast holes as

well as for roof bolting. Coal will be prepared by blasting-off-solid using delay

detonators and P5 explosives.

Choice of Loading Machine

The gradient of coal seam in the proposed mine varies from 1 in 8 to 1 in 10 , it is

proposed to deploy LHDs as loading machines to load the coal on pony belt

conveyor.

Support

The roof condition in nearby Nandan-2 U/G mine was not very good and the

RMR was about 40. Moreover, wherever the coal is heat affected, the roof

condition has been deteriorated. Hence, it is proposed in this scheme to

calculate RMR for working panel in Harradol mine and accordingly the support

system should be drawn on the basis of calculated RMR for the district. The

systematic support rules should be framed and duly approved by DGMS.

As a general guideline, the following support system is proposed for

supporting within 10m of development faces, in the galleries which are

under permanent use and in geologically disturbed areas.

i) Roof bolting with full column grouted bolts with quick setting

cement grout should be done for the support of immediate roof

within 10m of the development faces. Four bolts in a row with

spacing of 1.2m and 1.0m interval between two rows of roof

bolting are proposed for the support of development galleries.

i) All permanent roadways may be supported by rope stitching/roof

bolting.

iii) Geologically disturbed areas may be adequately supported by

cross bars on cogs or brick walls.

It is very important to monitor the performance of support installed in the

mine. Regular use of skilled manpower and scientific instruments for

monitoring strata movement should be made a practice.

Ventilation of Development Faces

It is proposed in this scheme that all the development faces in the mine will be

ventilated by a system of auxiliary fans and ducts. Sufficient no. of additional

auxiliary fans with ducts of adequate length and diameter have been

envisaged for development in this scheme.

7.2 Depillaring

The depillaring is proposed to be done by caving method from the farthest

eastern end of the panel starting from the mine boundary. Sub-panels will be

formed prior to depillaring and the size of sub-panels will depend upon

incubation period. The actual incubation period will have to be determined

before the commencement of depillaring operation. A diagonal line of

extraction should be maintained during depillaring.

Before commencement of depillaring operation, permission is sought from

DGMS for the depillaring operation and all the conditions given in such

permission should be strictly fulfilled.

Method of Extraction

Two sizes of pillars have been proposed in Harradol mine which are 26m x

26m (upto 150m depth) and 35mx35m (above 150m depth). The manner

of extraction of these pillars shall be as follows :

i) Each pillar of size 26m x 26m or 35m x 35m shall be divided into

two equal parts by driving one split gallery of maximum 4.8m

width.

ii) Each half of pillar (26m x 26m or 35m x 35m) so formed shall be

extracted in turn by driving slices of maximum 4.8m width towards

the goaf and maintaining a rib of coal not less than 1.80m in

thickness against the adjacent goaf. The ribs of coal may be

reduced judiciously consistent with safety while retreating from the

slices.

iii) The maximum roof area of exposure at any place shall not exceed

90 sq.m.

iv) Driving of a slice shall not commence until extraction in the

immediate inbye slice is completed and goaf edge supports

erected.

v) Extraction of pillars shall commence from the dip/inbye side and

proceed systematically to rise/outbye side maintaining a diagonal

line of faces and avoiding formation of “V” in the line of extraction.

Support during depillaring

Systematic support rules should be framed by the Manager for the

depillaring panel and then approved by the DGMS. However, a typical

support system in the depillaring district with LHD is given as under :

i) Support of Goaf Edge

Cogs shall be set to all goaf edges at an interval of not more than

1.0m and two rows of props shall be set not more than 0.6m apart

in between the cogs.

ii) Support of Slices

Props shall be set at a maximum interval of 0.6m towards the solid

side of the slice under extraction and cogs and props shall be set

alternatively at a maximum interval of 1.2m towards rib side. The

distance between rows of props set towards rib side shall not

exceed 2.4m, the front row being not more than 2.4m from the

face.

Cogs shall be set at all entrances to the area under extraction and

also at interval of not more than 2.4m. The junctions shall be

supported by 6”x3” size girders on chocks and pit propos. Cross

bars shall be set as and when required.

iii) Support of Galleries and Splits

Props shall be set at a maximum interval of 1.2m in one row. Props

and cogs shall be set alternatively at a maximum interval of 1.5m.

The distance of the rows of props and cogs set alternatively shall

not exceed 3m in all galleries and splits within a distance of two

pillars from the pillar under extraction.

