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PRE FEASIBILITY REPORT
DEVARMALAI LIMESTONE MINE
(Captive Use)
Proposed expansion of mining capacity from 0.8 to 2.5 million tons per annum
(Extent of Mining Lease 166.53.5 ha)
Devarmalai and Melapaguthi Villages Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai) Taluk
Karur District Tamilnadu
PROJECT PROPONENT
M/s CHETTINAD CEMENT CORPORATION LIMITED
9th FLOOR, RANI SEETHAI HALL BUILDING
603, ANNA SALAI, CHENNAI-600006
TAMILNADU
EIA CONSULTANT
MINERAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
25/XXV, CLUB ROAD
BELLARY – 583 103
KARNATAKA
1
1. Executive Summary
Company Profile
M/s Chettinad Cement Corporation Limited (Chettinad Cement) is one of the pioneers in
South Indian Cement Industry since five decades and also in other business areas such as
Textile, Steel, Trading, Shipping, Transportation, Stevedoring, Clearing, Forwarding and
Logistics. Currently, Chettinad Cement is operating Integrated Cement Plants at three
locations in Tamilnadu State ( at Puliyur, Karikkali and Ariyalur) and at one location in
Karnataka State (at Kallur). In 2014, Chettinad Cement acquired Anjani Portland Cement
Limited at Chintalapalem in Telangana. The total installed capacity of Chettinad Cement is
16 million tons per annum (mtpa).
Proposed Project
The proposal is to increase the mining capacity of the Devarmalai Limestone Mine from 0.8
to 2.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) within the existing Mining Lease (ML) area to meet the
captive requirement of Limestone for Cement Plants at Karikkali , Ariyalur and Puliyur. The
increased capacity will help to meet the Cement Plants quality requirement of Limestone in
terms of CaO and SiO2 by appropriate blending as the quality of Limestone from the various
existing Captive Limestone Mines varies. Also, a part of shortage of Limestone arising out of
depleting reserves of other existing Captive Limestone Mines mainly in Ariyalur Region will
be met by this expansion.
The Tamilnadu Government granted Mining Lease for Limestone in the year 1989 over an
extent of 166.53.5 hectares in Devarmalai and Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier
Kulithalai) Taluk , Karur District for a period of 20 years from 03.02.1989 to 02.02.2009 . As
per the latest MMDR Amendment Act 2015 ,the validity of ML is extended for 50 years i.e.,
upto 02.02.2039. The Mining operation in this area was commenced on 01.03.1989. For this
mine, the Mining Plan, the subsequent scheme of mining and modified scheme of mining
were approved by IBM. The Environmental Clearance and Consent for operation are
available for a Limestone production of 0.8 mtpa.
2
Need for the Project
The southern region accounts for the largest share in overall Cement production due to the
vast availability of Limestone. Cement consumption varies across regions due to the
differences in the demand‐supply , per capita income and the level of industrial development
in each state. The Government of Tamilnadu has already launched low priced Cement
branded as 'Amma' Cement. The sale of the Amma Cement started in Tiruchi at Rs 190 a bag
through the Tamilnadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC). Sales commenced in five go‐
downs of the TNCSC . The availability of low cost Cement will result in increased
consumption of Cement in the State of Tamilnadu. The expected growth of
Infrastructure/Construction Sector in the country is also set to increase the demand for
Cement. Pan‐India demand for cement is estimated to grow at a robust Compounded Annual
Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7‐8 per cent over the next 5 years, to about 321 million tonnes in
2016‐17 from almost 225 million tonnes in 2011‐12.
The proposed expansion of mining capacity of Devarmalai Limestone Mine from 0.8 to 2.5
million tons of Limestone per annum within the existing Mining Lease area is to meet the
captive requirement of Limestone for Cement Plants at Karikkali, Ariyalur and Puliyur.
The increased capacity will help to meet the Cement Plants quality requirement of
Limestone in terms of CaO and SiO2 by appropriate blending as the quality of Limestone
from the various existing Captive Limestone Mines varies. Also, a part of shortage of
Limestone arising out of depleting reserves of other existing Captive Limestone Mines
mainly in Ariyalur Region will be met by this expansion.
Location
The ML area falls in the Survey of India Topo‐Sheet No. 58 J/2 and bounded by following co‐
ordinates E 78o 09’ 15” to 78o 11’20” and N 10o 44’ 10” to N 10o 44’ 25”. The Devarmalai
Limestone Mine is located at Devarmalai and Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier
Kulithalai) Taluk, Karur District,Tamilnadu and approximately at 7 km Northeast of
Palayam,35 km South of Karur and 45 km North of Dindigul. The Limestone Mine area is
3
well connected to the State Highway between Trichy and Palayam and is also connected to
the broad gauge section of Dindigul ‐ Chennai line of Southern Railway.
