Arasu Magnesite Mine

PRE FEASIBILITY REPORT OF ARASU MAGNESITE MINE TANMAG
UNDER EIA NOTIFICATION 2006
Pre-Feasibility Report of
Arasu Magnesite Mine
LOCATION OF THE MINE
Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest
Thathiengarpatti Village,
Omalur Taluk,
Salem District,
Extent: 96.34 ha
LESSEE
M/S. TAMIL NADU MAGNESITE LIMITED
(A Govt. of Tamil Nadu Undertaking)
5/53, Omalur Main Road,
Jagir Ammapalayam Post,
Salem, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Pin Code – 636 302.
Consultant
Geo Exploration and Mining Solutions
Advaitha Ashram Road,
Alagapuram, Salem – 636 004
Tamilnadu, India.
An Accredited Organization under
Quality Council of India – National Accreditation Board for Education & Training, New Delhi
Accreditation No:NABET/EA/1518/SA045
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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited (TANMAG), a Government of Tamil Nadu

Undertaking is operating the Arasu Magnesite Mine in Salem District from 1979 as “Raising
Contractor” on behalf of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Earlier the above area was under
mining operation for more than 50 years by M/s. Salem Magnesite Private Limited (SMPL).
On the expiry of mining lease of erstwhile company namely, M/s SMPL, the area was
reserved for the State Government exploitation, since then Tamil Nadu Magnesitie Limited
(TANMAG) is mining the area. Ministry of Environment and Forest (MOEF), Government
of India has given its Combined Forest Clearance and Environment Clearance for 177.96
hectares of Forest land for mining of Magnesite. Vide letter No. 8-53/97, FC dated
23.06.1998.
Government of Tamil Nadu, Environment and Forest Department G.O. (Ms.) No. 234
Dated: 06.08.1998 Ordered - Renewal of Lease of 177.96 Hectares of Forest Land in
Kurumbapatti Reserve Forest, Shevaroys South Range of Salem Division for Mining of
Magnesite and Dunite for a period of 10 Years in favour of M/s. Tamil Nadu Magnesite
Limited.
The renewal proposal for diversion of 96.34 Hectares of forest land (Reserved
Forests) for mining of Magnesite and Dunite by M/s. Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited was
granted by Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) (F.C.
Division) letter F.No.8-53/97-FC Dated:14.07.2008.
Further, Government of Tamil Nadu Environment and Forests (FR.10) Department

vide G.O.(Ms.) No. 79 Dated: 12.08.2008, diverted 96.34 Hectares of Forest Land for Mining
of Magnesite and Dunite for a period of 20 (Twenty)years. Now the lease is valid upto
13.07.2028.
TANMAG had been obtaining Consent to Operate (CTO) from Tamil Nadu Pollution
Control Board (TNPCB) since 1993, and possess a valid Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board
Consent Order No.1808212176713 Dated:26.07.2018; Proceedings No. T2/ TNPCB/
F.0285SLM/ RL/ SLM/ A/ 2018 Dated: 26.07.2018 valid upto31.03.2021
This Review of Mining Plan along with Form-1 & Prefeasibility report is prepared for
submission to SEIAA for obtainingEnvironmental clearance.
2
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

S.NO PARTICULAR DETAILS
1. Name of the Company M/s. Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited
(A Government of Tamil Nadu Undertaking)
2. Type of Project Arasu Magnesite Mine
3. Location of the Mining Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest
Thathiengarpatti Village,
Omalur Taluk, Salem District,
Tamilnadu State.
4. Mining lease area 96.34 ha
5. Latitude 11°44'46.33" N to 11°45'33.38" N
6. Longitude 78°09'03.06" E to 78°09'54.10" E
7. Topo sheet No. 58 I/1 & 58 I/2
8. Type of land Reserve Forest Land owned by MoEF&CC

Patta/forest/PWD
9. Production Capacity
DESCRIPTION Details
Geological Resources Reassessed and Approved as per 5,98,53,388 Ts
ROMP IBM 2018
Mineral Reserves (111) ROM Reassessed and 4,56,08,600 Ts
Approved as per ROMP IBM 2018
Tentative Excavation of ROM Reassessed and 1,13,41,538 Ts
Magnesite @ 8% - 2% Recovery Reassessed and 6,00,590 Ts
Dunite @ 5% Recovery Reassessed and Approved as 5,67,077 Ts
per ROMP IBM 2018
Total Waste @ 87% - 93% Reassessed and Approved 1,01,73,871 Ts
as per ROMP IBM 2018
Peak Production (ROM) Proposed Reassessed and 26,73,950 Ts (2018-19)
Peak Production per Day (ROM) 8,913 Ts
10. Lease period Mining lease period is twenty years.
Mine lease execution date = 05.10.2009
Lease expiry date = 11.08.2028
11. Method of Mining Opencast Mechanized Method
12. Ultimate depth of Mining The mining operation is proposed up to a depth for
58m (Up to AMSL 314m)
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13. Top soil & overburden There is only negligible quantity of top soil
(quantity in m3) generated for the entire life of the mine. It is being
used for plantation purpose. No further scope for
fresh top soil generation.
14. Ground water level The depth of water table is around 60m (60m during
summer season and 50m during rainy season).
15. Nearest habitation Sengaradu – 2.0km – SW
16. Nearest Town Salem - 10km- SE
17. Nearest Railway station Karuppur Railway station -8.4km – SW
18. Nearest Airport Salem (Kamalapuram Airport) – 10.85 KM North
West
19. Nearest National Highways & NH 44 Srinagar-Kanyakumari Highway – 9 KM
State Highways South West
SH 188 Salem Yercaud Ghat Road – 3.15 KM East.
20. Nearest Hospital Salem - 10km- SE
21. Aerial distance to the nearest The mine lease area is located in Kurumbampatti
Eco sensitive areas, CRZ, Reserve Forest land, Shervaroys South range.
forest, wild life sanctuary, There is no eco sensitive areas, CRZ, forest, wild
Interstate boundary, critically life sanctuary, Interstate boundary, critically
polluted area if the mining site polluted area within 10 km radius.
is within 500m of these areas.
22. Details of other mines for a There are 2 Mines located within the Radius of
radius of 500m around the 500m, M/s. SAIL Refractory Company Limited
mining site (SRCL) and M/s. Dalmia Bharat Sugar and
Industries Limited.
23. Man power 536 employees
24. Water requirement & source Total water requirement for 75KLD from Mine pit
and existing bore wells.
25. Cost of the project 9.23 Crores
The Prefeasibility report prepared for following condition of Government of India,

