Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.

0 MTPA

Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd.

Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines
Proposed Enhancement in Production Quantity
From 10,00,000 Tons/Annum to 20,00,000 Tons/Annum
Over an Extent of 166.005 Ha in GO (3D) No. 1

Summary Environmental Impact Assessment

3.0 Description of the Environment

3.1 Environmental Setting of the Project

The Latitude and Longitude details of these Mines (Fig. 3.1) are :

Pits No. 1 & 2

Latitude : N 10o58’25” to 10o59’30”
Longitude : E 78o56’ 09” to 78o57’11‘’
Pits No. 3,4 & 5
Latitude : N 10o57’15” to 10o57’48”
Longitude : E 78o55’36 to 78o56’28"

Kallakudi mines area is having an elevation of 96 m in the west and 82 m in the east while
Kovandakurichi mines having an elevation of 82 m in the northwest and 70 m south east.

These mines are located at a distance of 34-36 km from Trichy on the Trichy-
Chidambaram Sate Highway SH-24 and 28-30 km from Ariyalur. The State Head Quarters
Chennai is located at a distance of 340 km from these mines. Southern Railway BG Line
connecting Chennai Egmore-Trichy-Kanyakumari runs at a distance of 0.5-2 km from the
mines and Kallakudi Palanganatham is the nearest railway station.

The site falls in Seismic Zone II. There is no environmental issue about the site. No
ecologically sensitive areas such as National Park/Sanctuary/Biosphere Reserve within 10
km radius of the mine status. The area has also no grazing, forest land in its close vicinity.
Dalmia Cement Plant with its Captive Power Plant is the only major industry near the
mines.

The area around the mining lease boundary is dry, barren or rocky and non-mineralised
terrain. During rainy season, the area is being drained by Uppuodal Nalla/Andi Odai & Man
Odai in the northeast and Nandiar River in the southwest which confluences with River
Coleroon flowing in the southeast at about 8.5 km to the mines.

The Drainage Map of Core Zone has been prepared and given as Fig. 3.2. Study area can
be graded as a coarse structure area. Southern and western part of the core zones fall in
very low drainage density and northern and eastern part of the area fall in low and
moderate drainage density areas.

3.2 Environmental Baseline Status

To establish the baseline environmental status, monitoring of various environmental

parameters were planned and monitoring was carried out during Summer 2007 season.
The ambient air quality was monitored at 14 locations (Fig. 3.3).

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

The findings of baseline environmental status of the study area are summarized below :

™ The collected meteorological data during this season represented the local weather
phenomena.
™ The monitored ambient air quality in the study area was found to be in compliance
with the National Ambient Air Quality (NAAQ) Norms of 100 ug RPM/m3, 200 ug
SPM/m3, 80 ug SO2/m3 and 80 ug NOx/m3 for Residential, Rural and other areas.
™ Ambient equivalent noise levels (Leq) during day and night times were found to be
well within the MoEF Norms.
™ The water quality of surface waters were found to be in compliance with BIS/CPCB
Norms except for Total Coliforms due to sewage contamination. The ground water
quality was found to be in compliance with the IS:10500 Norms.
™ The soil in the study area would very well support vegetation after amending it
suitably.
™ Presence of number of phanerophytes (shrubs and trees) and therophytes (annuals)
indicates semiarid vegetation structure in the study area.
™ There is no Wild Life Sanctuary or National Park or Biosphere or Hotspots within the
study area of 10 km. No Reserve Forests exist.
™ Domesticated animals and common fauna only exist in the study area.
™ The area is thinly populated and basic amenities are available almost in all villages.

Thus, there is adequate buffer for the proposed Project in the physical, biological and
edaphic environments of the study area.

4.0 Anticipated Impacts and Mitigation Measures

No significant environmental degradation is anticipated due to the proposed Production

Enhancement in these Existing Mines.

4.1 Land Use Pattern and Development Proposed

The Core & Buffer Zone Land Use Maps are given as Fig. 4.1. These existing mines will not
generate top soil or overburden. The working faces of existing benches shall advance
further towards lateral as well as vertical direction to exploit the limestone at its optimal.
Thus, the proposed Project will not alter the existing land use pattern significantly. After
the mine reaches the ultimate depth, the excavated area shall be around 100 Ha and the
area will be converted into a reservoir for the storage of water for the benefit of the
villagers.

