Nd/S. T*NAIL H*.EU MA.GTUESITE IJMXTET}

(A Government of Tamil Nadu Undertaking)

^&NASK3 ffi&ffiNffiSKWK ffiKNffiS

CAPTM MrNES/RESERVE FOREST r.AND/OPENCAST MINING - MAGNESmE & DfrNmE

Thathiengarpatti Village, Salem Forest Division, Shevaroys (South) Range,

Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest, Salem &Tamil Nadu

Project Area - 96.34 hectares

Proposed Production of Magnesite - 1,24,260 TPA & Dunite - 1, 33,698 TPA

Environmental Clearance under EIA l$otification - 2OOo

$chedule Sl. I[o. 1 (a] (i]: Category - 'B' {Mining < lOO ha}

EXECUTNTE SUMMARYFor Public Hearlng

(TOR Awarded vide Letter I{o. J-11O1516412A18-IA.II lMl Dated: 08-11-2O19}

N*x'epxxb*r X$XS

i*

EIA Consultant

6ES EXPLS&.&TION .&NE} MTNIN@ $StUTTO$S

Old Ho. 26A-B, New IYo. t7,' Advaitha Ashrarn Road, Alagapuraff!,

Salern - 636 O04, Tamil l$adu, lndiaAccredited for sector 1, 28 & 38 Category 'A'

Certilicate No: NABEI lBlj.l 182llRAO123

&acl

1. INTRODUCTION:

Arasu Magnesite Mines is operated by 1\{/s. Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited

(TAIIMAG), a Government of Tamil Nadu undertaking, for Mining of Magnesite and Dunite

by opencast mechanized method in Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest Land, Salem.

Arasu Magnesite Mines falls on northern extremity of the northem belt of the chalk

hills of Salem comprising of northem and southern belt of ultramafic rocks occurring as

intrusive hydro-thernal fluids and are separated by gneissic rocks. The Magnesite vein

thickness ranges from a fraction of centimeter as much as 150 centimeters. The Magnesite

deposits has emplaced as veins on ENE-WSW directions.

Magnesite Mineral is an essential raw material for manufacturing Refractory

Materials used by Steel Industry. This is a rare mineral available in Salem Region of Tamil

Nadu State and is also found in other states like Uttarakhand, Kamataka and Jammu &

Kashmir.

Magnesite of Salem Region is relatively low in Calcium Oxide. Salem Magnesite

Reserves are famous worldwide for its Cryptocrystaline Strucfure, which is best suited for

manufacturing Refractory Bricks.

Realizing the necessity for preservation and proper exploitation of such rare mineral,

the Govemment of Tamil Nadu formed Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited popularly known as

TANMAG in January 1979. From the raw Magnesite produced from the mines, company is

producing Dead Burnt Magnesite (DBM) at Rotary Kiln Division (RI(D) and Lightly

Calcined Magnesite (LCIO at Shaft Kiln Division (SKD). The company has its own captive

mine and two factories to produce DBM and LCM of various grades.

The Contact information of the Corporate Office is:

The Chairperson and Managing Director

lWs. Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited

(A Govt. of Tamil Nadu Undertaking)

5/53, Omalur Main Road,

Jagir Ammapalayam Post, .

Salem, Tamil Nadu

Pin Code - 636 302

Phone (General): +91 - 427 -234633312346334

E-mail: tanmaqmines.salem@gmail.com

tanma g. salem@ gmail. com

Page l2

The above mine was earlier operated for more than 50 years by N{/s. Salem Magnesite

Private Limited (SMPL). Government of Tamil Nadu, Industries Department vides G.O. Ms.

No. 1445 Dated: 13.11.1978 issued order for reserv.ing Sy. No. 153 over an extent of 578.92

acres in ThathaiyangarpatnVillage, Omalur Taluk, Salem Dishict for State Exploitation.

Govemment of Tamil Nadu, Industries Department vide G.O. Ms. No. 41 Dated:

10.01.1979 issued order for formation of "Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited" and operated

Arasu Magnesite Mines (578.92 acres) as a "Raising Contractor" for and on behalf of

Government of Tamil Nadu &om lgTg till lgg8.