The support system as mentioned above would provide adequate

support density while leaving sufficient clearance for movement of

LHD.

7.3 Selection of Equipment

Bord and Pillar method of mining with mechanized loading of coal by normal

height LHDs onto pony belt conveyor has been envisaged in the mine. Total 3

Nos. of LHDs have been proposed in the single district of the mine producing

450 tpd. The coal preparation at the face will be done by drilling with Universal

Drill Machine and blasting. Solid blasting is the present practice with permitted

explosives and delay detonators. After blasting, the coal will be loaded on to

pony belt conveyor by LHDs which will be transported upto surface by series of

gate and trunk conveyors.

The major equipment proposed in Harradol U/G mine is tabulated

below:

Quantity

Sl.

No.

Description of Equipment

Existing

in Area

Additional Total

1. Standard height LHD, 1.5m3 bucket

capacity

- 3 3

2. Universal Drill Machine, drilling depth

1.8m, 30 kW, crawler track

- 3 3

3. Multishot Exploder - 4 4

4. Trunk Belt Conveyor, 1000mm wide - 2 sets 2 sets

5. Gate belt conveyor, 1000mm wide,

400m each

- 2 sets 2 sets

6. Pony Belt Conveyor, 800mm wide, 150m - 1 set 1 set

7. Tugger Haulage, 37 kW - 1 1

8. Endless Haulage 1 (55

kW)

1 (37 kW) 2

9. Direct haulage, 100 kW - 1

10. Main mechanical ventilator 1 - 1

11. Auxiliary ventilator - 2 2

In addition to the above, capital for power supply arrangement, workshop,

pumps and pipe fittings, coal handling and dispatch arrangement etc. have

been provided in this scheme in both options.

8.0 VENTILATION

Two inclines have been proposed in Harradol UG mine, out of which one will

serve as main intake airway and the other as main return airway. The main

mechanical ventilator will be installed at the mouth of return incline with air-

lock arrangement. Four numbers of trunk roadways have been proposed in the

mine to have two intake and two return airways. Only one panel exists in the

mine and the number of headings in the panel decrease in the eastern side

due to narrow patch. Minimum three intake airways and one to two return

airways have been proposed in the panel.

9.0 UNDERGROUND TRANSPORT

LHD loading on belt conveyor

Two inclines have been proposed in Harradol UG mine, out of which one

Incline is proposed for coal transport by belt conveyors. Workmen will also

move to underground through this incline. The other incline is proposed for

return ventilation purpose as well as for material transport by haulages.

The transport system has been divided into face transport, gate transport and

trunk transport for coal, material and men. The details are elaborated below:

Face Transport

Coal produced at the faces will be loaded directly by LHDs onto pony belt

conveyor (P). Pony belt conveyor will be of 800 mm wide and is provided with

55 kW drive.

Gate Transport

Coal from pony belt conveyor will be discharged to a gate belt conveyor. Two

gate belt conveyors (GB1 and GB2) working in tandem are proposed in this

option. The gate belt will finally discharge coal to trunk belt conveyor (TB2).

Both the gate belt conveyors GB1 & GB2 will be 800 mm wide and is provided

with 55 kW drive each.

Trunk Transport

Trunk belt conveyor TB2 will receive coal from gate belt conveyor GB1 and

discharge on another trunk belt conveyor TB1. TB1 will be installed in incline and

surface and will be used to transport coal from underground to surface. TB1 will

discharge coal onto an overhead truck loading hopper of 50t capacity (on

surface) for storage of coal. All trunk belt conveyors are of 1000mm wide and

are designed to carry 200 tph capacity.TB1 and TB2 are provided with 90 kW

and 55 kW drive respectively.

Material Transport

A direct haulage of 100 kW will be provided on surface for material transport

from surface to incline bottom through the return air incline with air-lock

arrangement on top of the incline. For further transport of material in trunk route,

endless haulage of 37 kW (I no.) will be used.

Men Transport

Workmen will travel along the belt incline up to incline bottom and then travel

along the roads other than haulage roadways.

10.0 COAL HANDLING ARRANGEMENT

Coal from underground will be brought to surface by a trunk belt conveyor TB1.

This conveyor will discharge in a 50t capacity overhead truck loading hopper.

Customers’ trucks will be loaded below the hopper with the help of

reciprocating feeder provided at the bottom opening of the hopper.Trucks will

be weighed on an electronic road weighbridge of 50t capacity.All the

equipment in the CHP will operate at 415V, 3 phase, 50Hz. supply. The required

power to the CHP will be provided from colliery’s main substation.