Ministry of Environment and Forests (No.L-11011/47/2011 –IA-II (M) dated 24th June,
2013)
 The Mine Lease Area is Reserve Forest Land; Salem Forest Division, Shervaroys
(South) Range, Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest.
 Pannikaradu Reserve Forest 2.5 KM North, Kapputhi Reserve Forest 5 KM East and
Nagaramalai Reserve Forest 2.5 KM South.
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 There are No Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Park as per The Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, within the radius of 10 km.
 The Mine (Project Area) is not covered under HACA Region.
 There is no Western Ghats Region within the radius of 10 km.
 There is no Interstate Boundary within the radius of 10 km.
 There is no CRZ within the radius of 10 km.
The following information provided by the Proponent
We are Arasu Magnesite Mines of Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited
(TANMAG), a Government of Tamil Nadu Undertaking having Magnesite Mining Lease of
96.34 ha at Kurumbapatti Reserve Forest, Omalur Taluk, Salem District. We have been
operating Mines since 17.01.1979. TANMAG was operating the mines as raising contractor
on behalf of Government of Tamil Nadu till 1998. The land belongs to MoEF&CC, lease
was granted by MoEF&CC, royalty is collected by MoEF&CC and Mining Plan is approved
by Indian Bureau of Mines.
The mining operations were carried out as per the plan approved by Indian Bureau of
Mines and after obtaining Consent to Operate (CTO) from Tamil Nadu Pollution Control
Board (TNPCB). The achieved quantity during the entire life of mine has not exceeded the
proposed quantity. Hence, there was no deviation in the production. Besides, all the statutes
of Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) and Labour Enforcement Officer have been
complied and approved.
All the conditions stipulated in Combined Forest Clearance and Environment

Clearance issued by MoEF&CC in 1998 have been complied and respective Consent to
Operate has been obtained from TNPCB. At present, the CTO from TNPCB is valid up to
31.03.2021.
As per the MoEF Notification S.O.1530 (E) dated 6th April 2018, all mining projects
in clause (b) of fourth paragraph are required to obtain environmental clearance under EIA
Notification 2006 and Clause (b) includes all mining projects, which were granted
environmental clearance under the EIA Notification 1994, and but not obtained
environmental clearance for expansion/modernization/amendment under EIA Notification,
2006. We are applying to SEIAA based on Gazette notification no. S.O.3977 dated 14th
August 2018 as our Mine (M.L.Area 96.34 ha) falls under Category ’B’ (since Mining Lease
area is less than 100 ha).
Since it is a Government of Tamil Nadu Undertaking where around 1000 people are
employed and livelihood of 10000 people are involved, we request you to grant
Environmental Clearance at the earliest possible.
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2.0 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT OR BACKGROUND

INFORMATION
(i) Identification of project and project proponent: In case of mining project, a copy of
mining lease/letter of intent should be given
Identification of Project
Name of the Project Arasu Magnesite Mines
Lease area 96.34 ha (Reserve forest land)
Thathiengarpatti Village, Omalur Taluk,
Salem District and Tamilnadu State.
Location Topo sheet No. 58 I/1 & 58 I/2
Project Proponent Name with Address
Name of the lessee : Arasu Magnesite Mines
M/s. Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited
(A Govt. of Tamil Nadu Undertaking)
Address : 5/53, Omalur Main Road,
Jagir Ammapalayam Post,
Salem, Tamil Nadu, INDIA
Pin Code – 636 302
District : Salem
State : Tamil Nadu
Pin code : 636 302
Phone (General) : +91 – 427 – 2346333/2346334
Fax : +91 – 427 – 2346341
Email id. : tanmagmines.salem@gmail.com
In case of mining project, a copy of mining lease/letter of intent should be given
 The Lessee M/s.Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited, a Public Sector undertaking
Government of Tamil Nadu was formed on 17.01.1979 vide G.0.Ms.N0.41 Industries
Dept. Government of Tamilnadu dated 10.01.1979 to operate the Arasu Magnesite
Mine over an extent of 234.38 ha. In Kurumbapatti RF of Omalur Taluk, Salem
District.
 The Tamilnadu Magnesite Limited was granted mining lease for Magnesite and
Dunite over an extent of 177.96 hectares in Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest,
Shevaroys South Range, Salem Forest Division for a period of Ten years vide G.O.
Ms No.234, Environment and Forest Department, Government of Tamilnadu dated
06.08.1998.
 The lease deed for renewal of mine was executed with the District Forest Officer on
behalf of MoEF&CC on 24.11.2002. The renewal of lease period of ten years was
expired on 05.08.2008. The Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited applied for renewal of
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mining lease. The mining lease was renewed vide G.O.(Ms) No.79 Environment and
Forest (FR.X) Department, Government of Tamilnadu dated 12.08.2008 for a period
of twenty Years restricting the extent of lease to 96.34 ha only.
 The Mining Plan was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter
No.TN/SLM/MP/MGMDS- 181 dated 05.10.2012 during the renewal of Mining
lease. The mining plan was prepared only for 96.34 ha and the balance area was
surrendered to forest department (i.e. 81.62 ha). This mining Plan lease was expired
on 31.03.2013.
 The Progressive Mine closure plan was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide
letter No.TN/SLM/MP/MG-MDS-185 dated 06.03.2013 for an extent of 81.62 ha for
which the plan was prepared.
 The Scheme of Mining was approved by Indian Bureau of Mines vide letter
No.TN/SLM/ MG/MS-922-MDS dated 17.12.2013 for a period of five years from
2013-2014 to 2017-2018.
 Review of Mining Plan 2018-19 to 2022-2023 was approved by Indian Bureau of
Mines vide letter No. TN/SLM/MG/ROMP-1483.MDS Dated: 04.05.2018.
(ii) Brief description of nature of the project
The method of Mining is Opencast Mechanized Method, hydraulic excavators are