Arasu Magnesite Mines obtained Forest Clearance from Government of India,

Minisfiy of Environment & Forests vide No. 8-53197-FC Dated:23.06.1998 for diversion of

177.96 haof forestlandforrenewalof miningleaseinfavourof lWs. TamilNaduMagnesite

Limited., for mining of Magnesite & Dunite under Section - 2 of Forest (Conservation) Act,

1980.

Subsequently, Government of Tamil Nadu Environment & Forest (FRX) Deparbnent

G.O. (Ms.) No. 234 Dated: 06.08.1998 granted renewal of lease over an extent of 1,77.96 ha

of forest land in Kurumbampatti reserve forests of Shevaroys South Range of Salem Division

for mining of Magnesite and Dunite.for a period of 10 Years.

Renewal proposal for diversion of 96.34 ha of forest land (Reserved Forest) for

mining of Magnesite and Dunite by TANMAG was granted under Section - 2 of the Forest

(Conservation) Act, 1980 subject to fulfrlment of the conditions vide F.No.8 - 53/97 - FC

Dated: 14.07.2008, Ministry of Environment & Forest (F.C. Division) and subsequently,

Goverrment of Tamil Nadu Environment and Forests (FR.10) Department G.O. (Ms.) No. 79

Dated: 12.08.2008 granted Diversion of 96.34 ha Forest Land - Renewal of lease of forest

land for mining Magnesite & Dunite for a period of 20 Years subject to possession of valid

lease by the user agency under the MMDR Act, 1957.

Mining of Magnesite & Dunite was carried out after obtaining necessary permissions

like -1. Explosive Ligense for storage and handling as per Explosive Act, 1884 Dated:

28.07.1979 & subsequent renewal which is valid till date as per Explosive Rules,

2008

2. Obtained CTO for the quantity of 1,14,000 tonnes Magnesite from TNPCB since

1993 (Valid till 3 1.03.2021)

Page | 3

Permission for adopting a system of deep-hole blasting and working opencast mines

with HEMM obtained from DGMS under Regulation 106 (2) (b) as per MMR, 1961

(Memo No. D/A4l6071 Dated: 21.11.1996)

IBM Approved Mining Plan, Scheme of Mining, Mine Closure Plan and Review of

Mining Plan Approved (2018 -2023)

Later, MoEF & CC vide Leffer No. Z-11013/8912017-IA.II (M) Dated: 12.04.2018

directed to apply under violation sector as per S.O. No. 804 (E) Dated: 14.03.2017 and

comply all the provisions mentioned in the Judgement of the Hon'ble Supreme Court Dated:

02.08.2017 in the Common Cause vs UoI.

Arasu Magnesite Mines has stopped fhs mining operations w.e.f 14.04.2018 and

applied for Environmental Clearance for ToR to MoEF & CC vide online proposal no.

IA/TNAyIIN/74485/2018 Dated: 13.04.2018, which was re-submitted after essential details

sought by MoEF & CC on 30.05.2018.

The proposal was placed in 33'd EAC meeting held'on 22.06.2018, EAC deliberated

the matter and requested the Ministry to take a decision whether the proposal to be

transferred to violation category on 22-06.2018.

As per the Gazette Notification 5.O.3977 Dated: 146 August 2018, Arasu Magnesite

Mine (96.354 ha) falls under Category 'B' (Since mining area ( 100 ha) and shall be

appraised by respective SEIAA.

TANMAG applied online on 10ft November 2018 to SEIAA for grant of ToR for

Envirormental Clearance. The proposal seeking ToR was placed before the 121't State Expert

Appraisal Committee (SEAC) Meeting held on 30. 1 1.201 8. The SEAC recommended that the

proponent may approach MoEF & CC to transfer the online application fded by the

proponent to MoEF & CC.

The proposal seeking ToR was placed before 124it' SEAC meeting held on O4.Ol.z}tg

and the minutes of the same were upload in the SEAC portal.

The parivesh.portal status Dated: 28.02.2019 listed the proposal of Arasu Magnesite

Mine as a case of Violation and was placed in 23'd EAC meeting (violation category) under

Agenda No. 23.3.5 and was appraised in 24th EAC meeting (Violation Category) Dated:

24.07 .2019 under Agenda No: 24.5.5 for issue of ToR and was awarded ToR vide Letter No.