The Government of Tamil Nadu is identifying waste lands and allotting 2-Acres of Land
(free of cost) to the land-less poor formers for developing and using the same for
agricultural activities. Thus, some practical constraints exist now for reclaiming the waste
lands or developing Fodder Forms as part of Corporate Social Responsibility.

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

4.2 Ground Vibrations

Ground vibrations are being continuously monitored during Blastings using a Minimate
Seismograph of Instantel, Canada. At a distance of 160 metres using a maximum charge
of 1420 kgs in a single blast the PPV obtained was only 3.5 mm/sec. Thus, there is no
significant noise or vibration is experienced due to the conventional method of mining.
Non-conventional method of mining using Mega Rock Breakers in Pits 1, 3 & 5 eliminates
drilling & blasting operations and thereby no impact.

4.3 Hydrogeology

The 70 years normal annual rainfall in the nearest Raingauge Station Pullambadi is 757
mm. The study area receives fairly good amount of rainfall during Northeast Monsoon. The
ground water in the study area occurs in three different geological formations viz. River
Alluvium, Marine Limestone and Tertiary Formations. The average thickness of the river
alluvium water level varies from 12 m to 22 m (bgl). In the Tertiary Formations, ground
water occurs predominantly in semi-confined and confined conditions. The depth of
borewells in this formation ranges from 30 m to 120 m. In the Cretaceous Limestone
Formations, ground water occurs in water-table conditions. The depth of the wells in these
formations ranges from 10 to 20 m.

The ground water level in the study area ranges in between 3.4 to 10.7 m bgl during the
study period. Ground water level in the mining area (6.5 to 8.5 m) is moderately deep.
The monitored ground water level indicates that the mining activity would not have any
impact on the ground water level of the Study Area. The seasonal water level fluctuation
indicates that the study area is replenished by the rainfall during the monsoon seasons.
During the proposed Expansion, the mining is expected to reach upto the 50 m from
ground level. The water collected in the sump area due to seepage will be pumped to the
artificial pond created in each pit. During the summer season, the pumping will be done at
all pits to drain out about 1410m3 per day by using 25 hp pumps and during rainy seasons
at the rate of 3,045m3 per day by using 40 hp pumps. The water will be discharged into
the nearby lakes of the villages around the mining areas which is mainly used by the
villagers for taking bathing/washing and agricultural purposes.

The annual ground water recharge in the study area is 96.92 mcum. The net ground water
recharge available in the area is 87.23 mcum. Out of this, 2.4 mcum water is being
allocated for industries and domestic purposes and 84.82 mcum of ground water recharge
is available for irrigation. Ground water draft for the area is 33.69 mcum. Hence balance
ground water available for development is 51.13 mcum. The stage of ground water
development is less than 70% and designated as SAFE Area. Total surface water
availability is about 29.5 mcum.

Owing to the above, the pumping of proposed 3045 m3/day of ground water would never
deplete the ground water availability because the consumption is lesser than the
permissible amount. Also, the Radius of Influence (due to the mine pits dewatering)
would be confined to the Mine Lease Area only.

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

Rain Water Harvesting : DCBL is harvesting the rain water at their all mines, plants and
townships and contributing in maintaining the ground water-table level of the Study Area.

4.4 Transportation

For the transportation of limestone from mines to the Cement Plant, hired Tippers of 20-
ton capacity are utilised. The number of trips to be made per day to transport the
targetted quantity of limestone of 6667 Tons is 334 trips/day. The no. of vehicles plying
will be doubled and however, emissions from these sources is computed to be in
insignificant levels ranging between 0.00024-0.00187 g/sec/m (controlled emissions
would be lesser than these quantity).

4.5 Air Pollution and Cumulative Impact of the Mines & Cement Plant

The drilling, blasting, loading and transporting activities would generate both fugitive dust
emissions and smoke from HEM Machineries/Equipments and Tippers. However, the
uncontrolled/controlled emissions from these sources are computed to be in insignificant
levels (0.0000002-0.0015 g/sec/sq. m).