There are no ecologically sensitive areas, wildlife sanctuaries or habitats for any specific
wildlife within 10 km radius nor there are any archaeological monuments, installation etc.,
The Toppaiswamimalai Reserve Forest & Kadavur Reserve Forest are located at 8 km from
the Mine in the South direction.
Land Details
The total ML area is 166.53.5 hectares (ha) consisting of 155.01.0 ha of patta land owned by
the company and 11.52.5 ha of Government land in Devarmalai and Melapaguthi Villages of
Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai) Taluk, Karur District , Tamilnadu. No Forest land is involved in the
ML area. The details of individual survey numbers and the extent of land are shown in the
Mining lease granted vide GO No.25 Industries (M2) Dept dated 10.01.1989 by the State
Government of Tamilnadu (enclosed herewith as Annexure 1)
Nature of Land
The ML area is represented by a flat plain having an elevation of 203 m above MSL. The
lowest elevation within the lease is 197 m above MSL which is seen at the Eastern part of the
ML. Thus a very gentle slope towards East exists within the lease. The Limestone outcrops
can be seen in ML area with red soil in between. The area around the ML boundary is dry,
barren or rocky and non‐mineralized terrain.
Limestone Deposit & Reserves
The rocks in the area are crystalline in nature and form part of Great Archaean complex of
peninsular India. The crystalline Limestone and associated rocks appear to be meta‐
sediments. Though the original chemical composition of these sediments has been retained
in some of the bands, at other places these sediments must have interacted intimately with
the other intrusive and have, therefore given rise to rocks of complex composition. The
Limestone out crops stand out above the ground level with red soil in between. The
Limestone band strikes N 45o E – S 45o W trend and dip of the Limestone range from 70o
4
to 75o towards South. M/s. Associated Cement Company had carried out systematic
exploration of the area during the year 1996‐97 drilling 27 exploratory core boreholes and
5 DTH covering almost the entire strike length. Additionally during the year 2008‐09, M/s
Holtec Consulting Services (Private) Limited had drilled 117 numbers of DTH to assess the
depth and quality of Limestone. Further, during 2013‐14, exploratory drilling was done by
M/s Holtec Consulting Services (Private) Limited ( 34 core drilling boreholes at 200 m grid for
a total meterage of 3001) which confirmed the availability of Limestone upto a depth of
90 m. Based on the exploration and the surface outcrops, geological plan has been prepared
on 1:2000 scale .Geological cross sections and reserves have been estimated under UNFC
Classification.
Summary of Reserves
Category of Reserves Qty
(in million tonnes)
Grade
Detailed Exploration – G1 51.554 Cement Grade
General Exploration – G2 3.203 Cement Grade
Prospecting ‐ G3 4.143 Cement Grade
Total Reserves + Resources = 58.90 million tones
Further detailed explorations planned by 2019, will establish availability Cement Grade
Limestone upto a depth of 90 m and the total reserves will go up extending the life of this
mine further.
Mining Process
The proposed method/process of mining for the expanded capacity of the Mine is the same
as the one followed currently. Mining operations will be carried out by fully mechanized
opencast method. For drilling, pneumatically operated wagon drills will be used in
combination with the diesel‐operated compressors. The diameter of drill hole will be 110
mm. The depth of the holes will vary from 9.0 m to 11.0 m. The spacing and burden will be of
3m each . The bench height will be 10 m. Blasting will be carried out with Slurry booster
5
explosives and ANFO. In a single blast 30 to 50 holes will be blasted. Charge per delay is 350
kg. Electric delay detonators with detonating fuse will be used for charging of holes with
explosives. As and when the necessity arises, even advanced technology of non‐electric
initiation system of blasting with shock tube detonators in combination with noise less trunk
delays will be used. The blasted Limestone will be excavated with the help of hydraulic
excavators. The excavated material will be loaded into 25 tons Tippers and transported
directly to Cement Plants outside ML area.
The total excavated area will be around 146.23.5 ha at the end of the life of the mines. About
36.0 million tons of sideburden (rejects) generated will be backfilled covering an area of
40.00.0 ha of the mined out area. The remaining area will be converted into rain water
harvesting reservoirs and the harvested water will be used for afforestation and dust
suppression. The water in the pits will also replenish the ground water table.