11.0 PUMPING AND DRAINAGE

The pumping provision is based on the assessment made in earlier scheme of

Harradol UG mine, prepared by Kanhan Area. Two sumps have been

envisaged in the mine. Main sump will collect the total mine water for pumping

out to surface. One intermediate sump will be provided in the dip side working

of the district, so that water can be pumped to main sump.

Following pumps and pipe fittings have been provided in this scheme :

i) Two 38 lps x 150 m main pump (one working & one standby).

ii) One 22 lps x 60 m existing pump will work as auxiliary pump.

iii) Three 11 lps x 30 m face pump (Two working & one standby).

iv) One delivery range of 150 mm dia. pipe for main pump discharge.

v) One delivery range of 150 mm dia. pipe for auxiliary pump

discharge.

vi) Two delivery range of 80 mm dia. pipe for face pump discharge.

vii) No pipes for standby pumps.

12.0 MINE INFRASTRUCTURE

12.1 Land

It is proposed in this scheme to acquire 4.85 ha forest land under surface right

for mine entries and various other infrastructures. In addition to this, the total

land required under mining right is 22.60 ha which is also entirely forest land.

Thus, the total land involved in Harradol UG mine is 27.45 ha forest land and

forest clearance from MOEF will be required for this land.

In the absence of Subsidence Study, the strain value on surface due to caving

in underground mine is not ascertained and therefore Capital provision has

been made in this scheme for payment of NPV to forest department and for

compensatory afforestation etc. for acquisition of entire 27.45 ha forest land

(4.85 ha under surface right and 22.60 ha under mining right). However, based

on the subsidence study, the capital requirement for payment of NPV etc. may

change depending upon the strain value on surface.

12.2 Unit Workshop

The temporary unit workshop at mine level will provide basic engineering

support in the form of the repairs, maintenance, replacement of minor spare

parts etc. The facilities and manpower provided in this workshop would be

sufficient enough to cater the routine needs of various underground mining

machines operating in the project. Washing, greasing, checking of brake

system, hydraulic system etc. would also be undertaken in the unit workshop.

Jobs that shall be carried out in the unit workshop shall be in the form of unit

replacement of assemblies or replacement of defective parts.

Major and capital repairs, overhauls, manufacture of critical spares,

reconditioning of assemblies and other works of capital nature would be

carried out at regional workshop of the area or central workshop at Tadali as

per the requirement. As such, unit workshop has been provided with those

plant and machineries adequate to support the daily repair and maintenance

needs of the project only.

The Unit Workshop would have the following facilities:

i) Machine shop

ii) Underground mining equipment repair shop

iii) Electrical equipment repair shop

iv) Carpentry shop

v) Smithy shop

The workshop is provided with all the necessary plant and machineries,

accessories, tools, tackles, diagnostic and testing equipments etc. so that

repair cum maintenance needs of the production machines may be fulfilled

efficiently.

The schedule of activities to be performed in the unit workshop would comprise

of the following works:

i) Cleaning, inspection and checks of mining machineries/sub

assemblies

ii) Daily lubrication, greasing, incidental minor repairs and adjustments

iii) Replacement of leaky hoses, tubes, deteriorated tubes, fittings etc.

iv) Welding of CHP structures, coal tubs, cracked frames etc.

v) Structural fabrication of minor nature

vi) Tightening/replacement of fan drives, belts, nut/bolts etc.

vii) Machining operations to produce minor components and rebuilt

components

viii) Incidental minor repairs of switchgears, meters, self-starters etc.

ix) Rewinding of small motors

x) Routine/schedule maintenance of various mining machineries

xi) Scheduling of major overhauls that are required to be carried out in

regional/central workshop

xii) Repairs/maintenance of motors, transformers, switchgears,

dynamos, gate end boxes and other of mining machines and CHP

equipments

xiii) Smithy and carpentry works as per requirement

The above detailed activities are not specific. Other works may also be

undertaken in the Unit workshop, which may be incidental in nature to

fulfill the basic objective of achieving the production targets of the mine.

12.3 Unit Stores

A small but independent unit stores has been envisaged to cater the routine

needs of consumables, spares, POLs, etc of the mine. Unit stores shall have the

backing of the area stores and central stores for its smooth functioning.

13.0 SAFETY AND CONSERVATION

13.1 General

This scheme has been drawn up keeping all the safety aspects in

view.

