Biological reclamation in opencast mines,122MN0707 (1).pptx

Biological reclamation in opencast mines

1. Surface Mine  Environmental Engineering RITIK KUMAR SAH 122mn0707 Biological reclamation in opencast mines

2. Contents Introduction Objectives Case Studies Conclusion References

3. Introduction Reclamation is defined as "the making of land fit for cultivation". However, to reclaim is defined as "to bring back to a proper state". This definition does not imply returning to an original state but rather to a useful one. In British terminology, reclamation means the recovery of derelict land (abandoned industrial land including that from mining) to usefulness.

4. O bjectives It's crucial to make mine-disturbed land environmentally stable to transfer an unpolluted environment and natural resources to the next generations. However, when a demolished land is left with its own, it may take years and years to recover and reach an ecological balance. During this period, these lands need human hands for reclamation and recovery. Therefore, post-mining reclamation works aim to regain the landscape's fertility, ecologic, and economic values.

5. Aim, importance, and necessity of reclamation The fundamental objectives of mine reclamation are: to eliminate health and safety hazards (i.e., removal of all facilities and structures threatening human health and safety), to restore impacted land and water resources (i.e., progressive re-vegetation and stabilization of residues to reduce the potential of acid mine drainage or water contamination n), to eliminate off-site environmental impacts (i.e., cleaning up sites to conform to the community’s surrounding landscape), to ensure that post-mining land has a feasible self-sustaining future for both environmental and socio-economic benefits (i.e., developing publicly owned land for recreation, historic purposes, conservation purposes, or open space benefits, or for constructing public facilities in communities), to encourage better use of energy and natural resources, and to guarantee sustained mining operations.

6. Reclamation and rehabilitation of waste dump by eco-restoration techniques at Thakurani iron ore mines in Odisha Conducted by Ranjan et al. (2016) on eco-restoration at Thakurani iron ore mines, Odisha. Causes degradation of topography, air, water, soil, vegetation, and human health. After mining, landscape restoration is essential to minimize environmental damage. Reclamation and rehabilitation of waste dumps are gaining international attention. The Ministry of Environment & Forest ( MoEF ), State Pollution Control Boards, and Department of Mines & Geology have set rules and regulations for proper mine rehabilitation.

7. The Thakurani Iron Ore Mines of M/s Sarda Mines (P) Limited is a large capacity mine within the Odisha state in India and carrying out mining activity since 2001. The mine is located in parts of Sayabali and Balita villages and adjoining reserve forest of Champua Range, Keonjhar Forest Division. Figures 2 and 3 depict the topographic view of the Thakurani Iron ore Mines and location for implementation of Miyawaki method of plantation. Topographic view of Thakurani Iron Ore Mines, Block-B of Sarda Mines (P) Ltd., Barbil (see online version for colours)

8. Site location for implementation of Miyawaki method of plantation

9. Growth of local (host) species with respect to Periphery Reclamation and rehabilitation of waste dumps using eco-restoration is crucial for sustainable mining. The Miyawaki reforestation method, applied in Odisha’s Thakurani Iron Ore Mines, showed superior results over traditional techniques. After 1 and 3 years, plant biodiversity increased, and survival rates reached 87% compared to 72% in traditional methods. Analytical results indicated faster tree growth, especially in early successional species, making Miyawaki a more effective approach for ecological restoration.

10. A Case Study of Mine Land Reclamation Sankhali iron ore Mine, Goa

11. Traditional approach for Mine land reclamation Waste dump stabilization using laterite cover, garland drain, etc.  Planting hardy plants species like Eucalyptus, acacia with the sole aim to green the area and create a biomass without consideration to Biodiversity or community use . No consideration for post mine closure land use

12. Waste Dump Management Detailed survey of the area is carried out for preparing dump design and systematic drainage plan before the commencement of dumping. Dumping is planned in stages and covered with lateritic material to prevent surface wash off.   Critical dump slopes are stabilized by using Geo-textiles and Vetiver grass.

13. Land Reclamation CONTROL SOIL EROSION EROSION   DUMP STABILIZATION FRESHLY LAID GEOTEXTILE CONTROL WATER POLLUTION PLANTATION GROWING ON A GEOTEXTILES LADEN DUMP Ensures green ground cover for erosion control as well as for soil enrichment Higher survival rate for tree species 

14. Afforestation Inhouse Root Trainer Nursery catering 2 lakhs sapling/annum  Root trainers for growing healthy saplings with developed root system.  R & D Efforts   Biotechnological Approach for improving the survival rate of native spp on the mine rejects – Research project with NEERI & In house replication of same  Research project with Goa University for mass culture growth of Ectomycorrhizae for improving the survival of native species

15. CONCLUSION Mine reclamation is a crucial process aimed at restoring degraded mining lands to a sustainable and ecologically balanced state. The case studies of Thakurani Iron Ore Mines in Odisha and Sanquelim Iron Ore Mine in Goa highlight the successful implementation of scientific reclamation methods, including afforestation, soil restoration, and biodiversity management. At Thakurani Iron Ore Mines , the Miyawaki method was adopted to restore vegetation and promote rapid ecological succession. The systematic approach, including soil preparation, species selection, and regular monitoring, led to high survival rates of native plant species, contributing to the revival of the local ecosystem. Similarly, the Sanquelim Iron Ore Mine demonstrated a proactive mine closure strategy, focusing on afforestation, water conservation, and infrastructure repurposing. The extensive plantation efforts and biodiversity management plan helped transform mined-out land into a thriving habitat, supporting both flora and fauna. These case studies emphasize that scientific planning, community engagement, and ecosystem-based approaches are essential for effective mine reclamation. By integrating sustainable practices, it is possible to mitigate the adverse impacts of mining and ensure long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits.

16. References https://cdn.cseindia.org/userfiles/Mine-Reclamation-&-Restoration-at-Sesa-Goa-Mahesh-Patil.pdf https://www.researchgate.net/publication/306242805_Reclamation_and_rehabilitation_of_waste_dump_by_eco-restoration_techniques_at_Thakurani_iron_ore_mines_in_Odisha https://www.intechopen.com/books/advances-in-landscape-architecture/reclamation-of-degraded-landscapes-due-to-opencast-mining https://www.cmpdi.co.in/docfiles/CIL_Land_Reclamation_MT5_2016_Web.pdf http://www.westerncoal.in/sites/default/files/userfiles/wcl_land_reclamation_2018.pdf