Dalmia Cement Plant and its Captive Thermal Power Plant exist at a distance of 2-4 km
from these Mines. The fugitive emissions from the Mines and the stack emissions from the
Plants would have a cumulative impact on the environment. Thus, Industrial Source
Complex Short Term (ISCST3) model by USEPA was used for carrying out the prediction
of maximum concentration for both Mines (Area Model) and Plant (Point Source Model).
The predicted values for the only main pollutant SPM were spatially distributed on the
existing baseline status (Table 4.1 & Fig. 4.2) and the cumulative impacts was found to be
confined locally ie. within 3 km radius from the boundaries.

Table 4.1 : Predicted GLCs for SPM

(During the Survey Period, Predominant winds were from SW to NE)

Maximum Predicted Buffer

Background Total NAAQ
Sl. Ground Level Available in
Zone Concentration, 3 Concentration, Norms,
No 3
Concentration, ug/m 3 3 Atmosphere,
ug/m ug/m ug/m
Mines Plants %

Corezone
1 (KVK Mines) 98.2 20.27 0 118.47 500* 76.31
Upstream
Buffer Zone
2 (Kilarasur) 94.7 0.67 2.5 97.87 200** 51.07
Down-stream

Note : Worst case scenario; simultaneous/cumulative emissions from all sources of Mines, Plant, CTPP and
standby DG Sets were considered for the modelling.
* : NAAQ Norms-National Ambient Air Quality Norm (24/8 hly.) stipulated by TNPCB/CPCB for Industrial & (**)
for Residential and Rural Areas.

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

4.6 Noise Levels

The noise level due to the Mine Equipments during operartion, is being maintained at < 90
db(A) at a distance of 1.5 m from the sources. Noise level at the nearest boundary is <55
dB(A) during day times and <45 dB(A) during night times and found to be well within the
MoEF Norms for Residential and Rural Areas. During the Expansion also no impact to the
existing status is envisaged.

These mines are under exploitation for the past 7 decades and there is no significant
impact is anticipated during the Expansion period also. The EMP Measures being adopted
by DCBL in its Mines are depicted in Plate-I.

5.0 Environmental Monitoring Programmes

For effective implementations of Environmental Management Plan, DCBL has the

Environment Monitoring Cell comprising of experts from geology, mining, chemistry and
civil engineering under the overall supervision of Mines Manager for the existing mines.
Also, the quality of air, mine drainage, water, soil and noise levels are already being
monitored at DCBL as per specified norms and the reports are being submitted to the
CPCB, TNPCB and IBM on regular basis. The same practice will be continued during the
Expansion period also.

6.0 Other Studies

Risk Assessment and DMP : The mine activities, fire, water inundation, electrical shock,
natural calamities, etc. are the risks associated with the mining activities. Detailed
assessment and mitigative measures are delineated and an effective Disaster
Management Plan is also envisaged.

7.0 Project Benefits

The following benefits are anticipated due to the proposed Enhancement in Production
Quantity of Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Mines :

™ The proposal will ensure the continuous limestone supply to the Existing as well as
Proposed DCBL Cement Plants.
™ The limestone excavation and cement production shall, in general, result in the
industrial growth of the region.
™ The Project would generate direct and indirect employment and business opportunities
in the region.
™ The Project will be beneficial and important to the Society and the Country by :
¾ Loyalty to the Exchequer.
¾ Direct and indirect employments.
¾ Improvement in direct and indirect means of livelihoods of local population.
¾ Improved local and regional economy.

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

8.0 Corporate Social Responsibility Measures

Due to the existing Mines, there is a positive impact by way of employment, education,
better socioeconomic conditions, improved local and regional economy, etc.

Tamil Medium State Board Higher Secondary School, English Medium Matriculation School
and a Industrial Training Institute are available in Dalmiapuram to cater the need of the
Education to employee’s children and the other villagers children living in and around the
factory and mines. Scholarship facilities for employee’s children, as well as to the school
toppers are given for pursuing higher education.

Medical Camps, treatments including supply of specialist cares, medicines, etc. are being
extended to the employees as well as local public living in and around the mines and
factory at free of cost. For the welfare of the children of the employees and villagers living
around mines and factory, vaccination camps are regularly organized at DC(B)L
dispensary.

Bore wells (for Drinking Water Supply) are dug in the nearby villages in and around the
mines at company’s cost to cater to the need of the villagers.

