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FORM- 1
BASIC I FORMATIO
Sl.
o. Item : Details
1
Name of the Projects
: Black granite mine over an Extent of
166-92.0Ha S.F.No.917(Part)&921(Part) of
Mahimandalam Village, Katpadi Taluk,
Vellore District, Tamil Nadu State..
2 S. No. in the schedule : 1(a)
3 New/Expansion/Modernization : Ongoing project.
4 Proposed capacity/area/length
/tonnage to be handled/ command
area/lease area/number of well to be
drilled
: Area:-166-92.0 Hectares. The Total Proposed
Capacity for the five years= 5006.500m3.
Production per annum 1001.300 Cbm.
5 Existing capacity/Area etc. : 166-92.0 Ha.
6 Category of the project i.e. ’A’or ‘B’ : A’ Above 50-00.0 Hect.
7 Does it attract the general condition?
If yes, please specify. : No, Doesn’t attract any items mentioned in
general condition.
8 Does it attract the specific condition?
If yes, please specify. : No ,Doesn’t attract any items mentioned in
the special conditions
9
Location
Plot/Survey/Khasara No : S. F .No:- 917 (Part) & 921(Part)
Village : Mahimandalam
Taluk : Katpadi
District : Vellore
State : Tamil Nadu
10 Nearest railway station/airport along
with distance in Km : Katpadi
11 Nearest Town, City, District
Headquarters along with distance in
Km
: Town :- Katpadi
City :- Vellore
District Head Quarters:- Vellore
12
Village Panchayats, Zillah Parishad,
Municipal Corporation, Local body
(complete postal addresses with
telephone nos. to be given)
: Mahimandalam village Panchayat,
Katpadi Taluk,
Vellore District
13 Name of the applicant : Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited
14 Registered address
: No. 31,Kamarajar Salai,
TWAD House,
Chepauk,
Post Box No.2961,
Chennai-600 005
15
Address of correspondence
: Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited,
No. 31, Kamarajar salai,
TWAD House,
Chepauk, Post Box No. 2961,
Chennai- 600 005.
2
Name : Thiru .M. Vallalar, I.A.S.,
Designation
(owner/partner/CEO) : Managing Director
Address
: Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited,
No. 31, Kamarajar salai,
TWAD House,
Chepauk,
Post Box No.2961.
Pin code : 600 005
e-mail : [email protected]
Telephone No : 044-28410382/28511972
Tele/Fax No. : 91-44-28511972
16
Details of alternative sites examined,
if any Location of these sites should
be shown on topo sheet.
: No alternatives site examined
17 Interlinked Projects : Nil
18 Whether separate application of
interlinked project has been
submitted?
: No
19 If yes, date of submission : Not Applicable
20 If no, reason : Since it is granite Quarry operation only.
21 Weather the proposal involves
approval/clearance under: If yes,
details of the same and their status to
be given.
a) The Forest (conservation)
Act, 1980?
b) The Wildlife (Protection)
Act , 1972?
c) The C.R.Z Notification,
1991?
: No
a). The proposed site is located at
Mahimandalam Village, Katpadi Taluk, &
Vellore District. The Project site does not
fall in forest land and activities. Hence, the
Project does not attract the Forest
(Conservation) Act 1980.
b) There is one Panapallumalai R.F.-
1.5km(NE), radius and Mahimandalam R.F.-
4.0km(SW) radius from the project site.
This area does not attract the wildlife
(protection) Act 1972.
c) The proposed project is away from the
coast and it doesn’t attract under CRZ
Notification
22 Whether there is any government
order/policy relevant/relating to the
site?
: Renewal of Mining Lease was granted in
G.O.3(D) Ms.No. 45 Industries(MME.1)
Department, dated:20.11.2002,for 20 years
from 23.11.2002 to 20.06.2022.
23 Forest land involved (ha)
: Nil (Non-forest land)
3
24 Whether there is any litigation
pending against the project and/or
land which the project is proposed to
be sent up?
. Name of the court
. Case No
. Order/direction of the court, if any
and its relevance with the proposed
project
:
No
II. ACTIVITY
1. Construction, operation or decommissioning of the Project involving actions,
which will cause physical changes in the locality (topography, land use, changes in
water bodies, etc.)
Sl.
o.
Information/checklist
confirmation
Yes
/
o
Details thereof(with approximate
quantities/ rates, wherever possible) with
source of information data
1.1
Permanent or temporary change in
land use, land cover or topography
including increase in intensity of
land use (with respect to local land
use plan)
Yes The process involves drilling and Controlled
blasting for Granite mining. Afforestation
will be carried out as per mining plan in a
Phased manner.
1.2 Clearance of existing land,
vegetation and buildings?
No Not required, Since the project is rocky,
vacant and uncultivable area. Except few
shrubs and weeds which will be cleared for
mining operations.
1.3 Creation of new land uses? Yes The existing land use will be altered and
beautified with vegetation and proper road
layouts.
1.4 Pre-construction investigations e.g.
bore holes, soil testing?
No No Applicable. Since, no major construction
activity involved in the mining lease area
1.5 Construction works? No The proposed project does not need any
construction works.
1.6 Demolition works? No Nil, Any demolition does not arise in
construction activities. In the operational
phase drilling and controlled blasting for
granite will be carried out.
4
1.7 Temporary sites used for
construction works or housing of
construction workers?
No No, major construction activities involved.
Mine office, store and first aid shed are
proposed during operation phase in semi
permanent structures.
1.8 Above ground buildings, structures
or earthworks including linear
structures, cut and fill or
excavation
No The project does not involve any construction
process.
1.9
Underground works including
mining or tunneling?
No Open cast, semi-mechanized mining involves
drilling and Controlled blasting for granite
quarrying.
1.10 Reclamation works? Yes It is proposed not to back fill the ultimate pit,
in as much as good quantity of reserves is
available below the workable depth of 30 m
and there is possibility of technology up
gradation in future for economic granite
mining for greater depths. The pit boundaries
shall be safely fenced and used for pisci
culture when the pit is filled with rain waters.
1.11 Dredging? No Not Applicable
1.12 Offshore structures? No Not Applicable
1.13 Production and manufacturing
processes?
Yes As a granite quarry project, the process
involves Site Preparation, controlled blasting
or diamond wire cutting for separation and
splitting up of granite blocks, loading of
granite blocks and transportation to granite
processing units or to the destination of the
buyers.
1.14 Facilities for storage of goods or
materials?
No The mined out granite blocks will be
immediately transported to the factories or
buyers destination.
1.15 Facilities for treatment or disposal
of solid waste or liquid effluents?
Yes Over burden, side burden, rock fragments and
rubbles generated as granite rejects during
production works and the country rock
fragments during development works are
proposed to be dumped along the North
eastern and South western parts of the mining
area. Suitable variety of soil brought from
outside will be utilized for green zone
development and rehabilitation of over
burden dumps. Domestic Sewage of 1.12
KLD shall be treated in septic tanks followed
by soak pit and No trade effluent shall be
generated.
5
1.16 Facilities for long term housing of
operational workers?
No No housing facility will be provided, as
laborers from the nearby villages will be
employed for the mining operation.
1.17 New road, rail or sea traffic during
construction or operation?
No The Existing transport facilities will be
utilized for the proposed project.
1.18 New road, rail, air waterborne or
other transport infrastructure
including new or altered routes and
station, ports, airports etc?
No The Existing transport facilities will be
utilized for the proposed project.
1.19 Closure or diversion of existing
transport routes or infrastructure
leading to changes in traffic
movements?
No
The proposed project will not cause any
changes in the existing traffic movements.
1.20 New or diverted transmission lines
or pipelines?
No The proposed project does not involve any
diversion of transmission/pipelines.
1.21 Impoundment, damming
culverting, realignment or other
changes to the hydrology of
watercourses or aquifers?
No No aquifers present inside the mine lease
area.
1.22 Stream crossings? No No streams passing through the mine lease
area.
1.23 Abstraction or transfers of water
from ground or surface waters?
Yes Fresh water 2.3 KLD will be used for
domestic purposes, Dust suppression and
Drilling purposes through Mahimandalam
Village Panchayat.
1.24 Changes in water bodies or the land
surface affecting drainage or run-
off ?