used for formation of benches. Benches are formed at 5m height and 5m width with 60º
slope.
Magnesite deposit is structurally controlled by the presence of cracks and fissures,
occurs as veins traversing dunite and peridotites. The cryptocrystalline variety of magnesite
associated with secondary silica occurring as irregular veins ranging in thickness from a
fraction of a cm to as much as 1.5m. The magnesite deposit has emplaced as veins in the
ultra-basic rocks, which are intruded parallel to the regional foliation trend of the gneisses as
discussed above. While the thicker magnesite veins are trend in northeast – southwest
direction, the smaller vein lets runs continuously spreading in all possible directions. The
mine lease area is 96.34 ha.
The total quantity of Mineable reserves of Magnesite (8% - 2%) of ROM is about
4,56,08,600 Ts and the total waste is about 1,01,73,871 Ts Wastes @ 87% - 93% of ROM is
up to depth of 58m upto the RL of 314m.
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The mined waste in the mine is anticipated about 87-93% of ROM. This include
fragments, chips and calcarious soil. There is no adequate space available for dumping the
waste in the lease area. The waste will be partially backfilled in Northern side of inside the
lease area from the next five year. The size of the backfilling area for next five years is ear-
marked in Review of Mining Plan (2018-19 to 2022-23).
(iii) Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region
The minerals of Magnesite are used in various forms in various industries to
manufacture various products. High Grade Magnesite is used in refractory industry and low
grade magnesite used in fertilizer industry.
This project will give employment opportunities to 536 people directly and 1000
people indirectly.
Magnesite Reserves in Salem are famous worldwide for its cryptocrystalline structure,
which is best suited for manufacturing refractory bricks. The above said project plays
significant role in meeting the refractory requirements of Iron & Steel industry.
Dunite and Pyroxinite are preferred as flux to dolomite as a source of MgO in
sintering and also in Iron & steel Industry. Dunite is having refractory properties and plays a
significant role in Refractory Industry. This is a rare mineral mainly available in Salem
region of Tamil Nadu State and also found in Karnataka. Generally Magnesite and Dunite are
minerals which co-exist.
(iv) Demand and supply gap
Magnesite is one among the most used in various industries to manufacture different
kinds of product. The demand of Magnesite is ever growing with the growth of refractory
furnaces and fertilizer industries.
The mineral is widely used in refractory, fertilizer product and needy industries.
(v) Imports vs indigenous production
There is import of Magnesite at present in India due to increase in demand.
(vi) Export Possibility
Arasu Magnesite Mines has not exported Raw Magnesite or value added products in
any form. If required, the Government of Tamil Nadu necessary steps for the export of value
added products.
(vii) Domestic/Export Markets
Magnesite Mineral is an essential raw material for manufacturing refractory materials
used by Iron & Steel Industry and fertilizer industry. This is a rare mineral available in Salem
region of Tamil Nadu State and also found in other states like Uttarakhand, Karnataka and
Jammu & Kashmir. Magnesite of Salem region is relatively low in Calcium oxide and Silica.
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(viii) Employment Generation (Direct and Indirect) due to the project

536 employees are employed directly and about 1000 are indirectly employed. The
above man power is adequate to meet out the production schedule and also to comply with
the statutory provisions of mining safety regulation.
No Child labour will be engaged in any mining operations. All the employees engaged
for mining operations will be covered under insurance schemes.
.
3.0 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
(i) Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, if any
Magnesite mined from captive mine is used for production of Lightly Calcined Magnesite
(LCM) and Dead Burnt Magnesite (DBM).
(ii) Location (map showing general location, specific location, and project boundary &
project site layout) with coordinates
 The area is located in Kurumbampatti reserve forest, Thathiengarpatti village,

