Vol.

11

No. 8

MONTHLY

March - 2010

EDITORIAL BOARD
Shri V.D. Rajagopal Prof. Dr. - Ing M.A. Ramlu Prof. Sushil Bhandari Shri S.V. Satyanarayana Shri B.K. Mohanty Shri Dipesh Dipu Shri Suresh Chandra Dr. A.K. Raina Dr. K.K. Sharma Chairman Member Member Member Member Member
News from the Mining World MEAI News MEAI Awards Editorial

CONTENTS
05 06 30 34 38

Conferences, Seminars, Workshops etc.,

Member Member Member

1. Granite extraction and treatment techniques : A study on cost effective geo-technical aspects 2. Dr. Govind Singh Bhardwaj & Sandeep Sharma 20 11

TECHNICAL PAPERS

Shri A. Sangameswara Rao Member (A.S. Rao)

EDITOR
Dr. K.K. Sharma (Tel : 040 - 23517205)

Top soil erosion and sedimentation control, The need of the hour B. Arunachalam

3.

Coal India's 34th Foundation Day 1st November 2009 3rd J.G. Kumaramangalam Memorial Lecture G.L. Tandon (Padmabhushan) 26

PUBLISHER
Shri A. Sangameswara Rao (A.S. Rao) Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India

Correspondence Address
Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India 'A' Block, VI Floor, F-608, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Ph. : No. 040 - 23200510, Telefax : 040 - 66460479 E-mail : meai1957@gmail.com Website : www.meai1957.com
The Views expressed by the authors in these pages are not necessarily those of publisher / editor / MEAI. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly

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Mining Engineers' Journal

March 2010

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

Regd. Office : Rungta House, Barbil (Orissa)
National Head Quarters & : Permanent Secretariat

Chapter
Ahmedabad Barajamda Bailadila Bangalore Belgaum Bellary-Hospet Bhubaneswar Culcutta Goa Himalayan Hyderabad Jabalpur Jaipur Jodhpur Nagpur New Delhi Rajasthan Dalli-Rajhara Raipur Rourkela Rayalaseema Sukinda Tamil Nadu Veraval-Porbandar

Chairman
R.L. Arun A.K. D.V. M.P. D.Y. S.R.

Secretary

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Aarvee Associates, Architects, Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-049) 8-3-833/50, Phase-I, Kamlapuri Colony, Hyderabad-73. ACC Ltd (LIM - 25) Raw Materials & Mines Planning Division, ACC Thane Complex, LBS Marg, Thane - 400 604. (Maharashtra) A.P. Mineral Dev. Corp.Ltd., (LIM-12) Pancom Business Centre 2nd & 3rd Floors, 8-3-945, Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 16, A.P. Aravali Minerals & Chemical Industries (P) Ltd. (LM-048) B-132, Mewar Industrial Pvt. Ltd., Madri, Udaipur - 313 003. Associated Mining Co., (LIM-19) Nanak House, Narmada Nagar, Bilaspur - 495 001., Chhattisgarh Associated Soapstone Distributing Co. (P) Ltd. (LM-057) 24, Akashwani Marg, Post Box No. 3, Udaipur - 313 003. Bharat Alloys & Energy Ltd., (LIM-36) 6-2-913/914, 3rd Floor, Progressive Towers, Khairatabad, Hyderabad - 500 004. M/s Designer Rocks (P) Ltd., (LIM-32) # 201, Archana Apartments, Behind Shoppers Stop, Begumpet, Hyderabad-05. Grasim Industries Ltd., (LIM-26) 202 & 203, 2nd Floor, May Fair, S.P. Road, Secunderabad - 500 003. Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd., (LIM-3) Ambuja Nagar, Kodinar (Taluk) Junagadh (Dist.), Gujarat - 362 715 Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-6) Prakash Complex (P.O), Bomno. 28, Veraval - 362 265. Gujarat Gujarat Mineral Dev. Copr Ltd. (LIM-18) Kanij Bhavan, 132 Ft. Ring Road, University Ground, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad - 52. Gujarat Sidhee Cements Ltd., (LIM-4) Regd. Office, Sidheegram (P.O), Veraval-Kodinar Highway, Tal : Veraval, Dist. Junagadh, Gujarat Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (LIM-9) (Formerly IDL Industries Limited.) Kukatpally, Post Box No.1, Sanathnagar (IE) P.O. Hyderabad - 500 018. A.P. India Cements Ltd. (LIM-16) Sankarnagar (P.O) Tirunelveli - 627 357. T.N Indian Rare Earths Ltd., (LIM-35) Plot No. 1207, Veer Savarkar Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 028. J.K. Cement Ltd (LIM - 058) Kamla Tower, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Jubilee Granites India Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-23) EGA Trade Centre, No. 6C, 6th Floor, New No. 318 (Old No. 809), Poonamallee Highroad, Kilapauk, Chennai - 600 010. Kariganur Mineral Mining Industry (LIM-41) Embitee Complex, Bellary Road, Hospet - 583201. Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., (LIM-33) Bevinahalli 583 234, Dist. Koppal (Karnataka) Krishna Mines (LIM-27) 23, Sri Puram, Tirunelveli - 627 001. Tamilnadu Madras Cements Ltd., (LIM-17) Ramasamyraja Nagar, Kamarajar (Dist.) - 626 204, Tamilnadu. Manganese Ore (India) Ltd., (LIM-37) (A Govt. undertaking) 3, Mount Road Extension, P.B. No. 34, Nagpur - 440 001. (Maharashtra) M.P.L. Parts & Services Ltd., (LIM-14) 12, Dr. Nair Rd., T. Nagar Chennai - 600 017. Tamilnadu. MSPL Limited (LIM-30) Baldota Enclave, Abheraj Baldota Road, Hospet - 583 203 (Karnataka) Mysore Minerals Limited (LIM-45) #39, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560 001. National Aluminium Co. Ltd, (LIM-1) 'NALCO Bhavan' P/1, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar - 751 013 NMDC Ltd., (LIM-20) 10-3-311/A, Castle Hills, Khanij Bhavan, Masab Tank, Hyderabad - 500 028. Contd. on page 3

Shri V.D. Rajagopal

MEAI - President 98491 22817, 94408 17700 Vice Presidents : Dr. S.K. Sarangi - 94370 23134 Shri A. Bagchhi - 99899 98600 Shri T. Victor - 98221 23498 Secretary General : Shri A. Sangameswara Rao - 98498 70397 (A.S. Rao) Jt. Secy & Treasurer : Shri Koneru Venkateswara Rao - 92987 59625 COUNCIL MEMBERS EX - OFFICIO

Bhatt S.G. Patel Misra Shailesh Verma Gupta K.K. Basu Pichamuthu D.H.M.V. Swamy Itnal Dr.P.T.Hanamgond Mane Nagesh Shenoy Singh J.K. Hota Not functioning K.D. Kulkarni Kishore B. Haldankar Arun Sharma R.K. Sharma A. Sivashanker A. Kundu C.V. Singh V.C.S. Shreemal Anil Mathur V.S. Mathur P.R. Dave M. K. Prasher Prof. B.B. Dhar D.K. Chawla A.K.Kothari Dr. S.S. Rathore Merged with Raipur S. Chakraborti P.Y. Dhekne Not functioning P.V. Krishna Yadav S. Ramamoorthy Dr. Vinod P. Sinha H. Behera Dr. L. Ajay Kumar R. Natarajan N.K. Nuwal Shiva Moorthy Swamy

IMM EDIATE PAST PRESIDENT IMMEDIATE Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025
PAST PRESIDENTS Shri Meda Venkataiah - 99002 56797 Shri R.N. Singh - 98190 89120 Shri T.V. Chowdary - 99493 59969 Shri N.S. Malliwal ELECTED Prof. Sushil Bhandari - 98296 71949 Shri Y.C. Gupta - 94142 34746 Shri C.S. Dhaveji - 94220 63909 Shri M. James - 94442 89405 Shri Santosh K Pattanayak - 99370 53927 Prof. Gurdeep Singh - 0326-2206372 Shri S. Chandrasekaran - 94433 91000 Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar - 98480 94373 Shri D.L. Choudhury - 93021 - 63994 Shri K. Madhusudhana - 99002 56759 Shri M. Srinivasa Shetty - 94480 24246 Shri K.U. Rao - 98491 77677 Shri M.C. Thomas - 93345 11343 Dr. T.N. Venugopal - 98452 17692 Shri P. Dharma Rao - 040-23396691 NOMINATED MEMBERS Shri. B. Ramesh Kumar - 98480 99868 Shri S.N. Mathur - 94273 08502 Shri V. Lakshmi Narayana - 94402 79811 Shri C.P. Parihar - 98874 82007 Shri Sohan Singh Rathore - 94141 59605 CO-OPTED MEMBERS Shri N.K. Nanda - 94907 60010 Prof. A.C. Narayana - 99896 25346 Shri S. Tiu - 94386 73600 Shri V. Ramasubba Reddy - 99496 06060 Shri B.P. Pandey - 94482 86155

PAST PRESIDENTS & SECRETARIES

Period President Secretary/Secretary General Mining Engineers' Association B.L. Verma Late B.N. Kanwar N.S. Claire Late R.C. B. Srivastava L.A. Hill Late S. Chandra Late H.L. Chopra M.G. Jhingran S.S. Manjrekar V.S. Rao Late R.C.B. Srivastava M.G. Jhingran R.K. Gandhi B. Roy Chowdhury I.N. Marwaha D.D. Sharan Late R.S. Sastry M.S. Vig G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran Mining Engineers' Association of India G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran D.L. Patni A.K. Basu R.C. Mohanty Late S.K. De M.K. Batra R.C. Dutta D.K. Bose S.B. Mukherjee P.R. Merh M.K. Srivastava V.S. Rao L.S. Sinha M.A.Khan D.K. Sen Saligram Singh A. Panigrahi M. Fasihuddin B. Mishra K.K. Biran S. Chandrasekaran N.S. Malliwal Dr. P.V. Rao T.V. Chowdary CLVR Anjaneyulu (S.G.) -do-doR.N. Singh -doMeda Venkataiah -doR.P. Gupta CLVR Anjaneyulu & A.S. Rao

1957-64 1964-67 1967-68 1968-69 1969-70 1970-71 1971-72 1972-73 1973-75 1975-76

1975-76 1976-78 1978-80 1980-81 1981-82 1982-84 1984-86 1986-88 1988-90 1990-93 1993-95 1995-97 1997-99 1999-2001 2001-2003 2003-2007 2007-2009

Mining Engineers' Journal

March 2010

Contd. from page 2

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Obulapuram Mining Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-54) (Mine located in A.P.), Off.: Ennoble House, Raghavachari Road, Bellary, (Karnataka) Orient Cement (LIM-059) P.O. Devapur Cement Works, Dist. Adilabad (A.P.) - 504 218. Panduronga - Timblo Industries (LIM-056) Subhash Timblo Bhavan, P.O. Box No. 242, MARGAO-403601, GOA. Pearl Mineral Ltd., (LIM-39) R.L. Puram, Chimakurthy Mandal, Prakasham Dist. - 523 226. (A.P.) Priyadarshini Cement Ltd., (LIM-5) No. 34, Green Tower, Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad-73. Radials International (LIM-29) 80/1, Block-II, W.H.S., Kirti Nagar, New Delhi - 110 015, Rajgarhia Group of Industries (LIM - 050) H-279, Udyog Vihar, Sukher, Udaipur - 313 004 (Rajasthan) R.K. Marbles Pvt. Ltd., (LIM - 52) 17, Old Fatehpura, Near Seva Mandir, Udaipur - 313 101, Rajasthan. Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (LIM-053) CA Govt. of Rajasthan Enterprise) 4, Meera Marg, Udaipur - 313 004 (Rajasthan) Sagar Cements Ltd., (LIM-21) 8-2-472/B/2, Rd. No.1, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034. Sandvik Asia Limited (LIM-46) Mumbai - Pune Road, Pune - 411 012. Sesa Goa Ltd., (LIM-11) Sesa Ghor 20, EDC Complex, Patto, Panjim, GOA - 403 001. Shree Cement Ltd. (LIM-051) Bangur Nagar, P.B. No. 33, Beawar - 305 901. (Rajasthan) Shri Sharda Cold Retreads (P) Ltd., (LIM-24) 15 & 16, Industrial Area Korba, Chhattisgarh. Shree Engineering Services (LIM-15) 7, Naveen Bazar, Raipur - 492 001. Singareni Collieries Company Ltd., P.O. Kothagudem, Dist. Khammam, A.P. South India Mines & Minerals Industries (LIM-2) 315, Narayana Nagar, Sankaranagar (P.O) - 627 357 Tamilnadu. South West Mining Ltd. (LIM-40) Vidya Nagar (Toranagallu) Dist. Bellary (Karnataka) 583 275. Sri Kumarswamy Mineral Exports (LIM-43) No. 87, S.V. Colony, Club Road, Bellary (Karnataka) Sudarshan Group of Industries (LIM-047) 425 Sector 11, Hiran Magri, Udaipur (Rajasthan) - 313 002. Tata Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-7) Mithapur, Okhamandal, Gujarat - 361 345. Tata Iron & Steel Co, Ltd (LIM-8) Mines Division, Noamundi - 833 217 Singhbhum (West) Jharkhand. Terra Reserves Determination Technologies (P) Ltd., (LIM-055) (A member of Terra World Holdings) Plot No. 15, Madhuvan Enclave, Street No.4, Habsiguda, Hyderabad - 500 007. The K.C.P. Ltd., (LIM-22) Macherla - 522 426, Guntur Dist. A.P. Thriveni Earthmovers (P) Ltd., (LIM-31) 22/110, Greenway Road, Fairlands, Salem (TN) 636016. Tungabhadra Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-42) #322/3, 2nd Floor, Sree Sapthagiri Enclave, College Road, Hospet - 583201 (Karnataka) UltraTech Cement Ltd., A.P. Cement Works, (LIM-28) Bhogasamudram (Vill.) Tadpatri (Mandal) Anantapur Dist., A.P. Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. (LIM-10) Unit - Narmada Cement - Jafarabad Works, P.B. No. 10, Jafarabad - 365 540. Dist. Amreli, Gujarat. Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Company (LIM-44) # 2/138, Bellary Road, Sandur, Dist. Bellary (Karnataka) V. Thirupathi Naidu (LIM-34) Railway & PWD Contractor, Basaveshwara Badavane, College Road, Hospet - 583 201. VS Lad & Sons (LIM-38) Prashant Nivas, Krishnanagar, Sandur (Dist. Bellary) - 583 119, Karnataka W.B. Engineers International Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-13) C-22, Liberty Society, North Main Road, Koregaon Park, Pune - 411 001.

EDITORIAL
Ships in the South Pacific Ocean have been alerted that hundreds of icebergs believed to have split off Antarctic ice shelves are drifting north towards New Zeeland. The nearest one, measuring about 30m. tall, was 260 km. southeast of New Zealands Stewart Island and was part of a flotila of icebergs that can be seen on satellite images, Australian glaciologist Neal Young said, "New Zealand maritime officials have issued navigation warning for the area south of the country. Satellite images showed the group of icebergs, spread over a sea area of 1000 km. by 700 km. moving on ocean currents away from Antarctica." A new report says smaller Himalayan glaciers are proving much more vulnerable to climate change than the areas larger glaciers. A joint team from WWF India and Birla Institute of Technology monitored two central Himalayan glaciers since 2006 Gangotri and Kafni having lengths of 30 km. and 4.2 km respectively. The study entitled, 'Witnessing Change : Glaciers in the Indian Himalayas' says that while small glaciers are retreating fast and some of the them have even vanished, larger glaciers too are retreating but at a reduced rate and the larger glaciers like Gangotri are unlikely to disappear in near future due to their large mass balance. According to a new study, published in Nature Geoscience, the East Antarctic ice sheet has lost billions of tonnes of ice since 2006 and could boost sea levels and the smaller but less stable West Antarctic icesheet is also shedding significant mass. The rising global temperatures could trigger a rapid disintegration of West Antarctica and push up the global ocean water mark by about five metres. In 2007, the UN Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) predicted sea levels would rise 18 to 59 centimetres by 2100, but this estimate did not factor in the potential impact of crumbling icesheets in Greenland and Antarctica. Global warming is melting the fringes of the frozen world where Greenlands Inuits have hunted seal, but it is not all gloom. The retreating ice could uncover potential oil and mineral resources which could change the fortunes of this semiautonomous Danish territory of 57,000 people. The US Geological Survey estimates that there are more than 18 billion barells of oil and gas beneath the Arctic waters between Greenland and Canada, and 31 billion barrels of Greenlands east coast. North Sea resources of the same magnitude have made Norway one of the Europes richest countries. The gaint island is believed to be rich in base metals such as zinc and iron, precious stones like diamonds and rubies and precious metals like gold and platinium. It also has potential for rare earth minerals. But exploration for these minerals can be done only where climate slowly warms and more of Greenland opens up for exploration. Transparency International Indias (TII) corruption index released recently has ranked India as the 84th out of 180 countries. However, India is the least corrupt country in South Asia excluding Bhutan and India has improved its credibility with an integrity score of 3.4 in 2009 from 2.7 in 2001. TII Chairman Admiral (retd.) R.H. Tahiliani said, The score this year is not particularly flattering but we can take consolation from the fact that the countrys score has not gone from bad to worse. New Zeeland, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland are the top five honest countries. While China ranks 79th with a score of 3.6, Pakistan has a score of 2.4, Bangladesh (2.4), Bhutan (5), Nepal (2.3), Maldives (2.5) and Sri Lanka (3.1), Haiti, Iraq, Myanmar and Somalia have recorded the lowest score of less than 1.5. According to Transparency International there is a strong correlation between corruption and poverty. A new study has revealed that New Zeeland shakes 60 times a day ranking itself as the worlds shakiest place. A long fault line runs through the length of the country where the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates grind against one another. The result is dozens of active volcanic cones, majestic peaks, glaciers of grinding ice, tremors and bubbling geo-thermal activity. Information researcher Chris McDowall said that most of the quakes were too small to be felt. MEJ wishes a Happy Holi to all its readers.