No There will not be any changes in the water
bodies or the land surface affecting drainage
or run-off
1.25 Transport of personnel or materials
for construction, operation or
decommissioning?
No The mined out stones will be transported to
the site as required through existing
roadways.
1.26 Long-term dismantling or
decommissioning or restoration
works?
No No long term dismantling or
decommissioning is involved in this project.
1.27 Ongoing activity during
decommissioning which could have
an impact on the environment?
No Since it is a quarrying operation only.
1.28 Influx of people to an area in either
temporarily or permanently?
No Does not arise.
6
1.29 Introduction of alien species? No The project mining activity does not
introduce any alien species.
1.30 Loss of native species or genetic
diversity?
No The proposed mining activity involves
clearing of minor shrubs and weeds and does
not cause loss of native species or genetic
diversity.
1.31 Any other actions? No Temporary approach road have already been
formed.
2. Use of atural resources for construction or operation of the Project (such as land,
water, materials or energy, especially any resources which are non-renewable or in short
supply)
2.1
Land especially undeveloped or
agricultural land (ha)
Yes Undeveloped rocky barren land.
2.2 Water (expected source & competing
users) unit: KLD
Yes Total Water Requirements-2.3KLD
through Mahimandalam Village
Panchayat
2.3 Minerals(MT) No Not Applicable, it is a mining project
2.4
Construction material –stone ,aggregates,
sand/soil(expected source-MT)
No
Not Applicable, it is a mining project
2.5
Forest and timber (source-MT)
No Nil
It is a mining project
2.6 Energy including electricity and fuels
(source, competing users)
Unit: fuel(MT),energy(MW)
Yes Diesel will be utilized for operating
compressors and other machineries.
Diesel usage will be 1000 lit/month.
2.7 Any other natural resource(use
appropriate standard units)
No Nil
7
3.Use,storage,transport,handling or production of substances or materials, which could be
harmful to human health or the environment or raise concerns about actual or perceived
risks to human health.
3.1 Use of substances or materials , which
are hazardous (as per MSIHC rules) to
human health or the environment (flora
fauna, and water supplies)
No
No hazardous substances are utilized
for the Project activity.
3.2 Changes in occurrence of disease or
affect disease vectors (e.g. insect (or)
water borne diseases)
No
Does not arise
3.3 Affect the welfare of people
e.g. by Changing living conditions?
No The proposed project will provide
direct and indirect employment and
thereby improve the economic
standard of people in the surrounding
villages.
3.4 Vulnerable groups of people who
Could be affected by the Project e.g.
hospital patients, children the
elderly etc.
No
Does Not Arise.
3.5 Any other causes No Nil
4. Production of solid wastes during construction or operation or decommissioning
(MT/month)
4.1
Spoil, over burden or mine wastes
Yes
The mine waste includes over burden
side burden, rock fragments and
rubbles generated as granite rejects
during production works and the
country rock fragments generated
during development works. The
wastage of approx. 161878.515m3 for
the five years generated during,
drilling as per the scheme of mining.
4.2 Municipal waste(domestic and or
commercial wastes)
No No Domestic waste will be generated
in the proposed project
4.3 Hazardous wastes (as per Hazardous
waste Management rules)
No This project will not produce any
hazardous waste.
8
4.4 Other industrial process wastes No No waste other than items mentioned
in 4.1
4.5 Surplus product No No Surplus product will be generated.
4.6
Sewage sludge or other sludge from
effluent treatment
No Sewage generated will be treated in
septic tanks followed by soak pit. No
trade effluent shall be generated
4.7 Construction or demolition wastes No Does not involve any construction or
demolition activities
4.8 Redundant machinery or equipment No Nil
4.9
Contaminated soils or other materials No Machineries will be maintained in
good working condition and measures
will be taken to prevent oil spillage.
Thus this project will not cause any
soil contamination.
4.10 Agricultural wastes No Not Applicable
4.11 Other solid wastes No This project will not produce any
other solid waste except the over
burden, side burden, rock fragments
and rubbles generated as granite
rejects during production works.
9
5. Release of pollutants or any hazardous, toxic or noxious substance to air (kg/hr)
5.1 Emissions from combustion of
fossil fuels from stationary or
mobile sources
Yes Emission expected from mining
machineries and transportation vehicles.
5.2 Emissions from production
processes
Yes Dust emission during Drilling and
Controlled blasting and which will be
controlled by sprinkling of water at
regular interval.
5.3 Emission from materials handling
including storage or transport
No Vehicles transporting the materials
within the project site will be the only
source of emission. Water will be
sprinkled at regular time intervals in
order to suppress dust emission. The
vehicles will be maintained in good
condition in order to reduce the
emission as per the norms.
5.4
Emissions from construction
activities including plant and
equipment
No No, Does not involve any construction
activities.
5.5 Dust or odors from handling of
materials including construction
materials sewage and waste
Yes Does not involve any construction
activities. Dust emission is envisaged
during handling, storage and transport;
Dust will be suppressed by sprinkling
water at regular time intervals. Sewage
generated will be treated in septic tanks
followed by Soak pit.
5.6 Emission from incineration of
waste
No Does not arise.
5.7
Emission from burning of waste in
open air (e.g. slash materials,
construction debris)
No Nil
5.8 Emission from any other sources No Nil.
10
6. Generation of noise and vibration and Emission of Light and Heat:
6.1 From operation of equipment
e.g engines, ventilation plant,
crushers
Yes Noise and Vibration from other mining
equipments, will be controlled through best
operating practices and proper maintenance at
regular intervals.
6.2 From industrial or similar
processes
No Not Applicable.
It is a mining project
6.3 From construction of demolition No Not Applicable
It is a mining project
6.4 From blasting or piling Yes Blasting will be carried out a maximum of 10
Mins /day. Controlled blasting will be done in
the Morning and evening hours.
6.5
From construction or
operational traffic
Yes This project is having operational traffic for
loading of mined materials. This will be
regulated to avoid noise & emission.
6.6 From lighting or cooling
systems
No Not Applicable
6.7 From any other sources Yes Vehicles transporting materials will Contribute
noise that to intermittent.
11
7. Risk of contamination of land or water from releases of pollutants into the ground
or into sewers, waters, ground or into sewers, surface waters, groundwater, coastal
waters or the sea
7.1
From handling, storage use or
spillage of hazardous materials
No Explosives such as gelatin, delay
detonators etc, may also be used
occasionally at places further away
from the granite deposit for certain
development works such as forming
approach roads.
7.2
From discharge of sewage or other
effluents to water or the land
(expected mode and place of
discharge)
Yes Sewage generation will be treated in
septic tanks and disposed through soak
pit. No trade effluent will be generated
from the proposed project.
7.3
By deposition of pollutants
emitted to air into the land or into
water
No The dust emission envisaged during
handling and transportation of materials
will be suppressed by sprinkling water at
regular intervals
7.4
For any other sources
No As efficient management plan is
proposed for the project, it will not have
any significant long term impact on the
surrounding environment.
7.5
Is there a risk of long term build
up of pollutants in the environment
from these sources?
No Nil
12
8. Risk of accidents during construction or operation of the Project, which could affect
human health or the environment
8.1
From explosions, spillages,
fires etc from storage,
handling, use or production
of hazardous substances
Yes Explosives such as gelatin, delay detonators etc
may also be used occasionally at places away
from the granite deposit for certain
development works such as forming approach
roads to the working faces below ground level
for forming flat surfaces to be used as dumping
yard etc . The explosives required for this mine
is obtained from the authorized licensed dealer
for which necessary permission will be
obtained from the authority concerned. The
blasting will be under the direct supervision of
the statutory persons of TAMIN.
8.2 From any other causes No Only shallow mining is proposed the project,
hence it will not cause any risk due to blasting
or subsidence. Due care will be taken during
mining with the statutory supervisors person
approved the Director of Mines Safety.
8.3 Could the project be
affected by natural disasters
causing environmental
damage (e.g. floods,
earthquakes, landslides,
cloudburst etc)?
Yes The project area falls under Seismic Zone –III
(IS 1893-1984). Further it is not in a flood
prone, cyclone or land slide prone areas.
During flood season quarrying operation will
be suspended or discontinued if required.