Omalur Taluk and Salem District.
 Pannikaradu Reserve Forest 2.5 KM North, Kapputhi Reserve Forest 5 KM
East and Nagaramalai Reserve Forest 2.5 KM South.
 The entire mining lease area falls in the reserve forest land owned by
MoEF&CC
 The altitude of the area is 372 m AMSL.
 The area is mentioned in GSI Topo sheet No. 58 I/1 & 58 I/2
 The latitude lies between 11°44'46.33" N to 11°45'33.38" N
 The longitude lies between 78°09'03.06" E to 78°09'54.10" E
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FIGURE 2.1: LOCATION MAP OF THE PROJECT AREA WITH CO ORDINATES
10
DRAWING SHOW THE SURFACE PLAN WITH CO-ORDINATES
11
DRAWING SHOW THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN AROUND THE MINES
12
(iii) Details of alternate sites considered and the basis of selecting the proposed site,
particularly the environmental considerations gone into should be highlighted
It is a site specific project.
(iv) Size or magnitude of operation
The total area of the project is about 96.34 ha.
(v) Project description with process details (a schematic diagram/flow chart showing the
project layout, components of the project etc. should be given)
Details regarding topography, Geology of the area, Method of mining, Machineries
required and production details area given below:
Topography
The Topography of the area is Hilly with gradient towards South; the mine lease area is
about 372 m AMSL with Latitude 11°44'46.33" N to 11°45'33.38" N " and Longitude
78°09'03.06" E to 78°09'54.10" E and ground water level is at 340 – 345 AMSL. Water table
is found at a depth of 60m during summer and 50m during rainy season. The area exhibits a
subtropical climate and the temperature that goes up to 380C in summer and falls down to
280C in December – January. The wind direction is NE-SW and vice-versa. Average annual
rainfall is about 850mm during northeast monsoon.
Geology of the area
The Chalk Hills area which is covered in Topo Sheet No. 58 I/1 & 58 I/2 and located at
the foot hills of Shevaroys at a distance of about 10km northeast of Salem. Due to weathering of
the ultramafic outcrops, the magnesite veins are exposed at the surface, gives the appearance of
Chalk hills at the first look, hence misnamed as the Chalk Hills. The Magnesite belt comprises
of two large ultra mafic – intrusive of dunite, peridotite and pyroxenite and magnesite ore
emplaced as veins on ENE – WSW direction parallel to the reigional foliation trend of the
gneissed in which they are intruded. The northern belt is with an area of 14.4 sq.km and southern
belt with an area of 2.8sq.km occupying the Chalk hills region. A part from the occurrence of
manesite noticed occasional Chromite.
Magnesite deposit is structurally controlled by the presence of cracks and fissures, occurs
as veins traversing dunite and peridotites. The cryptocrystalline variety of magnesite associated
with secondary silica occurring as irregular veins ranging in thickness from a fraction of a cm to
as much as 1.5m. The magnesite deposit has emplaced as veins in the ultra-basic rocks, which
are intruded parallel to the regional foliation trend of the gneisses as discussed above. While the
thicker magnesite veins are trend in northeast – southwest direction, the smaller vein lets runs
continuously spreading in all possible directions. The ultra-basics like dunites and peridotites
reacted with CO2 bearing solution which gives rise to alteration and precipitation of magnesite
deposited in the cracks and fissures of the surrounding ultra basics with the excessive liberation
13
of free silica. The ultra basics do not show any definite trend of foliation or banding indicating
that there were no deformations succeeding the emplacement of the ore. Even though most of
the veins are massively occurring although angle or vertical with thickness of more than 15cms.
Lens like veins and stringers of veins network with thickness of a fraction of a cum ramifying
through the rock are found quite commonly. Silica in the form of SiO2 is the main impurity that
determines the grade and quality of the ore.
The general geological sequence of the Magnesite & Dunite deposits is as follows:-
Order of Super position:
AGE ROCK FORMATION

Recent Reddish Soil
Dunite, Oivine Gabbro, Pyroxenite
Ultramafic Rocks
Archean Penninsular Gneiss, Hornblende- gneiss,
Biotite-gneiss & Charnockites
The area was surveyed in detail to prepare a Geological map in the scale of 1:1000 showing the
various formations and attitude of the deposit. It is inferred that the Magnesite mineral is of
Refractory grade and in form vein running NE-SW with dip 800SE. Recovery of minerals is
estimated as 8-2%. The recovery percentage is based on the knowledge gained from the working
mines in this belt, by the field tests carried out in the lease area and analysis done in NABL
Laboratories.
Method of Mining:
 Hydraulic Excavator coupled with tippers is deployed for the formation of benches
and loading of waste.
 Deep-hole drilling of 110 mm dia varying in depths from 4.5 m to 5.5 m are being
made with wagon drill (BVB 25) supported by compressor.
 32mm dia of jackhammer drills are used for secondary blasting.
 Deep-hole drilling & blasting is used for both development and production of
magnesite.
 Benches of 5 m Height & Width not less than 5 m, with bench slope maintained at
60°.
 Gradient of Haulage Roads are maintained at 1:16.
 Manual Labours are engaged for sorting of Magnesite and Dunite
 Manual Labours are utilized for grade separation of Magnesite Mineral.
14
 Magnesite
Ma esite and
a DDunite
ite are lloaded
a e to
t the
t e tippers
ti ers manually.
ma all
 Mined waste are loaded
l aded int
into the
t e tippers
ti ers wwith the help off hydraulic
ra lic excavator
excavat r and
a are
dumped
m e in
i the
t e earmarked area fforr tthee backfilling
ac filli purpose
r se as aapproved
proved by Indian
I ia
Bureau of Mines.
SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF THE MINING PROCESS
DRILLING (PRIMARY – 110MM DIA & SECONDARY – 34MM

MM DIA)
BLASTING (PRIMARY & SECONDARY)

(Slurry expl
explosives
si es along
l n with MSDD & DF)
REMOVAL OF ROM BY HEAVY EARTH MOVING MACHINERIES
SORTING OF MINERALS MANUALLY
DUMPING WASTE TO DUMP YARDS BY DUMPERS
STACKING AND TRANSPORTATION OF MINERAL TO CAPTIVE USE
15
Machinery Used :
S. No. Machineries Capacity HP Make No.
Crawler mounted 3 TATA Hitachi

0.90 M
1 Hydraulic Excavator 3 140 x 11 Hundai, L&T 11
(Back hoe) 1.0 M &BEML
2 AMW / TATA Tippers 25 MT 215 x 3 AMW & TATA 3