(Dr. K.K. SHARMA)

5 March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

NEWS FROM THE MINING WORLD

IRON & STEEL

20% hike in iron ore prices predicted in 2010 According to the announcement of World steelprices.com, there may be 20% increase in iron ore prices in 2010 because of the following factors:(i) Miners will like to get a large slice of the price concessions made for the existing contracts because this years demand has been much higher than anticipated at the time of negotiations. (ii) Spot iron ore prices are, currently, above the 2009 contract prices. (iii) MEPS estimates that world iron ore production in 2010 will be above the previous record figure in 2007. The European, Japanese and Korean mills agreed for contract prices with most suppliers for 2009. There are suggestions that the mining companies would like to move to spot iron ore prices for all sales. The mills may have to concede large increases this year to maintain the contract price system.

November 2009. KIOCL has re-opened its 3.5 m.t.p.a. pellet plant in New Mangalore port after critical repairs.

Steel Prices to rise on costlier ore Rising demand and steep rise in raw material prices may lead to 10-30% hike in prices. The raw material negotiations indicate that the increase in new contract prices could be between 10% and 30%. Last year, iron ore contract prices were at $80(Rs. 3742)/t. Currently, spot iron ore prices in China are trading at $126 (Rs.5893)t. According to Jayant Acharya, Director (Sales & Marketing), JSW Steel, contracts could settle at $140 (Rs. 6548)/t. The Director (Finance) Ispat Industries, Anil Surekha said, Raw material prices are increasing because there is demand from the user industries. India may miss the steel production target Steel Minister The Steel Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh during an interview at New Delhi said that the ministry will probably have to lower this years forecast to reach 124 m.t. of output by March 2012. He added that difficulties in acquiring land and iron ore mines have stalled almost $80 billion of steel projects that would have more than doubled the nations 55 m.t. production. Shri Singh said, We may have to revise our estimates if we cant solve many of the problems of the Greenfield projects. I will be happy if we do 120 m.t. or so. KIOCL sells iron ore pellet at $108/t to Indian buyers According to Metal Bulletin Daily (MBD) report, Kudremukh Iron Ore Corporation Ltd. (KIOCL) sold about 1,50,000t. of iron ore pellet @$108/t fob in December 2009 to domestic steelmakers, against $98.50/t in 6

Rio Tinto to make first iron ore shipment to Essar in India Rio Tinto is to make its first ever sale of iron ore in India to Essar Steel. Companys Chief Executive (Iron Ore), Sam Walsh said This is only one shipment at this stage, but this is very significant in terms of forging a relationship with Essar and potentially opening doors. He added, We have long believed that India is a long-term market of great potential, and this development should be seen in that context. It is also potentially significant, given our iron ore project in Orissa, which we expect will also be a source to supply the growing Indian market." Essar Steel is in the process of increasing its steel production capacity from 4.6 m.t.p.a. to 10 m.t.p.a. Rio Tinto is understood to supply about 160,000t. of iron ore to Essar Steel in the shipment. Essar Steel, which has a 6m.t. iron ore supply contract with NMDC Ltd. for the current year, is facing mineral shortage on account of disruption in 274 km. long pipeline carrying the raw material. The pipe line from Bailadila (Chhattisgarh) to Visakhapatnam (A.P.) was blown up allegedly by the Maoists in May 2009. BHP and Rio Tinto form iron ore joint venture It is reported that Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have signed a joint venture agreement for iron ore covering all aspects to operate. The joint venture encompasses all current and future Western Australian iron-ore assets and liabilities, and will own 50:50. The net present value of the production and development synergies will be over $10 billion (100% basis). China acquires iron ore deposits in Chile According to Metal Bulletin (MB) report, Shunde Rixin Development (Shunde), a privately owned Chinese automaker, has purchased over 70% of the exploration rights of a 3.0 b.t. iron ore deposit in Chile. Shunde Rixin will invest $2.1 billion into the project for a stake purchase, and construction of associated railroads and ports. The iron ore deposit is expected to produce more than 50 m.t. of ore. Iron ore spot prices exceed $120/t According to Metal Bulletin (MB) report, most of the current transacted prices are in the range of $120-122/t cfr but suppliers of iron ore in India are pushing for prices as high as $125/t cfr. Stocks at Indian ports are low as most of the mines in Bellary Hospet and in the eastern part of Orissa are closed for one reason or the other. Demand from China is for medium (61% Fe) and high (63.5% Fe) grade iron ore. March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

Chinese Government to provide financial help to domestic iron ore producers According to the report, during Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technologys (MIIT) investigation, the iron ore miners complained about high taxes, including resource tax, value-added tax, fuel oil tax and land tax, which amounted to over 20% of their operating revenues, some pay more than 30%. Therefore a new scheme has been launched by Chinese Government to help iron ore producers to reduce their financial burden, which may come either by cutting taxes or giving subsidies. Chinese steel production expected to grow by 9% in 2010 According to London Commodity News report, China is expected to increase steel production by 8.6% in 2010 to 621.5 m.t. Xinhua news agency said that this may be achieved despite an expected increase in domestic prices caused by increased costs of iron ore, coking coal, and other steel making ingredients. ArcelorMittal will quit $20bn. Indian project According to Steel Times International report, ArcelorMittal may pull out of a $20bn. plan to built two steel plants in Jharkhand and Orissa (12 m.t.p.a. capacity each) by around 2015. In an interview with the UKs Financial Times newspaper, Shri Mittal said people there (India) had to be educated into supporting gradual industrialization including the need to build new steel plants on agricultural land. LNM frustrated at tardy progress in his projects in India LN Mittal, in a rare display of frustration at the tardy progress in his projects in India, blamed the countrys inability to move things. "The entire country is to be blamed for the delay in the execution of projects. The projects get mired in problems related to land acquisition, environmental clearances, redtape and lack of infrastructure. I am unhappy with the progress achieved so far an the proposed projects in Jharkhand and Orissa", Shri Mittal said. After years of waiting, Shri Mittal rationalizes that the problems may be due to the countrys inability to handle a surge of big ticket investment proposals, fuelled by an unprecedented interest in investing in India. "We have not experienced this kind of growth and interest in investments in India before. Neither the central government nor the states were prepared for such growth", he said. But he has made his presence in India. He has agreed to buy up a 35% stake in Uttam Galva Steels for an estimated Rs. 500 crore. He also got permission from the Karnataka Government to set up a Rs. 30,000 crore steel plant of 6 m.t.p.a. capacity and a 750 m.w. power plant. He said 7

that the Karnataka project may become a priority if work on the Jharkhand and Orissa steel projects does not take off soon.

Mittals remark on Indias investment climate stirs government A day after LN Mittals stinging remark that India was not prepared for mega investments, senior Cabinet minister Kamal Nath said that the criticism was valid, but only in relation to mining sector and the Orissa government has also promised early clearances to mega steel projects, including Mittals. ArcelorMittal, BHP Billiton likely to ink iron ore JV in Africa ArcelorMittal and BHP Billiton hope to combine their iron ore assets in West Africa to cut costs on infrastructure. This could be the second such iron ore joint venture for BHP after it signed JV with Rio Tinto. ArcelorMittal and BHP Billiton may sign JV agreement as their deposits in neighbouring Guinea and Liberia were near each others. Sponge iron producers raise prices In view of the ongoing raids to stop illegal iron ore mining across the country, which may create scarcity of the raw material in the short term, sponge iron producers, have raised basic selling prices of their products by 5.25%. The sponge iron ore prices, which were hovering at about Rs. 12500-13000/t, have gone up to Rs. 14200/t. NMDC to form SPV for A.P. iron ore mining venture NMDC Ltd. proposes to examine the iron ore potential in Andhra Pradesh. The company is in the process of forming a special purpose vehicle with the Andhra Pradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) to explore the iron ore potential in the state.

MANGANESE

Deficit in manganese ore market International Manganese Institute According to International Manganese Institute (IMnI) Chairman Mr. Alastair Stalker, the market of manganese ore could move into deficit in the next four to five years as the high grade ore is becoming scarcer, consequently medium grade ores will increase market share and the ore demand is likely to be driven by a strong ex-China recovery and moderate growth from China itself. BHP Billiton raised manganese ore offers to push exports to China According to Metal Bulleting (MB) report, BHP has pushed up offers for manganese ore exports to China, as the alloys market edges up and ore demand outside China improves. BHP Billiton raised offers of siliceous March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

chip with 43% Mn to $6.3/mtu, up from $6.06/mtu. Prices of manganese alloy have increased in the last few months, and there have been more orders coming for ore from consumers in other Asian countries, tightening supply.

group acquired 1,111 blocks covering 6900 sq.km with estimated reserves of 1,7000,000t. of uranium ore, 4,350,000t. of thorium ore and traces of gold for exploration and output sale. According to a World Nuclear Association report, India has an ambitious nuclear power programme and expects to have 20,000 MWe nuclear energy capacities on line by 2020 and 63,000 MWe by 2032. It aims to supply 25% of electricity from nuclear power by 2050. Reliance Industries is also in uranium mining, but indirectly with 49% stake in Uranium Exploration Australia. Jindal Power and Steel is another company having uranium assets in Mongolia, bought from a Canadian company.

COPPER

Copper consumption likely to increase by 5-6% In view of huge demand from power, telecommunication and housing sectors, Indias copper consumption is expected to go up by 5-6% this year. These three sectors account for 65% of the total demand in India. With this expected growth the total copper consumption in India may touch 550,000t. next year. Besides use for electricity, industrial machinery and equipment, consumer electronics and construction industries, the metal also finds applications in hospitals due to its antibacterial properties. As per the latest report by ICRA Management Consulting Services, the copper consumption in India was 520,000t. in 2009 against 100,000/150,000t in the 1990s. Still, Indias per capita consumption is only 0.4 kg against 4.0 kg in China.

COPPER, LEAD & ZINC

Demand for copper, lead and zinc to go up in 2010 Demand for copper, lead and zinc will go up in 2010 as the global economy recovers, according to Calyon and Citigroup Inc. Chinas industrial production in November 2009 increased by 19.2% against that of 2008, more than 18.2% median estimate of economists in a Bloomberg News survey, Copper for delivery in three months on the London Metal Exchange gained to $6,886/ t in Shanghai. It advanced to $7,170/t on December 2, 2009, the highest since September 2008.

Uranium mining in Meghalaya in six months According to the States Chief Minister Shri D.D. Lapang, uranium mining in Meghalaya is to start in fiveto-six months. Addressing media persons on the sidelines of the 5th North-East Summit organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce Shri Lapang said, A joint committee of NGOs has been formed and we intend to resolve all issues within the next three months. I am hopeful that the mining will start within the next five-tosix months. The deposits in the two uranium rich area of Domiasiat and Wakhyan are estimated to be nearly 9,500t. and 4,000t. respectively. Uranium Corporation of India Ltd. (UCIL) plans to establish an open-cast mine in the Domiasiat area.

CHROMITE

FeCr firms on ore prices in China According to Metal Bulletin Daily (MBD) report, high carbon ferrochrome prices in China increased to $7.29/t in the second week of December 2009 reflecting higher prices of chromite. High-carbon ferro-chrome was at 7,300-7,500 yuan/t in Chinas spot market, up from 7,250-7,300 Yuan/t. A series of new stainless steel projects have boosted demand expectations for the next year. Guangzhou Lianzhong Stainless Steel commissioned a 500,000t. stainless steel mill in the first quarter of 2010. Also, Zhejiang-based Eastern Special Steel will commission its 450,000 tpa stainless steel project next year.

Kazakhstan overtakes Canada to become biggest uranium producer of the world According to Mining Journal (MJ) report and as Kazatompron said, uranium production in Kazakhstan would be 13,500t. in 2009, 58% up than in 2008. According to the WNA website, Canada produced 9,000t. of uranium in 2008, followed by Australia with 8,430t. and Namibia with 4,366t.

BAUXITE

URANIUM

Varun Energy acquires Madagascar uranium mines Varun Energy Corporation (a group company of steel exporter Varun Industries Ltd.) has acquired uranium mines in Madagascar. Madagascar has high concentration of uranium, besides thorium and gold. The 8

300,000t. of bauxite deposits found in Chhattisgarh An official of the Chhattisgarh Mining Development Corporation (CMDC) said, We found about 300,000t. of bauxite reserves spread in an area of 20 ha. at village Kudarwahi in Keshkal Tq. in Bastar district. The ore is of high quality and CMDC intends to open up the mine for excavation within three four months. However, mining activities in the area would be difficult due to growing Maoist dominance. March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

Aluminium demand in China likely to rise 15% in 2010 Enam (a leading brokerage and research house) has said that aluminium demand in China is expected to grow by 15% in 2010 on the back of revival in construction and auto segments. In China many long term prospects of aluminium are to be completed and many smelters are due to return to profitability. Enam expects LME aluminium to trade between $2000-2400/t in 2011 (FY) and alumina at $385/t.

Rise in Australian coal prices to $70/t Thermal coal prices in Australia rose to $70.18/t, based on FOB prices at Australias New Castle port. Coal India plans to make supplies at 10% premium Coal India Ltd. (CIL) proposes to offer mine-specific coal supplies to interested parties at about 10% premium over the notified price. The proposal is prepared based on a number of requests from large consumers. CIL official said, We have received requests from a number of consumers (including Hindalco and Rosa Power of Reliance Power) to meet their entire thermal coal requirement from a specific source closer to their respective facilities rather than from multiple sources. Tata Steel, SAIL seek CIL mines SAIL and Tata Steel have submitted to the government a joint proposal asking to be allocated Coal India Ltds (CILs) long neglected coking coal mines. Both companies are expanding aggressively and are keen to ward off the impending threat of a surge in input costs by bolstering their captive raw material bases. SAIL Chairman Shri S.K. Roongta said the joint proposal outlined potential benefits to CIL as well as to SAIL and Tata Steel. The steel companies have also agreed to stringent penal provisions for non-performance. He added, We have suggested that the mines be given to us on a lease basis, with an obligation to develop them within a fixed time frame. The government can even take bank guarantees from us. Government stops coal blocks allocation The Centre has stopped allocating coal blocks to state governments till the Mines and Mineral (Development & Regulation) Act is implemented with amendments. The Union Ministry of Mines has already written to the concerned states, including West Bengal, saying that all coal blocks would be auctioned according to the new MMDR Act.

GOLD

China : Biggest gold buyer in 2009 According to Global Mining News report, World Gold Council (WGC) data reveals that China has been the biggest buyer in 2009, adding 454t. to bring its central bank reserves to 1,054 t, purchasing on an average price of $978/ounce. Illegal mining of gold According to Metal Bulletin Monthly (MBM) report, the prices of gold were at record high $1,179.80/0z. on November 25,2009. But the higher gold price appears to encourage people to become part of illegal gold mining syndicates in the country. The South African government has estimated that the mining and illegal production of gold, stolen from gold mines, costs companies involved about R5.6bn ($760m)/ a year. In the six months to June 2009 Harmony Gold reported that 109 illegal miners had died in the abandoned shafts, including 90 people who were suffocated by toxic fumes from a fire in one abandoned shaft. Pan African Resources has reported that 35 people died while mining illegally. Pan African Resources and Harmony Gold has arrested 700 and 844 illegal miners respectively.

COAL

Coal production in Indonesia increases by 5% According to London Commodity News report, Indonesia produced 254 m.t. of coal in 2009, up 5.8% against that of 2008. Bambang Setiawan, Director General of Coal, Minerals and Geothermal Energy, said that coal exports in 2009 were worth $14.85 bn. Mining sector investment stood at $1.81 bn. in 2009, a 9.5% increase from 2008. In 2010 it is likely to be $2.5 bn. It is also reported that in Indonesia coal production may increase to 309 m.t. by 2014. Coal production of China increased by 26.3% in November 2009 As per statistics released by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of China, China produced 290 m.t. of coal in November 2009 recording a growth of 26.3% Y-O-Y. Chinas coal production in the first eleven months of 2009 was 2.71 b.t. up 12.6% from the same period of last year. 9

GENERAL

Union Steel Minister opts for merger of Steel and mine Ministries Union Steel Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh is in favour of merging the Steel and Mines Ministries. Speaking at an Idea Exchange programme of the Express Group he said, Ideally, the Steel and Mines Ministries should be merged. This is my personal view. If not merged, at least the power to grant mining leases for iron ore and other minerals used by the steel industry should be transferred to the Steel Ministry. He also said mining leases, should be granted by the Centre and not State Governments, as is the current practice. However, royalties should continue to be given to the states March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

Ministry asks steel PSUs to focus on overseas acquisition The Steel Ministry has directed government owned companies like SAIL, RINL and NMDC Ltd., to scale up its overseas acquisition drive and close atleast one deal within the next three months. Steel Ministry Secretary Shri Atul Chaturvedi said, Security of resources for future product requirements is absolutely essential, especially for those natural resources which are not available in abundance, such as coking coal. Hence, we have advised PSUs to aggressively acquire assets abroad. NMDC negotiating with LNMittal for mining opportunities in Africa NMDC is in talks with ArcelorMittal for ore mining and production opportunities in Africa. NMDC proposes to develop mineral deposits that could be used in steel plants set up by its partner. NMDC is also looking at jointly developing deposits of other minerals like rock phosphate and limestone in Brazil and Tunisia and other mineral properties that ArcelorMittal owns overseas. NMDC, CMD Shri Rana Som had said that earlier they were scouting for iron ore resources overseas to meet the surge in demand for steel from steel firms. Tata Steel, NMDC to explore JV Tata Steel and NMDC Ltd signed a MoU to explore possible araes of strategic alliance, including forming joint ventures in the fields of steel making and mining in India and overseas. The deal was singed by Tata Steel MD, Shri HM Neruskar and NMDC CMD Shri Rana Som. Speaking to reporters Shri Rana Som said, "the two companies would from a joint working group to explore and finalise possible areas of co-operation." Nalco to setup mines and refinery in A.P., Orissa National Aluminium Company Ltd. (Nalco) proposes to set up mines and refinery project in Andhra Pradesh and a second aluminium smelter in Orissa. According to the Ministry of Mines, Nalco proposes to spend $1.2 bn. in A.P. project that would be located in Vishakhapatnam district and Rs. 16,350 crores in Orissa that would be located in Brajarajnagar in Jharsuguda district for the smelter and a captive power plant. The proposed aluminium smelter will have 500,000 tpa capacity. CIL cuts production target to 486 m.t. on delays in projects "Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has revised its production target to 486 m.t. from 520 m.t. by 2012 as delay in getting environment and forest clearances for some of its projects has affected production," company Chairman Shri Partha S Bhattacharya said. Sumitomo-Bhushan also looking towards Karnataka for setting up a steel plant After ArcelorMittal and Posco, now Sumitomo Metal and 10

Bhushan Steel, who had proposed to build a steel plant jointly in West Bengal, are looking at Karnataka as a second destination. Bhushan Steel's Chief Financial Officer Nittin Johari said, "There is an invitation from the Karnataka Government and we are evaluating the proposal. But we are also progressing reasonably well in West Bengal and are in the process of acquiring land there." Japan's Sumitomo had signed a technology transfer agreement with Bhushan Steel in December 2009 and had also expressed interest in jointly building a 6 m.t.p.a. steel plant in Asansol (W.B.)