13
9. Factors which should be considered (such as consequential development) which
could lead to environmental effects or the potential for cumulative impacts with other
existing or planned activities in the locality:-
9.1 Lead to development of supporting.
Facilities, ancillary development or
development stimulated by the project
which could have impact on the
environment e.g:
.Supporting infrastructure (roads,
power supply, waste or wastewater
treatment, etc.)
. Housing development
.Extractive industries
.Supply industries
.Others
No
No
The project will not lead to
development of supporting utilities
since existing roads will be used for
transport.
Manual/semi mechanized mining
by deployment of Local people.
9.2 Lead to after-use of the site, which
could have an impact on the
environment
Yes Pits created during operation can be
used as rain water harvesting
structures. Number of trees
removed from the blasting sites will
be replaced with new saplings.
9.3 Set a precedent for later developments. No Not arise.
9.4 Have cumulative effects due to
proximity to other existing or planned
with similar effects.
No Any possible negative impact due to
dust emission will be suppressed by
Spraying water.
14
(III) E VIRO ME TAL SE SITIVITY
Sl.
o. Areas ame/
Identity
Aerial distance(within 15 km)
Proposed Project location boundary
1 Areas protected under international
conventions national or local
legislation for their ecological
landscape, cultural or other related
No No ecological, Landscape, cultural or
other related value area in 15 km radius.
2 Areas which are important or
sensitive for ecological reasons –
Wetlands, watercourses or other
water bodies, coastal zone,
biospheres , mountains, forests
No
Ponnai River-5.5 km (SE)
Mahimandalam R.F.-4.0 km(SW)
Panapallumalai R.F.-1.5 km(NE)
3 Areas used by protected, important
or sensitive species of flora or fauna
for breeding nesting, foraging,
resting, over wintering, migration
No No Significant Species
4 Inland, coastal, marine or
underground waters No There is no inland, Coastal and Marine or
underground waters around the site.
5 State, National boundaries No
There is no State National Boundaries are
crossing within 10 km radius.
6 Routes or facilities used by the
public for access to recreation or
other tourist, pilgrim areas
No
Not Applicable.
7 Defense installation No Not Applicable.
8 Densely populated or built-up area Yes Mahimandalam village located at an
aerial distance of 0.5 km from the project
site.
9 Areas occupied by sensitive
manmade land uses (hospitals,
Schools, places of worship,
community facilities )
Yes Hospital:-
1. Primary Health Cetre ,
Bommasamudram -7.0km (SW)
2. Government hospital,Ponnai.-6 m(NE)
School :-
1) Thiruvallur University-6.0 km (SW)
2) Serkkadu Higher Secondary
School,Sekkadu-6.0 km(SW)
Temple:-
1) Ponnai Dharupathi Amman Temple -
6.0 km (SE)
2) Vallimalai Temple -5.0 km(SE)
15
“I hereby given undertaking that the data and information given in the application
and enclosures are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and I am aware that if any
part of the data and information submitted is found to be false or misleading at any stage,
the project will be rejected and clearance given, if any to the project will be revoked at
our risk and cost”
Date: Signature of the applicant
GE ERAL MA AGER Place: Chennai -5 Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited
No.31, Kamarajar Salai,
TWAD HOUSE, Chepauk,
Chennai-600005.
10 Areas containing important ,high
quality or scarce resources (ground
water resources, forestry
,agriculture, fisheries, tourism
,minerals)
No There is no high quality or scarce
resources.
11 Areas already subjected to pollution
or environmental damage (those
where existing legal environmental
standards are exceeded)
No Not Applicable
12 Areas susceptible to natural hazard
which could cause the project to
present environmental problems
(earthquakes subsidence, landslides,
erosion, flooding for extreme or
adverse climatic condition)
Yes The area under study falls in Zone –III,
according to the Indian Standard Seismic
Zoning MAP.
16
IV) Proposed TOR (Terms of Reference)
Terms of Reference (TOR) for preparation of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
and Environmental Management Plan for “Mining of Minerals” as per the EIA Notification,
2006 has been devised to improve the quality of the reports and facilitate decision-making
transparent and easy. TOR will help the project proponents and consultants to prepare report
with relevant project specific data and easily interpretable information. TOR for mining of
minerals is expected to cover all environmental related features.
1. Introduction
� Profile of the Project Proponent, name and contact address, Implementing
Organization, Organizational Chart, Project Consultants etc., should be
mentioned clearly.
� Land description-plot / survey / khasra numbers, village, tehsil, district, state and
extent of the land must be mentioned clearly. The Project site should conform to
the CRZ guideline or modification s or stipulations made by the Central / State
Government as applicable.
� The proponent should confirm that the project meets all Centre / State /Local
regulations and standards applicable for mining of minerals and allied activities.
� Any litigations pending against the proposed project and / or any directions or
orders passed by any count of law / any statutory authority against the project are
to be detailed out.
2. Project Description
Background of the project:
� Location of the project (Longitude, Latitude, Revenue village, Tehesil, District,
State, nearest Railway Station, Airport, and MSL)
� Objective of the project (captive mine, standalone etc) whether it is new or
expansion (Increase in ML area or increase in annual production) or
17
modernization. Proposed use of minerals (sale, use as intermediates or raw
materials). Any change in technology proposed should be specified.
� Location of National Park, Wildlife Sanctuary, Migratory routes of wild animals
etc., within 10 km of mine lease area should be authenticated by the Chief Wild
life Warden.
Project details should include:
� Overall note on minerals reserves, rated capacity, life of the mine.
� If the lease area / buffer zone is ecologically fragile, a detailed justification is to
be given.
� Period of mining lease and calendar programme of ore and waste production.
� Status and stages of other regulatory clearances like approval of mining plan,
forest clearance, consent to establish from State Pollution Control Board etc.
� Solid waste dumping strategy and management.
� Energy demand / specific energy consumption.
� Water requirement and reliability of its supply.
� Manpower recruitment.
� Capital cost estimate.
� Market conditions vis a visa validity of the project.
� Essential Toposheets / Maps to be provided with TOR application.
� Topographical map.
A topographical map 1:25,000 scale (if not available in 1:50000) of the study area (core zone
and 10 km area of the buffer zone from boundary of the core zone) delineating the major
topographical features such as land use, drainage, locations of habitats, major constructions
including roads, railways, pipelines, major industries if any in the area are to be mentioned.
A topographical map, covering aerial distance of 15 km from the proposed project location and
delineating environmental sensitive areas as specified in Form of EIA Notification.
18
� Digital Elevation Model (DEM) / slope / Contour maps /contour / slope maps, as
required for the study of core zone and site plan of the area showing the various
proposed break-up of the land.
� Description of the project site, geology, topography, hydrology, climate, transport
and connectivity, demographic aspects, socio-cultural and economic aspects,
villages, settlements, meteorological data.
� Geology (Regional and Local).
� Reserves and quality of the ore with chemical composition (Grade of Percentage).
Associated minerals, if any, should be mentioned.
� Deposit condition such as ore strength, host rock strength, shape, grade, dip, size,
uniformity and depth.
� General description of the project with ancillary operations such as crushing,
beneficiation etc.
� Surface geological plan in the lease hold area, transverse section of mineral
deposits, contour maps at intervals of not more than 03 meters.
� Breakup of land use of lease hold area.
� Type (Open cast, Underground or Both) and method of mining (Manual, semi-
mechanized or mechanized).
� Nearness to a large water body.
� Mode of transportation of ore and waste.
� Hydrology of the area and calculation for mine seepage water and Ground water
draw down.
Open Cast Mining
� Deposit conditions.
� Working depth (below ground level and Mean Seal Level)
� Mining Plan (Height and Width of the benches in over burden, ore body,
proposed inclination / slope of the sides).
19
� Surface plan showing mine working 5th year, 10
th year, 15
th year, 20
th year 25
th
year, 30th year as per the approved mine plan.
� Type of blasting, drilling and explosives.
� Detail of machineries) mining, transportation, and material handling) with
production capacity.
� Plan for backfilling of mine pit.
� Overburden dumps stability study and reclamation.
General Features
� Surface drainage pattern at mine site (modification / diversion in the existing
drainage pattern).
� Mineral transportation outside mining lease area (road, rail, conveyor, rope way,
water way, pipeline, others etc.)
� Beneficiation, Crushing, Processing etc. (process flow).
� Township description, (area dwelling units, distance from mine, distance of water
bodies).