13.2 Gassiness

- After touching the coal seam in Harradol UG mine, the gassiness of

the seam should be determined by conducting Gas-Survey.

Thereafter, regular gas survey should be carried out as per

statute. If the change in gassiness is noticed, the provisions have

to be modified accordingly.

- Adequate provision for self rescuers has been made to enable

everybody to carry it underground.

- Stone dust barriers have to be provided as per statute.

- Provision has been made in the report for Methanometer & other

appliances related with mine environment for regular monitoring of

methane in the mine.

- Development should be done by using auxiliary fans for providing

adequate quantity of air upto the faces.

- A geological plan should be maintained from the initial stage of

mine development showing all the faults and other geological

disturbances likely to be met during the course of development

and up-dated regularly. Gas survey should be conducted

immediately after encountering of faults and emission of CH4

should be monitored regularly to take precautions against

accumulation of inflammable gas in the working faces.

13.3 Inundation

- On the northern and southern side of the proposed Harradol UG

mine area, water logged goaf of Bansi and Rakhikol colliery exists.

In order to obviate the possibility of entry of water in the proposed

workings through the fault plane, a solid coal barrier should be left

against the faults. Hence, it is suggested that while driving, utmost

care should be exercised so that coal barrier of at least 60 m is left

against the fault plane and this barrier should not be punctured.

Advance boreholes and other necessary precautions laid under

the statute should be strictly observed. One UG safety boring

machine has been proposed in this scheme which should be

deployed for drilling advance boreholes particularly while working

near water logged area.

- It is well known fact that the prospecting boreholes can be a

source of danger, because later on these get connected with

u/g workings. Therefore, it is of paramount importance that these

boreholes do not get connected with U/G galleries. In case some

boreholes do get connected, these should be suitably plugged

preferably with cement grout. The boreholes from the surface

should also be suitably plugged, so that water from the surface

does not find its way through these boreholes.

- A careful assessment of the danger of inundation from surface

water should be made before the onset of every rainy season &

adequate precautions against such danger should be clearly laid

down & implemented.

- During rainy season, blockage of river, Jore, nallah or stream may

occasionally occur on the upstream. It is therefore necessary to

keep a constant watch on the upstream of river/nallah & take

suitable precautions.

13.4 Dust Suppression

- The most effective method of dust suppression is to suppress the

dust at the source of generation, before the dust becomes

airborne. Arrangement for dust suppression in the form of water

spraying has to be provided at all working faces and transfer

points in conveyor systems.

- For monitoring the level of dustiness and quality of dust, regular

sampling and analysis of mine dust has to be done as per statute.

13.5 Spontaneous Heating

The following precautions are suggested to avoid occurrence of fire or

spontaneous heating.

- The extraction of pillars would commence from the proposed limit

of the mine or from the natural barriers created by faults.

- Preparatory stoppings shall be kept ready at the outbye end of

the sub-panel so that in case of outbreak of any U/G fire, the

sub-panel can be abandoned & sealed off by constructing

fire stoppings in the minimum possible time.

- Before commencement of depillaring operation, all the

inflammable material should be cleaned and removed from the face.

- Every panel must be quickly & effectively sealed off by isolation

stoppings after completion of extraction & salvaging of material

from all the sub-panels.

- Since caving method of mining has been proposed, cracks may

appear on the surface. Therefore, efforts have to be made to

seal-off the cracks, so that air & water does not enter in the goaf

through these cracks.

13.6 Roof Control

In the neighbouring mines, the roof condition is fair and it becomes poor

in heat affected zone of coal seam. In proposed Harradol UG mine also, the

coal reserves are partly heat-affected. To determine the support requirement

vis-à-vis the strata condition in the mine, Rock Mass Rating (RMR) of the roof

strata must be determined for the seam. The mine management shall prepare

systematic support rules (SSR) on the basis of findings of RMR and get the same

approved by DGMS before adopting the same for implementation in the mine.

The setting of additional supports will be dictated by prevailing geo-mining

conditions.

It is suggested that monitoring of roof movement should be carried out

regularly and based on the analysis of roof movement data, the roof

bolting pattern would change.