Ashok
3 Tippers 10 MT 110 x 6 6
Leyland
AMW,
Mahindra &
4 Dumpers 25 MT 215 x 16 16
Mahindra
MAN
3.6
5 Dozer BD65 (D7) 3 180 BEML 1
M BW
Portable Diesel
6 450 cfm 180 x 5 ELGI 5
Compressors
Water Lorry with Ashok
7 10 KL 110 x 4 4
Sprinklers Leyland
1000 Ashok
8 Explosives Van 75 x 2 2
Kgs Leyland
110 x 1 Ashok
9 Towing vehicle 10 MT 3
110 x 2 Leyland
Manpower requirement:
The following man power is available in the mines shall be as follows.
ACTIVITY No. of manpower

Managerial and Administrative 7
Supervisory 12
Skilled, Semiskilled and Unskilled Worker
Drilling 30
Blasting 18
Removal of ROM 42
Sorting (Contract labours) 303
Dumping 41
Stacking & transportation of mineral 47
Security Services 36
TOTAL 536
Year wise development and production details for the present period:
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The year wise [2018 – 19 to 2022 -23] quantum of work proposed and the details of
estimation of production quantity and generation of waste are furnished below:
YEAR ROM (In Ts) Magnesite (In Ts) Dunite (In Ts) Wastes (In Ts)
2018-19 2673950 124260 133698 2415993
2019-20 2419175 117157 120959 2181060
2020-21 1964738 119679 98237 1746822
2021-22 2181538 117123 109077 1955338
2022-23 2102138 122371 105107 1874660
Total 11341538 600590 567077 10173871
(vi) Raw material required along with estimated quantity, likely source, marketing area
of final products, Mode of transport of raw Material and Finished Products
This is a mining project for exploiting Magnesite and Dunite; hence, there is no
requirement for raw material. The Magnesite will be transported directly to the company
owned captive plants which is located about 4 km from the mine site.
Uses:
Magnesite is widely used in many large-scale applications related to refractory furnace
industries and Fertilizer industries.
(vii) Resource optimization/recycling and reuse envisaged in the project, if any, should
be briefly outlined
No optimization/Recycling and Reuse envisaged in the proposed Magnesite mine.
(viii) Availability of water, its source, Energy/power requirement and source should be
given
The total water requirement in the mine will be around 75 KLD for drinking,
sprinkling and afforestation. The rain water will be collected and used for the Green belt
development.
Purpose Quantity Source
Dust Suppression 60 KLD Mine Pit
Green Belt 10 KLD Mine Pit
Drinking Purpose 5 KLD From existing borewell.
Total 75 KLD
Energy
The project does not require any power supply for the mining operations. The Mining
activity is proposed during day time only (General Shift 8 AM – 5 PM, Lunch Break 12 Noon
– 1 PM). However, electricity for use in office will be obtained from TNEB.
Diesel (HSD) will be used for mining machineries around 3500Liters of HSD will be used
per day. Diesel will be brought from nearby diesel pumps.
One Hydraulic Excavator will excavate and load into the tipper about 120 Ts / Hour,
Hydraulic Excavator will consume about 16 Ltrs per hour
17
Hence total production per day 10,129 Ts of ROM per day

10,129 Ts /120 Ts per hour = 85 Hours (11 Hydraulic Excavators will be deployed)
= 85 Hours X 16 Litres
= About 1400 Litres per day of HSD
Considering other machineries like tipper, compressor, loader, etc., 2000 litres will be
utilized per day.
Hence it is computed as average 3400 – 3500 Ltrs of HSD per day will utilized in the mining
operation which will be sourced from the approved HSD dealers.
(ix) Quantity of wastes to be generated (liquid and solid) and period for their
management/disposal.
Top soil:
The top soil is magnesium rich calcareous soil and is not suitable for agriculture,
Besides the top soil is not anticipated during the present mining period.
Waste:
The mined waste will be partially backfilled in Northern side of the life at the end of
the mine during next five years. The dimensions and location of the backfilling area for next
five years is ear-marked in Review of Mining Plan (2018-19 to 2022-23).
Waste water:
There will not be any process effluent generation from the mine lease area. Domestic
effluent from the mines office is discharged into septic tank and soak pit. There is no toxic
effluent expected to generate in the form of solid, liquid and gases and there is no
requirement of treatment of waste.
(x) Schematic representations of the feasibility drawing which give information of EIA
purpose
Form – 1
Along with Pre-feasibility Report
&
Review of Mining plan with Annexure
Submission of Proposal
Final Presentation
18
4.0 SITE ANALYSIS

(i) Connectivity
Mode Description
NH 44 Srinagar Kanyakumari Highway – 9 KM South West
Road connectivity SH 188 Salem Yercaud Ghat Road – 3.15 KM East
Railway station & Karuppur – 8.4 KM South West

Railway line
Air port Salem (Kamalapuram Airport) – 10.85 KM North West.
(ii) Land Form, Land use and Land ownership
Land form:
The lease area is characterized by hillock topography. The area is sloping towards
south. Lease area is Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest land.
Land use:
The lease applied area is Reserve forest land with scattered outcrops of Magnesite.
There are no water courses flowing through the lease area. There is no vegetation/plantation
in this area. The mine is in operation from the year 1979 and the entire lease area is under
mining operation as indicated in the land use pattern.
The conceptual land use pattern is as follows:
Area to be reclaimed at the Area at the end
Sl. Present
Description end of present MP/MS of life of mine
No. Area (ha)
Period(ha) (ha)
1 Mining (Quarry ) 66.51.5 - 66.51.5
2. Waste Dump 6.13.5 - 6.13.5
3. Office Infrastructure 9.06.2 - 9.06.2
4. Mineral Stack/ 1.21.8 - 1.21.8
Processing Yard
5. Sub Grade Mineral Stacks - - -
6. Mine Roads 0.02.5 - 0.02.5