� Power and water supply.
3. Description of the Environment Baseline Environmental Status
Environmental data to be collected in relation to proposed mining would be: (a) land
(b)water (c) air (d) biological (e) noise and vibration (f) socio economic (g) health
environment etc.
a) Study area
� Study area for the mining projects should be defined as follows:
� Mine lease area should be the “core zone”.
� 10 km radius from the boundary limits of the mine lease area of more than 50
hectares should be the “buffer zone”.
� 5 km radius from the boundary limits of mine lease area of 5.50 hectares should
be “buffer zone”.
20
� Maps (appropriate scale) of the study area (core and buffer zone), clearly
delineating the locations of various monitoring stations (air / water / noise / soil),
superimposed on locations of habitats are to be shown.
� Monitoring and testing should be done as per guidelines of CPCB / MOEF.
b) Land Environment
Pre-mining land use pattern of (agricultural land / forest land / grazing land / waste
land / water bodies / settlement) of the area is to be detailed out. Details of mineral
resources, geological status of the study area and the deposit to be worked, ultimate
working depth and progressive stage wise working plan / scheme until the end of the
mine life should be mentioned on the basis of the approved rates capacity and
calendar plan (s) of production. From the approved mining plan, geological maps
should be drawn.
c) Land
Baseline data on land, of mine leased-areas is to be described. Total land available
and proposed utilization for different purposes including built-up area be given.
Justification of the use of area is to be given.
d) Topography
� Topography the study are through topographical maps (1:50000), showing all
relevant details required for assessment of the proposed activities. Description in
relation to following be given.
� Slope and elevation.
� Natural drainage pattern and water bodies.
e) Land use pattern (habitation, cropping, forest cover, ecologically sensitive features
etc. by employing remote sensing techniques (If available).
f) Geology
Geology of the area is to ascertain sensitivity. It also defines the layers of geological
formations, from which the permeability and possible faults and fissures can be known.
21
g) Soil
� The study should include.
� Soil quality at representative monitoring stations (type, classification, soil
characteristics etc).
� Fertility status of soil samples.
� Pre-mining land use pattern, cropping pattern, vegetarian cover etc. (remote
sensing data)
h) Air Environment
The study should include the following.
� Climate and meteorology (temperature (max and min.), relative humidity, and
rainfall) indicate the nearest IMD meteorological station from which
climatological data have been obtained.
� Wind rose (Wind directions and speeds, 24 hourly data).
� Air quality monitoring data in respect of SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOX, CO, Heavy
Metals in SPM (Mineralogical) Fe, Mn, Pb, etc.), any other project specific
pollutants. Monitoring should cover one full season except monsoon. Frequency
and methodology adopted should be as per CPCB / MOEF guidelines.
� Monitoring stations are to be located based on dominating wind directions,
habitations and e\terrain features in the study area. The monitoring stations
should cover upwind. Down wind, cross wind, core zone and sensitive areas.
i) Water Environment
Sources of water (river, ground water, mine water, other surface water), their
requirement, and utilization for various operational need of the project, at different stages
are to be discussed.
A detailed water balance should be provided. The breakup of water requirement as per
different activities in the mining operations should be given separately. Approval of
competent authority for utilization of ground and surface water should be provided.
22
Surface Water
� Locations of representative monitoring stations showing direction and
distance from the mine lease site.
� Details of rivers, springs, lakes, reservoirs and drains up to first order in
study area.
� Physio-chemical analysis including heavy metals, biological,
bacteriological characterization for assessment of water quality. Water
quality of water body with respect to upstream and downstream should be
covered.
� Delineation of water sheds and water drainage pattern in the study area
using remote sensing satellite imageries.
� Surface water balance (withdrawal of surface water and release of mine
drainage water).
� Lean season flow of the nallah from where water is drawn.
Ground Water
� Ground water potential, recharge and budgeting.
� Hydrogeology and aquifer characteristics of the area.
� Grounds water quality, ground water potential of the area and its
availability ground water table (pre monsoon and post monsoon).
� The details of locations of ground water observation wells with respect to
core zone should be described.
� The monitoring stations should cover the whole study area.
� Water bodies existing and water bodies likely to be created due to mining
activities.
� Water requirement and waste water bodies likely to be created due to
mining activities.
� Water requirement and waste water generation from various activities of
mine.
23
j) oise Environment
� Locations of monitoring stations for noise measurements in accordance
with the direction and distance from the sources and habitations.
� Day-time and night-time noise level monitoring (leq).
� Vibration and air over pressure, caused due to blasting, transport and
process equipments, wherever applicable
Flora
� Detail description of vegetation type ;in core and buffer zone (include
photography).
� Assessment of plant species with respect to their dominance, density,
frequency, abundance, diversity index, similarity index, importance value
Index.
� Location of National Parks, Sanctuary, Biosphere Reserve, Tiger Reserve,
Elephant Reserve, wild life migratory routes in core and buffer zones.
Fauna
� Assessment of fauna and avi-fauna.
� List out endangered and endemic species as per the schedule of the
Wildlife protection Act, 1972.
k) Socio-Economic Environment
� Data on demography, traditional skills, sources of livelihood within the
study area.
� Socio-economic profile of the people with in 2, 5 and 10 km from the
mine.
� Human settlement, health status, sources of livelihood.
24
Waste Generation
The Report should cover the following
� Solid waste from mining and processing operations, their quality and
quantity (overburden, low-grade ore etc.) Quantity and quality of
associated minerals and possible recovery.
� Top soil quantity, quality and its management
� Recovery and recycling possibilities
� Site features of locations possibilities.
� Site features of locations of waste storage and disposal
� Solid waste generation from Effluent Treatment Plant township, hospitals
etc.
4. Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures
a) Land Environment
Anticipated Impacts:
� Impact on topography, drainage pattern, land use with respect of
agriculture, forestry, built-up area etc.
� Impact on soil quality and agriculture, soil erosion.
Mitigation Measures:
� Plan for restoration / rehabilitation of mined-out area
� Technological measures to prevent soil erosion from core and buffer
zones.
� Plantation / afforestation of local varieties of plants
� Measures to control and conserve runoff from various locations.
� Landscaping, plantation, afforestation to minimize adverse visual and
noise impact.
b) Air Environment
Anticipated Impacts
� Emission Inventory of SPM, RSPM, SO2, NOX, and site specific
pollutants
� Prediction of fugitive dust emissions due to mining activities, crushing
and cleaning plants, loading and unloading, transportation by rail, road or
conveyor.
� Impact of fugitive dust emission of flora and fauna Prediction of impact
on ambient air quality using appropriate mathematical model.
25
Mitigation Measures;
� Measures to reduce the emissions of pollutants during mining, loading,
unloading, transportation, drilling, crushing etc. to maintain the air quality
� Adoption scientific mining methods to reduce dust emission from point
and line source
� Planned green belt development
c) Water Environment (Surface and ground water)
Anticipated Impacts
� Impact on ground water regime / streams / lake / springs due to mining, to
be assessed from hydro-geological study.
� Impact of water drawal on surface ground water resources.
� Impact on surface and ground water quality due to discharges from
mining, tailings pond, workshop, township, leachate from solid waste
dumps etc.
� Ingress of sea water, particularly for mining projects in coastal areas.
Mitigation Measures:
� Measures to minimize contamination of surface and ground water.
� Construction of gully checks, check dams, sedimentation ponds, settling
tanks, water weirs, retaining walls etc. with design and site features for
control of run-off.
� Mine water treatment for meeting the prescribed standard
� Steps to minimize impact on water table if mining intercepts groundwater
regime.
d) oise Environment
Anticipated Impacts:
� Prediction of noise level a different representat5ive monitoring stations.
� Impact of vibrations including damage to materials / structures due to
blasting.
� Impact on ambient noise level due to rock excavation, transportation,
processing equipments and ancillaries’.
26
Mitigation Measures:
� Measures for noise abatement including point source and line source.
� Measures to minimize effect by blasting.
� Lay out planning to minimize the impact on receiving environment.
� Planned preventive maintenance.
� Selection of low noise equipment failing which use of retrofit for existing
equipment.
e) Biological
Anticipated Impacts (Flora and Fauna):
� Impact on forest resources, economically important plants, medicinal
plants and threat to rare, endemic and endangered species.