13.7 Subsidence

Caving is proposed as method of extraction in this scheme. The depth of

the workable seam in boreholes varies from minimum 76m to maximum about

200m. The surface topography is rugged and difficult flat and is covered with

forest. It is proposed in this scheme to conduct Subsidence Prediction Study in

the proposed mine area to predict subsidence on the surface and likely

impact on surface features. In the forest area, if tensile strain is more than

permissible limit, NPV (Net Present Value) of the affected forest land is required

to be paid to the forest department. In absence of Subsidence study in the

proposed mine area, capital provision for the payment of NPV for the entire

mine area (27.45 ha)has been made in the scheme.

Subsidence cracks may appear on the surface during caving where depth

cover is less. It is proposed to fill these cracks by properly ramming

incombustible material. Additionally, constant monitoring of such area,

especially during monsoon is suggested to avoid entry of water through these

cracks. Drainage channels may be made so as to guide the water away from

such subsided area.

It is recommended that while carrying out extraction, close subsidence

monitoring should be done, particularly in the area nearby the nallas.

13.8 Scientific Study

It is necessary to undertake the following scientific studies for proper

implementation of this scheme.

- To undertake subsidence prediction study to ascertain the amount

of subsidence and tensile strain on surface in the proposed mine

area. In forest land, determination of tensile strain is important in

order to calculate NPV to be paid to forest deptt. in case strain

value is more than permissible limit

- To undertake determination of `Rock Mass Rating’ for preparing

the support plan so that systematic support rules could be framed.

- To undertake gas survey study to re-assess the gassiness of mine in

the expansion area.

- To undertake Pressure Quality Survey for installation of higher size

fan to take increased load of ventilation.

14.0 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

14.1 Introduction

Proposed Harradol UG mine is located in western side of Rakhikol colliery

of Kanhan Area of WCL. A detailed Environmental Management Plan will

be prepared based on this Scheme. In the subsequent paragraphs an

attempt has been made to assess the likely environmental impacts due

to proposed mining activities.

14.2 Impact on Land

The total land base for the proposed Harradol mine area is 27.45 ha (4.85

ha under surface right and 22.60 ha under mining right), which is totally

forest land.

It is proposed in this scheme to approach the coal seam through a pair

of inclines. Various infrastructures like inclines, haulage room, sub-station,

pit office, Manager’s office, workshop, store, etc. are proposed adjacent

to the inclines and for this 4.85 ha forest land will be acquired under

surface right. In addition to this, it is proposed to acquire the entire mining

area (22.60 ha) under mining right.

Underground mining with caving has been proposed in Harradol mine

and therefore a subsidence prediction study has been proposed to

assess the subsidence on surface due to underground mining and its

impact on surface features like nalla, forest land etc.

14.3 Impact on Air-quality

Ambient air quality monitoring at nearby Nandan UG mine has been

done during Jan.06-Dec. `06 at three locations. Micro-meteorological

data was also generated in pre-monsoon season.

The pre-dominant wind direction during summer season was from West.

Calm period was 35.82%.

From the monitoring results it is seen that the values of SPM was recorded

in the range of 339.2 to 41.2 micro gram/m3 and RPM 184.3 to 18.6 micro

gram/m3 respectively in the actual mining activity area whereas the

same for SO2 & NOx were recorded as BDL (value < 6 micro gram/m3).

All these recorded values are well below the threshold limits specified by

CPCB.

So far as the proposed U/G mining activities at Harradol UG mine are

concerned, it is anticipated that levels of various air pollutants will be

well under limits. However, only potential air pollutant will be SPM/dust.

During day to day operation at the mines, adequate control

measures like water spraying, green belt development, regular

cleaning of coal transportation road etc. will be adopted so as to

minimise generation & propagation of dust. Detailed control measures

will be discussed in the EMP.

14.4 Impact on Water Quality

The analysis results of mine effluent are as under:

It has been observed from the analysis report that pH value was ranging

from 6.77 to 7.71, TSS from 20 to 82 mg/lit, COD from 30 to 120 mg/lit and

O&G < 1 mg/lit respectively. Thus it can be concluded that existing

mine effluent does not carry significant pollution load so as to affect

the natural watercourses adversely after mixing.

It is anticipated that same scenario will hold good for proposed Harradol

UG mine also. However, due control measures will be taken to arrest

further water pollution from the proposed mine.

Mine effluents will be passed through a sedimentation tank and then

utilized at Nandan Washery. Regular monitoring of effluent quality will

be carried out and if any undesirable element is detected, immediate

corrective measures will be taken.