7. Areas Under Plantation 5.10.0 - 5.10.0
8. Township Area 0.50.0 - 0.50.0
9. Others(way to Explosive 7.78.5 - 7.78.5
Magazine)
10. Unutilized Area - - -
Total 96.34 96.34
Land Ownership:
The mining lease area is 96.34 ha forest land. The proponent obtained forest clearance
from Government of India, Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF), Combined Forest
Clearance and Environmental Clearance vide Letter No.8–53/97–FC Dated: 23.06.1998
19
(iii) Topography (along with map)

The area is hillock topography. The general drainage pattern of the area is of dentritic
pattern.. Water table is found at a depth of 60m during summer and 50m during rainy season.
The area exhibits a subtropical climate and the temperature that goes up to 380C in summer and
falls down to 280C in December – January. The wind direction is NE-SW and vice-versa.
Average annual rainfall is about 850mm during northeast monsoon. The altitude of the area is
about 372m (Max) AMSL.
GOOGLE IMAGE SHOWING THE LEASE BOUNDARY AREA
For Arasu Magnesite Mine
20
(iv) Existing land use pattern (agriculture, no n-agriculture, forest, water bodies
(including area under CRZ), shortest distances from the periphery of the project to
periphery of the forests, national park, wild life sanctuary, eco sensitive areas, water
bodies (distance from the HFL of the river), CRZ. In case of notified industrial area, a
copy of the Gazette notification should be given.
The lease area slightly hillock topography. The region experiences semi – humid
climate.
 The Mine Lease Area is Reserve Forest Land; Salem Forest Division, Shevaroys
(South) Range, Kurumbampatti Reserve Forest Land.
 Pannikaradu Reserve Forest 2.5 km North, Kapputhi Reserve Forest 5 KM East and
Nagaramalai Reserve Forest 2.5 km South.
 There are No Wild Life Sanctuaries and National Park as per The Indian Wildlife
(Protection) Act, 1972, within the radius of 10 km.
 The mining Area is not cover under HACA Region.
 There is no Western Ghats Region within the radius of 10 km.
 There is no Interstate Boundary within the radius of 10 km.
 There is no CRZ within the radius of 10 km.
(v) Existing Infrastructure
The mining lease area already has infrastructure like Mine office, Labours shed,
Toilet and Rest shelter.
4 water tankers are available for drinking water supply, water sprinkling and
plantation.
(vi) Soil Classification
There is no overburden. The thin layer of top soil is magnesium rich calcareous soil
not suitable for agriculture.
(vii) Climatic data from secondary sources
The area exhibits a subtropical climate and the temperature goes up to 38C in
summer and falls down to 28C in December – January. The wind direction is NE – SW and
vice – versa.
(viii) Social infrastructure available
There is no social infrastructure within the radius of 1Km like schools, universities,
hospitals, prisons and community housing.
5. PLANNING BRIEF
(i) Planning Concept (type of industries, facilities, transportation etc) Town and
Country Planning/Development authority Classification
 Hydraulic Excavator coupled with tippers is deployed for the formation of benches
and loading of waste.
21
 Deep-hole drilling of 110 mm dia varying in depths from 4.5 m to 5.5 m are being
made with wagon drill (BVB 25) supported by compressor.
 32mm dia of jackhammer drills are used for secondary blasting.
 Deep-hole drilling & blasting is used for both development and production of
magnesite.
 Benches of 5 m Height & Width not less than 5 m, with bench slope maintained at
60°.
 Gradient of Haulage Roads are maintained at 1:16.
 Manual Labours are engaged for sorting of Magnesite and Dunite
 Manual Labours are utilized for grade separation of Magnesite Mineral.
 Magnesite and Dunite are loaded to the tippers manually.
 Mined waste are loaded into the tippers with the help of hydraulic excavator and are
dumped in the earmarked area for the backfilling purpose.
Transportation
The Magnesite mined is transported by tippers to mine head to captive plant which is
about 4 km from mine site.
Magnesite is used as a Refractory material for the manufacture of Magnesite bricks
and also Magnesite chromite bricks or Magnesite bricks required in the basic open hearth
furnace in steel melting. Lightly Calcined Magnesite is considered as an essential basic slag
in the metallurgical furnace at high temperature. Besides, Magnesite is also used in Fertilizer
and chemical industries.
(ii) External features around the mines

The following external features are available near the mine site.
Description Distance and direction
Nearest Railway Station Karuppur – 8.4 KM South West
Nearest Airport Salem (Kamalapuram Airport) – 10.85 KM North West
Nearest State Highway SH 188 Salem Yercaud Ghat Road – 3.15 KM East
Nearest National Highway NH 44 Srinagar Kanyakumari Highway – 9 KM South
West
Nearest Sea Port Chennai Port 280KM North East
Nearest Post Office Tekkampatti – 4 KM – South West
Nearest Town (DH) Salem – 10 KM – South
Nearest Polices Station Karuppur D5 Police Station – 8.6 KM – South West
Nearest Government Hospital Tekkampatti – 4 KM – South West
Nearest School Sengaradu – 1 KM – South West
Nearest DSP Office Salem – 10 KM – South
22
Other Mines in 500 Meter Radius 1. SAIL Refractory Company Limited (SRCL)
2. Dalmia Bharat Sugar and Industries Limited
Nearest Water Bodies Vattakadu Eri – 3 KM – South West
Basic human welfare Amenities such as Health Center, Schools, Communication
Facilities, and Commercial Centers etc are available at Salem located at a distance of 10kms
from the South eastern side of the mining area.
(iii) Land use planning (breakup along with green belt etc.)
There is vast scope for planting trees in the existing dumping yard and along the
boundaries. Yearly 500 Neem, Pungan, Acacia, Tamarind, Ailanthus, Nelli & Bamboo trees
will be planted in this area and the same will be watered and manured by person appointed
for this purpose. Please see Plate No.VI of land use and afforestation. The extent of area
which will be afforested in the next year will be 0.25.0 ha. Interval between trees 5m,
survival rate @ 80%. A retaining wall will be constructed around the dumping yard. In the
conceptual stage after backfilling area fully planted in massive manner.
(iv) Assessment of Infrastructure Demand (Physical & Social)
Physical infrastructure:
 The existing road facilities shall be used and maintained. No additional road or
infrastructure is required for further period of mining.
 The labours requirement is drawn from the nearest villages.
 The company has own dispensary with full time Registered Medical Practitioner
inside the mine site to monitor and advise the mine workers for occupational health
safety. Minor treatments are being carried out in the mine dispensary. Major
causalities are being sent to the Government Medical College and hospital which is
within 10 km from the mine site.
 A full equipped ambulance is always kept ready at the mine site for medical
casualities.
 Medical facilities are available near the project site, Government and private hospitals
and other basic amenities and infrastructure facilities like community center, school,
bus stand are also available in Salem at a distance of 10kms (SE).
Social infrastructure:
The following will be provided
 Periodical Medical checkup program for all the workers and first- aid box with
necessary accessories.
 Awareness programmes for workers regarding occupational hazards.
 Personal Protective Equipment like dust mask, shoes, gloves, helmet
23
(v) Amenities/Facilities
The methods adopted and the scale of activities involved in Magnesite mining does
not require Electric Power supply. The mining work is restricted to general shift (during day
time 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.. Machinery repair works are attended by company mechanic. Mine
office, storeroom, toilet and first-aid room are provided by permanent structures within the
lease area.
6. PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE
(i) Industrial Area (Processing area)
There is no industrial or processing area proposed within the lease area.
(ii) Residential area (Non processing area)