� Impact on terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity.
� Impact on wildlife including avi-fauna.
� Impact on wildlife habitat and migratory corridors.
Mitigation Measures:
� Measures to compensate the low of forest coverage.
� Measures for protection and conservation of wildlife species.
� Green belt and its raising schedule
� Progressive afforestation in overburden, reclaimed mined out areas
f) Socio-Economic Environment
Anticipated Impacts
� Displacement of human settlements during the life of the mine.
� Positive and negative impacts on present status of livelihood in the area
� Impact on the cropping pattern and crop productivity in the buffer zone.
� Impact on community resources such as grazing land.
Mitigation Measures:
� Rehabilitation and resettlement of land oustees and displaced people.
� Compensation for loss of land and crops.
� Training to locals for employment in the project.
� Employment opportunities and access to other amenities such as
education, health care facilities to be extended to locals.
27
g) Mine Wastes
Anticipated Impacts:
� Loss of Vegetation and wildlife habitat.
� Impact on surrounding agricultural land.
� Impact to ground water quality due to leachate
� Impact of hazardous wastes and liquids.
Mitigation Measures:
� Land reclamation and mine closure plan.
� Overburden dumps stabilization to minimize impact due to runoff.
� Municipal solid waste management.
� Measures to control runoff from waste dumps and mining surface.
� Hazrdous waste management as per regulatory guidelines.
5) Environmental Monitoring Program
� Monitoring of quality of after, air, noise, vibration and occupational health
status of project personnel and surrounding habitations.
� Planned monitoring program to evaluate the effectiveness of various /
specific aspects of technological / mitigation measures.
� Environmental audit of various activities including budgeting and
financial management with reference to environmental management.
� Hydrogeological monitoring for the entire mine life and restrictive
monitoring during reclamation.
� Plantation monitoring programme to ensure survival and growth rate of
plantations.
� Analysis of data, its interpretation and evaluation (any additional studies
to be carried out if required).
� Mine closure plan along with the fund requirement for implementation of
the activities proposed there under.
6. Additional Studies
a) Public consultation
Public hearing with the issues raised by the public and the response of the project
proponent in tabular form should be discussed.
28
7. Risk Assessment (RA) and Disaster Management Plan (DMP)
Mining activities are always associated with risk relating to hazards and accidents.
Therefore risk analysis and risk mitigation should be clearly indicated in the report. This
should include the following:
� Identification and type of risk associated with mining (slope failure,
subsidence, fly rock fragments, fires, toxic / hazardous / flammable gas
release / explosion, inundation etc.).
� Details of safety measures to prevent accident and disaster.
� Disaster management plan and emergency response system ;with proper
organizational set up ;to deal with such situation.
� Disaster management plan for safe mining particularly for underground
mines where toxic fumes and other risks are involved.
� Occupational health risks.
8. Project benefits
This action describes the improvements in physical and social infrastructure. It
details out the employment potential and other benefits that are accrued.
8. Environmental Management Plan (EMP)
� Administrative and technical set up for management of environment.
� Mechanism of self monitoring for compliance with environmental
regulations.
� Institutional arrangements proposed with other organizations /
Government authorities for effective implementation of proposed
environmental management plan.
� Conservation plan for the endangered / endemic flora and fauna found in
the study area and for safety of animals visiting / residing in the study area
and also those in the migratory corridor.
� Integrating in the environmental management plan measures for
minimizing use of natural resources-water, land, energy etc.
10) Summary and conclusion (Summary EIA)
� Introduction
� Project description and Project benefits
� Anticipated environmental impacts and mitigation measures
� Additional studies
� Environmental Monitoring Program
� Environmental Management Plan
� Risk Assessment (RA) and Disaster Management Plan (DMP)
11) Disclosure of consultants engaged.
The team of consultants engaged in this project will be given.
29
PRE-FEASIBILITY REPORT
1. I TRODUCTIO
1.1 IDE TIFICATIO OF PROJECT PROPO E T.
M/s.Tamil Nadu Minerals Limited (An Undertaking of Government of Tamil Nadu) has
been established in the year 1978 to carryout systematic mining and development of different
minerals all over the state. Ever since its inception TAMIN has developed expertise in the
mining of granite dimensional stones of different varieties including black granite (Dolerite),
Kashmir White (Leptynite), Paradiso (Migmatite gneiss), Green Onyx (Syenite – porphyry) Red
wave (Pink Feldspathic gneiss) Colombo Juparana (Pegmatitic granite gneiss of migmatite
origin), Raw silk (Yellow Feldspathic Leptinite) and a number of other coloured granite varieties
apart from other industrial minerals viz., quartz and feldspar, graphite, limestone, silica sand,
vermiculite, etc.,
TAMIN has also set up industrial units for processing the granite stones one each at
Manali (Chenna)i, Madhepalli at Krishnagiri District and Melur at Madurai District
respectively. A Beneficiation plant for the beneficiation of graphite ore has been established
close to Sivaganga Graphite mine. An exfoliation plant for the processing of vermiculite
mineral at Ambathur (Chennai) has also been established. Further, TAMIN is the only
organization recognized by Bureau of India Standard for manufacture and supply of I.S.Sand all
over the country.
This report is in conformity with the objectives of TAMIN as well as in compliance of
Rule 17 of Granite Conservation and Development Rules, 1999 (hereinafter referred to as
GCDR, 1999),. The present Pre-feasibility report has been prepared in respect of the Black
Granite quarry, located at Mahimandalam village S.F.No.917(Part) & 921(Part), Katpadi Taluk,
Vellore District, Tamil Nadu for which TAMIN obtained mining lease vide G.O. Ms. No.45,
Industries (MME-1) Department dated 20.11.2002 for the period of 20 years from 23.11.2002
to 22.11.2022.
As per the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification dated 14th September
2006 and its subsequent amendments and Honbl’e Supreme Court order of January 13, 2015, the
mining project, which requires Environmental Clearance from the State Environmental Impact
Assessment Authority (SEIAA).
30
TAMIN as a part of the compliance to the regulatory requirement i.e., to obtain
Environmental Clearance from MoEF has appointed Environmental Consultants who are
accredited by National Accreditation Board for Education and Training (NABET)-Quality
Council of India (QCI), New Delhi.
1.2 BRIEF DESCRIPTIO OF ATURE OF THE PROJECT
The Mining Plan for Black Granite in Mahimandalam (S.F.No:-917(Part) & 921(Part),
Katpadi Taluk, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu was approved by the Directorate of Geology and
Mining, Chennai vide dated 16.11.2001.
The scheme of mining shall be submitted to the State Government or any person in his
behalf by that Government at least one hundred and twenty days before the expiry of the five
years period, for which it was approved on the last occasion vide Rule 18(3) of Granite
Conservation and Development Rules 1999.
Hence the scheme of mining –I was submitted 120 days before the date of approval of
mining plan to the authority vide this office Letter No. 8301/ML3/2007 dated.17.04.2007 and
subsequently the scheme of mining–II was submitted vide this office Letter No.2366/ML2/2012,
dated. 21.02.2012. Both mining schemes (scheme-I & II) are still under process at the
Commissionerate of Geology& Mining, Chennai.
The State Government of any person authorised in this behalf by that Government shall
convey its or his approval or refusal to the Scheme of Mining within 90 days of the date of its
receipt vide Rule 18(4) of GCDR 1999.
If approval or refusal of the scheme of mining is not conveyed to the holder of the lease
within the stipulated period the scheme of mining shall be deemed to have been approved and
such approval shall be subject to final decision whenever communicated vide Rule 18(5) of
GCDR 1999.
Thus it implies that the Scheme of mining in respect of the subject area have been
deemed approved as per the above said Rule.
31
Applicant Details:
Name and Address
TAMIL NADU MINERALS LIMITED
(An Undertaking of Government of Tamil Nadu)
31, Kamarajar Salai, P.B.No.2961, Chepauk,
Chennai – 600 005, Tamil Nadu State
Phone Number +91 44 28410382, 28511972
Fax Number +91 44 28524960
E-mail [email protected]
Status Public Sector Undertaking. Fully owned by the Govt. of Tamil Nadu
Type of Mining Granite Quarrying Unit
Period of Mining The Period of mining lease for 20 years
Details of the Area:
a) The area is marked in the Survey of India Topo Sheet No.57O/4&8.
c) The area lies in the Northern latitude of 13o 05’ 17.40” and Eastern longitude of 79
o 13’ 9.50”
District&
State Taluk Village S.F. o.