14.5 Impact on Noise Quality

In order to assess the likely level of noise during actual mining at the

proposed mine site, references have been taken from the ambient

noise monitoring data, collected in the mine premises of existing

Nandan-2 UG which indicated values of 60.6 to 74.3 dB(A) during day

time & 51 to 73.8 dB(A) during night time. All the recorded values are

well below the permissible limit as per EPA'2000.

Therefore, it is anticipated that ambient noise level in the mine area of

proposed Harradol UG mine will be well under tolerance limit. However,

regular ambient noise level monitoring will be carried during actual

mining so as to identify the risk zones and this will help mine operators to

take preventive actions at appropriate time and place if needed.

15.0 MINE CLOSURE

15.1 Objective of Mine Closure

Mine closure planning has to be done at the starting point of the

mining operations and needs periodic reviewing and revision during its

life cycle to cope with the market due to geo-technical constraints,

safety and economic risks, social & environmental challenges. Various

other objectives are as follows:

a) To allow a productive and sustainable after-use of the site

which is acceptable to the mine owner and the regulatory authority.

b) To protect public health and safety.

c) To alleviate or eliminate environmental damage and thereby

encourage environmental sustainability.

d) To minimise adverse socio-economic impacts.

15.2 Mine Closure Obligations

There is a need to define the liabilities, responsibilities and authorities of

the mine management, other regulatory bodies, Central and State

Governments after mine closure. Some obligations relating to the Mine

Management Companies are as follows :

Legal

a) Health & Safety

Regulations 6, 61, 68, 106, 112 of Coal Mines Regulation, 1957 and its

related DGMS Circulars.

b) Environment

1. Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution Act), 1974

2. Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981

3. Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 and Environment Protection

Rule.

4. DGMS Directives on noise and ground vibration.

c) Forest - Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

d) Rehabilitation

e) Decommissioning/asset disposal, etc.

15.3 Existing Environmentla Data & Socio Economic Details

This information has already been detailed out in Para-14 on

Environmental Management.

15.4 Impact Assessment Remedial Measures

Environmental impact on landscape, water source, air and noise

pollution during mine life and Environmental Control Measures have

been detailed in Environmental Management chapter. It is imperative

that environmental monitoring may be continued for 5 years after

closure of mine to assess corrective measures to be implemented to

sustain pre-mining ecosystem and environment in the core and buffer

zone as far as practicable.

15.5 Closure Action Plan

Closure planning is a whole-of-life exercise that begins at the start of a

mine and continues till post closure. The dynamic nature of closure

planning requires regular and critical review to reflect changing

circumstances as a result of any operational change, new regulation,

new technology and remain flexible enough to cope with unexpected

events.

Following steps have to be undertaken in relation to Mine Closure

Planning:

a) Prior to the surface demolition/restoration, a surface audit should

be undertaken on all surface structures, to assess whether there

are any hazardous materials that could cause problems viz;

explosives, chemicals, etc. A list of surface assets should be

prepared and made available to potential purchasers,

prospective purchasers could be invited and asked to submit

sealed bids. This could ensure that the sale of assets give better

financial gain.

b) In order to identify potential impact, necessary hydrogeological

studies into post-mining groundwater recharge has to be done.

c) As a detailed component of the Closure Plan, a Decommissioning

Plan is to be developed towards the final stages preferably 5 years

prior to tentative closure of mine. Once established it may be

updated annually.

15.6 Protective Measures to be Taken

Protective measures must include the following :

a) Closure of all mine entering including Inclines.

b) The protection of mine boundary, buildings and other structures on

the project site against access by unauthorised persons.

c) The maintenance of all mechanical, hydraulic and waste

management system.

b) The continuation of all monitoring programs.

e) The control of all contaminated effluents.

f) The securing of all petroleum products, chemicals and waste.

g) The rendering of piles of earth, rock and waste resulting from work

done on the project site in a stable and safe condition.

15.7 Closure Cost

In the proposed Harradol UG mine, the expenditure incurred on those

mine closure activities which are done during mine life are met through

the revenue of the mine.

It has been decided that a corpus fund will be made at corporate level

for implementing the mine closure planning and a revenue cost of Rs.

1.00/t of target production will be charged on the project for this fund. In

proposed Harradol UG mine also, mine closure cost @ Rs. 1.00/t has been

taken.

16. CONCLUSION:-

In view of the above, Public hearing for proposed Harradol UG project, Tahsil –

Junardeo Dist. – Chhindwara of Madhya Pradesh State for production

capacity of 0.135 MTPA with land area of 27.45 ha may be conducted as per

EIA Notification 2006.

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