Environmental Protection
The Red Soil removed during mining operations will be stacked separately and will be
utilized for afforestation programme, stabilizing waste dumps and formation of bunds along
the boundary. The expected air pollution (mainly dust release), water pollution , noise
pollution and ground vibrations due to this proposed expansion of mining activity will be
minimal as mitigation measures such as regular water spraying on the transport roads,
development of wide green belts along the boundary of ML area and in the safety barriers,
proper maintenance of roads and the mining machinery & equipment, controlled blasting
techniques, erection of check dams, retaining walls, provision of garland drains with settling
tank will be ensured. There will be no adverse effects on flora & fauna as the surrounding
area is mostly barren covered with shrubs only and not a hiding place for wild life. The
overburden consists of non‐toxic material which will be stacked within the ML area with
proper environmental protective measures, such as grass turfing, retaining wall with
garland drain etc.,. The groundwater level is at 50 m below ground level. The sideburden
( rejects) will be backfilled into portion of the worked out portion of the pits. The company
proposes to spend Rs. 8.0 lakhs on environmental protection, monitoring and greenbelt
development, and Rs 1.5 lakhs per annum on health & safety.
6
Employment
This mine will provide employment for about 68 people (as per modified Scheme of Mining)
by both direct employment which include mine officials, skilled, semi skilled and unskilled
labour and indirect employment, in contractual works & transport. The applicant will play a
proactive role in enhancing the employability of the job seekers of the nearby area by
providing various training.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
The lessee will provide social benefits like drinking water, health care measures , training for
self‐employment, repair & maintenance of the village roads, maintenance of school
buildings, awarding scholarships for higher studies to the meritorious backward class
students, supply of free books and uniforms to the socially deprived class of students in the
neighbouring villagers . Also by this increased production of Limestone, the Government
will get additional revenue in terms of taxes/royalty etc.,.
This project is expected to yield a positive impact on the surrounding area .Hence, the
increase in production of Limestone from this mine is fully justified.
2. Introduction of the project/ Background information
(i) Identification of project and project proponent.( In case of mining project, a copy of
ML or Letter of Indent should be given)
M/s Chettinad Cement Corporation Limited (Chettinad Cement ) was incorporated in
the year 1962 and the commercial production was commenced in the year 1967.
Chettinad Cement is operating three Integrated Cement Plants in Tamilnadu with a total
installed capacity 11.7 million tons of Cement per annum. The Puliyur Cement Plant at
Karur Taluk & District is with an installed capacity of 1.7 million tons of Cement per
annum, the Karikkali Cement Plant at Vedasandur Taluk, Dindigul District is with an
installed capacity of 4.5 million tons of Cement per annum and the Ariyalur Cement
Plant at Ariyalur Taluk and District is with an installed capacity of 5.5 million tons of
Cement per annum. Other than Tamilnadu, one Integrated Cement Plant at Kallur &
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Sangem Villages , Chincholi Taluk , Gulbarga District , Karnataka State with an installed
capacity of 2.5 million tons of Cement per annum was commissioned in the year 2012.
Chettinad Cement also acquired Anjani Portland Cement Limited in 2014, which is
located at Mellacheruvu Mandal, Nalgonda District, Telangana State , having an installed
capacity of 1.925 million tons of Cement per annum.
The Tamilnadu Government s granted Mining Lease in the year 1989 vide G.O.No.25
Industries (M2) Dept dated 10.01.1989 ( a copy of G.O. is enclosed in Annexure‐1),over
an extent of 166.53.5 hectares in Devarmalai and Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur
(earlier Kulithalai) Taluk, Karur District for a period of 20 years from 03.02.1989 to
02.02.2009. As per the latest MMDR Amendment Act 2015 ,the validity of ML is
extended for 50 years i.e., upto 02.02.2039. The Mining operation in this area was
commenced on 01.03.1989 , after the execution of the Mining Lease deed .
The proposal is to increase the mining capacity of the Devarmalai Limestone Mine from
0.8 to 2.5 million tons per annum (mtpa) within the existing Mining Lease (ML) area to
meet the captive requirement of Limestone for Cement Plants at Karikkali , Ariyalur and
Puliyur. The increased capacity will help to meet the Cement Plants quality requirement
of Limestone in terms of CaO and SiO2 by appropriate blending as the quality of
Limestone from the various existing Captive Limestone Mines varies. Also, a part of
shortage of Limestone arising out of depleting reserves of other existing Captive
Limestone Mines mainly in Ariyalur Region will be met by this expansion.
The lessee has obtained the Environmental clearance from Ministry of Environmental
Forest, New Delhi vide letter No.J‐11015/414/2006‐IA II (M) dated 12.09.2007 and the
Consent for Operation from Tamilnadu Pollution Control Board for the Devarmalai
Limestone Mine for 0.8 million tons of Limestone per annum . The Mining Plan of ML
has been approved by IBM vide letter No. TN/KRR/MP/LST1680 SZ dated 11.03.2008.
Subsequently the Scheme of Mining have been approved by IBM vide letter No.