Area in
(Hects) Occupancy
/Ownership
Vellore
Tamil
Nadu
Katpadi
Mahimadalam
917(Part)&921(Part)
166.92.0
Government
Poramboke
land
1.3 EED FOR THE PROJECT & ITS IMPORTA CE.
The granite dimensional stone material by virtue of its pleasing colour and texture such
as and its best ability to take polishing and appealing look in polished product has attracted the
consumers in the building construction and interior decoration industries. The domestic market
capabilities have also been explored in recent periods. Bulk quantity of the blocks are produced
and exported as raw blocks and some quantity is being processed at TAMIN’s Granite
processing units and exported as value added finished products.
1.4 EMPLOYME T GE ERATIO
This project will provide direct employment for about 36 persons and indirect
employment chisel workers one gang for about 3 person specifically for dressing of blocks.
32
2. PROJECT DESCRIPTIO .
2.1. LOCATIO DETAILS
The proposed Granite Mine is over an extent of 166.92.0 Hects in SF No.917(Part) &
921(Part) located at Mahimandalam Village, Katpadi Taluk, Vellore
District, lies in the northern latitude of 13o 05’ 17.40” and eastern longitude of 79
o 13’ 9.5”.
The area is marked in the survey of India Topo sheet No. 57O/ 4 & 8.
2.2 SITE SALIE T DETAILS
Salient details of the projects is given below:-
Description Details
Site Location
Topography Undulating Terrain
SOI Topo sheet 57 O/4&8
Nearest City Town : Katpadi-16.0Km(NE)
City : Vellore 21.0 km (SW)
District Head Quarters : Vellore
Nearest Highway N.H-4- 6.0 Km (SW)
Nearest Railway Junction Katpadi Railway Junction -16.0 km (NE)
Nearest Airport Chennai -103.67 km (E)
Nearest Water Bodies/River/Sea Ponnai aru-5.5 km (SE)
Archaeologically Important Places None within 15 km radius
National Parks/Wildlife Sanctuaries Mahimandalam R.F-4.0 km (SW
Reserved/Protected Forests Panapallumalai R.F.-1.5 km(NE)
Mahimandalam R.F.-4.0 km(NE)
Seism city Zone III
Defence Installations None within 15 Km radius
2.3. I FRASTRUCTURE
The Mahimandalam mine is located at about 2kms North of Mahimandalam and is easily
accessible through Ramapuram Periabodinatham road.
33
2.4 GEOLOGY A D RESERVES
2.4-1 PHYSIOGRAPHY
The area generally manifests an undulating topography with low lying plain area. The
area receives scanty rainfall (about 3cm per annum) and the rainy period is mainly from
September to November in every year. The summer is hot with maximum temperature up to 430
C. The area experiences sub-tropical climate.
2.4.2. GEOLOGY
The area is comprised of Feldspathic granitic gneiss as country terrain with a general
trend of N250W, dipping 70
0 to 75
0 North Westerly. Small occurrences of garnetiferous gneiss
and pockets of Tremolite mica schist and pink granite veins are seen. Thin veins of quartz are
also noticed.
A number of basis dykes are seen distributed in the entire lease hold area as dyke
swarms while majority of dykes are trending ENE-WSW direction, some dykes are seen
trending NE-SW and also N-S.
The dykes should have been emplaced in different periods as discernible from the nature
and qualities such as grain size, texture and colour of dykes. The joint pattern also varies of
which the prominent ones are N 100 W, N
80
0 E, N 25
0 E and N50
0 W with steep dips. The joints
are widely spaced, as a result of which bigger sized granite blocks could be produced in this
area.
From the study of disposition, grain size and texture of dykes in this area mine area it
could be conveniently derived that there are five series of emplacement of dykes in this area The
dykes No.III & IV may be considered as the oldest followed by the formation of dyke NO- VI
and subsequently the dykes V and VII to XV have been emplaced. The dykes V,VI, VII and
XI to XV are considered not economically viable due to the small magnitude, highly weathered
nature and abundance of inclusions etc.
Even though a number of dykes occur in this area, only four dykes (viz, dyke I,II,III&X
are larger ones as their lengths are more than 1 km , with considerable width of 20m to 70m. The
dykes IV, VII, VIII and ix are comparatively thin and discontinuous yet mineable in select areas.
The dykes V,VI,VII and XI to XV are considered not economical viable due to the small
magnitude highly weathered nature and abundance of inclusions etc..
34
2.5 METHOD OF MI I G
2.5.1 Open Cast Working
In accordance with the Regulation 106 (2) (a) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations
1961, in all open cast workings where the ore body forms hard rock, the working faces and sides
should be adequately benched and sloped. A bench height not exceeding 6m and a bench width
not less than the height has to be maintained. The slope angle of such benches and sides should
not exceed 60o from the horizontal. However, observance of these statutory provisions into in
granite dimensional stone mining is seldom possible due to the field difficulties and technical
reasons as below:
1) The granite mineral is to be recovered as undamaged rectangular dimensional blocks. In
the attempt to form the benches and sides with the above statutory parameters, haphazard
blasting may be involved, in which case the commercial granite body may get spoiled
due to generation of blasting cracks.
2) In the exercise of forming the benches with 60o slope within the granite deposit, the
portion confined within the 60o as with its complimentary part in the extricated block
will become a mineral waste while shaping into rectangular blocks.
3) The granite industry needs blocks as huge as a few cubic metre volumes with
measurements up to 3m x 2m x 2m. Production of such huge blocks with a moving bench
of 6m height is not possible. A production of such huge blocks in turn increases the
recovery and reduces the mineral waste during dressing. Blocks of smaller size of certain
varieties of granite are not marketable in the receding.
4) Formation of too many benches with more height and the width equal to the height may
lead to mineral lock up.
Hence in order to avoid granite waste and to facilitate economical and convenient mining
operations, it is proposed to obtain relaxation to the provisions of Regulation 106 (2) (a) up to a
bench parameter of 10m height and 3m width with vertical faces. Such a provision for relaxation
of the Regulation has been provided within the regulation 106 (2) (a). Further, it is to be
noteworthy that opencast granite mining operations with the above proposed bench parameters
may not be detrimental to Mines Safety, since the entire terrain is made up of hard rock, compact
sheet and possess high stability on slope even at higher vertical angles.
35
It is proposed not to backfill the pit in as much as good quantities of reserves are
underlying the pits. The stock yard for the granite blocks produced and the dressing yard where
the manual dressing and shaping of the blocks are carried out are located near the working pit in
order 10 minimize the lead from the pit to the dressing yard and stock yard. A mine office, store
room, first-aid room and workers rest shelter have been provided.
2.6 MI I G
Open cast, semi-mechanized mining with 10m vertical bench with a bench width of 6m
has been proposed. Under the regulation 106(2) (a) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulation 1961
in all open cast working in hard ore body, the benches and sides should be properly benched and
sloped. The eight of any bench shall not exceed 6m and the width thereof shall not be less than
the height. The benches shall be sloped at an angle of more than 60o from the horizontal.
The production of Colour granite dimensional stone in this mine involves the following
methods typical for granite stone mining, in contrast to any other major mineral mining.
1) Splitting of rock mass of considerable volume from the parent sheet rock carefully
avoiding any kind of damage in the form of cracks in the deposit by adopting the
following methods.
a) Separation of two vertical ends along the width side by diamond wire cutting.
b) Separation of the horizontal (bottom) and the vertical (length side) planes by
serial blasting simultaneously along the above two plans by using 32mm dia blast
holes charged with mild explosives like gunpowder or detonating cord.
All the above process continued together aiming at the liberation of huge volume of the
granite body from the parent sheet rock is called ‘primary cutting’.
2) The secondary splitting in to required size involves long hole drilling up to the
bottom of the separated block and mild blasting along the required plans.
3) Now – a – days the secondary splitting is carried out by way of splitting and
overturning cushion operational procedure. The procedure is by utilizing the
compressed air available at the quarry at 7 to 8 bar pressure, initially (widening)
splitting up to 15 to 18 cms. Next by using super imposed cushion widening up to 80
36
cms and overturning of the blocks. The blocks spitted as above are toppled and
removed from the pit to the dressing yard by using hydraulic excavators.