MEAI may provide technical help to M/s. T.R.R. Institutions M/s. T.R.R. Engineering College, one of the branches of T.R.R. Institutions, Patancheru, Medak district approached Mining Engineers 'Association of India (MEAI) requesting to sponsor a three year diploma course in Mining Engineering during the second shift in their campus located at nearly 8 km. from Patancheru. Consequently Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President MEAI constituted a committee under his chairmanship to study the possibility of the involvement of MEAI with M/s. T.R.R. Engineering College for introducing the graduate and diploma courses in Mining Engineering during the first and second shifts in association with the T.R.R. Engineering College in their campus. In a joint meeting between the representatives of MEAI and M/s. T.R.R. Engineering College it was agreed that MEAI will provide all the necessary technical help. Central team to explore Chilean fields A team of officials from the Union Mines Ministry led by the Mines Secretary is going to Chile for exploratory talks to acquire interests in copper mines. Shri Shakeel Ahmed, CMD of Hindustan Copper Ltd. is also part of the delegation. Shri Ahmed said, "We are visiting Chile as part of an inter-governmental delegation led by Union Mines Secretary. We will try to familiarise ourselves with the on ground situation in Chile and also scout for opportunities to invest in that country." Earlier, a joint team of officials from HCL and National Aluminium Company Ltd. (Nalco) and subsequenty a team from the Mines Ministry had visited Namibia to scout for opportunities in minerals including copper. OVL team bags 40% in Venezuelan oil block "A consortium led by Indian state owneed oil companies has won a global bid to pick up 40% stake in an important oil block in Venezuela. ONGC Videsh (OVL), the foreign arm of ONGC will pick up 11% stake in the Venezuelan field Caraboba-1, while other two Indian partners - Indian Oil Corp. (IOC) and Oil India (OIL) will have 3.5% stake each," an ONGC statement said. The field has potential to produce 400,000 barrels crude oil per day or 20 m.t.p.a. March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

GRANITE EXTRACTION AND TREATMENT TECHNIQUES: A STUDY ON COST EFFECTIVE GEO-TECHNICAL ASPECTS
*Dr. Govind Singh Bhardwaj and **Sandeep Sharma

Abstract
India has vast resources of granite and its mining in the country is being carried out for centuries. The large-scale mining and processing of granite, as dimensional stone, is being carried out in many parts of the country. During last two decades, the supply and demand of granite has increased many folds. Therefore, scientific study of a granite deposit is necessary to develop a successful quarry. In the past, many quarry operators have failed as the area for mining was not geologically studied and examined prior to the start of the mining operations. Thus, geo-technical investigation is required to improve the success story of granite quarry. In this context, a study has been undertaken based on the available literature and findings of the analysis are presented in this paper. Keywords: Granite pluton, Geo-technical investigation, Improved extraction techniques, Soundless chemical demolition agent (SCDA).
1.0 INTRODUCTION Granite is a gift of nature to the mankind. Its reference appears in the literature before the Christ. Several important building structures were built of granite. It occurs in several varieties and colours and finds wide use in industrial and domestic applications. It is generally used in buildings for exterior work, flooring, gift items, furniture and paving etc. The demand of granite as a dimensional stone, in the international and domestic market depends upon consumption pattern. To fulfill the demand, an increase in granite mining has taken place. Presently huge quantity of granite is lost during extraction of block at quarry. Thus, adoption of advance technology is needed to reduce the waste generation (Rathore et al., 2000). Granite has become a commercial term and it includes gabbro, a coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock containing two main minerals i.e. pyroxene (augite) and feldspar (plagioclase). Sometimes it is described as mafic due to presence of pyroxene, Mg-Fe silicate. The most obvious difference between granite and gabbro is that granites are relatively light in colour and gabbros are relatively dark. Basalt is the most abundant type of extrusive igneous rock formed by the cooling of lava flows. It has exactly the same mineralogical composition as gabbro. Genetically, granite is a common kind of intrusive igneous rock. Mineralogically, it contains three different minerals i.e. quartz, feldspar and biotite-mica. The mineral composition is described as felsic due to presence of principal constituents i.e. feldspar and quartz. In India granite is the second highest foreign exchange earner in the mineral sector next to diamond. Further, adopting cost effective granite extraction techniques can increase the quantity of granite exported. At present it is sold in the international market under various brand names, Kashmiri White, Imperial White, Camalian White, Kashmiri Gold, Ivory Brown (Shiva Brown), Ivory Gold (Shiva Gold Cristina), Champange (Ghibli), Juprana Columbo, Juprana Gold, India Gold, Ocean White, Raw Silk Pink, Green Rose, Lavender Blue as supreme varieties; Vyara, Silver Pearl, Paradiso, Forest Green, Multi Colour, Desert Brown, Paradiso, Bash as medium varieties and Black, Black Galaxy, Black Pearl, Kuppam Green, Sapphire Brown, Tan Brown, Tropical Green / Kerala Green, Seaweed Green, Indian Mahagony, Hassan Green as dark varieties. The market prices of Indian granites (ex. factory) ranges from Rs. 135 to Rs. 150 for size 30cm x 30cm x 10mm and Rs. 159.00 to Rs. 180.00 for 45cm x 45cm x12mm or 40cm x40cm x12mm which includes mining, processing and other miscellaneous expenses and also aesthetic and beauty aspects (pricelists@findstone.com, http:// www.findstone.com). If we compare these costs with other granite producing countries as well as different types of dimensional stones, we will find poor competitive prices at global level (Panakkal, 2000). Leading granite quarries of the world include those of USA which are the North Carolina Granite Co., Mount Airy Quarry, Surry County, NC, Fletcher Granite Co., Inc., Westford Quarry, Middle sex County and M.A.,

* Assistant Professor (Geology), Department of Mining Engineering, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur (Rajasthan) ** B.E Mining Engineering, C.T.A.E. Udaipur Mining Engineers' Journal 11 March 2010

Dacota Granite Co., Dacota, Mahogany Quarry (Thomas et al., 1997; Radowir, 2003). Granite mining is being carried out in different parts of India and its potential quarries are located in few States. The State of Karnataka has been blessed with vast deposits of granite. There are seventeen major operative quarries in the State, where scientific methodology and eco-friendly mining techniques are in practice (Singh et al., 2002). Gujarat is also emerging as a large producer of granite. Madhya Pradesh is a storehouse for black and multi coloured granite, which is available in Shahdol, Betul, Seoni, Balaghat, Chattarpur, Tikamgarh.Datia and Shivpuri districts (Anon, 2005). In Rajasthan a number of granite quarries are located in Pali, Jalor, Barmer and several other districts. Black Galaxy granite from Chimakoorty is famous in A.P. In Tamilnadu granite quarrying is going on since long. 2.0 GEO-TECHNICAL EVALUATION TECHNIQUES The geotechnical features present in granite pluton and their understanding plays a significant role in extraction-cost optimization. Among these, the main feature is bandings i.e. flow sorting, steeply dipping mineral layering, which has been mistakenly identified as relict bedding and rhythmic precipitation. Sometimes special kind of bandings are present due to a composite intrusion of relatively simple sheets, synplutonic deformation, where most commonly the aplite dykes are filling the synplutonic fractures, and felsic mafic banding as shown in Figure 1. The granite rock shows a variety of texture and the textural variation & its dynamics define the shapes and mutual disposition of matrix grains called the morphology. Recognition of the complexities of granitic texture is desired before extraction exercise. The crystalloblastesis aspects to be studied viz. primary, metablastic or endoblastic textures.

Homogeneous granites in outcrops show some degree of blastesis. This varies from intergrain reactions, grain enlargements and the granulation of quartz. The techniques of statistically controlled examinations of grain shape, size, distribution, and the grain interrelationship including the grain contact frequencies are part of advance textural study of granite body i.e. three dimensional geometry in relation to texture (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Strain measurements in granite pluton (Modified after Wallace, 1997) Explanation: - Showing the variations in the shape and orientation - In both mafic enclaves and phenocrysts. Early micro-fractures in the framework lead to poreinterconnectivity. It decreases the cutting force magnitude and reduces the cutting rate. In general the pore network becomes disconnected at porosities below ranging 3-4%. Phenocrysts present in granite, often enclose minute crystals. The presence or absence of these causes interruption in the cutting operation at quarry site. Further the equilibrium gets disturbed in three driving forces i.e.chemical potential, the surface energy resulting from incomplete bonding of surface atoms and deviatric stress, could be the reason of interruption. Magnitude of the dihedral angles of the grain contact corners is responsible for the nature of packing of the mineral grain and change in the nature of packing ultimately reflects in terms of changes in the physico-mechanical behaviour of granite at micro level. In majority of granites there is a remarkable uniformity in grain size and grain distribution over large areas of a single magmatic pulse, which facilitates the smooth cutting operation and improves the efficiency of the cutting tool. Mineral zoning is a common feature in granites. It occurs as oscillatory pattern of zoning of feldspar in individual crystal. Abrupt changes in composition in relation to periphery to center of the granite body, which is represented as truncated zoning. Truncated zoning sheathing a calcic core and thermal cracking often apparent within the calcic core. Zonation characteristics of the alkali feldspar megacrysts are very important and it should be taken care. 2.1 Significance of Euhedralism Euhedralism is defined as the confirmity of size and a zoning marked by inclusions and chemistry. It is present in various ways viz.when megacrysts lie across boundaries of aplitic veins or within or across the margins of mafic enclaves. K12 March 2010

Figure 1. Idealized diagram, showing oxide percentage distribution trends within granite pluton Explanation: a. Na2O > 4%, CaO < 3 % and MgO < 1% b. Na2O <4-5%, CaO <3-5 % and MgO 1-2% c. Na2O > 5%, CaO > 5 % and MgO > 2%). Mining Engineers' Journal

feldspar megacrysts commonly show the euhedral shapes, crystal boundaries often show a microscopic invasion of the groundmass, the minerals of which appear to be partly resorbed , even replaced, forming an outer zone of extension that has been interpreted as a replacement front. Internal zones in megacrysts shows tiny inclusions of plagioclase, biotite, and quartz, which have accreted on to crystal faces parallel to the host. Euhedralism is also observed when potassium feldspar megacrysts penetrates or lie across aplitic veins. It is a part of the texture but considered separately, because it is one of the significant factor in cutting. The complex interactive textures which seems to show potassium feldspar replacing plagioclase or even reverse. The other features which affect the conformity are the rapakivi texture i.e. rimming of potassium feldspar by sodiumrich plagioclase and presence of myrmakite i.e.the rims and wrty lobes of intergrowths of plagioclase and quartz. The plagioclase and quartz both simultaneously invade potassium feldspar from its grain boundaries. It is referred for grain boundaries or to fractures within grains. It looks like cauliflower like lobes; advance in to the K-feldspar. Rims and swapped rims are defined as the contact between the feldspar grains of granite, which are often rimmed by the mineral albite. Between the grains of potassium feldspar and plagioclase the albite rim extends in to the former and is in virtual continuity with the later (Figure 3). Figure 4. Schematic representations of the compositional trend lines from periphery to core of a zoned granite pluton Explanation: (a) Continuous, likely to have been established in situ (b) Stepped discontinuous produced by periodic upwelling of a differentiating core magma (c) Totally discontinuous as a result of multipulse infills. The main inward changes are an increase in the modal proportion of quartz and potassium feldspar and a decrease in the mafic minerals. The Fe: Mg ratio from periphery to the center of the pluton i.e. Fe due to calcic plagioclase and Mg due to hornblende. Complexities of the zonation as shown in Figure 1, clearly envisages the importance where the opportunities are limited for observation in three dimensions, though zonal boundaries are marked by actual contacts, most often dipping steeply and parallel with the outermost contact. Favourable topographic relief reveals a flat lying zonation. The oxide distribution trend could be the cause of zonation and the zoning shows calc-alkaline to felsic end member mineral; there may be changes from meta-aluminous to peraluminous chemistry, outer granodiorite and inner granite. In multipulse intrusion variation is well recorded and SiO2 % contour model with pulse separated by the internal contact. Furthermore a greater variation if any exist between pulses or within a single pulse can be plotted as shown in Figure 1. 2.3 Other Aspects Following aspects also play an important role in granite cutting performance. 2.3.1 Presence of foliation and its orientation Foliation orientation shows varied relationship in granite pluton defined as foliations concordant with walls locally crossing the contacts. Foliation crosses re-entrants and mafic enclaves. Internal contacts in foliation are so often welded and subtle that they show an acute angle between contact and foliation. Deflections in the foliation orientation are also observed and it is sometimes very complicated (Figure5). 13 March 2010

Figure 3. Schematic diagram showing relationship between feldspar crystal geometry, cutting rate and tool wear in granite. Explanation for feldspar crystals: SIP= Suspended isolated, SI= Suspended impinging, SCB=Suspended clusters or branching, IC= Interstitial connected, IR= Interstitial restricted, II=Interstitial isolated. 2.2 Zoning Pattern The general sequence of lateral zoning inwards from the periphery often involves a change from quartz, diorite, through granodiorite, to garnite, with gabbro occasionally forming an outer rim. This is a kind of mafic to felsic inward variation (Figure 4) Mining Engineers' Journal

planning and development stages. When the extraction technique is blended with geotechnical parameters of the insitu granite resource then it becomes cost effective. One cannot change the properties of the granite deposit but cost optimization may be achieved if entire extraction processes are strictly in accordance with the nature of the stone. The various extraction techniques which are in practice in Indian granite quarries are described taking into consideration of geotechnical parameters. 3.1 Drilling and Blasting Geological features are required to be considered in deciding for selection of drilling and blasting procedures, technology and tools, to train the operators for operating the machine in geo-site friendly manner. For drilling purposes, mostly hydraulic drills are used for high penetration rate. Blasting is normally carried out to remove overburden i.e. weathered or unblockable portion so that quickly and cheaply one can reach to production stage. Blasting generates waves and there are chances of damage to the dimensional quality of granite. In this case every care should be taken to prevent the damage and for this advantage of the orientation of natural planes may be taken as obstruction in the path of travel of waves. The controlled blasting technique is used in most of the granite mine. The capacity of the blast, granite volume to be blasted is related with the nature of deposit i.e. in more jointed granite body low capacity and lesser volume blast are advisable. At most of granite quarries, gunpowder and detonating cord containing 10g/m PETN explosive are used for splitting of large sized block from insitu rock mass. 3.2 Diamond Wire Sawing Diamond wire saw cutting machine is also used for the extraction of granite block and it is most successful in soft granite of South Indian quarries. Diamond wire used in cutting contains impregnated beads. The diamond beads are 10-11 mm in diameter and are placed on the steel cable at such an interval to provide 33-40 beads per meter of cable length (Figure 6). Granite cutting rate obtained in majority of the cases varies 2-5 m2/hr, wire life ranges from 3-7 m2/m. and speed of cutting 18-20 m /s as given in Table 1. Table 1 Different type of granites showing cutting rate and life of wire S.No. 1. 2. 3. 14 Type of granite Very hard granite Hard granite Less hard granite Cutting rate m2/hr 2-3 3-5 3-5 Wire life m2/m 3-5 4-6 6-7 March 2010

Figure 5. Foliation trajectories in a range of pluton A. B. C. Overall foliation is concordant with the walls. Overall concordant but somewhat discordant. Foliation discordant. (Modified after Wallace, 1997)

2.3.2 Strain measurement The variation in shape change and orientation both in mafic enclaves and phenocrysts alignment is measured for quantifying the magnitude of strain throughout the granite body. By digitizing the strain in X, Y and Z axis of the pluton, equal strain value lines are plotted, which are very helpful in deciding the strategy for planning the cutting procedure i.e. cutting speed and its variation. It is represented in a schematic diagram as shown in Figure 2. 2.3.3 Volcano-plutonic interface It is developed due to evolution of silicic magma in subvolcanic magma chambers viz. ash-flow tuffs surely reflect the everchanging history of that chamber. Geophysical mapping provides convincing models of the three-dimensional shape of the underlying granite pluton body. The volcanism and plutonism are generally inseparable. 2.3.4 Restite presence The restites many a times become cause of Na2O chemical variation in the composition of granite suites. The variation in the suite results from the different degrees of unmixing of SiO2 poor restite and SiO2 rich liquid during and after melting. Restite is a residual un-melted material, which coexists with the silicate melt and present in many granite plutons. 3.0 PRESENT EXTRACTION TECHNIQUES Mining of granite is carried out manually at majority of quarries in India. Although now a days the mechanization has been carried out at several places. Extraction of granites includes drilling and blasting, diamond wire saw, water jet, jet burners and swelling chemicals techniques. The cost effective extraction is possible by considering geo-technical factors at Mining Engineers' Journal

Figure 6 (a)

Figure 7. Showing synthetic diamond crystal shape and size (2) Complete cubic octahedral crystal shape, high strength and thermal stability. Having wide cutting range. It is suitable for high-power saws. Complete crystal shape, high diaphaneity and low impurity. It is Suitable for circular saws. Regular crystal shape, full crystal surface, good diaphaneity and high strength. It is suitable for cutting. Comparatively regular crystal shape, high strength, belonging to middle grade but contain more regular crystal shape. It is suitable for cutting. (Data source: Non Zhongnan Diamond Co.Ltd.)