TN/KRR/LST/MS‐1032 MDS dated 15.05.2014 and modified Scheme of Mining IBM vide
letter No. TN/KRR/LST/MS‐1241 .MDS dated 01.06.2015. A detailed exploration has
been carried out, which confirmed adequate reserves. EC from MoEF & CC is being
8
sought for the expansion of production capacity of Devarmalai Limestone Mine from
0.8 to 2.5 mtpa within the existing ML area.
(ii) Brief description of nature of the project
M/s Chettinad Cement Corporation Limited was granted a ML over an area 166.53.5 ha
for Captive Limestone Mining to meet its captive requirement of Limestone. The ML is
located in Devarmalai & Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai) Taluk,
Karur District of Tamil Nadu. The ML area falls in Survey of India Topo‐sheet no. 58 J/2
and bounded by following co‐ordinates.
S.No Village Longitude Lattitude
1 Devarmalai
E 78o 09’ 15” to 78o 11’20”
N 10o 44’ 10” to N 10o 44’ 25” 2 Melapaguthi
The proposal is for expansion of mining capacity of existing Devarmalai Limestone
Mine from 0.8 to 2.5 mtpa to meet the captive requirement of Limestone for the
Cement Plants.
The proposed mining process/method for the expanded capacity of the Mine is the
same as the one followed currently. Mining operations will be carried out by fully
mechanized opencast method involving drilling and blasting. The fragmented material
will be loaded into 25 ton tippers using hydraulic excavator . The loaded material will be
transported to the Cement Plants for captive consumption to produce Cement.
The total excavated area will be around 146.23.5 ha at the end of the life of the mines.
About 36.0 million tons of sideburden (rejects) generated will be backfilled covering
40.00.0. ha of the mined out area. The remaining area will be converted into rain water
harvesting reservoirs and the harvested water will be used for afforestation and dust
suppression purposes. The water in the pits will also replenish the ground water table.
9
(iii) Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region
The southern region accounts for the largest share in overall Cement production due to
the vast availability of Limestone. Cement consumption varies across regions due to the
differences in the demand‐supply, per capita income and the level of industrial
development in each state. The Government of Tamilnadu has already launched low
priced Cement branded as 'Amma' Cement. The sale of the Amma Cement started in
Tiruchi at Rs 190 a bag through the Tamilnadu Civil Supplies Corporation (TNCSC). Sales
commenced in five godowns of the TNCSC . The availability of low cost Cement will
result in increased consumption of Cement in the State of Tamilnadu. India has a lot of
potential for development in the infrastructure and construction sector and the cement
sector is expected to largely benefit from the same. Some of the recent major
government initiatives such as development of smart cities are expected to provide a
major boost to Infrastructure/Construction sectors. Pan‐India demand for cement is
estimated to grow at a robust Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 7‐8 per cent
over the next 5 years, to about 321 million tonnes in 2016‐17 from almost 225 million
tonnes in 2011‐12.
The proposed expansion of mining capacity of existing Devarmalai Limestone Mine from
0.8 to 2.5 million tons of Limestone per annum is to meet the captive requirement of
Limestone for Chettinad Cement Plants. The additional revenue in terms of
taxes/royalty to the Government and the further socio‐economic developments near
the vicinity of the project site are the benefits expected from this project.
(iv) Demand‐Supply Gap
The demand for Cement is closely related to the growth in the Infrastructure/
Construction sector. Consequently, Cement demand has been posting a healthy growth
rate propelled by the increased thrust on infrastructure development and the higher
demand from the housing sector & industrial projects. This trend is likely to continue in
the coming years.
10
In India, the demand from the infrastructure segment is projected to grow at a robust
CAGR of 10‐11 per cent over the next 5 years, supported mainly by the government's
thrust on infrastructure development. This segment is expected to account for about 23
per cent of total Cement demand over 2012‐13 to 2016‐17.
Though the housing sector will continue to be the dominant consumer of Cement,
CRISIL Research expects its share to be about 58 per cent over the next 5 years. The
demand from urban housing is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5‐6 per cent over the
next 5 years, largely led by new projects. Demand from rural housing projects is likely to
grow at a CAGR of 4‐5 per cent, as rising rural incomes and higher government
investments boost Cement demand in the rural and semi‐urban regions.
CRISIL Research expects around 70 million tonnes of Cement capacities to be
commissioned from 2012‐13 to 2016‐17. This is close to one‐fifth of India's current
cement capacity (India's total installed cement capacity stood at 315‐320 million tonnes
in 2011‐12). The total demand of Cement is expected to be met by the available capacity
and the additional capacities proposed.
