NLC LIMITED ('Navratna' - A Enterprise)

INTRANET SERVICES

MINE-II ADDENDUM TO EIA REPORT FOR MINING OF LIGNITE & ASSOCIATED MINERALS (Silica sand & Ball clay)

MINE-II

ADDENDUM TO EIA REPORT PRE-FEASIBILITY REPORT FOR MINING OF LIGNITE & ASSOCIATED MATERIALS AT MINE-II

1. INTRODUCTION: NLC India Limited, (NLCIL) formerly ( Lignite Corporation limited) is Navaratna, a Government of India Enterprise registered under Indian Companies Act, 1956, engaged in commercial exploitation of the Lignite deposit available at Neyveli region.

NLCIL is engaged in commercial mining of the Lignite deposit available at Neyveli region in as well as in . Four lignite mines having a combined production capacity of 30.6 MTPA feeding lignite to thermal power stations having a combined generating capacity of 3240 MW. NLCIL is operating 1000 MW Coal based Thermal Power Station as joint venture project with NLC Tamilnadu Power Limited. The total power generating capacity of NLCIL is 4240 MW. In addition, NLCIL is also supplying lignite (1.9 MT/Y) to an Independent Power Plant (TAQA) of 250 MW generation capacity. A New Neyveli Thermal Power Station (NNTPS) of 1,000 MW generation capacity at Neyveli is under commissioning as a replacement for the existing TPS-I of 600 MW.

In the Non-Conventional Energy Sector, 51 MW wind power project and 640 MW Solar Power Project has been commissioned in Tamilnadu while another 709 MW at Neyveli is under implementation stage.

NLCIL has signed a JV agreement with UP Government to establish a 1980 MW Power Station (3 x 660MW) at Ghatampur, Uttar Pradesh and the project is at the execution phase. The below tables show the NLCIL existing operating projects. Another 3200 MW (4 x 800 MW) coal based Power Plant is planned in Odisha utilizing the coal from Talabira mine.

EXISTING NLCIL OPERATING MINES

Lignite Production capacity Sl. No. Existing Mine per annum in MT 1 Mine-I at Neyveli, Tamilnadu 10.5 2 Mine-IA at Neyveli, Tamilnadu 3.0 3 Mine-II at Neyveli, Tamilnadu 15.0 4 Barsingsar, Rajasthan 2.10 Total 30.60

EXISTING NLCIL OPERATING SOLAR & WIND POWER PLANTS

Existing NLCIL Renewable Energy Power units Sl. No. Power Units Capacity in MW 1 Solar Power Plant at Neyveli, Tamilnadu 140 MW 2 Solar Power Plant at South Tamilnadu 600

3 Wind power plant at Tirunelveli District, Tamilnadu 51

Total Renewable Energy Power plant capacity 791

1.0 PROJECT DETAILS: The applicant , Mine-II is a existing operating mine with a capacity of 15 MTPA to cater Thermal Power Station - II & Thermal Power Station - II Expansion. of 1970 MW. It is one of the important project at National level.

In order to expose lignite, overburden thickness of 45m to 112m has to be removed as waste. The Overburden consisting of lateritic loam or blackish grey alluvial clay with Kanker, Cuddalore group of sedimentaries, Sporadic occurrences of hand ferruginous and siliceous sandstones, unconsolidated sandstone with admixture of clay and silica sand occurring immediately above lignite and alternate layers of sand and clays below lignite. During the process of overburden removal and Lignite excavation, economic bands of clay and silica sand occurring within these formations were found which are segregated towards conserving natural resources.