J -l l0l 5 / 64120 I 8-IA.II (M) Dated: 08- I 1 -20 1 9.

Public Hearing is being conducted as per conditions of Terms of reference.

aJ.

4.

Page | 4

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION:

Sl.No. DESCRIPTION DETAILS1 Name of Mine Arasu Magnesite Mine2 Proiect Proponent M/s. Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited

J Location

Thathiengarpatti Village,Omalur Taluk,

Salem District,Tamil Nadu State

4 Classification of Land

Reserve Forest Land,

Salem Forest Division,Shevaroys (South) Range,

Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest

5 Extent 96.34ha

6 TopographyHilly terrain with gradient towards south

Highest Elevation-3 72m AMSL7 Ground Water Table 322- 312 AMSL8 Latitude between 11"44' 46.33"N to 1 1

o45'35.93"N

9 Longitude between 78'08'54. 10"E to 78o09' 42.87"E

10Review of Mining Plan

(20 I 8-20t9 to 2022-2023)

Approved by Indian Bureau of Mines videLeffer No. TN/SLIWMG/ROMP- 1483.MDS

Dated: 04.05.201 8

11 Geological Resources 5,98,53,388 Tonnes

t2 Mineable Reserves 4,56,08,600 Tonnes of ROMt3 Magnesite @8%recovery 6,00,590 Tonnes (5 Year Mining Plan Period)

t4 Dunite @,5% recovery 5,67,077 Tonnes (5 Year Mining Plan Period)

15 Mine ConfigurationThe Mine Lease Area is divided into 3 Blocks (A, B & C), the

Ultimate Pit Limit is 314 m from the highest elevation of 372

m AMSLt6 Bench Confizuration 5m Height & 5m Width with 60u - 80o Slope

t7 Existing Pit Dimension

Block A Block B Block C

Leneth (m) 533 447 420

Width (m) 301 437 393

Depth (m) 38 26 2t

18 Waste / SpoilThe entire lease area is mineral bearing; hence the spoiVwaste

will be simultaneously backfilled in the mined out area innorthern side of the mine.

t9 Manpower 1017 Nos

20 Proiect Cost 9.23 Crores

21 Power Requirements

The project does not require any power supply for the miningoperations Electricity is used only in office premises and otherinternal infrastructure for which necessary permission has been

obtained from TNEB.

22 Working Hours

General Shift 8 AM - 5 PM for Mineral Segregation (LunchBreak 12 Noon - 1 PM) and In Overlapping Shifts for SpoilRemoval (6 AM to 2 PM) & (12 Noon to 6 PM)

23 Drilling & BlastingDeep-hole drilling of 110 mm diameter by engaging WagonDrills along with Air Compressor and primary blasting is done

with 83 mm diameter Slurry Explosives

Page | 5

24 Existing Land Use Paffem

Area Zone Area in ha

Effective MiningArea

Current plan period

(Block-A & B)3r.32

Broken area

Mine Pit 21.7s

ExistingTemporary Waste

Dump

20.25

Unbroken areaGreen belt area &

utilities23.02

Total 96.34

25

Site ConnectivitvNearest National Highway NH-7) Srinagar-Kanyakumari 9 km SW

Nearest State Highway (SH-188) Salem Yercaud Ghat Road 3.15 km East

Nearest Railway Station Karuppur 8.4 km SW

Nearest Airport Salem Airport 10.85 km NW

26 Environment S ensitivity

No protected areas notified under The Wild life (Protection)

Act,1972, no critically polluted areas as notified by the centralpollution control board constituted, no notified eco-sensitive

areas, no interstate boundaries and intemational boundaries, no

national parks, biosphere reserves, elephant corridors,mangrove forest, archeological monuments, heritage site etc.

within 10km radius from mine lease area.

27 Nearest Water Bodies

Vattakadu Eri 3.0 km SW

Kannankurichi Puthu Eri 5.5 km SE

East Sarabanga fuver 8.50 km SW

Yercaud Lake 6.0 km NE (Upstream)

28 Nearest Habitation Sengaradu Village 1.0 km South West

29 Captive Plant

The mined out quantity of Magnesite is transported ftommines to captive plants viz, Shaft Kiln Division and RotaryKiln Division for manufacture of Lightly Calcined Magnesiteand Dead Burnt Magnesite respectively. Dunite is sold toauthorized buyers.