(v) Imports Vs Indigenous production
The landed cost of imported Cement mainly depends on the taxes/duties levied and
already representations have been made to Union Ministry to provide a level playing
field to the Cement Industry. With adequate in‐house capacity, the entire requirement
of Cement can be met from indigenous production of Cement.
(vi) Export Possibility
India, the world's second largest Cement manufacturer, currently exports two to three
per cent of its production and that is mainly in the form of clinker, an input for Cement
making, to neighbouring countries . The countries like Indonesia, UAE, Nepal and
Bangladesh now, have set up their own grinding units. Nepal has increased customs
duty, leaving Indian exports unviable.
11
(vii) Domestic / Export Markets
With the expected growth of Infrastructure/Housing sectors the domestic market of
Cement is bound to grow . The export market may not see much increase.
(viii) Employment Generation (Direct and Indirect) due to the project
The anticipated employment likely to be generated, is given in the table below. It
includes managerial & supervisory staff directly employed by the company and skilled,
semi skilled workers on contract basis.
Manpower Calculation for Devarmalai Limestone Mine
S.No. Operations Number of Persons required per day
Direct Contract
1 Mines Manager 1
2 Assistant Mines Manager & Mining
Engineer 2
3 Geologist 1
4 Mines Foreman 3
5 Electrical Foreman 1
6 Mechanical Engineer 1
7 Mechanical Foreman 1
8 Drillers 5
9 Blaster 1
10 H.E.O 6
11 Mechanic cum Fitter 3
12 Helpers, Mazdoors 4
13 Electrician 1
14 Watchman Cum Challan issuer 2
15 Explosive Van & Tractor Driver 1
16 Clerk 1
Total 10 24
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Cement Plan
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13
The ML is located at Devarmalai & Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai)
Taluk, Karur District in Tamilnadu and approximately about 35 kms South of Karur, 45
kms North of Dindigul and 7 kms of Northeast of Palayam. The Limestone Mine area is
well connected to the State highway between Trichy and Palayam. Devarmalai
Limestone Mine is connected on broad gauge section of Dindigul ‐ Chennai line of
Southern Railway. The ML area falls in the Survey of India Topo‐Sheet No. 58 J/2 and
bounded by following co‐ordinates.
S.No Village Longitude Lattitude
1 Devarmalai
E 78o 09’ 15” to 78o 11’20”
N 10o 44’ 10” to N 10o 44’ 25” 2 Melapaguthi
(iii) Details of alternate sites considered and the basis of selecting the proposed site,
particularly the environmental considerations gone into should be highlighted.
This proposal is to increase the capacity of existing mining operations within the existing
ML area at Devarmalai & Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai) Taluk, Karur
District in Tamilnadu. The ML area consists of non forest dry Patta land & Government
land. There are no eco‐sensitive area or wildlife sanctuaries located within 10 km of ML.
The Toppaiswamimalai Reserve Forest & Kadavur Reserve Forest are located at 8 km
from the Mine in the South direction. The fauna that noticed within the buffer zone are
common varieties like fox rat etc., and no endangered species are found in the study
area. As this is an expansion proposal within the existing ML area, the requirement of
evaluating alternate sites does not arise.
(iv) Size or magnitude of operation.
It is proposed to increase the quantum of Limestone Mining from 0.8 million tons per
annum to 2.5 million tons per annum in the existing ML area of 166.53.5 ha.
14
(v) Project description with process details (a schematic diagram/ flow chart showing the
project layout, components of the project etc. should be given)
The brief details of the mining process are given below.
Drilling
For drilling, pneumatically operated wagon drills will be used in combination with the
diesel‐operated compressors. The diameter of drill hole will be 110 mm. Deep hole
blasting will be carried with Wagon drills. The depth of the holes will vary from 9.0 m to
11.0 m. The spacing and burden will be of 3m each . The bench height will be 10m.
Blasting
Blasting will be carried out with slurry booster explosives and ANFO. The blasting will be
restricted to two to three rows of drilling with each row consisting of 10 to 12 holes. In a
single blast 30 to 50 holes will be blasted. Charge per delay will be 350 kg. Electric delay
detonators with detonating fuse will be used for charging of holes with explosives. As
15
and when the necessity arises, even advanced technology of non‐electric initiation
system of blasting with shock tube detonators in combination with noise less trunk
delays will also be used. The blasted Limestone will be excavated with hydraulic
excavators. The excavated material will be loaded in to the 25 tons Tippers. The loaded
Limestone stone will be transported to the Cement Plants.