For lignite production capacity of 15 MTPA of Mine-II, Environment Clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forest was obtained during December, 2002. The corresponding Environmental Impact Assessment report prepared by M/S Vimta labs earlier considered lignite as the main product and did not consider the recovery of clay & silica sand which occurs sporadically. Now it is proposed to include the clay & silica sand as an associated product with lignite, for which an amendment in EC is required incorporating the recovery of clay & silica sand. Hence this pre feasibility report is prepared for submission to MOEF & CC

2. DETAILS ABOUT THE MINE:

The salient features of the project are given below:

Project name NLCIL, Lignite Mine-II (Open cast) Project proponent NLC India Ltd. Villages in the Mine area Spread of Mining area in part/full of the following villages:

Kammapuram, Kottagam, Seplanatham, Siruvarappu, Uyyakondaravi, Sathapadi, U. Adanur, Valaymadevei Keelpadi, Valayamadevi Melpadi, Agaram, Arasakuzhi, Kulapakkam, Kumaramagalam, Gopolapuram, Aziz Nagar, U.Mangalam, Uthangal, Vadakkuvellur, Veppanakurichi, Kathazhai, Managathi, Melpapanapattu, Mummudicholagam, Neyveli, Seplanatham & Maduvanamedu.

Longitude / Latitude Mine –II, Area Code Latitude Longitude o o o o 1 11 27” and 11 32” N 79 27”and 79 35” E Total Mine project Area Mine II & Mine II Expn. is 7193.975 Ha. Reserve Lignite: Geological Reserves : 622 MT, Mineable reserve : 595.69 MT, Mined Out : 304.27 MT (as on 31.03.2019) Balance Extractable Reserves : 291.42 MT

The occurrence of silica sand and ball clay is sporadic in nature, the reserves in the mine advancing front is estimated as below Silica sand: Mineable reserve : 32.37 LT Ball Clay: Mineable reserve : 26.88 LT Rated capacity (per annum) Lignite : 15.00 MT; Silica Sand : 02.00 LT; Ball clay : 00.50 LT

Life of the mine 20 years (considering balance lignite reserve mined at 15 Mt per annum)

Stripping ratio (OB/Lignite) 5.20:1 m³/T Overburden & Lignite: SME Technology (BWEs, Conveyors, Spreaders) Method of Mining & Transportation Overburden & Lignite associated materials (ball clay & silica sand): SME/ CME (shovel & dumper combination) as per site conditions.

Overburden quantity 1510 Mm3 (to be removed) Working days 365 days/year (3 shifts of 8 hour each) Average number of persons worked during 2018-19 through direct Manpower employment is 2448 and employed through contractor is 1808.

Cost of the project for 4.7 MTPA: Rs.278 Crs. Cost of the project Cost of the project for 10.5 MTPA: Rs.1065.4 Crs. Cost of the project for 15.0 MTPA: Rs.2295.93 Crs. Elevation +15 m to +27 m above mean sea level (msl) Topography Flat

3. Need for the project and its importance to the country and or region

Mine-II is an operating unit and feeding lignite to Thermal Power Station-II & II Expansion. The exploration studies carried out and our past mining operation has showed that in addition to lignite occurrence, sporadic occurrence of silica sand and ball clay was noticed. There is demand in market for silica sand used in glass making and ball clay used in making ceramic materials. In addition to lignite, recovery of silica sand and ball clay also will bring good return to State as well as Central Governments in the form of royalty and taxes. Therefore this proposal is very much essential in the perspective of conservation of these valuable raw materials, which otherwise would go as waste to the dump yard.

INDEX MAP OF MINE-II

4. Base Line Environment Status

The environmental setting details the project area are below: ENVIRONMENTAL SETTING

Item Description Distance Nearest Highway State highway No.10 7.0 km, North Nearest Railway station Neyveli 1.0 km, North Nearest Air port Pondicherry (70 km, East) Nearest Air port Chennai 230Km NNE (international) Nearest town Vadalur (8.0 km, East)

Nearest Water bodies Nearest River Parvanar river (2km,N), Manimukta river (4.5 km, SW), Vellar river (8.0 km, S) Nearest lake/ ponds Walaja tank (9.0 km, E), Vriddhachalam anicut, Wellington reservoir, Jambu eri, Perumal eri. Ecological Sensitive Zones within 15 Km from M.L. Boundary Nil National Parks/ Wild life Sanctuaries within 15 Km from M.L. Nil Boundary CRZ Nil Historical Places within 15 Km from M.L. Boundary Nil Any other Industrial Establishments Nil Nearest Forest Blocks Reserve Forests: Narumanam RF 11.0 km, NW Semakkottai RF 13.0 km, NW Velangulam RF 14.0 kM,N Ammeri RF 9.0.km, NW

Paravanar channel leading to walajai eri flowing in the advancing area of mine is being diverted in stagewise away from the mine movement area.