30 CSR Activities The company has spent an amount of Rs 335.39 Lakhs till date

31 Seismic SensitivityProject area is categorized as Zone III, Moderate Risk Zone as

per BMTPC, Vulnerability Atlas of Seismic Zone of India IS:

t893 -2002

Page | 6

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3. DESCRIPTION OF TIIE ENVIRONMENT:

The baseline environmental monitoring was carried out during pre-monsoon season of

year March 2019 to May 2019 apart from environmental compliance monitoring which is

being carried out since 1998 as per Environment Safeguard conditions in Annexure - A of

FC.

Baseline data was generated for various environmental parameters including air,

water (surface and ground water), land and soil, ecology and socio-economic status to

determine qualrty of the prevailing environmental settings.

Study Area -For the description of baseline environmental scenario, the mine lease area is

considered as Core Zone and the area falling within a distance of 10 km radius (aerial

distance) from boundary of the core zone is considered as Buffir Zone. The core and buffer

zone combined together is referre d as Study Area for determination of baseline status and

assessment of environment impacts.

Considering the Environmental seffing of the project, project activities and their

interaction, environmental regulations and Standards, following Environmental Attributes

have been included in EIA Study.

' Site specific Micrometeorological Data (hourly readings from core zone) for the

Season on wind speed & direction (wind roses), temperature, humidity and rainfall.

. Ambient Air Quality Monitoring at 10 locations on 24-hourly basis, continuously for

2 days in a week for 4 weeks in a month during the season for the parameters PM2.5,

PMro, SPM (for Fugitive Dust analysis), SO2 and NO, as per NAAQ Nonns (Revised

as per GSR 826(E) Dated: 16.11.2009 for Industrial, Residential, Rural and other

Areas).

. Noise Level Measurements 4 location in core zone & 4 locations in buffer zone for

Leq, Lday and Lnight values once in the Season.

. Water Quality Monitoring - grab sampling once in a Season for:

o Surface Waters (2locations) as per CPCB Norms.

o Ground Waters (8 Locations) as per IS: 10500 Nomrs.

. Soil Quality Monitoring at l0locations once in the study period for:

o Textural & Physical Parameters

Page | 11

o Nutrients

' t Land use pattern based on Satellite knagery.

. Biotic Attributes (once in the study period) for Flora & Fauna-Core & Buffer zones

. Socio-Economic Profile based on Census 2011, for Total Population /Household Size

/ Age, Gender Composition, S.C I S.T, Literacy Level, Occupational Structure, etc.

The summary of baseline status is as below -AMBIENT AIR QUALITY:

PMro Values in pglm3-

AAQl AAQ2 AAQ3 AAQ4 AAQs AAQ6 AAQT AAQs AAQ9 AAQl0Min 12.8 33.1 33.2 32.4 34.7 30.s 35.8 34.5 35.5 34.6

Max 38.2 49.4 52.2 56.5 55.6 51.s 48.1 47.3 48.8 49.6

PM z.s Values in pglm3-

AAQl AAQ2 AAQ3 AAQ4 AAQs AAQ6 AAQT AAQs AAQe AAQI0

Min 10.8 10.6 10.4 l0 10.3 10.4 t5.2 16.1 16.2 15.1

Max 49.4 Z).J 26.4 27.t 28 24.8 29.2 25.5 24.9 25.7

SO2 Values in pglm3-

AAQl AAQ2 AAQ3 AAQ4 AAQs AAQ6 AAQT AAQ8 AAQ9 AAQro

Min 3.6 4.6 3.9 4.3 4.1 4.1 4.1 4.t 4.2 4.3

Max 8.6 12.3 15.1 9 8.8 9 7.6 8.1 8.3 7.8

NO* Values in pg/m3-

AAQl AAQ2 AAQ3 AAQ4 AAQs AAQ6 AAQT AAQ8 AAQ9 AAQI0

Min 10.9 3.9 8.3 10.2 10.1 9.8 10.4 11.5 12.6 12.2

Max 20.2 20.6 20.4 20.2 t9.4 20.8 17.8 18.6 19.6 22.8

The concentrations of PMro, PM2.5, SOz and NO2 are observed to be well within the

NAAQ standards prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) for industrial,

residential, rural & other areas.