Sequence of mining operation
a. The top soil & waste material face advancing will be done by backhoe
excavator
b. Primary breaking of rock will be done by conventional drilling and blasting
operations, using deep hole drilling and blasting techniques
c. Backhoe excavator will be engaged for handling/loading material into tippers
& dumpers
d. Transportation of ore from the mines to the Cement Plants will be through
tippers
e. Water spraying on haul roads and mine roads will be done regularly using
water tanker
(vi) Raw material required along with estimated quantity, likely source, marketing area of
final product/s, Mode of transport of raw Material and Finished Product
As the proposal is basically for mining , there is no requirement of any specific raw
material. The Limestone mined will be the final product and the same will be used as
raw material in the Cement Plant. The Limestone will be transported through tippers of
25 tons capacity directly to the Cement Plants.
(vii) Resource optimization/ recycling and reuse envisaged in the project, if any, should be
briefly outlined
The entire ROM i.e., the Limestone produced from the mine will be transported to the
Cement Plants for the production of Cement. The Limestone from Devarmalai Limestone
16
will be blended with the low quality Limestone from other Captive Limestone Mines of
Chettinad Cement to meet the quality requirement of Limestone for Cement Plants and
conserve the Limestone reserves without wasting the low quality Limestone. The
sideburden (rejects) generated will be temporarily stacked within the ML area at
specified locations and will be used for back‐filling the portion of the worked out
portions of the excavated pits. The Red Soil removed during mining operations will be
stacked separately and will be utilized for afforestation programme, stabilizing waste
dumps and formation of bunds along the boundary.
(viii) Availability of water its source, Energy/ power requirement and source should be
given
The ground water will be encountered below 50 m from the surface. Presently only
rain water entering the mine pits needs to be pumped during the monsoon months. The
average rainfall per year in the area is 700 mm.
The water requirement for spraying on the haul roads and for plantation will be 80 KLD
which will be met from the rainwater collected in the pits. The domestic requirement of
5 KLD for drinking water/toilet will be met from the bore‐ well available in the area
owned by the company , adjacent to the ML. Thus, the total water requirement will be
85 KLD.
Garland drains will be made all along the periphery of temporary dump sites to prevent
the water carrying the wash‐offs from the dumps and the topsoil yard ,entering into the
mines. The water collected in the garland drains will flow to a settling tank formed
nearby by the dumpsite. The water will be allowed to settle the wash offs from the
dumps in the settling tank and this clear water will also be utilized for afforestation
purposes and for wetting of haul roads to arrest the dust generation.
One Diesel Generator Set of 50 kva will be used to meet the electricity requirement for
pumping water from pits. The Diesel requirement for the DG Set is 120 litres per day.
17
(ix) Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and scheme for their
Management/disposal
As the sideburden (rejects) generated will be in the form of rocky boulders, the dump
slopes will be kept at 450. The waste dump yard will be suitably benched. The total
excavated area at conceptual stage will be around 146.23.5 ha at the end of the life of
the mines. About 36.0 million tons of sideburden (rejects) will be backfilled covering
40.00.0 ha of the mined out area. The remaining area will be converted into rain water
harvesting reservoirs and the harvested water will be used for afforestation. The
rainwater in the pits will replenish the ground water table. The Red Soil removed during
mining operations will be stacked separately and will be utilized for afforestation
programme, stabilizing waste dumps and formation of bunds along the boundary
(x) Schematic representations of the feasibility drawing which give information of EIA
purpose
The Feasibility Drawing showing the information for EIA purpose is enclosed herewith
as Annexure 2.
4. Site Analysis
(i) Connectivity.
The ML is located at Devarmalai & Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai)
Taluk, Karur District in Tamilnadu. The ML area falls in the Survey of India Topo‐Sheet
No. 58 J/2.
The Devarmalai Limestone mines is located approximately at 7 km Northeast of
Palayam town, 35 Kms South of Karur and 45 Kms North of Dindigul. The Limestone
mines area is well connected to the State highway between Trichy and Palayam.
Devarmalai Limestone Mines is connected on broad gauge section of Dindigul ‐
Chennai line of Southern Railway.
The Trichy Airport is at a distance 60 km from the Mine.
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(ii) Land Form, Land Use and Land ownership
The ML for Captive Limestone Mining over an Extent of 166.53.5 ha is consisting of
Patta & Government land. The Patta lands are owned by the company. No forest land is
involved. The area is dry, barren and rocky with isolated patches of thorny bushes.
Activities As on
date
(in ha)
End of Scheme
Period ( in ha)
End of life
(in ha)
Remarks
Mining Pit 16.04.0 31.54.0 106.23.5
(backfilled area not
included)
Back filling 0.00.0 0.00.0 40.00.0
( backfilled from
excavated area)
Overburden
Dump
3.85.0 13.40.0 0.00.0
Green belt 1.80.0 4.30.0 19.30.0
Infrastructure 1.00.0 1.00.0 0.00.0
Roads 1.00.0 1.00.0 1.00.0
Undisturbed
Area
142.84.5 115.29.5 0.00.0
Total 166.53.5 166.53.5 166.53.5
(iii) Topography (along with map)
The Devarmalai ML area is represented by a flat plain having an elevation of 203 m
above MSL. The lowest elevation within the lease is 197 m above MSL which is seen at
the East part of the lease. Thus a very gentle slope towards East exists within the lease.