(3) (4) Figure 6 (b) (5)

Figure 6 (c) Figure 6 (a), (b) and (c). Showing diamond cutting wire with beads, spacers etc. 3.3.1 Composition and cutting efficiency optimization of wire saw The size, morphology, composition, impregnation orientation and impregnation patterns in the diamond bead are important aspect for the suitability of diamond cutting wire for particular granite (Figure 7). Cutting rate may be optimized looking to the composition material of wire, type of cut and stone-geo friendly operation level. There are two main factors considered in the cut i.e. Size of cut 3m/m (small cut) & 5m/m (large cut) and angle of cut. For finishing cut the 8mm diameter beads are impregnated in wire. Explanation (1) Complete crystal shape, good diaphaneity, high compact strength and thermal stability. It is suitable for cutting hard granite. Mining Engineers' Journal 15

The Cubic Boron Nitrite (CBN) is the second hard material after synthetic diamond. It has good resistance to high thermal stability and chemical attack. Thus, it is most widely used in cutting granite deposit (Figure 8). With the change in shape of the diamond grain cutting rate varies in different granite as experimentally tried by the Chinese technologists. This shows that cost effective cutting diamond wire saw for granites can be designed in order to shape and size of diamond grain used for wire saw bit (Bhardwaj et al., 2001).

Figure 8 Showing cubic boron nitrite (CBN) bit segment with variable performance March 2010

Explanation (1) Black colour, irregular shape, medium toughness mainly used for resin bond. (2) Bright black colour, regular shape, high toughness and good heat stability. (3) Red colours, regular shape, high toughness. (4) Amber colour, good transparency, regular shape, high toughness and good heat stability. (5) Dark brown, regular crystal shape, high toughness. 3.4 Water Jet Cutting High-pressure water jets are used for granite cutting where a pressure of approximately 100 MPa and water flow rate of 60 liters per minute is required in normal cases of cutting. Therefore, it became possible to cut a slot in the rock nearly 6.0 m long and 1.0 m deep. The water jets could cut granites at the pressure considered are angle based. Optimization of water flow conditions to the nozzle require that the feed pipe has a diameter of 2.5 cm, which in turn means that the nozzle body would be approximately 37 mm. in diameter, and so the slot required should be at least 50 mm wide. Preliminary tests with a variety of nozzles angle carried out by various scientists indicated that if the included angle between nozzle is less than 22 degrees, the water-jet would not cut a slot of consistent width, but with so much of the force of the water being directed forward and less being directed to the side and as a result, it would bounce off the rock inward and over a sequence of three or four passes, the slot would get significantly narrower. The results shows that the included angle between the two jet orifices is maintained in excess of 30 degrees and ultimately an angle of 45 degrees found suitable. Two nozzles in the programme were sized according to the volume flow rate of water achievable from the pump at 100 MPa, and this came out to be approximately 0.94 mm (Summers et al., 1977). 3.5 Chain Saw Chain saw is a compact machine consisting of a strong chassis moving on a guide frame by means of pressure rollers with rack and pinion mechanism on a set of modular track section. Cutting unit consists of a jib (3.25 m long) and chain made up of removal links. It gets its strength from highly stressable planetary transmissions. A hydraulic motor is provided in the fast moving closed circuit. The rotational speed is infinitely variable by mechanically adjustable high-pressure controlled pump. During cutting process the cutting chain is continuously lubricated by electrically driven grease pump with water repellent and bio- degradable special grease. The machine can execute both vertical and horizontal cuts up to 3m of depth and used in bank mining of granite block and it is advantageous to set up for the largest cuts of 15 to 30m. The cutting jib can be rotated on 360 degrees. The machine moves on strong and wide rails guaranteeing quick levelling and stability. The rail line is 10m long and rail elements are Mining Engineers' Journal 16

modular and different in length, in order to allow their use in small spaces. With the help of this machine production of the mine can be increased many folds and quarry can be developed systematically. The time required in setting up the chain saw varies from 25 minute to one hour. At the end of cut the tracks are removed for a parallel cut. 3.6 Jet Burner Jet burner used for spalling rocks such as quartzites, granites and syenites. In these rocks the speed of cutting is very fast by this technique. Spalling of rock by a high-temperature and high velocity jet or rocket flame causes the rock breaking in thermal cutting (Wang et al., 1991). The major mechanism of breaking of the rock is by the thermal stresses in the rock. The high jet velocity helps in breaking by dynamic stresses. On the basis of spalling by thermal stresses, rock can be assigned a spallability number, S, given by following equation: S=bxn/axf b = coefficient of thermal expansion of the rock, a = thermal diffusivity of the rock, n =coefficient of rigidity of the rock, f = shear strength of the rock.

Where

Jet burner machines are mainly of two types i.e. having a non-rotating burner and a rotating burner. The burner forms the main unit of jet burner machine. It can be single flame or multi flame, the later being generally used in rotary burners. The burner comprises a combustion chamber into that the fuel oil is supplied in atomized form, which is usually kerosene in oxygen fuel burners and diesel oil in air fuel burners. The fuel is supplied at a pressure varying from 4 - 8.5 kg/cm. In the combustion chamber the fuel mixes with the oxidizer and burns. The oxidizer is usually gaseous oxygen, supplied at a pressure of 9.5-10.5 kg/cm. This gives a high jet temperature of 2500-3000C and a high jet velocity of 1600-2000 m/s. Cost of oxygen alone amounts to 70% of the total cost. Water is circulated around the combustion chamber to cool it and after circulation it is sprayed into the hole through nozzles located around the nozzle. Sufficient water is circulated so as to cool the escaping gases to 120C. The water is converted in to steam and this helps in the removal of the cuttings out of the channel (Park, 1972). 3.7 Chemical Rock Breaking Technique Breaking the rock along a weak plane is termed as splitting i.e. prying the two faces apart. In order to get the prying forces, somehow a force is developed onto the rock. The hole drilled are means whereby the force can be applied to spread the two faces, hence, it serves as a clear starting point (Liner, 2004). The best way to break up rock without using explosive materials is by drilling small diameter holes into the rock and pouring an expansive chemical agent into the holes. These chemicals are called soundless chemical demolition agents (SCDA) or March 2010

non-explosive demolition agents. The process can be done on a small scale, even with a boulder, or on a large scale with a massive rock formation. These chemical agents have proven to be viable substitutes for the use of explosives. SCDA are powdery materials that expand considerably when mixed with water. This expansion, when occurring under confinement, generates significant pressures. These pressures are sufficient to break up rock when it is confined in a hole or a series of holes. Normally it is mixed with a measured quantity of water and poured into the holes. Immediately it begins to hydrate, generates heat and crystallizes i.e. hardening and expanding. The pressure developed is of sufficient magnitude and after a period of time it fractures the confining material. Depending on the type of SCDA, significant expansive pressure may be generated as quickly as within 15 min., or as long as within 24 hr (answaers@google.com, 2004). 3.7.1 Non-demolition technologies The non-explosive demolition technologies and working experience of various scientists world over for the last more than 10 years show that for the time being the best alternative is a pyrotechnical rock breaking technology, namely SAFEX. Safex is so safe that, it only works when placed in the holes drilled precisely, and stemmed to get maximum pressure. During transport, storage, free standing, etc. it is not affected from impact, pressure, fire and electricity. Even passenger planes can transport it. It has several sizes to suit different applications and can be found as a cartridge ready to use. It is classified under UN0432 1.4S code. The activation is simple and it is within a fraction of second. Pressure level attained reaches to levels 4-8 tonnes per m (Safex-ga, 2004). 3.7.2 FRACT.AG expansive mortar It is a versatile chemical agent, can be used in hole diameters from 34 mm to 75 mm, which can be keyed to jobsite conditions, depending on the drilling equipment available and the method of excavation. It makes mass rock removal an easier task, substantially reduces removal time, saving time and money. It also works in underwater situations, can be used in deep holes and it is environmentally friendly (http:// www.daighcompany.com/default.asp). 3.7.3 Dexpan Non-Explosive demolition agent For controlled demolition, building remodelling, reinforced concrete cutting, rock breaking, granite and marble quarrying, mining, excavation, the Dexpan non-explosive demolition agent is used. It has amazing expansive capability to break reinforced concrete, rock, granite, marble or any material you are working with, easy to use, just mix with water then fill into holes, nonexplosive, much safer than explosives, does the job without noise, vibration, fly rocks and toxic gases. It works in efficient and cost effective manner. In this case no special license, training and equipments are needed. It is an earth friendly product (Pinkfreud, 2004). Mining Engineers' Journal 17

3.7.4 Brister It is a soundless and safe demolition agent. It does not cause any fly rock, noise, ground vibration, gas, dust or any other environmental pollution when used properly. When it is mixed with an appropriate quantity of water and poured into cylindrical holes drilled in rock, it hardens and expands. It cracks the material to be demolished and later on easily removed with a pick breaker, pneumatic breaker, and excavator(http:// www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/soundche.htm, http:// www.demolitiontechnologies.com). It is applied to separate the granite block of required dimension at number of quarries in China, Korea and other parts of the world (Anon, 2005; http/ : www.crackag.com, http/: www.stone.com). 4.0 RESIN TECHNOLOGY Application of resin is mainly for strengthening of the fissured and porous portions of the stone. Resin hardens slowly and has a very high penetration rate in fine and deep fissures (Figure 9, 10 and 11). It starts filling immediately in small holes and fissures, as soon as it is applied to the rock.

Figure 9 Showing resin colours

Figure10 Showing cracks in granite slab

Figure 11 Showing pouring of resin in slab March 2010

The use of resin is on colour basis and mixing ratio is kept as 4:1 by weight i.e. 4 is weight fraction of components1 and 1 is weight fraction of components 2. Normal time required for rock strengthening is 20-25 minutes at 20 centigrade. Various types of resins are available in the market i.e. Mastice 2000, Strong 2000, Imprepox and Preparato special. The Mastic polyester is made up of polyester resin, which comes in two parts i.e. adhesive and catalyst. It is available in 12 different colours (Figure 9). Epoxy mastic Epoxy 2000 is suitable for glue as well as joints fill and reinforce various types of granite where as the Imprepox is suited for filling micro cracks, capillaries. 5.0 ROLE OF GEO-TECHNICAL PROPERTIES IN EXCAVATION The geo-technical properties of granite play a key role in excavation. Thus, geological details including mode of occurrence, geological features of granite body including the volumetric joint count, joint frequency, persistence, joint types i.e. open, indurated, clay filled, joint orientation, joint gap, joint sets number, joint spacing, thickness of granite sheet and its variation if any, granite sheet geometry and relationship between adjacent sheets, intersecting veins and their orientation, frequency, vein filled mineral types as well as relationship with the main granite body are to be assessed before starting the quarry. The study clearly reveals that the geo-technical properties and excavation as well as treatment techniques have intimate relationship. Geo-technical evaluation techniques have proved their role in cost effective excavation. (i) In the exercise of drilling the orientation of drill hole must be decided by the nature of granite body so that by minimum or least effort the maximum number of standard size blocks may be produced (Brown, 1976). Notch is made in such a way that the plane of weakness i.e. rift, grain, secondary veins trend, strike of joint plane etc., in the granite body always coincides the direction of split. (ii) The high frequency electrical disintegration technique is used for development of crack to assure intact granite block, which eliminate drilling but great scope of consideration of geo-technical parameter i.e. foliation orientation and strain in X-Y-Z direction. (iii) In water jet cutting the pressure as well as water flow rate varies in fine and coarse-grained granites, varies in less and more joint spacing granites, and varies in indurated joints where the type of indurated material is different. (iv) If diamond wire is manufactured by considering the stonegeo parameters i.e. grain size, texture, grain morphology, quartz-mica-feldspar mineral grains mutual relationships, intergranular and intra-granular status, grain orientation etc. better results can be achieved in terms of extraction and recovery. Mining Engineers' Journal 18

(v) The non-rotating burner gives good results in rocks of uniform and good spallability, but in cracked granite formations and in formation with varying spalling characters the rotating burners give a more uniform hole shape. It is stone naturefriendly approach (Summers et al., 1977). (vi) Application of soundless controllable demolition agents can be optimize looking to the geological properties of the stone, which decides to drill the boreholes i.e. alignment, diameter, depth, orientation etc., according to the stone structure and nature in order to achieve the desired effect. (vii) The point of injection of resin always decided on the basis of geo-technical parameters so that it penetrates in maximum fractures or weak planes and takes less time. In-situ resin treatment converts dimensionally unsuitable granite in to blockable, hence, contributing towards conservation aspect and finally recovery of standard size blocks. CONCLUSIONS In global competitive era, reduction or optimization of granite quarrying cost is a matter of concern to survive in the international market. This challenge may be fulfilled if geotechnical properties are taken into consideration before excavation. On the basis of present study, following conclusions are drawn. Granite excavation technology should be stone-geo friendly. If diamond beads are manufactured in order to granite resource-wise by considering the stone-geo parameters, better results can be achieved in terms of extraction and recovery. Chemical rock breaking techniques are really stone-geo friendly. Further, research is required and behaviours of the stone at micro level should be considered for making these techniques efficient. Application of resin is the process of preparing the stone to user-friendly state. By filling of joints/cracks etc. the bonding improves, sometimes upto the natural state of the stone. Finally improves recovery and mineral will be conserved.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The authors are thankful to Professor Virendra Kumar, Dean, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, for their motivation. We are thankful to quarry owners who have provided necessary facility for fieldwork. Heartfelt gratitude to Dr. B.L. Sharma, Professor of Geology and Dr. P.S.Ranawat, Professor of Geology, for their valuable suggestions. March 2010

REFERENCES
Anon (2005). Mineral Resources of Madhya Pradesh, Broacher of D.M.G., M.P. pp.1-4 Anon (1999). G.O.I. Department of Mines - Granite Conservation and Development Rules (mines.nic.in). Brown, W.S. (1976). Rock Fragmentation- A Report of a Special Seminar, held in conjunction with 17th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Snowbird, UT. pp. 20-26 Brun, J.P., Gapais, D., Conge, J.P., Ledru, P. and Vigneresse, J.L. (1990). Geological Journal, Vol. 25, pp. 271-286. Gustafson, R (1981). Blasting Techniques, Fourth Australian Tunneling Conference, Melbourne, pp.283-285 Kaplunov, D.R., Rilnikova, M.V.and Chapligin, N.N. (2003). The Principle and Strategy of Combined Methods and Technologies in Massive Mineral Resources Exploitation, Proc. 19 W.M.E, Vol.1, pp. 558-570. Martin, M.R. (1953). Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London, Vol. 108, pp. 311-342. Nicole, I. (2003). Specificity of Mining Technological System Development for Romanian Conditions Proc.19th W.M.E., Vol.1, pp. 467-482. Panakkal, J. (2000). International Marketing of Granite and Other stones, Souvenir Stone Mart, held at Jaipur, India. Park, P.A. (1972). Jet Properties, Proc. 14th Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Penn. State Univ., University, June, pp. 12-14 Patersan, S.R. and Vernon, R.H. (1995). Bursting the Bubble of Ballooning Plutons. A return to nested diapers emplaced by multiple processes. Bulletin of the Geological Society of America, Vol. 107, pp. 1356-1380. Pitcher, W.S. and Berger, A.R. (1972). The Geology of Donegal: A study of granite emplacement and unroofing. Wiley-Interscience, NewYork, p 435. Radowir, S. (2003). Development Trends for Surface Mining in Yugoslavia, Proc. 19 W.M.E, Vol.1, pp. 483-494. Rameshkumar, B. and Nanda, N.K (2003). Application of LCC and LSA Technology for Profitability in Surface Mining Quantity. Proc.19 W.M.E, Vol. 1, pp. 570-580. Rathore, S.S., Bhardwaj, G. S. and Jain, S. C. (2000). Dimensional Stone Technology, Himanshu Publications, Delhi-Udaipur, pp. 20-115 Safex(2004).ChemicalforRockBreaking.(http://answers.google.com/ answers/threadview/id/354284.html) Sharma, S. (2005). Cost Effective Granite Extraction Techniques, Unpublished Seminar Report(Under supervision of Dr G.S.Bhardwaj) submitted for partial fulfillment of the degree of B.E. Mining Engineering, Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur , Rajasthan. Snaderson, D.J.and Meneilly, A.W. (1981). Journal of Structural Geology, U.S.A., Vol.3, pp. 109-116. Summers, D.A. and Lehnhoff, T.F. (1977). Water Jet Drilling in Sandstone and Granite, Proc. 18th Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Keystone, CO., pp. 243-244 Summers, D.A. (1968). Disintegration of Rock by High Pressure Jets. Ph.D. Thesis, University of Leeds. Thomas, J. and Reston, V.A. (1997). US Department of Interior, US Geological Survey, Mineral and Mineral Industries Survey, pp.11- 60 Trueman, E. (2003). Mine Development Challenging the Fundamentals, Proc.19 W.M.E Vol.1, pp. 533-558. Wallace S. P. (1997). The Nature and Origin of Granite. Chapman and Hall. Wang S. K. (1991). Hot-dry Rock Drilling Techniques and Thermal Spalling Method. Evaluation of deep drill hole for high-level nuclear waste disposal. Master of Science thesis pdf no. 27455531(1) (secured) Massachusetts Institute of Technology, pp. 56-232.