Existing Infrastructure Mine-II is a working mine, where all infrastructures like office building, statutory buildings, colony, roads, water supply, power supply etc are in place.

5. Soil classification: The Tertiary formations are exposed in the northern edge of the present and proposed Expansion area of Mine II, while the alluvial deposit covers the rest of the area. The uppermost layer consists of either lateritic loam or blackish grey alluvial clay with Kanker.

6. Climatic Data From Secondary Source:

The climate of this region is mainly tropical type and is influenced by the conditions in Bay of Bengal. However, the real monsoon months are October to December when the area is influenced by the North-east monsoon. The long-term data in respect of various meteorological parameters are monitored by NLCIL.

The area Secondary information on meteorological conditions has been collected from the Centre for the Applied and Research Development (CARD) of NLCIL. Data of 18 years (2001-2018) has been collected and analyzed. Wind speed, temperature, relative humidity is measured twice a day.

CLIMATOLOGICALLY DATA STATION: CARD, NEYVELI (2001-2018)

Month Wind speed in 0 Relative Humidity (%) Temperature ( C) km per hr 08:30 16:30 Max. Min. 08:30 17:30 January 9.0 9.0 35.4 20.8 98.0 96.4 February 6.0 14.0 35.3 21.7 85.9 64.3 March 3.2 11.0 37.5 24.0 95.5 84.8 April 4.4 14.0 43.9 35.4 68.7 56.3 May 6.0 16.0 43.6 27.4 68.1 58.6 June 6.0 11.0 42.9 27.6 82.9 78.5 July 6.0 20.0 42.3 26.4 75.1 76.9 August 6.0 16.0 41.1 25.9 100.0 89.0 September 6.0 16.0 40.4 25.5 100.0 60.9 October 8.0 12.0 38.3 23.9 100.0 97.2 November 6.0 9.0 35.8 23.0 99.9 96.5 December 8.0 11.0 33.8 21.5 95.3 99.4 Average 6.22 13.25 39.19 25.26 89.12 79.90

Land Form, Land Use and Land Ownership

The land requirement for Mine-II lignite project is 7193.975 Ha which includes mine area, external dump area and infrastructure.

7. Topography

The surface contours of the area indicate a gentle topography with elevations varying mostly between +27 meters in the northeast and +15 meters in the south-east.

8. Existing Land Use Pattern and Shortest Distances from the Periphery of the Project to Periphery of the Forest, National Park, Wild Life Sanctuary, Eco Sensitive Areas, Water Bodies, CRZ etc:

Reclamation and afforestation of overburden dumps is being carried out progressively as per approved Mine Closure Plan.

The existing project area does not fall under CRZ area. There are no National parks, Wild life sanctuary and eco sensitive areas are exists within 10 Km radius of the project boundary. The nearest wildlife sanctuary is Vedantangal Sanctuary at a distance of 100 km in NNE and nearest National Park is Eravikulam National Park present at a distance of 290 km in SW.

PLANNING IN BRIEF

9. Mining Method:

In Mine-II & Mine II Expn. project, BWE’s, Conveyors, Spreaders (SME Technology) are deployed for the removal of overburden and lignite excavation. The excavated lignite transported to Lignite Stockyard by conveyor system. For excavation by BWE, where ever hard rock is encountered drilling and blasting operation is being carried out with adherence to norms. The excavated overburden is being refilled by using spreaders in the mined out area. After Top soil spread, the backfilled area will be biologically reclaimed and afforested to restore to pre-mining condition.