The general slope of the terrain is towards East . The Limestone outcrops are noticed in
the ML area with red soil in between. There are no perennial water courses within the
ML. A seasonal nallah paases through the ML area from Southwest to Northeast.
Rainwater flows towards NE.
The Mining Lease area consists of Patta land & Government land. There is no
forestland within the lease area. The Toppaiswamimalai Reserve Forest & Kadavur
19
Reserve Forest are located at 8 km from the Mine in the South direction. The area
around the ML boundary is dry, barren or rocky and non‐mineralized terrain.
Topo Map (10 km radius)
(iv) Existing land use pattern (agriculture, non‐agriculture, forest, water bodies (including
area under CRZ), shortest distances from the periphery of the project to periphery of
the forests, national park, wild life sanctuary, eco sensitive areas, water bodies
(distance from the HFL of the river), CRZ. In case of notified industrial area, a copy of
the Gazette notification should be given
The ML area is dry, barren and rocky with isolated patches of thorny bushes and is not
having any forest land or water body. Within lease hold area, there is no village and
hamlet. There are no national park, wild life sanctuary, eco sensitive areas, perennial
water bodies or CRZ within 10 km of the ML. The Toppaiswamimalai Reserve Forest &
10 km Topo Map
20
Kadavur Reserve Forest are located at 8 km from the Mine in the South direction. The
ML was granted by Government of Tamilnadu.
Existing Land use pattern of the Area in ha.
Activities As on date
Mining Pit 16.04.0
Back filling 0.00.0
Overburden Dump 3.85.0
Green belt 1.80.0
Infrastructure 1.00.0
Roads 1.00.0
Undisturbed Area 142.84.5
Total 166.53.5
(v) Existing Infrastructure
As the proposal is for expansion of existing mine’s capacity, the infrastructure such as
road linkage, drinking water,etc are already available.
(vi) Soil classification
The Limestone outcrops are noticed in the ML area with red soil in between.The soil
type is very shallow, somewhat excessively drained, loamy soils . The red soil removed
during mining operations will be stacked separately and will be utilized for afforestation
programme ,stabilizing waste dumps and formation of bunds along the boundary of ML.
Red Soil Quality
Rock type Parameters ( in %)
SiO2 Al2O3 Fe2O3 CaO MgO LSF
Red soil 84 3.80 2.80 4 0 1.60
21
(vii) Climatic data from Secondary Sources
The temperature varies from 21.5°C to 41.5 °C. During May, a maximum wind speed
of 4.82 km/hour and during September a maximum value of 3.32 km/hour have been
recorded. The predominant wind directions recorded are SW during post monsoon, NE
during winter and SW during monsoon. The relative Humidity varies from 67.2 % to
69.2%. A rainfall of 700 mm per year has been observed. Nearest Meteorological
station is available at Kadavur.
(viii) Social Infrastructure available
The villagers are having basic amenities like schools, power supply, roads, drinking
water supply, communication facilities etc.,
5. Planning Brief
(i) Planning Concept (type of industries, facilities. transportation etc) Town and Country
Planning/Development authority Classification
The proposal is for expansion of capacity of existing mining operations. The mined
Limestone will be transported through tippers to the Cement Plants. As it is an existing
mine, the infrastructure facilities like road, drinking water are already available.
(ii) Population Projection
There will be not much of inrush of population from outside area into the nearby
villages, except for a marginal increase due to employment opportunities.
(iii) Land use planning (breakup along with green belt etc)
The approximate land use at different stages including conceptual stage is as given
below.
22
Activities As on date
(in ha)
End of Scheme
Period ( in ha)
End of life
(in ha)
Remarks
Mining Pit 16.04.0 31.54.0 106.23.5
(backfilled area not
included)
Back filling 0.00.0 0.00.0 40.00.0
( backfilled from
excavated area)
Overburden
Dump
3.85.0 13.40.0 0.00.0
Green belt 1.80.0 4.30.0 19.30.0
Infrastructure 1.00.0 1.00.0 0.00.0
Roads 1.00.0 1.00.0 1.00.0
Undisturbed
Area
142.84.5 115.29.5 0.00.0
Total 166.53.5 166.53.5 166.53.5
(iv) Assessment of Infrastructure Demand (Physical § Social)
The already available road facility will be used. There will not be any need for rail
connectivity. The power requirement will be met from DG Set. The colony facility is
available adjacent to Karikkali Cement Plant, outside ML area. The facilities like laying of
roads, drinking water supply, medical care etc., will be provided to the nearby villages
through CSR.