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OBITUARY
With utmost sorrow and grief it is informed that Shri A.G. Keshava Reddy (LM-818) passed away in November 2009. Born in 1936, he graduated in 1960 from Kothagudem School of Mines. Immediately after graduation he joined Singareni Collieries and retired as General Manager in May 1995. At the age of 70 years he acquired Law degree as well. In November 2009 he had gone to attend a marriage in Singareni Collieris where he suddenly breathed his last.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, all doctors.

MEJ extends sincere condolences to the bereaved family. Address : Sri Sai Ram Apartments 3-5-700/204, Opposite MLA Quarters, Narayanaguda, Hyderabad - 500 029. 19 March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

TOP SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL, THE NEED OF THE HOUR
B.Arunachalam* WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DO NOT CONTROL TOP SOIL LOSS Water erosion across the country is the major cause of topsoil loss (in 132 m.ha) and terrain deformation (in 16.4 m.ha). Wind erosion is dominant in the western part of the country causing a loss of top soil and terrain deformation in 13 mha (Sehgal and Abrol 1994). Land management practices are often not geared to check water erosion on slopes and wind erosion on level lands of dry regions leading to considerable deterioration. Often, it is neither the environment nor the type of land use that necessarily leads to degradation, but the standard of land management. According to one estimate, nature takes nearly 1,000 years to produce a few centimetre of top soil! The rate of erosion in the catchment area of rivers has increased five-fold; the present rate being upwards of 1 mm per year. [The Indian landslide scenario, strategic issues and action points R.K.Bhandari] Some short term effects of erosion and sedimentation are: 1) dump slope damage, 2) virgin hill slope damage, 3) turbidity of rain water flowing down hill, 4) temporary blockade on roads, 5) bad road conditions. Some long term effects of erosion and sedimentation are: 1) loss of virgin land, 2) covering up of mineral deposit or lean ore deposits at lower level, 3) permanent damage to agricultural land, 4) loss sweet water collection systems like lake, pond etc., 5) increase in turbidity and toxicity levels in water course. In most of these cases, the loss is not easily reversible. Dumps advanced by dumping from top are at a factor of safety of 1.0 on the edge. Change in angle by external measures will destabilise the dump slope (e.g. Holding by retention walls) The stability of such dumps must be carefully evaluated and monitored during the operating phase of mining. The long term stability of waste dump slopes can decrease as a result of: 1) Increase in the groundwater table due to groundwater accumulation and due to changes in the permeability of the dump materials resulting from weathering and washing of the fines. Decreases in the dump material strength due to weathering.

2)

Changes such as these are responsible for the tragic dump failures. Miners and mining operation usually are the ones that come under the firing line. Proactive measures and not knee jerk reaction/short term measures should be taken. Rainfall, Cloud Bursts and Land sliding: For the first time landslides, however, the action is usually so long delayed that the connection between rainfall and landslide may not be felt obvious. Most landslides have multiple causative factors. Some dump slides result in fatalities and many in loss of property as well. We need to keep ourselves updated with incidents and update our measures. We need to identify hazard, analyse the risk and initiate/ maintain proactive measures in time. In case of inadequate precautions against erosion of soil dumps, downstream silting in water logged and / or catchments areas takes place. In case the water gets collected in a pond or lake it can harm agriculture, aqua culture, cattle or wild life as also the source of potable water for inhabitants. It is mandatory to monitor the quality of such water. Removing silt will more often not be possible as it would be a thin layer over a wide area. The soil will no more be permeable. There by loosing fertility. The toxicity of soil may go up. This could result in bad or no yield of crop. Even when such silt is removed, safe disposal and containing it will pose a problem.

*Manager, Mines Group Vocational Training Society, Hospet, Karnataka Paper presented in the meeting of MEAI Bellary-Hospet chapter on 29th Aug 09. Mining Engineers' Journal 20 March 2010

Experience suggests that reactivation of old landslides invariably takes place following heavy or prolonged rains. Once a measure is taken, it is required to monitor its health, remodify it, apply, and again monitor. It is a continuous process and not a one time activity. It is necessary to prevent erosion at source. We should contain the waste within bounded areas, allow silt to settle using flocculants like burnt lime, if need be, design and allow clear water to overflow. When such settling pond gets filled with silt, allow it to dry, cover with a layer of top soil and then vegetate. In the case of any of our mines, a similar situation may be of lesser or greater magnitude can take place when waste is dumped in a valley from hill top or from slope. Such waste can slide down and block a water course in the valley below. Rain water from upstream will get impounded, build up pressure on such blockade and at some point of time the blockade would yield, and silt with large quantity of water will flow down, submerge or flood inhabited area and/or agricultural land. Least is silt carried down stream and worst is water getting impounded and later breach, inundating inhabitations below. When not taken care, rain water if allowed to flow through the mine to river course will pollute water down stream (Annexure1). SEDIMENT CONTROL TECHNIQUES The major causes of erosion problems in an open cast mining operations are the extent of the disturbed areas, poor drainage plans and the lack of a sediment control strategy. In developing a sediment control plan the following basic approach should be adopted: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7) 8) 9) 10) minimize the area which is disturbed at any one time; develop a drainage control system for the mine lease area; integrate drainage, erosion and sediment control into each stage of the mining operation; develop a mining and rehabilitation plan prior to initiating mining activities; construct drainage and erosion controls in advance of mining activities ; divert storm runoff away from areas with high erosion potential; incorporate measures to reduce the flow velocity of storm runoff; limit the handling of waste and topsoil materials during peak monsoon rehabilitate areas as soon as possible; maintain drainage and erosion control measures 21

Provision of drains in an in situ strata or concreted/boulder pitched base and with interspaced flow retarders, cross over culverts totally discharging into a settling tank and not in the water course will greatly improve the quality of water. Retention walls and failure (Annexure - 2) One area that gets commonly overlooked, or at least underestimated, is the necessity to drain the backfill of rainwater and/or groundwater. Hydrostatic pressure can cause or induce retaining wall failure, or at least damage. Drainage of water as a result of rainfall or other wet conditions is very important to the stability of a retaining wall. Without proper drainage, the backfill can become saturated, which has the dual impact of increasing the pressure on the wall and lessening the resistance of the backfill material to sliding. Granular backfill material offers the benefits of good drainage, easy compaction, and increased sliding resistance. Therefore it is necessary to dump blasted waste in the bottom most layer of a Dump. Remedy Drainage systems usually utilize weep holes and drainage lines. Weep holes actually penetrate the retaining wall and drain the area immediately behind the wall. Weep holes should have a minimum diameter so as to permit free drainage. For large walls, 100mm weep holes are common. Adequate spacing between weep holes allows uniform drainage from behind the wall. Weep holes should always have some kind of filter material between the wall and the backfill to prevent fines migration, weep hole clogging and loss of backfill and caving. Drainage lines are often perforated and wrapped in geo textile or buried in a granular filter bed, and serve to carry water to the weep holes from areas deeper within the back. MINE RECLAMATION PLAN WHY? The main objectives of the mine reclamation plan are to, return the land to conditions capable of supporting prior land use or uses that are equal to or better than prior land use, to the extent practical and feasible Eliminate significant adverse effects on adjacent water resources. Mine reclamation plans should incorporate the following components: March 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal

a) b) c)

Conserve, stockpile, and use topsoil for reclamation. Re-contouring slopes of more than 20 degrees to minimize erosion and runoff. Planting native vegetation to prevent erosion and encourage self-sustaining development of a productive ecosystem on the reclaimed land. Budgeting and scheduling for pre- and post-abandonment reclamation activities. Plan views that show areas cleared, mined, refilled, and re-vegetated during each of the next 5 years and estimated activities at subsequent 5 year interval.

4) 5) 6)

characteristic of waste to disintegrate/dissolve in water granulometry of the mass porosity of loose material to maintain the stability of dump.

d) e)

Dumping in terrace pattern, which results in Better compaction and also prevent water percolation from top due to stage wise and lesser depth of compaction required (Annexure- 3) EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL STRUCTURES These protect the watershed and natural resources in a number of ways, for example: By preventing the formation of, or the advancement of gullies; Reducing the flow velocity in watercourses or providing structures capable of with- standing high flow velocity; Stabilizing the grade and controlling head cutting in natural or artificial channels; Conveying water from one elevation to another; Diverting water away from unstable slopes; and By filtering and retaining sediment These practices are applicable on sites where: Excessive gradient or overflow conditions occur. Water needs to be moved from higher to lower elevations. . There is sedimentation or an erosion problem Properly designed, installed and maintained, erosion and sediment control structures will effectively reduce the transport of sediments, minimize erosion and the degradation of water resources and reduce negative impacts to natural resources (i.e. vegetation, wildlife, etc.). PIT BACKFILLING & STABILIZATION Depending upon the type of deposit, the geochemistry of the rock, and water (if present) in the pit, backfilling or partial backfilling, can be a viable means for stabilization and reclamation. Backfilling will typically be compatible with post-mining land uses and reduces visual impacts and minimize the impoundment of surface water. There are three types of backfilling which can be accomplished concurrently or at the end of mining. Types of Back filling Total Backfilling - Potentially extends the duration of the project and may not be economically feasible, but this is balanced against returning the landform more nearly to its original configuration 22 March 2010

Active Dumps 1) In the case of active dumps as the height increases the stability decreases the chances of dump sliding/ failure also increases. Generally waste encountered by us tends to have an angle of repose nearing 30 degrees when it is nearly dry. Depending upon the intensity of rainfall, over all height, porosity and granulometry of the mass the same waste dump would assume an angle of repose of about 25 degrees on the slope and still flatter at its toe when exposed to rains The granulometry of waste as available at the mines and in waste dump will differ due to impact while dumping and also due weathering The granulometry of the material along the slope will differ in direct proportion to the height of slope, speed and quantity of unloading per dumper, presence of tail gate or scoop body etc., Granulometry and solubility will determine erosion characteristics in case if water flows down along these slopes Moisture content of waste will be another factor. Dry waste will flow down uniformly, slushy material will get accumulated at toe while waste which is not too wet will hang on the slope in meta stable condition and slide down en masse. Slides can block the water course. When such blockage yields, the flow is sudden and water in large quantities can inundate inhabitations below

2)

3)

4)

5)

6)

7)

8)

The change in angle will amongst others depend upon the: 1) 2) 3) rain fall, drainage at the top and toe of dump presence of water table and seepage from inside the dump

Mining Engineers' Journal

Partial Backfilling or Screen Slope Backfilling - This practice is typically done to modify or conceal visual impacts and to increase slope stability of the pit walls. Sometimes utilized as a compromise to total backfilling Concurrent Backfilling - Commonly done at mine sites with multiple pits where production schedules can accommodate direct placement of waste rock in an open pit. This method is advantageous because it is cost effective, reduces the size, extent and reclamation of waste rock dumps and allows for a productive postmining land use. Any back filling project can be taken up only after complete exploitation of the block to be backfilled and approval from concerned authorities. (Indian Bureau of Mines) Complete detailed survey will have to be made. To prove that the area to be back filled is barren, taking the strike and dip into consideration, few bore holes would need to be drilled away from the contact on both foot and hanging wall side Core of drilled hole as well as documents regarding location, litho logy ,physical and chemical properties, presence of ground water and all data that can be collected will have to preserved and produced to authorities for inspection e. It is also advisable to stack materials of different grades at designated locations in the back filled area with possibility of recovery should there be a change in market scenario. A detailed plan of such stacking will need to be maintained As far as possible backfilling should not interfere or block ground water table. Should it become unavoidable, form a pervious layer of boulders or other material at such a horizon. If need be pumping out of water thus collected should be done In case of filling in water logged area precautions and continuous monitoring for subsidence would need to be done to prevent against slide .It would be safer to dump at a distance of one truck length away from edge and then doze down

out should confirm to environmental norm. It therefore becomes necessary that water is impounded made to settle and then only allowed to flow out FILTERATION GALLERY Size and design and addition of settling agent depends upon, a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) on rainfall, retention time depending upon turbidity (conduct lab test) toxicity size of catchments area, addition of ground percolation water time required for turbid water to settle and clear water to overflow. approachability for de-silting and filling sized rubble at intervals filtration gallery should be located as far away from the toe of dump as possible to avoid blocking due to any unprecedented slide. in case of low lying area, the basin may need little more than a dam to hold water, as against constructing retaining walls and digging if you're placing it in a higher area. if such collection area has tendency to percolate ,then it may be necessary to make the floor impervious. Otherwise the wells close by could turn turbid. don't proceed without permission from your state's water authority. consider about property downstream. Your impounding of water could deprive him of his source. incorporate a water release system. Even if you're just pushing up waste to create a pond, when your basin fills, the runoff may begin to overflow which leads to a small trench. Very quickly, a small trench becomes a washed out retaining wall as the water rushes through collect sample as per procedure based on quantity and time

i)

j)

f. g.

k) l) m)

h.

n)

ORE STACKS Where backfilling is not possible then waste is dumped outside the pit. In such a situation the waste will change its angle of repose in the presence of water tends to get flatter and flow down slopes carrying with it the waste. The solids like stone etc., may not travel to longer distances while the dissolved solids in the form of slush will settle down in places where it looses its velocity. Such area may be inhabited or agricultural land or forest or water hole for wild life. Once an agricultural land is covered with silt then depending upon toxicity it will loose its fertile nature for ever. Water that is allowed to flow Mining Engineers' Journal 23 Another area contributing to sedimentation is flow of rain water through ore stacks. Rain water carries with it the fine ore and deposits down below. This in addition to waste of ore also adds up to pollution load on the water. These stacks are covered with plastic sheets to prevent direct contact As an additional precaution portable arrestors are provided at a slight distance away from the foot of such stacks. These can be shifted as the stack progresses March 2010

or retreats. These are cast in R.C.C measuring 3x1.2m and shifted as required. They weigh 5(t)approx Certain clay ,ore and silica benches show tendency to wash down and increase the silt load. Depending upon the rainfall conditions these are also covered with plastic sheets. When benches erode their width gets reduced. This over and above stability problems, affect the economics by increase in waste handling to reform such benches Employee training on the components of the storm water runoff management program, practices, good housekeeping and maintenance related to those practices should be implemented on a timely basis. The views expressed above are of the author and may not be subscribed by the organisation he belongs to The author conveys his thanks to management of Mines Group Vocational Training Society for permitting him to present this paper

Annexure 1

Annexure 4 Annexure-5 LIQUID EFFLUENTS Source: The World Bank policies and guidelines, The following are guidelines for effluent discharged to receiving waters from tailings impoundments, mine drainage, sedimentation basins, sewage systems, and storm water drainage. They do not apply to direct discharge of tailings to the marine environment Details Limits pH 6 to 9 BOD 50 mg/l Oil and Grease 20 mg/l Total Suspended Solids 50 mg/l Temperature - at the edge max 5 C above ambient temperature Designated mixing zone max 3 C of receiving waters if receiving waters >28 C Residual Heavy Metals The following are recommended target guidelines below which there is expected to be no risk for significant adverse impact on aquatic biota or human use. In cases where natural background concentrations exceed these levels, the discharge may contain concentrations up to natural background levels.

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Concentrations up to 110% of natural background can be accepted if no significant adverse impact can be demonstrated. Details Arsenic Cadmium Chromium, Hexavalent ChromiumTotal Copper Iron, Total Lead Mercury Nickel Zinc Tolerance 1.0 mg/l 0.1 mg/l 0.05 mg/l 1.0 mg/l 0.3 mg/l 2 mg/l 0.6 mg/l 0.002 mg/l 0.5 mg/l 1.0 mg/l

OBITURY

Source: The World Bank policies and guidelines

NOTICE
It is for the information of all SME affiliated members that the annual membership has been renewed for the year 2010 by paying $10 for each member. Members interested to download the material from SME Website are requested to contact the Secretary General for obtaining their individual passwords. They are also requested to provide their addresses and telephone numbers by post/e-mail for correspondence. Secretary General

With profound sorrow and regret it is informed that Shri Alevore Ramesh Rao (LM - 99) pased away on 1001-2010 at his native place. Born on 28-06-1947 he was B.E. (Mining) with 1st Class Manager's Competency certificate. He worked as General Manager in Tungabhadra Minerals (P) Ltd. from 12-10-1999 to 0608-2004. He is survived by his wife Smt. Sulochana Rao and two daughters Smt. Smitha Rao and Dr. Sushma Rao. MEJ extends sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

FROM IV
Statement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper "Mining Engineers' Journal" to be published in the first issue every year after the last day of February 1. 2. 3. Place of publication Periodicity of its publication Printer's Name Nationality (a) Whether a citizen of India? (b) If a foreigner, the country of origin Address 4. Publisher's name Nationality (a) Whether a citizen of India? (b) If a foreigner, the country of origin] Address Editor's Name Nationality [(a) Whether a citizen of India? (b) If a foreigner, the country of origin] Address : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : Hyderabad Monthly A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining of Engineers' Association of India. Yes -N.A.'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. A.S. Rao Yes -N.A.'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Dr. K.K. Sharma Yes NA 'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers, Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001.