For mining and transportation of silica sand and ball clay SME/ CME will be used as per availability of reserve and site conditions with a stock yard at surface for stacking/ storage before selling to the interested parties. For mining these ball clay and silica sand no additional equipments are required.

Assessment of Infrastructure Demand (Physical & Social)

The existing road and other infra structure facilities are enough to meet out the requirements.

Amenities/Facilities

All facilities like office, statutory buildings, water, power, medical facilities etc are already available in the project.

10. PROPOSED INFRASTRUCTURE:

No additional infra structure required as this a existing mine in operation.

11. PROJECT SCHEDULE & COST ESTIMATES

The balance life of the project is 20 years for the targeted production of 15.0 Mt/annum. The total mine capital cost is about Rs 3639.33 Crores. Project schedule of lignite, Silica sand and ball clay in point no : 11.4

12. SUMMAR OF ANTICIPATED ENVIRONMENT IMPACT AND ITS CONTROL

It is an operating mine and the following best practices are adopted for the waste management.

Solid waste:

The overburden so far excavated upto 31.03.2019 in Mine-II project is 1891.92 is dumped at inside decoaled area as back filling and partial quantity was dumped at the external dump area.

As a part of environment restoration, these dumps are reclaimed by proper terracing and stabilized; top soil is spread over and afforested. Plantation includes fruit bearing trees, flowering plants and medicinal. Integrated farming & aquaculture is also being carried out in these afforested lands. Artificial ponds, deer park & boat house are established. In Mine-II, mine closure activities are performed as per the approved Mine Closure Plan approved by MOC. NLCIL has been awarded the prestigious Paryavaran Puraskar Award in appreciation of the outstanding work done in the area of reclamation.

In the remaining mining area, about 1510 Mm3 of overburden is to be removed in the remaining period of mine life and accordingly will be reclaimed and afforested as per Mine Closure Plan.

Waste water: Adequate drainage systems are available in the mining, service centre for allowing the water to flow in the predetermined path. Check wall, gully chute, edge bund, retaining wall, silt traps etc., are available to arrest washout from the mine dump area during rainy season. All along the mine roads drainage will be provided and benches will be properly sloped so as to avoid stagnation of water. The waste water generated in the service yard and canteen are treated and the treated water is used for gardening.

With above measures no adverse impact is envisaged on the surface water quality in the proposed lignite mining project. The quality of effluents is monitored regularly.

The water used for the process of washing the sand is allowed to settle in the setting pits for removing Suspended Particulate Matter.

Hazardous waste: The liquid waste generated in the mine like used engine oil, used gear oil, used brake oils and other lubricants are stored in separate drums/cans and sent to disposal through authorized-recyclers.

Air pollution Control: Emissions from machines run by burning Fossil fuel (diesel) are controlled by properly maintaining the vehicles. Dust emanated from the mining operations is controlled by sprinkling water.

Noise pollution Control: Specialized Mining Machineries (SME) are used for excavation of OB and lignite. These are noise generating machinery for which noise proof air conditioned cabins is provided for operator and the noise levels are within the range of 60-90 dB (A). The effect of the shock/vibration from blasting is controlled at the mine surface level itself by restoring to the use of milli-second delay action detonators and milli-second detonating relays .There is therefore, no danger of vibration being carried on the nearer structures/Buildings.

Sewerage system

Sewage generated from office premises is treated through septic tanks and soak pits. Well established ETP is functioning to treat the sewage from colony.

13. ANALYSIS OF PROPOSAL (Final Recommendations)

Due to addition of mining of associated products such as silica sand and clay, there is no adverse Environment impact to the Environment. Every efforts will be taken to keep all sorts of pollution within limit. The lignite mine project has already given direct as well as indirect employment facilities to the Project affected families and villagers and employment through contractors and implementing latest pollution control measures.. Lot of employment opportunities have been created in the form of service providers, petty contracts, hiring vehicles etc. In addition to above, silica sand and ball clay recovery from mine will provide business opportunities to transporters, traders and employment opportunities in glass manufacturing and ceramic industries.