4) Removing the defective portions and dressing into the dimensional blocks are done
manually using feather and wedges and chiselling respectively by the labourers who
are skilled in this work.
The defect free rectangular shaped dimensional stones as acceptable to consumers are
produced by the method described as above which is constantly supervised by experienced
mining geologist.
The waste material generated during mining activity include the rock fragments of
different angularity formed during the works, during the removal of naturally defective and
uneconomical portions of the deposits and the working waster formed during dressing of the
extricated blocks. Such waster material are proposed to the dumped along the 7.5m safety
distance along the lease boundary / barren area where the commercial granite occurrences are
not seen/ the area covered with poor quality granite deposit identified to be uneconomical due to
sheared and contacted nature or the presence of closely space natural joints, etc.
2.7 BLASTI G
The blasting parameters in the mining of Granite dimensional stones are entirely
different from that of industrial minerals, since the basic purpose for the use of explosives in
both the cases are entirely different. In the industrial minerals, maximum fragmentation and
crushing of the ore is essential, whereas in the granite mining, the granite stones are to be
extricated intact, without any damage on both the extricated part and the parent rock body.
Wagon drilling and heavy blasting is seldom used in granite mining.
The portion to be extricated from the parent rock body is freed in all planes by adopting
different methods as described in chapter 4.0. Only mild explosives such as gun powder,
detonating cord, ordinary detonators etc will be used for the production of granite blocks. The
blast holes of 32mm diameter are drilled up to the bottom of the horizontal plane all along the
required planes without deviations sub grade drilling is avoided, since it may damage the
underlying granite deposit.
37
Conventional 32mm dia blast holes are drilled perfectly parallel to each other at 20 to
25cm intervals without any hole deviations, all along the required plane of splitting. The holes
are drilled up to a depth few cms above the required horizontal plane. Sub grade drilling is not
necessary since the splitting will be effected up to a further distance of few cms from the drill
hole on blasting. Sub grade drilling may affect the underlying granite deposit.
Explosives such as gelatine, delay detonators etc may also be used occasionally at places
further away from the granite deposit for certain development works such as forming approach
roads to the working faces below ground level for forming flat surfaces to be used as dumping
yard etc.
The explosives required for this mine is obtained from the authorised, licensed dealer for
which necessary permission will be obtained from the authority concerned. The blasting will be
under the direct supervision of the statutory persons of TAMIN.
Now–a–days the splitting within the sheet rock is effected by diamond wire sawing,
which largely reduces the use of explosives in granite mining. Many adverse effects of blasting
are avoided and hence Diamond wire cutting will substantially increase the recovery. Hence it is
proposed to deploy one wire saw machine in this mine shortly.
2.8. EXPLORATIO PROPOSED TO BE CARRIED OUT
A number of valuable data for economical mining of the granite stone in this area have
already been known from the actual mining practice during the past 25 years in this field.
a) Occurrence of the Black granite stone is economically viable quality and quantity has
been established by geological mapping and visual examination by mining geologist experiences
in granite mining which have been proved by actual mining practice.
b) The depth persistence of the granite stone is proved beyond the workable limits of 30
m from the petrogenetic a character of the granite body as well as from the actual mining
practice. Considering the hilly deposit with sheet rock formation of 30m depth persistence from
the surface level has been taken as economically workable depth to include all the three
categories of mineral reserves viz, proved, probable and possible reserves.
38
c) The recovery of the saleable granite stones has been established as 5% from the visual
exploration and from the data available by actual mining practices during the past mining in this
area.
Hence, having established all the data necessary for economic exploitation in this area,
no definite programme for future exploration has been drawn. The mining activities during the
next five years with deep cuts may render additional data as may be required for future planning.
2.9 METHOD OF ESTIMATIO OF RESERVES
The correct geological plan demarcating the commercially viable granite body has been
prepared on 1:4000 scale. Fifteen cross sections on suitably chosen lines across the longitudinal
axis of the deposit have been drawn.
The cross sectional area for the proved depth persistence of 25m from the ground level
and top surface of the granite body has been worked out for each cross section. The cross
sectional area multiplied by its length of influence on the longer axis gives the bulk volume (in-
situ reserves) within the cross sectional area. The sum total of the in-situ reserves available
within the individual cross sectional area gives geological reserves of the lease hold area.
From the total geological reserves, the quantity of saleable granite stone and the quantity
of granite rejects and waste generation are computed by applying the recovery factor, which
have been already established through actual mining practice as 3% by volume.
As the sale of granite dimensional stone is in terms of volumes (cubic metre) only and
not in terms of tonnage as in the case of the mining of Industrial minerals, the geological
reserves, mineable reserves and quantum of waste generation etc., are given in terms of cubic
metre (volume) only.
The details of estimation of geological reserves and mineable reserves with reference to
the geogolical plan and sections in Plate No:-5 and conceptual plan and sections in Plate No:-3
which have been furnished here with respectively.
39
2.10 GEOLOGICAL RESERVES A D GRADE
The total geological reserves have been computed on the geological cross sections up to
the economically average depth of 30m from the top surface of the granite body works out to
86,14,200 cbm and the total mineable reserve have been computed after deleting of reserves due
to mineral lock up in benches and safety distance as 84,13,125 cbm. The updated geological
reserves of granite estimated after deleting the past working during the mining scheme computed
as was 84,02,965 cbm. The updated minable reserves during the scheme period after deleting the
past working computed as 82,02,090 cbm and by applying the 3% recovery the saleable reserves
was about 2,46,063 cbm.
The commercial granite body occurring in this area shows more or less uniform colour
and texture and other physical properties that determines the granite body as a commercial
granite deposit. Even if such variation occur locally in the course of mining, that portions will be
considered as defective area and will be removed during dressing of the blocks and the blocks
thus produced will be marketed as a single quality. Gradation into difference quality is not
necessary in this deposit due to the general uniformity within the deposit.
2.11 YEARWISE DEVELOPME T FOR THE FIRST FIVE YEARS:
The year-wise quantum of work proposed and the details of estimation of production
quantity and generation of waste are furnished below with reference to the year-wise
development / production plan.
Sl.
o. Year
ROM
in M3
Saleable
Quantity
in M3
Granite rejects
including over
burden and side
burden in M3
1 2012-2013 33435.000 1003.000 32431.950
2 2013-2014 33300.750 999.020 32301.730
3 2014-2015 33419.250 1002.580 32416.670
4 2015-2016 33321.315 999.640 32321.675
5 2016-2017 33408.750 1002.260 32406.490
Total 166957.065 5006.500 132688.515
40
2.12 PROPOSED RATE OF PRODUCTIO
The production schedule for the ensuing five years is drawn mainly in consideration of
reserve position, market demand, men and machinery deployed and the cost of production. The
mineable reserves of the black granite stone deposit in this mine are sustainable for a period
above 20 years. The overseas market for this variety of raw granite material is moderate
potential and hence the domestic market has been well developed for the finished tiles, slabs and
monuments of this material. In as much as, the reserve is sustainable for years and the market
potential is sound, it is proposed to achieve an annual production of around 1001 M3 with an
average monthly production of 83 M3.The men and machinery proposed is compatible to meet
the above production targets.
2.13 EXTE T OF MECHA IZATIO
The following machineries are utilized exclusively for the development and production
woks at this mine.
1 Hydraulic Excavator ( Hitachi Ex-200) 1 No
2
Compressor
1)Portable Atlas Capco XAH 175
2) Tractor Mounted Air Compressor
2 No
1 No
3 Crane 10- Ton Escort. 1 No
4 Tipper 1 No
5 Jack Hammer 4 Nos.
6 Diamond Wire Saw machine with accessories 1 No
The above machinery are adequate to meet out the simultaneously development and
production schedule drawn out in this mining plan.
2.13 EMPLOYME T POTE TIAL:-
The following man power is proposed for this granite mine to look after and carryout the
day-to-day mining activities aimed at the proposed production target and also to comply with the
statutory provisions of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961.
S. o. Description o. of Persons
1 Geologist/Agent (M.Sc., Geology/
Agent) 1No
2 Qualified Mine Foreman. 1No
3 Blaster or Mines Mate. 1No
4 Machinery operators 6 Nos
5 Unskilled workers 32 Nos
Chiselling workers -1 Gang consists of three chisel men.