5.

6.

Names and addresses of individuals who own : "Mining Engineers' Association of India" the newspaper and partners or shareholders 'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers, holding more than one per cent of the total capital : Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. I, A.S. Rao hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. Sd/- A.S. Rao Signature of Publisher.

Date : 01-03-2010

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COAL INDIAS 34TH FOUNDATION DAY 1ST NOVEMBER 2009 3RD J.G. KUMARAMANGALAM MEMORIAL LECTURE
* G.L. Tandon (Padmabhushan) Excerpts from the above paper 3rd Memorial Lecture Shri G.L. Tandon had delivered his lecture on 01-11-2009 7.1 This 3rd Memorial Lecture for which I have been invited which is a very elaborate presentation. For the paucify of was to be delivered by my senior Shri Mahinder Singh Gujral. space only special and technical portions have been Unfortunately he is not able to do so because of health reasons reproduced. However all the headings have been provided to and I will be doing a sub-mix of both. Shri M S Gujral was a Doyen of the Railways and he is widely remembered and give an idea of full presentation. respected even today. Vasant Kunj Delhi where I stay, I have an ex-Railway Board Chairman Y.P. Anand and some other KOLKATA THE LAND OF PIONEERS railway officials. They all speak very high of Shri Gujral. 1.0 - 4.5 - Not reproduced 1st Memorial Lecture 5.1 First Memorial Lecture of the series was started by Dr RN 7.2 - 8.1 Not reproduced Sharma, our seniormost mining engineer, a very likeable and COAL INDIAS PROBLEMS & SIMPLE SOLUTIONS respected-person. Though I have never worked with him, I 9.1 When I took over Coal India, I heard a general complaint have always drawn experience and inspiration from his gentle that senior officials are away from their site of work, visiting acceptable public and official dealings. I find he has always Delhi frequently to attend meetings with Ministry officials, supported me and covered my weakness of shyness in self- Secretary and the Minister. In their absence work suffers as there is no one to help in taking decision. publicity and self-praise. 5.2 He was instrumental in arranging along with Russy Mody, a special convocation of XLR Jamshedpur with me as Chief Guest to address and award to me, prestigious Sir Jehangir Gandhy Gold medal on 17th March, 1986. I was the twentieth recipient of this medal for industrial peace. Some of the earlier. recipients were Naval H Tata, R.P. Billimoria, G. Ramanujam, Kanti Mehta, JRD Tata, V R Krishna Iyer and later included Shri Jyoti Basu - the longest Chief Minister of West Bengal. 5.3 Along with Dr PN Haksar, Chairman ISM Dhanbad and its Director Dr. Sinha, he arranged convocation to be addressed by me as Chief Guest. This was the first time that an exstudent of ISM Dhanbad was given such an honour. 5.4 On this occasion, award of Hony. Doctorate to me was also announced. I never bothered to pursue to get this certificate and it never came to me. Recently I learnt that with changes in the hierarchy, the file got bungled up and is lying buried deep somewhere. It is left now for a brave nationalist open-minded Chief Executive to fulfil the promise made by our almamator. 2nd Memorial Lecture 6.0 Shri S R Jain delivered Second Memorial Lecture last year, whom I knew when he was in Bhilai Steel Plant and other places and I was in NMDC. When he was Chairman SAIL, I helped him for 2 years to create and build up a separate Mining Division. I had very close and - long lasting relations with SAIL. Shri Wadud Khan the first Chairman of SAIL held his Board meeting at Kiriburu in 1974 where I was General Manager. I still remember the fascinating drive in a jeep I took Shri Wadud Khan through thick Saranda forest which we tried to maintain with great Care. 9.2 In the first meeting I attended taken by the Minister Honble Shri Vasant Sathe, present there were Secretary Shri S.B. Lal, Chairman Railway Board and other concerned senior officials. Shri Abhay Bhave, PS to the Minister told me that the Minister is very liberal. He will hand over this responsibility of discussing coal industry problems to be handled at CIL level. In this meeting I proposed to the Minister that I will handle all-problems of coal and refer to him only those which are beyond CILs domain. He readily agreed. 9.3 Within the next few days I called a dinner meeting in Hotel Oberoi Calcutta. The three concerned GMs on the direction of Chairman Railway Board, DVC and West Bengal Electricity Board - CIL subsidiary Chiefs and other concerned senior officials attended. General Managers Railways suggested their Chief Operating Superintendents to attend in future as they were directly dealing with the problems on the ground. There used to be frequent unscheduled meets with Unions of different affiliations, meets with subsidiaries officials and others concerned. To systematize and make the time spent productive, I decided to allot 4 days in a month for sorting out all major issues. Our Minister and Secretary very kindly agreed not to disturb anyone during these four days. 1) 2) First day: Meet in CIL Hq. with Railways, DVC & WBSEB - half day for each. Second day: Whole day from Breakfast to Dinner in Great Eastern Hotel with Unions. Dr. Pandhe and other prominent leaders attended. Third day: In CIL Hqrs meeting of CIL Board. Add/. Secretary Shri Krishnan, Joint Secretary/Director, CMD Singareni Collieries and CMD subsidiaries Members attended.

3)

* Former Chairman of NLC and Coal India Ltd. and President, MEAI Mining Engineers' Journal 26 March 2010

4)

Fourth day: Meet in CIL Hqrs. with Board Members of Subsidiary companies.

MT in 1993-94; 279.65 MT in 2001-02; 363.8 MT in 2006-07, 403.73 MT in 2008-09 and 184.44 MT (first half April-Sept.) 2009-10. NEGLECT OF UNDERGROUND MINING 12.1 We have suffered badly by loosing several decades of underground mining technology/experience built on British/ European base, due to a broom stick policy instead of selective approach. If well managed companies like Bengal Coal Company, Mcneill & Barry, Turner Morrison etc and some Indian companies like Chanchani-Worah etc. had been left on their own; underground technology perhaps would have been still prevailing. Result of the poor indifferent handling is that underground coal production has come down from 74% from 1st November 1975 to now about 10%, mostly from pillars already developed. 12.2 Shri Partha S Bhattacharyya has several strategies for increasing coal production from underground mines and appears keen to correct the damages done to some extent. Having spent my life in the deepest and most difficult mines of Bengal & Bihar in fifties and sixties before switching to National Mineral Development Corporation, I have words of caution and advice for Coal India. Underground mining is not like opencast which most can adopt successfully. The 12 strategies listed on pages 33-34 of Shri Bhattacharyyas presentation on 11th December 2006 can be fully successful only if a strong and experienced internal organization is available. Outsourcing of normal jobs is very much different than outsourcing of underground coal mining. It will, therefore, pe advisable to create-build-train and develop an Underground Mining Organization to achieve the dreams of underground mining strategies. 12.3 Very few persons today will like to adopt underground mining which is tough, risky, dangerous and always chances of getting blames and abuses. India is not China where accidents will go unnoticed and mining persons go-unpunished as production is the main motto. We live in a Parliamentary Democracy. Even one accident involving fatalities will need to be justified to face and escape from the wrath of our media and legislature. ADVERSE EFFECT ON COAL RESOURCES 13.1 Bigger damage of long-term consequences to the country and future generations lies in loss of our coal resources. We should be maintaining 30:70 and not less than 40:60 ratio of opencast and underground coal production, if we want to fully utilize this natural resource. Underground mining is risky and 2 to 3 times costlier though better from quality and environment angles. 13.2 - 13.2 - Not reproduced SIZING AND WASHING OF COAL 14. Coal quality has suffered decline which has been a matter of concern of all consumers. Shri Bhattacharyyas decision to go for washeries on a large scale on, Build-Operate-Maintain 27 March 2010

9.4 This left me and all others concerned 26 days free to do their own duties. Senior officers also remained at their sites of work for quicker decisions and direction to others. COMMUNICATIONS & DATA ACQUISITION 10.1 Lack of proper communications, both inside and outside can make even the best Organisation/Company inefficient and powerless. I found that Coal India, after take over of all the mines of BCCL and later the entire Coal industry, has about 1000 units spread all over the country if supporting commercial, marketing, monitoring and other offices are included. But communications depended on Postal and Telegraph prevailing facilities. Computers had yet to visit Coal India. 10.2 To remove this deficiency in consultation with CMC (Dr Gupta-as CMD), NITIE Bombay and other available experts, I decided to give communication top priority and update by emergent measures. Far flung units like North East, Assam were connected by wireless. A COALNET was created at CIL Hqrs. with network connections all over the country. l0.3 To evaluate and analyse CILs systems prevailing and new, and to strengthen them further; we organized a big professional meet at Hotel Ashok in Delhi where Indias top experts and senior officials of concerned Ministries were invited. To our pleasant surprise our systems were supported and commented none other than by Sam Pitroda, the Acknowledged Authority on the subject. He congratulated Coal India and stated that he was himself engaged for similar work for railways at much higher costs. LOSS OF THE NATIONALISATION ARCHITECT 11.1 Nationalisation of the entire Coal Industry, for whatever reasons, has created some problems of major consequences for the industry as well as the country. Underground coal mining decline and HRD became the major casualties compounded by sudden unfortunate loss of its Architect Mohan Kumaramanglam in 1973 in an Air crash. The Coal Industry became orphan and rudderless. 11.2 - 11.3 - Not reproduced BURDEN OF UNWANTED MANPOWER 11.4 - 11.6 - Not reproduced 11. 7 Due to political reasons Coal India was neither allowed to lay-off, nor retrench to get rid of the surplus unwanted manpower. From 1992 the figure started coming down due to natural retirement. In 2001 it came down to 542051, on 1.4.06 to 452287, on 1.4.09 to 412350 and on 1.9.2009 to 404666. While manpower has been going down; coal production has gone up from 79 MT in 1974-75; 171.5 MT in 1988-89; 216 Mining Engineers' Journal

(BOM) basis is commendable. I hope he gets full support of all concerned for the 19 washeries with a total investment of Rs.3000 crores in the first instance by 2015 to wash 105 million tonnes of coal. Consumers also should realize that sizing and washing cost money and they should be prepared to pay. Improvement in the performance of boilers is enhanced substantially and get paid back many times than the money spent. 15.1 Jharia Coalfields : Jharia coalfields situated in Jharkhand State between Dhanbad and Sindri, the only source of prime coking coal of our country has suffered neglect due to unauthorized habitation now about 1 to 2 lac, and indifferent unscientific attitude. Indias steel production - vital for modern, advanced and secure life heavily depends on this resource, reported to be over 500 million tonnes. Fires and burning of this precious resource have continued unabated over long periods. Jharia field is like a bowl with series of coal seams from top to bottom. 15.2 Steel producers and several others have envinced interest and conveyed concern. Government of India issued an ordinance in 1962 banning new construction in the town. Polish Experts invited by the Union Government gave a master plan for removal of all establishments and their relocation in 7 satellite townships. Some doubts were expressed in 198485 and some new locations were suggested. 15.3 We in Coal India studied the subject in depth and I personally paid visits to understand the realities on the ground. In April 1987 Coal India constituted Coal City Planning Committee, headed by Shri ENF Riberio, Chief Planner, Town & Country Planning Organization, Govt. of India. His report after detailed study of desired requirements and several alternatives, favoured a single large town where all types of facilities could be provided. An Advisory Group, in August appointed Coal City Planning Committee II which also favoured a single large town of 8 lacs to one million. This was discussed in a seminar at Hotel Meridien, Delhi under the Presidentship and as Chief Guest Shri Vasant Sathe, our Minister of Energy. This idea could also fill a gap of a large town as there was no large planned city between Calcutta and Patna. 15.4 Raniganj coalfield in West Bengal has always been in news. Along with Jharia this coalfield has been discussed time and again by the Legislature, even in the national Parliament. As Railway tracks, oil pipelines and several villages are affected, fires having engulfed a vast area spread over 100 sq.km. Some MPs and aggrieved parties have taken the matter to countrys highest Court - Supreme Court. The bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and Mining Engineers' Journal 28

Justices R V Raveendran and J M Panchal have studied the whole problem, but expressed reluctance to interfere in the matter of fires stating, If it had been ranging for the last 100 years, the Supreme Court can do little to control it. We are no experts and even if we hear it for years, we would not be able to even scratch the surface of the problem." 16. LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP While here in Kolkata I must make it clear that I am neither leftist nor rightist. I consider both left and right as essential with brain in the middle as given by God to all of us. I have lived, worked and or visited every part of the country; from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka (Gujarat) to Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Though poor in languages, I never faced any problem; regional, religious, language, caste and or creed. Questioned by many for reasons of success; my answer is simple. Treat, every part of the country without any discrimination like your own body which feels pain if any part gets hurt. Be a True nationalist. 16.1 - 16.6 - Not reproduced DELHI VISIT 17.1 Before I mention about Bailadila 14, an interesting episode regarding a group of union leaders visit to Delhi deserves mention. They met my father-in-law Shri Ranbir Singh, then Chief Editor Milap Group of papers. My father-inlaw was then a highly respected and influential person due to his very close relations with Late Gyani Zail Singh, President and Smt. Indira Gandhi Prime Minister. Some pride occasions; we on our wedding were blessed by the First President Dr. Rajendra Prasad and Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. Smt. Indira Gandhi graced wedding of our daughter Sukrita Bajaj in 1980. 17.2 Union Leaders complained that they were not able to function fully and properly due to my very rigid attitude and are being considered by the workers as irrelevant. I was nicknamed as Union Killer. My father-in-law told them that yes he is very firm in getting work done but is also very fair to ensure that every one gets his due. He told them that due to his influence, he wanted better postings for him so that my daughter having lived in cozy places, can have comfortable life instead of (i) living in tinshed hutments in heavy monsoon of western ghats in Kudremukh, (ii) Parbelia on Damodar river bank - approach by hand operated boat during rains or on buffalow carts on long stretch of sands for 1 /2 mile during non-rainy months.... etc. He showed them a letter I had written to my father-in-law which read as, I very humbly and respectfully request you to refrain from interference in my jobs. I will request you for help whenever I need it. In the same go, I had declined offer of Director J&K Minerals Ltd. from Bakhshi Ghulam Mohd. the then CM of Jammu & Kashmir. March 2010

SENSITIVE BASTAR DISTRICT 18.1 - 18.5 - Not reproduced FUNDAMENTALS OF NAXALITE & MAOIST PROBLEMS 19.1 - 19.4 - Not reproduced Aham Braham Asmi 20 We as human beings use only 2 to 5% of our energy Einstein is also reported to have used less than 10%. For those who may be interested, I will mention a few instances to indicate how we can do much more if part of our reserve potential is used with our own initiatives. 20.1 As Manager of Chanch-Laikdih (Barakar) highly gassy and geologically disturbed underground coalmine, I had to introduce sand stowing (sand by aerial ropeway from river Damodar through bunkers - pipelines all built to the designs by Bengal Coals Research department headed by renowned and experienced Dr Sinha and Shri Raja Ram Khana. Due to my habit of reading relevant literature to keep myself update, I studied their layouts to compare with French stowing-where full bore stowing at rates around 500 tonnes per hour was common against Indias 60-100 tph. I removed some kinks in the pipelines already in place and on starting stowing the bunker got emptied within 15/20 mts. As system was designed for only 80/100 tph. the equipment had to remain idle. Chiefs of Bengal Coal Company came to visit this wonder and took their Research Dept. to task for not having foresight and International perspective. 20.2 In Parbelia highly gassy, firey and deep coal mine, our 80 year old Foreman expert Kali Majhi detected smell of spontaneous heatings near the pit bottom coming from somewhere inside. Normally the mines are closed for long periods, lasting years. We in full consultation with DGMS and our Hq. Officials, thought of a novel solution. We installed high capacity pumps at river Damodar to draw water and fill the mine. Next step was to install high capacity-high head pumps at pit bottoms to pump out the water. Making full use of river Damodar, we restarted the mine within 21 days - a world record. 20.3 To test and experiment an alternative to the dreaded explosives for blasting of coal - a high air pressure unit (Armstrong make) was planned for companys highest mechanized Girmint mine. I was shifted from Parbelia for this job. With the grace of God and co-operation of all, we installed and operated this unit within a year, well ahead of the targets. FROM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC SECTOR 21. Due to political changes and PSUs getting more importance, I decided to leave Bengal Coal Company. I resigned from Girmint on 3rd July, 1966 and joined NMDC in Delhi on 5th July 1966. I understand the unit remained inoperative as great discipline and continuous hard efforts were required to operate and maintain the unit. IMPOSSIBLE NOT IN HIS DICTIONARY 22.1 - 22.3 - Not reproduced HAVE FAITH IN HIM - THINK POSITIVE Mining Engineers' Journal 29