There is no habitation within the radius of 500m.
(iii) Green Belt

.
(iv) Social infrastructure

This proposed Magnesite mine will fetch employment for about 536 people directly
and 1000 people like shopkeepers, Hotels, Machineries Transport Contractors will be
indirectly beneficed.
(v) Connectivity (traffic and transportation road/ Rail/ Metro/ Water ways etc.,)
Mode Description
Road connectivity NH 44 Srinagar Kanyakumari Highway – 9 KM South West
SH 188 Salem Yercaud Ghat Road – 3.15 KM East
Railway station & Karuppur – 8.4 KM South West
Railway line
Air port Salem (Kamalapuram Airport) – 10.85 KM North West.
24
(vi) Drinking Water management (Source & Supply of water)

Water requirement for mining activity is 75 KLD.
Purpose Quantity Source
Dust Suppression 60 KLD Mine Pit
Green Belt 10 KLD Mine Pit
Drinking Purpose 5 KLD From existing borewell.
Total 75 KLD
Water required for drinking and domestic consumption for labors is around 5 KLD.
The waste water generated will be sent to septic tanks and soak pits and will be periodically
cleaned as per the municipal corporation norms.
(vii) Sewerage System

Toilets will be constructed as permanent structure within the area and sewage will be
cleaned once in three months. The sewage waste will be collected in soak pit and the sludge
will be cleaned as per the municipal corporation norms.
(viii) Industrial Waste Management

No industrial waste will be generated from the project.
(ix) Solid Waste Management
Wastes:
The Proposed waste is about 1,01,73,871 Ts for this plan period. There is no adequate
space available for dumping the Waste in the lease area. The Waste will be partially
backfilled during the present plan period on the Northern side inside the mine lease area as
per the plan approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines.
(x) Power Requirement & Supply / source

The Magnesite Mine does not require any power supply for the mining operation. It is
proposed to operate in day time only from 8 Am to 5Pm with 1 Hour lunch interval between
12 noon and 1 p.m.
25
7. REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R & R PLAN)

(i) Policy to be adopted (Central/State) in respect of the project affected persons
including home oustees, land oustees and landless laborers (a brief outline to be given)
There is no Rehabilitation and resettlement is involved. The deployed labour will be
insured as per the Government norms. Periodical medical test will be conducted for the
labours. The salaries and benefits will be paid as specified by the instruction given by the
labour enforcement officers.
8. PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES

(i) Likely date of start of construction and likely date of completion (Time schedule for
the project to be given)
It is an existing mine. The commercial operation will commence after the grant of
Environmental Clearance. All other necessary approvals have already been obtained from the
concerned departments. The conditions imposed during the Environmental Clearance will be
compiled before the start of mining operations.
Expected Time Schedule for the Project
Sl. No. Particulars Time Schedule (In Month)* Remark if any
st nd rd th th
1 2 3 4 5
1 Environmental Clearance
2 Consent To Establish Obtained
3 Consent To Operate Currently available
till 31.03.2021
*Time line may vary; subjected to rules and regulations /& other unforeseen circumstances
The total project cost is about 9.23 crores.
Population Benefit
The company has carried out many CSR activities around the region. (Rs. in Lakhs)
Value of
Year CSR Activities
Work
2014-15 Providing water supply through PVC pipe line for irrigation purpose to
7.21
Chettichavadi village from TANMAG mines.
Providing water supply from TANMAG mines to Kurumbapatti zoological 9.58
park
2015-16 Supply of various items to Government Schools in Salem Education District
like Desk top computer, R.O System, Syntex tank, Tube light, fan, Steel 21.78
Almairah, Desk & 7 Benches.
2016-17 Providing cement mortar flooring at Ammapet Nagaravi High.School, Salem. 0.74
2017-18 Construction of compound wall at Govt. Differently Abled Middle School for 24.03
the Blind, Salem – 636 002.
Providing additional works like Construction of bathing tub, improvements to
girls toilet block and masonry dust bin for Govt. Differently Abled Middle 5.95
School for Blind, Salem – 636 002.
Construction of compound wall around the Govt. Higher Secondary School,
48.77
Thekkampatti.
Issuing battery operated vehicle 4 Nos for Salem Corporation. 10.00
Issuing furniture, Smart class projector and R.O Systems to 3 Schools around
8.06
our premises.
26
Mine Closure Plan:

Steps proposed for phased restoration, reclamation of already Quarried out areas:
 The proposal is for existing Magnesite Mine.
 After the Mine reaches its ultimate pit limit, the pits will be partially backfilled and
the same will act as water reservoir to facilitate the enhancement of ground water in
the surrounding areas .
 Before mine closure, a parapet wall will be constructed to prevent inadvertent entry of
cattle and human beings.
 After closure of mine, the pit will be allowed to collect seepage and rain water. This
will help to charge the nearby agricultural wells.
Measures to be under taken on mine closure as per Act & Rules:
Measure will be taken as per Act & Rules.
Mitigation measure to be undertaken for safety and restoration / reclamation of the already
quarried out area:
 Drilling will be carrying out in wet condition to control the dust propagation in the air.
 Controlled blasting will be carried out with slurry explosives.
 Water sprinkling on haul road will be carried out periodically to arrest the dust
propagation in to the air.
 The plantation will be carried out on the safety barriers to prevent Noise, besides wet
drilling will be practiced to prevent dust.
 All the machineries will be maintained in good conditions as per RTO and TNPCB
Norms to prevent Noise, Smoke and vibration.
 Machineries will be periodically maintained by experienced mechanics to minimize
noise, Smoke and ground vibration.
9. ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL (FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS)
(i) Financial and social benefits with special emphasis on the benefit to the local
people including tribal population, if any, in the area.
There is no habitation within 500 metres radius. About 536 personals directly will be
benefited by this project. The project will bring economic benefits like taxes, siegniorage fees
and lease rent besides providing employment to the local community.
27
The socio- Ec
Economic
mic conditi
conditionss off tthee neighbouring villages will enhance duee tto tthee
project. Hence,
e ce tthee project
r ject sshould
l bee all
allowed
we after cconsidering
si eri all tthee parameters.
arameters.
arameters The details
furnished in this proposal is base
based on iinformation
f rmati provided
r i e by tthee project
r ject pproponent. By
considering
c si eri thet e merit off the
t e project the permission may be granted.
1. Signature of the proponent

Forr M/s.
M/s Tamil Nadu
Na u Magnesite Limited
Limite
D.Rajakumar
Mines
Mi es Agent/Manager
A e t/Ma a er Mines
2. Signature of the Consultant

C nsultant
For GEO EXPLORATION AND MINING SOLUTIONS
Dr. M. Ifthikhar Ahmed, M.Sc., M.B.A., F.G.S., M.M.E.A., Ph.D.

EIA Coordinator (Mining)
NABET – QCI, New Delhi.
28

Arasu Magnesite Mine

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Arasu Magnesite Mine

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PRE FEASIBILITY REPORT OF ARASU MAGNESITE MINE TANMAG

UNDER EIA NOTIFICATION 2006

Tamil Nadu Magnesite Limited (TANMAG), a Government of Tamil Nadu

Further, Government of Tamil Nadu Environment and Forests (FR.10) Department

SALIENT FEATURES OF THE PROJECT

6. Longitude 78°09'03.06" E to 78°09'54.10" E

7. Topo sheet No. 58 I/1 & 58 I/2

8. Type of land Reserve Forest Land owned by MoEF&CC

The Prefeasibility report prepared for following condition of Government of India,

All the conditions stipulated in Combined Forest Clearance and Environment

2.0 INTRODUCTION OF THE PROJECT OR BACKGROUND

(ii) Brief description of nature of the project

The method of Mining is Opencast Mechanized Method, hydraulic excavators are

(viii) Employment Generation (Direct and Indirect) due to the project

(i) Type of project including interlinked and interdependent projects, if any

 The area is located in Kurumbampatti reserve forest, Thathiengarpatti village,

FIGURE 2.1: LOCATION MAP OF THE PROJECT AREA WITH CO ORDINATES

DRAWING SHOW THE SURFACE PLAN WITH CO-ORDINATES

DRAWING SHOW THE ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN AROUND THE MINES

Order of Super position:

AGE ROCK FORMATION

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF THE MINING PROCESS

DRILLING (PRIMARY – 110MM DIA & SECONDARY – 34MM

BLASTING (PRIMARY & SECONDARY)

REMOVAL OF ROM BY HEAVY EARTH MOVING MACHINERIES

SORTING OF MINERALS MANUALLY

DUMPING WASTE TO DUMP YARDS BY DUMPERS

STACKING AND TRANSPORTATION OF MINERAL TO CAPTIVE USE

S. No. Machineries Capacity HP Make No.

Crawler mounted 3 TATA Hitachi

2 AMW / TATA Tippers 25 MT 215 x 3 AMW & TATA 3

ACTIVITY No. of manpower

Hence total production per day 10,129 Ts of ROM per day

4.0 SITE ANALYSIS

Railway station & Karuppur – 8.4 KM South West

6. Mine Roads 0.02.5 - 0.02.5

(iii) Topography (along with map)

(ii) External features around the mines

(ii) Residential area (Non processing area)

(iii) Green Belt

(iv) Social infrastructure

(vi) Drinking Water management (Source & Supply of water)

(vii) Sewerage System

(viii) Industrial Waste Management

(ix) Solid Waste Management

(x) Power Requirement & Supply / source

7. REHABILITATION AND RESETTLEMENT (R & R PLAN)

8. PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES

Mine Closure Plan:

9. ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL (FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS)

1. Signature of the proponent

2. Signature of the Consultant

Dr. M. Ifthikhar Ahmed, M.Sc., M.B.A., F.G.S., M.M.E.A., Ph.D.

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