The lakes in the in around villages are desilted/deepened with mine machineries regularly
every year just before the onset of monsoon season in order to accumulate and store the
rain water in the lakes for agricultural activities.

For the villages in around the mines and factory, permanent roads laying works are taken
from time to time by the company. Bridges are also constructed at critical points wherever
need arises.

The standard of living of the villagers has drastically improved as most of them are
employed in the factory and in the mines. Most of the employees who are presently
employed in the mines and factory are the third generation in the family working for the
factory and mines continuously. Thus, they are able to improve their quality of life.

Indirect employment opportunities are created for the local people living in around the
mines area motivating them by giving suitable contractual jobs like transportation of
limestone from mines to factory, afforestation work at mines etc.

Company is taking utmost interest in renovating the existing temples in around the mines
area and factory at company’s cost enabling the villagers to celebrate their temple
functions every year in a grand manner. The management grants donations to various
temples for conducting scheduled annual poojas.

Some of the various CSR Measures being adopted by DCBL in the Study Area are depicted
in Plate-II.

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

9.0 Environmental Management Plan

Environmental Management Plans are suggested to mitigate the possible negative impacts
that may be caused to the various attributes of environment due to the proposed mining
operations.

9.1 Air Pollution

Dust generation in the working areas shall be controlled by suitable methods such as :

™ Prevention of fine dust getting air borne by spraying water on the dust generation
points
™ Drilling with dust extractors and use of water jet for dousing the cuttings.
™ Well designed blast by effective stemming and use of milli second delay detonators.
™ Avoiding blasting during high wind periods.
™ Development of green belt along the roads, waste dumps, etc.

9.2 Noise & Vibration

™ Planting of trees with thick foliage along roads and around the lease boundary to act
as acoustic barriers.
™ Proper maintenance of compressor, drilling machine, loader and tippers trucks.
™ Blasting noise can be minimized by using optimum burden, charge and milli second
delay detonators.
™ The explosive energy should be used for rock breakage than wasting on noise
generation and making rock fines.
™ Regular preventive maintenance of machineries and transport vehicles.
™ Provision of the silencers to modulate the noise generated by the machines.
™ Provision of ear muffs / ear plugs to Mine Workers.

9.3 Ground Water

™ Provision of garland drain to regulate and drain the rain water from the mining areas.
™ Providing sufficient check dams to check silt flowing along with the surface run- off.
™ Provision of retention walls at the foot of the existing dumps. These will help in
arresting loose particulars getting carried away.

9.4 Land Restoration

The land is to be reclaimed and restore to the original ecological condition to the possible
extent by adopting :

™ Refilling of the mined out areas.

™ Green belt and afforestation
™ Reclamation of dumped areas.

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Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited Kallakudi & Kovandakurichi Limestone Mines-Production Enhancement-2.0 MTPA

The rest Pit Area will be left as reservoir and used for pisciculture. Local Women Self Help
Groups/Panchayat may be permitted to maintain and enjoy the benefits.

9.5 Afforestation

An effective Afforestation (with predominantly fruit giving trees) shall be done in the
Backfilled area of 2.47 Ha and maintained with the help of Women Self Help Groups of the
nearby villages.

9.6 EMP Budget

™ The Project Cost is Rs.5.00 Crores.

™ A budget of Rs.16.50 Lakhs per Annum is earmarked for EMP & Environmental
Monitoring Works, Rs.8.00 Lakhs per Annum for Social Measures and Rs.5.00 Lakhs
per Annum for Occupational Health & Safety Measures.

10.0 Conclusion

™ The Proposal is for the Existing Mines Expansion and is for Enhancement in Production
Quantity only in support of the Existing as well as Proposed Cement Plants of DCBL.

™ The Proposal does not require further Infrastructure Facilities other than few Mining
Machineries.

™ The Project is viable and environmental friendly as the Reserves would be exploited at
a faster rate and the environmental conditions would be restored at the earliest.

™ DCBL is in full compliance with earlier MoEF Environmental Clearance conditions and
TNPCB Consents to Operate.

™ The Mining activities are in compliance with TNPCB/CPCB and IBM Norms.

™ DCBL is in full Compliance with Corporate Responsibility for Environmental Protection

(CREP) and Corporate Social Responsibility Norms.

***

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