WATER QUALITYI

Surface Water Quality -The pH varies from 7 .71 to 7 .89. The Total Dissolved Solids ranged from 72 mgll to

98 mg/l respectively. Chloride were found to be in the range of 8 mg/l to 12 mgl. The Heavy

Metal Content has been found to be well within the limit.

Page | 12

Ground Water Quality-

The pH and Conductivity varies from7.24 to 8.18. The Total Dissolved Solids ranged

from 235 mg/l to 584m9/1. Chloride were found to be in the range of 22mglLto 66 mg/I. The

water samples are observed to be well within the limits as per 15-10500:2012.

NOISE EI\MIROI\MENT:

Baseline noise levels were monitored, using continuous noise measurement device. Day

levels were monitored during 6 AM to l0 PM and the night levels during 10 PM to 6 AM.

From the results, it can be seen that the Day equivalents and the Night equivalents

were well within the CPCB Ambient Noise Standards of Industrial Area and Residential

Areas.

SOIL ENVIRONMENT:

10 soil sampling locations were selested and analysed.

Physical Characteristics -The physical properties of the soil samples were examined for texture, bulk density,

porosity and water holding capacity. The soil texture found in the study area is Loamy Soil

varying from Moderately Fine Texture to Moderately Coarse Texture and Bulk Density of

Soils in the study area varied between l.I7 to 1.32 grr I cnf .It can be inferred from the Bulk

Density, Water Holding Capacity and Porosity results of the soil samples that the water

retention in the area is found to be medium

Chemical Characteristics -The nature of soil varies from moderately alkaline to strongly alkaline with pH range

8.00 - 8.41. The Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen content in the soil samples range between 1.89

gm/100g to 3.07 grn/100g, which is sufficient as per ICAR classification. The Phosphorus

(gtr/100g) varies between 5.95 - 6.81, which is more than suflicient as per ICAR

classification. The Potash (gml100g) varies between 1.75 to 2.98, which is more than

sufficient as per ICAR. The organic carbon in the study area was also found to be low. Thus

the fertility of the soil in the area can be considered to be low to medium.

Noise Level In dB(A) Dav Equivalent Nieht EquivalentCore Zone (1 Location) 54.3 40.0

CPCB Limits 75 70

Buffer Zone (5 Locations) 50.4 39.9

CPCB Limits 55 45

Page | 13

LAND EI\MIRONMENT:

Land use pattem using recent satellite data were studied for Mining lease area and 10

km buffer zone. From the study it is seen that out of total study area of 36042.5I ha, mostly

covered with Forest (11003.23 }rra) 30.53%. Agriculture, Crop land & Plantation (14011.68

ha) 38.87%, Built-up, urban, Rural, Mining (5537.5 ha) 15.360/0 and water bodies/stream

occupies (512.7 I ha) 1.42%.

FLORA & FAUNA2

Ecological survey was carried out to understand baseline ecological status, important

floristic elements and fauna structure. The project area is reserve forest land and there are

various floral species in the study area.

"The project site does not have any species which fall under the Schedule I of The

Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 or under threatened category of the ruCN Red List of

Threatened Species."

SOCIO ECONOMICS:

Sample survey was done to collect qualitative information about the socio economic

environment of the area. The Study area has all basic amenities such as roads, drinking water

facilities, township, educational institutions, temples, medical facilities & electricity facilities

and was evident during the site visit.

Though agriculture is the main occupation in the surrounding villages, it has provided

employment opportunities to only 50-60% of the families. The remaining population is

depending on other type of emploS/rnent opportunities mainly as labourers.

Page | 14

4. ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS AND MITIGATION MEASURES:

EN\IIRONMENTCOMPONENT

ANTICIPATEDIMPACTS

MITIGATION MEASURES

Land

Environment

o Change intopography and

drainage of lease

area.

o Change in Land use

ofthe lease area.

o Greenbelt development on waste dump,unutilized land & safety barrier.

o The Mine Pit will be used for rainwater storage.

o Proper dump and water management toprevent degradation of surrounding

land.

o Waste material will be stored in the pre

decided place. Quick vegetative cover

to check soil erosion

AirEnvironment

The likely sources forambient air pollutionwith respect toprdect activities are

generation of dust

during mining,transportation of the

material and release

of vehicular exhausts.