23.1 As he was keen to know the specifics of my life, I told him (i) I was studying in B.Sc. (Geology) in Jammu (J&K) in 1947. Countrys partition left us totally in rags. While many in our Miani town, near river Jhelum were killed or injured, I escaped and had to travel in a truck over 200 miles to Amritsar across Lahore, newly created border with Pakistan, (ii) Next 2 years I lived in dingy slum huts - sleeping on the ground at different places. Took up menial jobs to meet two ends of the day, (iii) when my father re-established again after 2 years in Meerut, I restarted my studies and joined Dhanbad ISM in 1951 loosing 3 years in studies, (iv) lost my father in 1955 as soon as I completed ISM Dhanbad exams; my widowed mother burdened with 2 young school going children, (v) Next one year again had to sleep on ground as Bengal Coal Company neither gave any accommodation nor any stipend (vi) We had to take field training for 2/3 years after passing from ISM Dhanbad. We had to pass 2nd/1st Class Mine Management Exams. from Ministry of Labour, DGMS before we became eligible for a reasonably respectable job, (vii) When I took over charge of Parbelia after passing these exams in 1959/60, lost my young son, another child and mothers Cancer detection. (viii) In PSUs from 1966 I had some by choice very tough and rough assignments longest being Neyveli (NLC) 1981-85. As I never compromised to unethical and whimsical demands of seniors and many Ministers, had to undergo tough situations, false charges, CBI inquiries but always won, as I adhered to truth with faith in God. (ix) Out of 11 Ministers I had good relations only with S/Shri Biju Patnaik, K.C. Pant and Vasant Sathe who were straight forward and very helpful. 23.2 During my handing overcharge of Neyveli and take over of Coal India as Chairman in 1985-86, I lost my elder and younger brothers due to heart failures. I also lost my wife who was my backbone and shakti and I had to undergo a major open-heart operation lasting over 11 hours at St. Marys Hospital Milwakee, USA. Later we lost a 12 year old bright grandson - the only child of my younger daughter. 23.3 Two years back I had total heart failure - EF down under 16%, 11 days in ICU in Ganga Ram Hospital, my both daughters beside me day and night. Even today I live under 25% EF. I have serious dental and eating problems. 23.4 Even today I am facing consequences of betrayal of trust placed in a bright-well to do person (ISM Dhanbad) whom I treated like a son 5 years back. 24. I can continue but I will end here as important incidents/ experiences of my life, I have put in the book I am writing, almost complete, except editing and publishing. Life is never smooth. Face it with courage as it comes. Out of 84 lac species - only we as human beings are privileged to decide, analyse and act the way we like. Be grateful to the God always for this privilege and Mercy. Jai Hind / Bharat Mata Ki Jai March 2010

MEAI NEWS
I JODHPUR CHAPTER MEAI, Jodhpur Chapter organized a workshop on Small Scale Mining on 01-12-2009 at the conference hall of RSMML. At the outset, Shri V.S. Mathur, Chairman welcomed the gathering. Dr. R.V. Ramani, Emeritus Professor of Mining Engineering, The Penn State, USA, during his key note address highlighted the issue of livelihood associated with small scale mining abroad as well as in Indian continent. Dr. D.M. Surana emphasized on the short comings of small scale mining and stressed upon to form a joint forum at area level to combat problems arising out of statutory frame work and for systematic mining. The workshop ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Y.S. Sankhla, Jt. Secretary. II RAJASTHAN CHAPTER (A) MEAI, Rajasthan Chapter organized its 11th Executive Committee Meeting on 09-01-2010 at 11.00 hrs. at the chapters office at 109-110 Indraprasth Complex, Delhi Gate, Shastri Circle Road, Udaipur. At the outset Er. A.K. Kothari welcomed the members and guests and extended New Year greetings. The main points of the meeting are as under. (i) The total expenditure on renovation the new office building was Rs. 2.88 lakhs, for which R.K. Marbles donated Rs. 2.00 lakh, Shri S.P. Khaitan, Jyothi Minerals (P) Ltd. donated Rs. 1.00 lakh and Shri Narayan Bhai Patel, Tirupati Impex donated 50 chairs. The Executive Committee passed a resolution of appreciation to all the three doners. It was resolved to organize training courses for FirstAid Certificate, Blasters Certificate and Mining Mate Examinations. The First-Aid Certificate course will be held on 31-01-2010. It was also decided to arrange technical talks in the last week of every month preferably on Saturdays. II - GOA CHAPTER MEAI, Goa Chapter conducted a Technical Meeting on 1812-2009 at Hotel Venkatesh Leela, Ponda (Goa) on Sea floor mineral resources bright future for exploration and exploitation. At the outset Shri K.D. Kulkarni, Chairman MEAI, Goa Chapter welcomed the gathering. Shri T. Victor, VicePresident-III, MEAI introduced Prof. G.S. Roonwal and briefed his achievements. Prof. G.S. Roonwal, (Delhi University) presented a lecture on the subject, which was very informative and educative. The session ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri G. Shirish and was followed by high tea.

(ii)

Session in progress (L-R) S/Shri T. Victor, Prof. G.S. Roonwal, K.D. Kulkarni, C.S. Dhaveji and P. Nateshan. IV BANGALORE CHAPTER MEAI, Bangalore chapter organized Annual General Meeting on 20-01-2010 at 18.00 hrs. at Khanija Bhavan, Bangalore. At the outset Shri R.H. Sawkar, Chairman of the chapter welcomed the gathering and briefed about the activities of the chapter. First all the members observed few minutes silence to pay homage to Late Earnest Abraham who passed away on 08-11-2009. The Secretary presented the brief note on the activities of the chapter for the period 2008-09 and 2009-10. The members unanimously approved the audited accounts. As recommended by the committee consisting of S/Shri R.H. Sawkar, D.V. Pichamuthu, Dr. T.N. Venugopal and Dr. Basappa Reddy the following executive committee was unanimously agreed and accepted by all members for the period 2010-11 and 2011-12. Chairman Vice-Chairman Immediate past chairman 30 Shri D.V. Pichamuthu Shri H.M. Khyum Ali Shri R.H. Sawkar March 2010

(iii) Executive Committee members congratulated Shri S.C. Jain, Asst. Professor (Mining) CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur and Chairman of the Student Chapter for getting his Ph.D. Degree The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair. (B) Shri S.C. Jain gets Ph.D. Degree MPUAT, Udaipur awarded Ph.D. Degree to Shri S.C. Jain for his work on Detailed investigations to evaluate and improve the cutting performance of diamond wire saw in dolomite marble stones under the supervision of Dr. S.S. Rathore, Associate Professor, Dept. of Mining Engineering, MPUAT Udaipur. Shri Jain who is Life Member of MEAI (LM-2417) is presently working as Assistant Professor in CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur. MEJ extends congratulations to him Mining Engineers' Journal

Secretary Jt. Secretary -cum-Treasurer Members

Shri D.H.M.V. Swamy Dr. B.N. Shankar S/Shri D.R. Veeranna, D.V. Srinivas, R. Vardaraj, K.S. Parameshwaraiah and Smt. Sannaboramma Subramany. S/Shri M.S. Rathore, S.R. Ramachandran and V.M. Prabhu Shettar Shri M.S. Manjrekar, Dr. M. Basappa Reddy, Dr. T.N. Venugopal and Shri R.H. Sawkar

Co-opted Members -

Ex-Officio/ Nominated members

Shri D.C. Upathyay making his presentation Both the presentations were well received and there was fruitful interaction from the audience. Shri B.P. Pandey, GM Mines, SWML announced that a workshop on Environment would be organized at JSW in future. The meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by Shri Nagesh Shenoy and dinner was hosted by Hino Motors. VI HYDERABAD CHAPTER MEAI, Hyderabad chapter organized a one day workshop on Climate change and the Proceedings of Copenhagen summit jointly with M/s. Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. and Coal Mines Officers Association of India (CMOAI), Singareni Branch on 27-01-2010 at Yellendu Club, Kothagudem. The workshop was inaugurated by Shri S. Narasing Rao, IAS, CMD of SCCL, the Chief Guest with by Jyothi Prajwalana (lamp lighting). Shri V.D. Rajagopal, MEAI, President presided over the function. 150 delegates from SCCL and MEAI attended the workshop. At the outset Shri W. Vijay Babu of SCCL welcomed the dignitaries on the dais. Shri A. Siva Sankar, Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter presented a brief note on the objectives of the workshop and invited the officers of SCCI/CMOAI members to strengthen MEAI by becoming membes. Shri V.D. Rajagopal stressed the dire need for mitigation of ill effects of the green house gases by following the environmental regulations. The Directors of SCCL also addressed the gathering. The Chief Guest, Shri S. Narasing Rao, IAS emphasized the need for the interaction amongst the officers in organizing such workshops at all divisions of the SCCL for the benefit of the members and SCCL personnel. He promised all the possible help from SCCL for this cause. He advised MEAI to organize such workshops jointly with SCCL. 31 March 2010

The above committee took over on the same day. V BELLARY HOSPET MEAI, B-H Chapter organized the bi-monthly meeting on 09-10-2010 at the Business Centre, Sports Complex, JSW, Bellary at 18.30 hrs. At the outset Shri Nagesh Shenoy, Chapter Secretary informed that Bellary has been upgraded as region of Directorate of Mines Safety with Shri V. Lakshmi Narayana as the Director of Mines Safety. He requested members to contribute technical papers for presentation and provide personal details at the earliest for including in the chapter's directory. The next meeting is scheduled to be held on 27-02-2010. Shri Y.L. Patil of M/s. Nadeem Minerals in his presentation highlighted the depletion of high grade ores and necessity of beneficiating lowgrade ores like BHJ/BHQ/BMQ.

Shri Y.L. Patil presenting his talk Shri D.C. Upadhyay, Dy. G.M. Hino Motors described Hino Mining Tipper from Hino Motors (A Toyota Group Company). The presentation highlighted the various features of the tipper, including safety, strength, fuel consumption capacity etc. Mining Engineers' Journal

The General Secretary of CMOAI assured MEAI that membership drive will be taken up at various divisions of SCCL to eventually start a new chapter of MEAI. He requested the Chief Guest to present a cheque of Rs. 100,000/- towards advance payment for enrollement of new members to the President of MEAI from the Co-operative Society of CMOAI, SCCL. The Chief Guest presented the cheque to the President, MEAI. Prof. L. Ajay Kumar, Chairman Tamil Nadu Chapter presented a paper on Copenhagen Summit and its relevance to coal mining. Prof. K. Kameswara Rao, Centre for Environmental Studies presented a paper on Copenhagen Summit Forest Land. Both the papers were well received. MEAI, Hyderabad chapter expressed gratitude to Dr. M.S. Venkata Ramayya, President CMOAI, SCCL and office bearers of CMOAI for the cooperation and making all the arrangements and also to the management of SCCL for sponsoring and hosting the workshop. The recommandations are as follows. Recommendations of the workshop on "Climate Change" conducted at Yellandu Club, Kothagudem on 27-01-2010. 1. Afforestation of all barren areas, spoil heaps and colonies etc to be taken up aggressively to catalyst the consumption of CO2. 2. Capturing and storing of the green house gases at source - The task may be taken up on priority by the R&D Wing of SCCL to find out a commercially viable practice to mitigate the ill effects. 3. To develop an effective monitoring, measuring and recording system to compare the carbon emissions to gain carbon credits. 4. Record carbon credits to approach the appropriate Wing of the World Bank to access and utilise the Bio-climate and Green Climate funds which are being created as per the recommendations of the Copenhagen Summit. 5. Involvement of stake holders and bringing awareness of the effects of pollutants among the public. Arresting the pollutants at source. 6. Periodical assessment and review of the status of awareness brought in regarding the technological developments. 7. The cost accounting system of the company shall include a new cost head "Protection of environment" and appropriate all the expenses that are likely to be spent on the mitigation of carbon emissions. 8. Conversion of unwanted CH4 and CO2 gases to other useful gasses. 9. Any improvement in the thermal efficiency of the boilers will save lot of carbon emission: 10. Utilization of solar energy where ever possible. 11. Transportation of coal to be avoided as far as practicable by establishing pit-head power plants. Mining Engineers' Journal 32

VII MEAI, 3RD COUNCIL MEETING (2009-11) The 3rd Council Meeting of Mining Engineers Association of India was held on 13-02-2010 at 15.00 hrs. at B.S. Mehta Auditorium HCM, IRPA, JLM Marg, Jaipur (Rajasthan). Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President, MEAI was in the chair. Shri V.D. Rajagopal welcomed the members and guests and the council meeting started with the reviewing the minutes of the second council meeting which were confirmed. A proposal to open a new MEAI chapter at Jaipur was approved. The donation of Rs. 100,000/- given to the Rajasthan Chapter for acquiring office accommodation was approved. Further details of the meeting will be given in the next issue. VIII KSM ALUMNI MEET A meeting of the Alumni Assocaition of Mining of Engineers of University College of Engineering, Kakatiya University (Formerly Kothagudem School of Mines, Osmania University) was conducted at the University College of Engineering. Osmania University, Hyderabad on January 31, 2010 in connection with the Foundation Day (January 31, 1978) Celebrations of Mining Engineering Complex, Osmania University, Kothagudem.

Meeting in Progress The entire first batch (1960) of Mining Engineers in Osmania University was felicitated on this occasion. All the eight members unequivocally lauded the services rendered by Prof. H.S. Seshagiri Rao, who founded Mining Engineering in Osmania Universityz. As many as 50 members participanted in this event. Shri Siva Sankar, Chairman, Mining Engineers Association of India, Hyderabad Chapter, presided over the function, while Dr. V.S.S. Kumar, Professor & Head, Dept. of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad was the Chief Guest. March 2010

The final year students of Mining Engineering expressed the need to strengthen the theoretical and practical knowledge parameters so as to enable them to meet the present challenges of mining engineering profession. Shri Shivaji, GM (IT), AP Transco and member of alumni declared a contribution of Rupees One Lakh for the sustainable development of Mining Engineering Education. Shri T.V. Choudary, Former President, MEAI and Shri A. Sivasankar, Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter assured the Alumni to cover their news in MEAI monthly journal 'Mining Engineers' Journal'. They also requested all the mining enginers pursuing the I.T. career to take up life membership of MEAI. Also the members of MEAI from Osmania, KSM and KU are requested to join Alumni. Shri Bhaskar Rao, GM(IT), SCCL proposed vote of thanks. IX - CHANGE OF ADDRESS : The latest addresses of MEAI members who have changed their jobs or residences are given below : 1. Shri Birendra Kumar (LM - 3376) C/o. M. Prabhakar Kunkolienkar Carrieamodi, Curchorem Post, South Goa (Dist.) Goa Shri Gupta Saibal Prasad (LM 254) General Manager (Mines) Bolani Iron Mine, Bolani 758 037. Keonjhar (Dist.,) Orissa. Shri Mulam Ramachandraiah (LM 1817) H.No. 27-2-128, Siva Sai Residency, Thyagaraya Kalyana Mandapam Street, Balaji Nagar, Nellore 524 002. Shri Saligram Singh (LM 26) 403, Vibhavwari Towers, Lingampalli, Hyderabad 500 019. Shri Om Prakash (LM 3274) Q.No. NC 40, Writer Basthi, Kothagudem 507 101. Khammam Dist., A.P. Shri Mritunjai Kumar Singh (LM 3218) SF-8, II Floor, Ismail Aprts., Pontenol (Near Foot Ball Ground) Curchorem 403 706. Goa. Shri Ajay Alias Kadappa (LM 3056) S/o. S.S. balolamatti, Mallikarjuna Krupa H.No. 48/2, M.G. Road, XI Cross Vidhyagiri, Dist. & Post, Bagalkot 587 102. Karnataka. Dr. Manish Kumar Jain (LM 2449) Flot No. 2B, Akash Ganga Aprts., Infront of Geetha Clinic, Near Combined Building, Dhanbad 826 004. 33

X - JAIPUR CHAPTER We are pleased to inform that 23rd Chapter of MEAI has been opened. It was launched on February 13, 2010 at B.S. Mehta Auditorium of HCM, RIPA, Jaipur by Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President, MEAI by lighting the lamp and presenting Medals to the Chapter Chairman Shri V.C.S. Shreemal and Secretary Shri Anil Mathur and Medallians to the new members.

Shri V.D. Rajagopal presenting a Medal to Shri V.C.S. Shreemal

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

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Shri V.D. Rajagopal presenting a Medal to Shri Anil Mathur The following is the Executive Committee of MEAI, Jaipur Chapter :Chairman Shri V.C.S. Shreemal, Vice-Chairman Shri Om Prakash Gupta, Secretary Shri Anil Mathur, Jt. Secretary -cum-Treasurer Shri Narendra Garg. Members : Dr. N.K. Khandelwal, Shri P.C. Bakliwal and Shri M.P.Meena. On 14-02-2010 a seminar was also organised on 'Present and Emerging Trends in Mining". The seminar was inaugurated by Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President, MEAI. A souvenir on the event was released by Shri T.V. Choudary, Former President, MEAI. March 2010

8.