(v) Amenities/Facilities
The drinking water, toilets, rest room, first aid Facilities are available. Other amenities
like Colony, Recreation Hall etc., are available adjacent to Karikkali Cement Plant,
outside the ML area.
23
6. Proposed Infrastructure
(i) Industrial Area (Processing Area)
The total mining Lease area is 166.53.5 ha. The excavated area at conceptual stage will
be 146.23.5 ha , out of which 40.00.0 ha backfilled with sideburden (rejects). Further
an area of 1 ha will be used for roads.
(ii) Residential Area (Non Processing Area)
The colony is available adjacent to the Karikkali Cement Plant , outside the ML area.
(iii) Greenbelt
Already greenbelt has been developed covering an area of 2.00.0 ha with 1000 saplings.
The current survival rate is 80%. During the ensuing scheme period, it is proposed to
develop green belt covering an additional area 2.0 ha of area with 4000 tree species. At
the end of conceptual stage ,the greenbelt will be developed along the boundary of the
ML and in the safety barriers, covering an area of about 19.30.0 ha. The local tree
species will be planted in three rows with a spacing of 2.5mx 2.5 m. In between the tree
species bush and shrub varieties will be planted.
(iv) Social Infrastructure
The initiatives to improve the social infrastructure in the nearby villages will include
providing the facilities for drinking water, health care, repair & maintenance of the
village roads, maintenance of school buildings etc., The company proposes to spend Rs.
3.5 lakhs per annum for socio economic development of the nearby area.
(v) Connectivity (Traffic and Transportation Road/ Rail/Metro/Water ways etc)
The ML is located at Devarmalai & Melapaguthi Villages of Kadavur (earlier Kulithalai)
Taluk, Karur District in Tamilnadu and approximately at 7 km Northeast of Palayam
town, 35 mms South of Karur and 45 kms North of Dindigul. The Limestone mines area
is well connected to the State highway between Trichy and Palayam. Devarmalai
24
Limestone Mines is also connected on broad gauge section of Dindigul ‐ Chennai line of
Southern Railway.
The Trichy Airport is at a distance of 60 km from the Mine.
(vi) Drinking Water Management (Source & Supply of water)
Drinking water requirement of 5 KLD will be met from bore‐well available in the area
owned by the company, adjacent to ML area.
(vii) Sewerage System
The sewage treatment system includes septic tank followed dispersion trench.
(viii) Industrial Waste Management
No industrial waste is generated from the mine.
(ix) Solid Waste Management
The sideburden (rejects) generated will be in the form of rocky boulders. The dump
slopes will be kept at 450. The waste dump yard will be suitably benched. The grass will
be planted on the slope for stabilisation. The total excavated area at conceptual stage
will be around 146.23.5 ha at the end of the life of the mines. About 36.0 million tons of
sideburden (rejects) will be backfilled covering 40.00.0 ha of the mined out area. The
red soil removed during mining operations will be stacked separately and will be
utilized for afforestation programme ,stabilizing waste dumps and formation of bunds
along the boundary of ML.
(x) Power Requirement & Supply / source
One Diesel Generator Set of 50 kva will be used to meet the electricity requirement for
pumping water from pits. The Diesel requirement for the DG Set is 120 litres per day.
25
7. Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R Plan)
(i) Policy to be adopted (Central/State) in respect of the project affected persons including
home oustees, land oustees and landless labour (A brief outline to be given)
The proposal is to enhance the capacity of the existing mining capacity within the
existing ML area. Hence, there is no R & R issue.
8. Project Schedule and Cost Estimates
(i) Likely date of start of construction and likely date of completion (Time schedule for
the Project to be given)
The proposed expansion of mining capacity does not involve any construction activity
as existing infrastructures available are sufficient. The enhancement of production will
be taken up after obtaining Environmental Clearance and Consent for Operation.
(ii) Estimated project cost and along with analysis in terms of economic viability of the
project
The total cost of the entire project is furnished below.
a. Mine Project cost
Cost of existing Land & infrastructure : Rs.190.00 lakhs (No increase)
b. Operating cost for per ton of Limestone Mining
Cost of Production per ton of Limestone : Rs.281.00
c. EMP Cost
Environmental Protection Measures, Monitoring,
Greenbelt Development : Rs. 8.00 lakhs /annum
Social Welfare Measures (CSR) : Rs.3.50 Lakhs /annum
Occupational health and safety measures : Rs.1.50 Lakhs /annum