Fugitive ' Dust,

Particulate . Matters(PM2.s & PMl0),Sulphur dioxide(SO2) and Oxide ofNitrogen (NO2) have

been identified toassess the impact onambient air quality.

Wet drilling will be practiced

Controlled Blasting will be carried outduring lunch hours when all otheractivities are stalled. Further, blastingwill be carried out under suitableatmospheric conditions (low wind etc.).

All necessary precautions will be

followed as per DGMS guidelines

Before loading of material water will be

sprayed on blasted material.

Dust mask will be provided to the

workers and their use will be strictlymonitored.

Annua1 medical checkups, trainings and

campaigns will be arranged to ensure

awareness about importance of wearingdust masks among all mine workers &tipper drivers.

Water will be sprinkled on haul roads

twice a day to avoid dust generation

during transportation

The speed of dumpers plyrng on the

haul road will be limited below 20

km/hr to avoid generation of dust.

Development of green belt/plantationaround the lease boundary & haul roads

Grading of haul roads and service roads

to clear accumulation of loose materials.

The IIEMM and dumpers will be keptin well-maintained condition so thatemissions will be minimized

Page | 15

WaterEnvironment

Ground water table

intersection;

Changes to the

surface over whichwater flows;

Changes togroundwater resource

quantity and quality

due to contamination

by particulate matter

or waste due to run-off from waste dump

and mining area

Garland drain will be constructed along

with settling pond to remove the

suspended solids from storm water. The

collected water will be used inplantation and spraying on haul roads.

Settling ponds will be designed on the

basis of silt loading, slope of the lease,

detention time required etc.

The over burden dumps will be properlylocated and protected by boundary wallwith deep holes and garland drain

surrounding it so that rain wash material

will be arrested.

Septic tanks and soak pits will be

provided for the disposal of domestic

effluent generated from mine office.

Dump Trucks & IIEMMwill be washed

in a designated area and the washed

water will be routed through drains to asettling pit, which has an oil & grease

trap. The clear water will be reused forgreen belt development.

NOC from CGWA will be obtained and

all necessary conditions imposed will be

fulfilled for abstraction and de-watering.

Noise and

VibrationEnvironment

With miningmachinery likeexcavators and

transportation

vehicles and miningoperations likedrilling and blastingwill it is imperative

that noise levels

would increase

Controlled blasting with proper spacing,

burden, stemming and optimumcharge/delay will be maintained;

The blasting will be carried out during

favourable -atmospheric condition and

less human activity timings by using

nonelectrical initiation system;

Proper maintenance, oiling and greasing

of HEMM to reduce generation of noise;

Providing silencers or enclosures fornoise generating machines;

Sufficient angular stemming material

will be used to confine the explosive

force and minimize environmental

disturbance caused by venting / misflre;

Green Belt/Plantation will be developed

around the project area and along the

haul roads. The plantation minimizespropagation ofnoise;

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

like ear muffs/ear plugs will be provided

to all workers and their use will be

ensured though training and awareness.

Page | 16

Socio - Economic

Aspects

Positive Impacto Impact on Human

Settlement

o Irnpact on Population

Growtho Impact on Civic

Amenitieso Impact on Economic

Aspects

Negative Impacto During operation

phase transportation

will increased due toloading/unloading ofmaterial at project site

o In operation phase ofquarry prdect,fugitive emission willalso increase.

The mining and associated activities willimprove the economic development,

civic amenities, and educational

facilities in the project vicinify. Overall,due to employnent generation and

economic progress, there will be smallscale positive changes in the socio-

economic condition of the people

residing in the vicinity of the project

site.

Total 1017 nos. manpower employeddirectly. Mostly local persons are

employed in the mine. Additionalmanpower requirement in the mine willbe employed from the nearby villages.

Project Proponent will take efforts as a

part of CSR/CER for improvement incivic amenities like sanitation, drinkingwater facilities, transport road, etc. inthe nearby villages.

The employment potential will improve

economic conditions of workers familiesdirectly and provide employment tomany other families indirectly who are

involved in business and service

oriented activities. These will in-turnimproves the quality of life in the

region.

Ensure that roads are properly signed,

vehicles are well maintained and driversare well trained and safety conscious.