Mining Engineers' Journal

MEAI AWARDS
(2009 - 10)
i. ii. 5. Mining Engineers' Association of India presents some awards sponsored by Industry and Individuals to the selected individuals during Annual General Meeting. Hence nominations are invited for the following awards, which must reach the Secretary General by 30-04-2010. Applicants may please note that once a certain award has been given to an individual he will not be considered again for the same award. The nominations may be sent in the prescribed proforma which is included in this issue. The nominations are invited for the following awards for 2009-10. (I) Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award (Calendar year) (II) NMDC Award (Financial Year) (III) South Indian Mines and Mineral Award (SIMMINDS) (Financial Year) (IV) Smt. Bala Tandon Award (Financial Year) (V) Abheraj Baldota Gold Medal for Mining Engineer of the Year (Financial Year) (VI) Abheraj Baldota Gold Medal for Young Mining Engineer of the Year (Financial Year). (VII) SRG Award for Information Technology (Financial Year). (VIII) Gullapalli Sarladevi Memorial Award (Financial Year). (IX) Tanay Chadhar Young Geologist Award (Financial Year). (X) Smt. Veena Roonwal Memorial Award (Financial Year) For NMDC, (ii), Abheraj Baldota Gold Medal for Young Mining Engineer, (vi) and SRG (vii) awards nominations may be sent for 2 years i.e. 2007-08 & 2008-09. Candidates are advised to forward their nominations through their respective chapter Chairmen/Secretaries or MEAI Council Members. For any further clarification please contact the Secretary General. The following are general laws applicable to all the awards : 1. The Award Selection Committee consisting of four experts will be headed by the President, MEAI. 2. Opinion of the majority members will be taken for finalisation of the award. 3. 4. 5. I. 1. 2. The Selction Committee may co-opt any other member for assistance. The Selection Committee may decide the award in favour of one or more authors. The selection committee will be constituted every year by the Council. BYE-LAWS FOR SITARAM RUNGTA MEMORIAL AWARD The Award will be known as SITARAM RUNGTA MEMORIAL Award. A sum of Rs. 8000/- shall be paid by Cash or Draft or Cheque as award and the same is shared among winner/s of the award. A merit certificate(s) is/are also will be presented to the awardee(s). The award will be for the Calender Year. Any paper presented in any of the paper meetings, seminars or workshops organized by MEAI and Chapters of the association during the Calendar year are eligible for the award subject to : 9. II 1. 2. 3. The paper should not have been published earlier in any of the journals/magazines in India/abroad. The author (s) should not have delivered any lecture/talk pertaining to this paper under other forum. Any paper to be considered for the award will be for the period of 3 months of the previous financial year and 9 months of the current financial year" so that the Award Selection Committee will have 3 months time for deciding the awardee (s) before holding AGM. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward to the President of the Association such papers, he/she feels suitable for consideration of the Award. No other paper (s) forwarded beyond the date to the President will be considered for the award for that year. The President will decide and send the copies of the paper(s) to be considered for the award to each member of the Selection Committee and fix up a date to finalize the award. The members of the selection committee will not spare any effort to be present on the date fixed for the finalisation of the award. In case it is not possible for the member(s) to do so, they will forward their comments to the President. In case the Selection Committee feels that the standard of the papers forwarded to them is not up to the mark, the award will not be given for that year and the same is carried over to the next year. When the award is carried over to the next year, the Selection Committee may decide to give the award for 2 or more persons if the standard of the papers considered is high in that year. The Selection Committee will be formed each year by the Council atleast 4 months before holding the AGM. BYE-LAWS FOR NMDC AWARD : The award will be known as NMDC Award. The award will be given to a person for the meritorious services rendered by him/her to the Iron ore Mining Industry. Normally the award should be given to a member of the Association but any outsider can also be considered if found suitable by the Selection Committee. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward the nomination(s) for the award along with a write-up and copy of supporting documents, justifying the services rendered by him/her to the iron ore mining industry to the President on or before the date fixed by him for consideration of nominations for the award. No other nominations(s) forwarded beyond the date fixed by the President will be considered for the award for that year. The Selection Committee shall submit its recommendation of awardee in writing to the Secretary Genral for putting up to the Council to obtain its confirmation. 5. While considering any nomination for the award, the Selection Committee will take into consideration the services rendered by the nominee during his/her life time for bettering the cause of Iron Ore mining industry. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with a Certificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of the award will be met from the interest received from the donation of Rs. 100,000/- made by the NMDC. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAI

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as well as the entire mining community should be given due consideration. III 1. 2. 3. BYE-LAWS FOR SOUTH INDIAN MINES AND MINERALS AWARD : (SIMMINDS) The award will be known as SIMMINDS Award. The award will be given to a person for the meritorious services rendered by him/her to the Limestone Industry. Normally the award should be given to a member of the Association but any outsider can also be considered, if found suitable, by the Selection Committee. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward the nomination(s) for the award along with a write-up and copies of supporting documents, justifying the services rendered by him/her to the limestone mining industry, to the President on or before the date fixed by him for consideration of nominations for the award. No other nomination(s) forwarded beyond the date fixed by the President will be considered for the award for that year. The Selection Committee shall submit its recommendation of awardee in writing to the Secretary General for putting up to the Council to obtain its confirmation. 5. While considering any nomination for the award the Selection Committee will take into consideration the services rendered by the nominee during his/her life time for bettering the cause of Limestone Mining Industry. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with a Certificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of the award will be met from the interest received on the donation of Rs. 10,000/- made by the SOUTH INDIAN MINES AND MINERAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAI as well as in the entire mining community should be given due consideration. BYE-LAWS FOR SMT. BALA TANDON AWARD : The award will be known as Bala Tandon Award. The award will be given to a person in recognition of meritorious services rendered by him/her to improve Ecology, Environment or Afforestation in the Mining or Mineral Industry. Normally the award should be given to a member of the Association but any outsider can also be considered, if found suitable, by the selection committee. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward the nomination(s) for the award along with a write-up and copies of supporting documents justifying the services rendered by him/her to the mining industry, to the President on or before the date fixed by him for consideration of nominations for the Award. No other nomination(s) forwarded beyond the date fixed by the President will be considered for the award for that year. The Selection Committee shall submit its recommendation of awardee in writing to the Secretary General for putting up to Council to obtain its confirmation. 5. While considering any nomination for the award, the Selection Committee will take into consideration the services rendered by the nominee during his/her life time for improving ecology and environment in mining or mineral based industries. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with a 1. 2. 6. 3. V. 7.

Certificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of the award will be met from the interest received on the donation of Rs. 20,000/- made by Padmabhushan G.L. Tandon. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAI as well as in the entire mining community should be given due consideration. BYE LAWS FOR ABHERAJ BALDOTA GOLD MEDAL AWARD FOR MINING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR : The award has been instituted by MSPL in memory of their founder Late Abheraj Hirachand Baldota. The award will be known as Mining Engineer of the Year. The award will be given to a person who fulfils the following criteria. i. He should possess a Degree or Diploma in Mining Engineering or Mine Managers Certificate of Competency with 20 years of experience in mining and allied aspects. ii. He should have completed 30 years of age. iii. He should have contributed substantially to the mining or mineral industries in the areas of management performance, production / productivity, mining technology, human resource development, protection of environment, mineral conservation and beneficiation. The award will be in the form of a GOLD MEDAL along with a certificate of merit from the association. The medal will be made available by MSPL. All entries for the award should be forwarded through chapters of MEAI or any One National Council Member in the prescribed form. All eligible entries in the year will be considered by the Selection Committee. The President may co-opt any other member/s to be in the Selection Committee to render expert advice, if needed. A panel of three names shall be recommended by the committee giving the order of ranking and shall be submitted to the Secretary General. The winner shall be declared after approval in the council meeting and the award shall be presented during the Annual General Meeting. BYE LAWS FOR ABHERAJ BALDOTA GOLD MEDAL AWARD FOR YOUNG MINING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR The award has been instituted by MSPL in memory of their founder Late Abheraj Hirachand Baldota. The award will be known as Young Mining Engineer of the year The award will be given to a person who fulfils the following criteria. i. He should posses a Degree or Diploma in Mining Engineering or Mine Managers Certificate of Competency with 5 years of experience in Mining Industry ii. iii. He should not have completed 30 years of age. He should have contributed substantially in the areas of Mining Technology, Innovation, Safety Consciousness, Team building and Protection of Environment in mines.

1. 2.

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IV 1. 2.

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The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with a Certificate of Merit from the association. The medal will be made available by MSPL. All entries for the award should be forwarded through

6.

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chapters of MEAI or any National Council Member in the prescribed form. 5. All eligible entries in the year will be considered by the Selection Committee. The President may co-opt any other member/s to be in the Selection Committee to render expert advice if needed. A panel of three names shall be recommended by the Committee giving the order of ranking and shall be submitted to the Secretary General. The winner shall be declared after approval in the Council Meeting and the award shall be presented during the Annual General Meeting. BYE LAWS FOR "SRG AWARD FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY" The award has been instituted by SRG Consultants (P) Ltd. in memory of Late Sriram Srinivasan and Late Pradeep Kumar Bhattacharya both founder-directors of SRG Consulting Mining Engineers who lost their lives in a train (Rajdhani Express) accident in 2002 while travelling from Kolkata to Delhi. 1. The award shall be known and presented as "SRG Award for Information Technology" to a person/s for his / thier significant contribution/s in Information Technology to mining industry. The award shall be presented in the form of a GOLD MEDAL along with a Certificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of the award shall be met from the interest accrued from the donation. The award shall be presented EVERY YEAR to a professional with the following criteria: (i) (ii) Should be a life member of Mining Engineers' Association of India. Should possess at least five years of relevant practical experience in the application of Information Technology to the issues in mining and mineral based industries. Should have contributed immensely in the field of Information Technology applied to mineral based industries either in the development or application of software hardware.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

The award will be in the form of a medallion/plaque and a certificate. The award will be given for the financial year. The award will be given to a Mining Engineer and his wife because there is a woman behind every successful man. The Mining Engineer should have served in reputed mines for a period of not less than 30 years. The award will be given to a Mining Engineer for his life time achievement in the field of mining. BYE - LAWS FOR TANAY CHADHA YOUNG GEOLOGIST AWARD The award has been instituted by Padmabhushan G.L. Tandon in memory of his late grandson Tanay Chadha (S/o. Shri Sudhanshu Chadha and Smt. Sunita Chadha) whom they lost on 07-03-2002, when he just crossed 12 years of age.

6.

VII.

(IX)

1. 2.

The award will be known as Tanay Chadha Young Geologist Award. The award will be in the form of a plaque/medallion and a certificate of merit. The cost of the award will be met from annual interest received on the contribution of Rs. 1,00,000/ - from Padmabhushan G.L. Tandon. The award will be for the financial year. (a) The nominee should posses a Master's degree in geology/applied geology/geophysics with five years of experience in mining geology and allied aspects (as on 31st December for the year under consideration of the award) (b) He should not have completed 30 years of age. (c) He should have contributed well in the areas to the mineral and mining industry, mineral exploration, quality control and production, mine planning, specific mineral resources identification / upgradation / research / innovation etc.

2.

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All entries for the award shall be forwarded through either the Chairman/Secretary of the chapter or a National Council Member of the Association to the Secretary General in the prescribed Proforma published in the Mining Engineers' Journal for the purpose. The Selection Committee shall recommend a panel of three names to the Secretary General of the Association by indicating the order of their ranking. The council shall approve of the awardee's name in its meeting before communicating the same to all concerned. The award shall be presented to the awardees in the ensuing Annual General meeting of the Association. BYE - LAWS OF GULLAPALLI SARLADEVI MEMORIAL AWARD The award has been instituted by Shri G. Jagdeesh (LM149), former Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter of MEAI in memory of his late wife.

The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAI as well as in the entire mining community will also receive due consideration.

5.

(X) SMT. VEENA ROONWAL MEMORIAL AWARD The Award is instituted by Prof. G.S. Roonwal in memory of his late wife. 1. 2. 3. The award will be known as Smt. Veena Roonwal Memorial Award. The award will be in the form of a medal/memento with a value of Rs. 6500/- and a certificate. The award will be given to a Mining Engineer / Earth Scientist / Any other qualified person associated with mining for the past 10 years. The award will be for the financial year. The nomination should be for presenting a paper during the seminar / symposium / workshop / technical paper meeting, organised by MEAI / MEAI Chapter on "Water management in and around a working mine or Implementation of New / Latest Technology in mining.

6.

VIII

4. 5.

1.

The award will be known as GULLAPALLI SARLADEVI MEMORIAL AWARD.

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PROFORMA FOR MEAI AWARD

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Name : Date of Birth : Academic Qualification : Professional Qualification : Whether a Member / Life Member of MEAI : Applying for which award : Specific details for the award applied as per requirements of bye-laws : (Enclose the relevant documents)

Date :

Signature

Certified that I know Shri personally and his application is being forwarded for consideration.

Chapter Chairman / Secretary / National Council member

P.S. One additional latest photograph should be enclosed apart from affixing at the top.
Mining Engineers' Journal 37 March 2010

CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS ETC.,

INDIA 2010 6 March 2010 : One day colloquium on "Modern Trends in Mineral Exploration and Survey" at Kudal Hall, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai - 600 025. Organised by MEAI, Tamil Nadu Chapter. Contact : Shri R. Natarajan, GM (Geology), Madras Cements Ltd., IV Floor, Auras Corporate Centre, 98A, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. Tel.: 044-28477550, Mobile : 09444395795 7 - 8 May 2010 : Bhubaneswar, India Mine TECH' 10 Seminar on "Mining Technology - Extraction, Beneficiation for Safe and Sustainable Development" contact : IMEJ Convener Prof. S. Jayanthu, Head, Dept. Mining Engineering, N.I.T. Rourkela.l.me.journal@hotmail.com or sjayanthu@rediffmail.com ABROAD 2010 7 - 10 March 2010 : PDAC 2010, Toronto, Canada, www.pdac.ca/padac/ conv/index.html 22 - 24 March 2010 : Phosphates 2010, Brussels, Belgium. www.phosphates2010.com 22-26 March 2010 : The 6th Annual ASIA Mining Congress 2010 at Raffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. Website : www.terrapin.com/ 2010/asiamining 6 - 8 April to 20 - 22 April : World Copper Conference, Santiago, Chile. www.crugroup.com 12 - 16 April : EXPOMIN 2010, Santiago, Chile, www.expomin.cl 13 - 16 April : Comminution 2010, Cape Town, South Africa. www.mineng.com/conferences 14 - 16 April : Mining World Russia 2010, Moscow, Russia. www.eventseye.com/fairs 19 - 25 April : Bauma 2010, Munich, Germany, www.bauma.de 20 - 22 April : Second International Symposium on Block and Sublevel Caving, Perth, Australia. www.caving2010.com 21 - 23 April 2010 : VIII Conferencia International de Mineria - Chihuahua 2010, Chihuahua, Mexico. Irasconlopez@hotmail.com 26 - 28 April 2010 : International minor Metals Conference 2010, London, England. www.mmta.co.uk 27 - 29 April 2010 : LatAm Mining Congress 2010, Florida, USA. www.terrapinn.com 3 - 6 May 2010 : 13th International Seminar on Paste and Thickened Tailings, Toronto, Canada. www.paste2010.com 9 - 12 May 2010 : CIM Conference and Exhibition, Vancouver, BC CANADA, www.cimorg 11 - 12 May 2010 : Sampling 2010, Perth, WA Contact : The AusIMM Events; Telephone: +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662 23 - 24 June 2010 : AusIMM International Uranium Conference 2010, Adelaide, SA Contact : The AusIMM Events Department; Telephone : +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662 24-26 May 2010 : 12th International Symposium on Environmental Issues and Waste Management in Energy and Mineral Production : SWEMP 2010 at Pragne. Contact : Ivana Kasparova, KEK FZP CZU, Nam. Smirickyeh 1, CZ-28163 Kostelec n. C.1, Czech Republic. Fax : +420-321-697-500. Email : singhal@shaw.ca. 24 - 27 May 2010 : Alta Nickel-Cobalt-Copper, Uranium & Gold Conference, Perth, Australia, www.altamet.com.au 26 - 29 May 2020 : AIMS 2010 - Third International Symposium on Mineral Resources and Mine Development, Aachen, Germany, www.aims.rwth-aachen.de 1 - 3 June 2010 : World Mining Investment Congress 2010, London, UK. www.terrapinn.com/2010/mining 2 - 4 June 2010 : III International Exposition, Key Factor for Argentine Mining Development, San Juan, Argentina. www.sanjuanminera.com.ar 3 - 5 June 2010 : 6th China International Coal Equipment and Mine Technical Equipment Exhibition 2010 (CICEME 2010), Beijing, China. www.ciceme.com/en/index.asp 8 - 10 June 2010 : Euro Mine Expo 2010, Skelleftea, Sweden. www.eurominexpo.com 9 - 11 June 2010 : WIM 2010 - II International Congress on Water Management in the Mining Industry (Water in Mining 2010), Santiago, Chile, www.gecamin.cl 15 - 16 June 2010 : Precious Metals 2010, Falmouth, UK, www.mining.com/ conferences 17 - 18 June 2010 : Nickel Processing 2010, Falmouth, UK. www.mining.com/conferences 21 - 23 June 2010 : Central Asia Mining Congress 2010, Almaty, Kazakhstan. www.terrapinn.com 22 - 24 June 2010 : Hillhead 2010, Buxton, UK. www.hillhead.com 2 - 4 August 2010 : Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2010, Kalgoorlie, Australia www.diggersndealers.com.au 15 - 18 August 2010 : Uranium 2010, 3rd International Conference on Uranium, Saskatoon, Canada. www.cim.org 25 - 28 August 2010 : I Expominerals, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.montebello@montebelloeventos.com.br 06 - 10 September 2010 : XXV International Mineral Processing Congress 2010, Brisbane, QLD. Contact : Alison McKenzie; Telephone : +61 3 9658 6123; Facsimile : +61 3 9662 3662. Conference website : http:// www.impc2010.org/ 12 - 15 September 2010 : International Conference on Hoisting and Haulage, Las Vegas, USA. www.smenet.org 15 - 17 September 2010 : MiningWorld Central Aisa - 16th International Exhibition for the Mining and Processing of Metals and Minerals, Almaty, Kazakhstan. www.ite-exhibitions.com 21 - 22 September 2010 : Gravity Gold 2010, Ballarat, Australia. www.ausimm.com.au/gravitygold2010 27 October 2010 : First International Seminar on the Reduction of Risk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste. Perth, Australia. www.minewaste2010.com 01 December 2010 : MPES 2010 - Mine Planning and Equipment Selection Perth, WA Contact : The AusIMM Events Department; Telephone : +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile : +61 3 9662 3662 6 - 9 February 2011 : ISEE's 37th Annual Conference on Explosives & Blasting Technique, San Diego, CA USA, Lynn Mangol, mangol@isee.org 22 - 26 March 2011 : ConExpo-Con/Agg, Las Vegas, NV USA, www.conexpoconagg.com 27 - 29 April 2011 : 24th Annual Best in the West Drill & Blast Conference Spearfish, SD USA, Ron Eastman, (307) 680-8805 18 - 20 September 2011 : 6th EFEE World Conference, Lisbon, Portugal www.efee.eu

Printed by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India, Published by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, on behalf of Mining Engineers' Association of India and printed at Deepu Printers at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor), Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. and published at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor), Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Editor : Dr. K.K. Sharma

Mining Engineers' Journal

38

March 2010