41
The above man power is adequate to meet out the production schedule and the machinery
strength envisaged in the mining plan and also to comply with the statutory provisions of the
Mines Safety Regulations.
2.15 WATER REQUIREME T
In the proposed mining project water is required only for domestic usages and dust
suppression. The water requirement for this project will be extracted from the Mahimandalam
Village Panchayat. The break-up of the water requirement details are given below:-
S. o Category Requirement (KLD)
1 Dust suppression &
Drilling 0.9
2 Domestic Purposes 1.4
Total 2.3
2.16 POWER A D FUEL REQUIREME T
Diesel will be utilized for operating compressors and other machineries Diesel usage
will be 1000 lit/month.
2.17 MI E DRAI AGE:
The mine area is an elevated ground with gentle slope on both sides of the linear dyke.
Hence there is natural drainage system facilitating easy and comfortable drainage of rain waters.
However, as a precaution, catch drains has been formed all around the working pit and it has
been led to the natural drainage, so that the rain water will not enter the working areas.
The water table during summer (April to September) will be at a depth of 10 to 15 m from
the ground level and during winter (November to January).it will be depth of 12 to 17 m. A
diesel engine with 5 H.P capacity is kept at the mine site to meet any eventuality of bailing out
the rain water to the natural drainage outside to carry out the mine working uninterrupted.
2.18 DISPOSAL OF WASTE
The mine waste in the mine include the top soil rock fragments and rubbles generated as
mineral rejects during production works and the country rock fragments generated during
development works as approach road formation, formation of dumping yard sites etc.
Adequate space has been indentified within the lease hold area for dumping such waste
material along the southern part of the field where the terrain is made up of the country rock
42
which is not a commercial granite variety. The 7.5 m safety distance may also be used for waste
dumping purpose.
As the waste material generated in this mine includes rock fragments of different shape
and angularity with considerable volume, the waste dump will be stable even at higher slope of
the sides of the dump. However, due care will be taken to avoid collapse of the sides of the
waste dump by adding suitable variety of soil brought from outside and planting trees over the
waste dump.
2.19 SURFACE TRA SPORT:-
The mode of transport of the granite blocks produced and marketed is by road of various
consumer destinations and granite processing units located at different part, of the country. The
blocks approved for export market are shipped through Chennai / Tuticorin Harbours to various
countries.
3. SITE A ALYSIS
The following observations are made for Environmental Management Plan
i. Existing land use pattern
The lease hold area is hilly terrain. The area receives moderate rainfall and the ground
water occurs at a depth of 15m and there is only sparse growth of vegetation in and around area.
Agricultural activities are fair due to moderate ground water and irrigation facilities.
ii. Water regime
Ground water occurrence in this area is moderate due to moderate rainfall and arid/semi
arid climate.
iii. Flora and Fauna
Except the sparse vegetation of certain common species no other flora of botanical
importance is noticed in and around the mine area.
43
iv. Climatic condition
The prevailing climatic condition experienced in the mine area is arid/semi arid with
maximum temperature up to 400 C. The area receives moderate rainfall about 40cm per annum
during both South West monsoon and north east monsoon.
v. Human settlements
The mine area is located far away from human settlements. Only a few villages are
located within a vicinity of 5 km from the mine site. The details are as follows.
ame of the Village
Distance
from the
mine site
Approximate
population.
Ammavaripalli 3.0 km(SW) 1500
Mahimandalam 1.35 km(SE) 1,000
Perumalkuppam 1.89 km(NE) 1300
Vallimalai 3.7 km(NE) 1,000
vi. Public Buildings, Monuments and place of worships:-
There is no public building, monuments or places of worship situated near by the mine area
affecting the mining work. There is no other a major river, monuments historically important
places or structures of located within a vicinity 2km affecting the mining work.
vii. Whether the area falls under notified area under water Act, 1974
Yes, the area falls under notified area under water Act, 1974.
4. E VIRO ME TAL MA AGEME T PLA
The mining scheme proposed is for a limited production of granite dimensional stone
without involving deep hole drilling and heavy blasting. Such limited mining activity is not
likely to cause any impact adversely on environment as far as pollution of air, water and noise is
concerned.
44
Environmental Management Plan
Sl.
o
Salient items
Proposals as per the
Scheme submitted earlier
Position at the end
of five years
scheme Period
Proposals for the
next five years
scheme period
1
Top soil storage,
preservation and
utilization
The recovered top interstitial
soil from the mine will be
used for planting trees and
growing vegetation.
As proposed in the
mining plan, the top
soil in the inner
boundary of the
lease area for
plantation purpose.
In the ensuing period
also, the Top soil will
stored for plantation
purpose and thus the
afforestation scheme
complied with.
2
Land
Reclamation
Proposed not to backfill the
mine-pit
The mine-pit(s) is
under its condition,
as already proposed
in mining scheme
period.
The mine-pit(s) will
be utilized as a water
reservoir or may be
used for pisciculture
purpose
3
Waste Dump
Management
Proposed to stack the waste
in the inner boundary of the
lease area and may used to
grow plants.
The waste has been
dumped in the inner
boundary area and
plantation done.
In the next five years
period, the waste can
be dumped in the
inner boundary of the
lease hold area and
utilized for
afforestation
program.
4
Afforestation
programme with
precautions for
survival and
protection of
plantation
Proposed to cover an area of
120 Sq.m. for afforestation
program every year by
Planting 25 plants
performance year with
expected survival rate of
80% Precautions are to be
made to protect the plants by
fencing structures.
25 plants perfor-
mance year planted
in every year with
precautions as
already proposed in
the mining plan
period.
In the ensuing five
years period of
mining, 25 plants per
year is proposed to be
planted for compl-
ying the afforestation
programme.
5
Quality of mine
water and any
interference
with surface
water spruces
The proposal for the
confinement of waste dump
is so arranged to prevented
the interference of surface
water sources and thus the
quality of mine water is
good.
Followed the
procedure as
proposed in the
mining plan.
Proposed the same
procedure to be
followed in the
ensuring five years
period.
6
Fly rock
fragments and
precautions
Proposed to follow up
muffle blasting so as to
prevent fly rock fragments.
Followed the muffle
blasting procedure
and thus prevented
the fly rock
fragments.
In the ensuing five
years period, the
same safety
precautions will be
followed. .
45
5. CO CLUSIO
5.1 USE OF THE GRA ITE STO E
The granite dimensional stone material by virtue of its pleasing colour and texture and its
best ability to take polishing and appealing look in polished product has attracted the consumers
in the building construction and interior decoration industries. People from countries like China,
Japan, U.K. and U.S.A., etc, are very much like of this fancy material and the domestic market
capabilities have also been elevated in recent periods. Bulk quantity of the blocks are produced
and exported as raw blocks and some quantity is being processed at TAMIN’s Granite
processing units and exported as valued added finished products.
5.2 QUALITY CO TROL
The granite deposit occurring in this mine shows variations in colour and texture and
hence the produced blocks are categorized as distinctive quality varieties. The entire mining
activities right from the preparation for extrication of blocks to the approval and dispatch of the
granite blocks are carried out under the direct supervision of mining geologists and mining
engineers well experienced in the mining and trade of granite stones.
The extricated blocks are carefully examined for any natural defects such as joints,
cracks, xenoliths, etc. and such defects are removed manually using feather and wedges and the
blocks are then shaped into effect rectangular dimensional stone blocks by chiselling.
5.3. GRA ITE CO SERVATIO A D DEVELOPME T
The mining plan /scheme have fully covered the aspects of granite conservation with a
future plan to extend the proposed working of the mine to the full depth of the deposit. Extreme
care is being taken to ensure proper supervision in splitting the granite blocks from the mother
rock so that maximum saleable granite is obtained for further utilisation by the consumer
industries.
5.4 PROJECT COST
Sl. o Description Amount in Rs
1 Machinery 50,00,000.00
2 Manpower 25,00,000.00
3 Consumable like Diesel, Diamond wire etc 10,00,000.00
4 Fencing 3,00,000.00
5 Office Shed 2,00,000.00
6 Others 10,00,000.00
Total 100,00,000.00
****