Increase awareness of villagers about

risks/pollution and prevention from the

mining activity risk.

Villager/village leader's involvementduring CSR implementation.

Approved pollution control devices willbe installed for the different component

of environment such as water, air, soiletc. which directly or indirectly are the

source of degradation of human

conditi<in.

Page I 17

Occupational

Health&Safety

Exposure to dust can

results in Respiratory

problems.

Physical hazards:

Injuries duringProject operation are

typically related toslips and falls; contact

with falling / movingobjects; and lifting iover-exertion.

Injuries may occur

due to contact with,or capture in, movingmachinery (e.g.

dumpers).

Skict observance of the provisions ofDGMS Acts, Rules and Regulations inrespect of safety both by management

and the workers.

Proper planning and designing of workin order to reduce the risk ofhazards.

Specific instructions and supervisions ofworking where danger due to fall of side

(overhanging, undercutting of bench,

fall of objects from higher

benches/places, working at height isapprehended).

Training of work persons and the

officials.

The width of road will be maintained

more than thrice the width of the

vehicle. A code of traflic rules will be

implemented.

In respect of contract work, safety code

for contractors and workers will be

implemented. They will be allowed towork under skict supervision ofstatutory person/officials only after they

will impart training at vocational

training cenkes. All personal protective

equipment's will be provided to them.

A safety committee meeting everymonth will be organtzed to discuss the

safety of the mines and the persons

employed.

Celebration of annual mines safety weekand environmental week in order todevelop safety awareness amongst

employees.

Pre joining medical check-up shall be

done and regular health check-up in 6

monthly interval is planned for the

employees.

Periodical Medical Examination (PME)

of regular employees and contractual

workers will be conducted yearly.

Yearly Statutory training will be

provided comprising of Refresher, First-aid & Fire Fighting. Non-statutory

trainings about Cost Control, Skill &Efficiency Development, and QualityImprovements etc. will also be provided.

A first-aid room with ambulance is

made available.

Page | 18

5. EI\"VIROIIMENT MONITORING PROGRAMME -

Regular monitoring program for environmental parameters has been carried out and

compliance reports are submitted to Regional Office MoEF & CC. The objective of

monitoring is:

o To check or assess the efficiency of the controlling me:uures;

o To establish a data base for future impact assessment studies.

6. RISK ASSESSMENT & HAZARD *

The components associated with risk and hazard in this case include drilling &

blasting, spoil dump, heavy earth moving machinery and explosive storage. Measures to

reduce and avoid any incidents occurring from the above mentioned components are already

in place and shall continue to do the same as soon as the mine starts working. Proper risk

management plan is in place and shall be regularly monitored and maintained in order to

avoid any kind of untoward incident.

7. PROJECT BENEFITS _

Improvement in physical infrastructure

Improvement in Social Infrastructure

Employment Potential

Company will continue to undertake awareness program and community activities

like health camps, medical aid and family welfare camps

Greenbelt development.

8. EI\'VIRONMENT MANAGEMENT PLAI\ -

The Environmental Management Plan (EMP) is a site specific plan developed based

on the base line environmental status, mining methodology and environmental impact

assessment. The mine will be supervised and controlled by an independent Mines Manager

supported by adequate team of technically and statutorily qualified personnel apart from the

operating staff of skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled and other categories.

a

a

a

a

Page | 19

Arasu Magnesite Mines has formed its Environment Monitoring Cell which is

responsible for the management and implementation of the environmental control measures.

Basically, this deparbnent shall supervise the monitoring of environmental pollution levels

like ambient air quality, water and effluent qualrty, soil quality and noise level by appointing

approved external agencies.

The working conditions in the mines are govemed by the enactrnents of the

Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). The management has taken all necessary

precautions regarding health and safety of workers as per the guidelines of The Mines Act.

Sanitary facilities are provided within the lease area and the management will continue to

carry out periodical health check-up for workers.

The company will also continue to take up development activities as part of CSR &

CER for overall development of the people in and around the area. The activities shall

include medical camps, water supply and improvement of school infrastructure. The

Company has been carrying out CSR Activities in various fields for social welfare around the

pmject site and spent an amount of Rs 335.39 Lalhs till date.

ENVIRONMENT MONITORING PROGRAM

The monitoring schedule along with monitoring parameters, monitoring frequencies

and duration is given in the below table -

SL

IYo,

EnviionmentI .,,*pett

: ,: ,

Action to be FollowedI'requency

Monitorinsi,tocation

1 Air Emissions Ambient air quality within

mioi.rg area and at the

nearby habitations.

PMro, PM25, SOr,

NO*.

Twice in a

weekin core

zone &seasonal

monitoring

being carried

out in core

zone and

buffer zone

once in season

One location

within mining

area &Two

location al

Sengaradu and

Thekkampatti

village

Exhaust from mining

machinery to be minimized

periodic maintenance

Vehicle logs tobe maintained

Quarteriy

Prohibition of overloading

and adoption of covered

transportation of stone

Vehicle logs Daily records Main gate

2 Noise Noise generated fromvarious mining operation

Spot Noise Level

recordinq:

Four times in ayear (Noise

One location

within minine

Page | 20

Parameters forMonitoring

st,No.

Frequency

ofMonitorins

like drilling/ blasting/

vehicular movement to be

optimized and monitored.

L"n(day),

L^^(nishO

level in dB (A)for day and

night time.

arca & Two

location at

Sengaradu and

Thekkampatti

village

Generation of vehicular

noise

Maintain records

ofvehicles

Periodic during

operation

phase

Mine working

area

J Wastewater

Discharge

No untreated discharge to

be made to surface water,

groundwater or soil.

Quality of run-off

water from

settling tank/pond

Periodic during

operation

phase

Garland drains,

settling ponds

4 Drainage and

effluent

Management

Ensure drainage system

and specific desigrr

measures are working

effectively.

Avoid disturbance to the

natural drainage of the

atea.

Visual inspection

of drainage and

records thereof

Periodic during

operation

phase

Surface run-off

from ML area

during rains.

Quality

discharge water,

if any.

5 Water Qualityand Water

Levels

Monitoring of used water

quality & groundwater

quality and levels

Comprehensive

water quality

monitoring as per

IS 10500

Depth of ground

water table

Once in a

quarter

Accumulated

water in mine

pit & ground

water

monitoring from

Mining area and

two location at

Sengaradu and

Thekkampatti

village

6 Emergency

preparedness,

such as fire

fighting

Fire protection and safety

measures to take care offire and explosion hazards,

to be assessed and steps

taken for their prevention.

Mock drill

records, on site

emergency plan,

evacuation plan

Periodic during

operation

phase

Explosive van,

mine machinery

7 Maintenance offlora and fauna

Vegetation, greenbelt Igreen cover development

No. of plants,

species, survival

rate

Periodic during

operation

phase

Greenbelt area

in mine.

8 Waste

Management

Implement waste

management plan and the

procedures for collection,

handling & disposal ofeach waste generated in the

mine.

Records of waste

generation,

treatment and

disposal

Periodic during

operation

phase

Mine lease area

9 Soil quality Conservation of top soil

excavated

Soil fertility, soil

contamination

Periodical

monitoring

Greenbelt area,

top soil area.

10 Health &

Safety

Employees and contractual

labour health check ups

Al1 relevant

parameters

respiration, x ray,

physical fitness,

eye check-up

including HIV

Regular clieck

ups

Mine workings

. Pagel2l

E-nviionment

Aspect .Action to be Followed

Parameters forMonitoring

Location

9. Conclusion -

It is concluded from overall assessment of the impacts, in terrns of positive and

negative effects on various environmental components and considering the fact that the

project area is subjected to mining for more than 80 years and have been implementing

effective environmental pollution conhol measures the mining operations will have limited

impact on the local environment and with effective implementation of the environment

management measures as suggested in the EIA/EMP report and as recommended by MoEF &

CCISEIAA, CPCB and State Pollution Control Board, the negative impacts will be

minimized to a great extent.

To mitigate any impact due to fhs mining activities, a well-planned EMP and a

detailed post project monitoring system is provided for continuous monitoring and immediate

rectification at site. Due to the mining activities, socio economic conditions in and around the

project site have improved substantially and demands continuation of this project.

Thus, in view of considerable benefits from the project, tire continuation of the project

is most advantageous to the surrounding villages, region as well as to the nation.

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