CMYK Felicitation of six Past Presidents (sporting mementos) during Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on July 7, 2017 held at Udaipur

CMYK CMYK Felicitation of six Past Presidents (sporting mementos) during Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on July 7, 2017 held at Udaipur

CMYK Mining Engineers’ Association of

Special Issue

brought on the occasion of Annual General Meeting and Award Function

at MEAI Mining Welfare Centre, Jaipur June 30, 2018

Compiled and Edited by Dr. P.V. Rao, Editor, MEJ

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 1 MEAI Special Issue 2018 2 Mining Engineers’ Association of India National Council 2017-19

President Arun Kumar Kothari

Vice President- I Vice President - II Vice President - III S.K. Pattnaik K. Madhusudhana S.N.Mathur

Secretary General S.Krishnamurthy

Joint Secretary cum Treasurer Kolli Umamaheswara Rao

Ex-officio Council Members T. Victor, A. Bagchhi, Dr S.K. Sarangi, Dr V.D. Rajagopal, R.P. Gupta

Council Members (Elected) A.L. Thakor, A.R. Vijay Singh, C.S. Dhaveji, D.A. Hiremath, Deepak Gupta, D.K. Saxena, D.S. Maru, Dr K. Srihari, Kolli Umamaheswara Rao, Maheem Kachhwaha, Mahesh A. Bongale, M.S. Raju, Pankaj Kumar Satija, R.H. Sawkar, Raghunath Singh, Rajendra Singh Rathore, Prof Sushil Bhandari, S.C. Suthar, S. Kumaraswamy, Vilas Teggi

Representatives of Life Institutional Members The India Cements Ltd (LIM No. 16), The Ramco Cements Ltd (LIM No. 17), Gujarat Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (LIM No. 18), Associated Mining Company Ltd (LIM No. 19), NMDC LTD (LIM No. 20)

Council Members (Nominated) T.N. Gunaseelan, A.K. Gupta, A.K. Sinha, S.M. Bothra, Deep Krishna

Council Members (Co-Opted) Dr N.K. Nanda, Prof B.C. Sarkar, Prof B.B. Dhar, M. James, Akhilesh Joshi

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 3 Mining Engineers’ Association of India Chapter Chairmen & Secretaries

Chapter Chairman Secretary 1. Ahmedabad P.N. Rao Pulak Mathur 2. Barajamda Pankaj Kumar Satija Mukesh Ranjan 3. Bailadila A.K. Shukla C.V. Subrahmanyam 4. Bangalore Dr T.N. Venugopal K.R. Krishnamurthy 5. Belgaum D.S. Malkai Dr P.T. Hanamgond 6. Bellary-Hospet B. Sahoo K. Prabhakara Reddy 7. Bhubaneswar R.R. Satpathy Sabyasachy Mishra 8. Dhanbad Dr Pradeep K Singh Dr Santosh K Ray 9. Goa Cletus T D’souza E.Hymakar Reddy 10. Himalayan J.L. Sud S. Randhawa 11. Hutti-Kalaburagi Prakash Shiojee Roy 12. Hyderabad B.R.V. Susheel Kumar Dr C. Narsimulu 13. Jabalpur D. Roy Manoj Sankar Singh 14. Kolkata Dr A. Srikant Shameek Chattopadhyay 15. Nagpur D.K. Sahni K.T. Parag 16. New Delhi A.K. Bhandari Deepak Gupta 17. Rajasthan-Jaipur P.C.Bakliwal Dr. S. K. Wadhawan 18. Rajasthan-Jodhpur Dr P.C. Purohit A.K. Jaiswal 19. Rajasthan-Udaipur Dr S.S. Rathore R.D. Saxena 20. Raipur V.D. Mali Mukhesh Thawait 21. Rayalaseema Jayavelu A. Anil kumar 22. Singareni B. Ramesh Kumar K. Laxminarayana 23. Tamil Nadu P. Ramasamy M. Mayilrajan 24. Veraval-Porbandar Arun Kumar Sharma Manish Kumar Yadav 25. Visakhapatnam Prof. C. Kasipathi K. Venkata Ramana

MEAI Special Issue 2018 4 Mining Engineers’ Association of India Presidents & Secretaries/Secretary Generals

Period President Secretary/ Secretary Generals MINING ENGINEERS’ ASSOCIATION 1957-64 B.L. Verma Late B.N. Kanwar 1964-67 Late N.S. Claire Late R.C. B. Srivastava 1967-68 L.A. Hill Late S. Chandra 1968-69 H.L. Chopra M.G. Jhingran 1969-70 Late S.S. Manjrekar V.S. Rao 1970-71 Late R.C.B. Srivastava M.G. Jhingran 1971-72 Late R.K. Gandhi B. Roy Chowdhury 1972-73 I.N. Marwaha D.D. Sharan 1973-75 Late R.S. Sastry M.S. Vig 1975-76 Late G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran MINING ENGINEERS’ ASSOCIATION OF INDIA 1975-76 G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran 1976-78 D.L. Patni A.K. Basu 1978-80 R.C. Mohanty S.K. De 1980-81 M.K. Batra R.C. Dutta 1981-82 D.K. Bose S.B. Mukherjee 1982-83 P.R. Merh M.K. Srivastava 1983-86 V.S. Rao L.S. Sinha 1986-88 M.A.Khan D.K. Sen 1988-90 Saligram Singh A. Panigrahi 1990-93 M. Fasihuddin B. Mishra 1993-95 K.K. Biran S. Chandrasekaran 1995-97 N.S. Malliwal Dr. P.V. Rao 1997-2001 T.V. Chowdary C.L.V.R. Anjaneyulu (S.G) 2001-2003 R.N. Singh - do - 2003-2007 Meda Venkataiah - do - 2007-2009 R.P. Gupta C.L.V.R. Anjaneyulu & Shri A.S. Rao 2009-2011 Dr. V.D. Rajagopal A.S. Rao 2011-2013 Dr. S.K. Sarangi - do - 2013-2015 A. Bagchhi Koneru Venkateswara Rao 2015-2017 T. Victor - do - 2017-19 Arun Kumar Kothari S. Krishnamurthy

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 5 Mining Engineers’ Association of India LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

1. Aarvee Associates, Architects, 36. NMDC Ltd. (LIM-20) Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-049) 37. Obulapuram Mining Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-54) 2. ACC Ltd (LIM-25) 38. Orient Cement (LIM-059) 3. A.P. Mineral Dev. Corp.Ltd., (LIM-12) 39. Panduronga - Timblo Industries (LIM-056) 4. Aravali Minerals & 40. Pearl Mineral Ltd., (LIM-39) Chemical Industries (P) Ltd. (LM-048) 41. Priyadarshini Cement Ltd., (LIM-5) 5. Associated Mining Co., (LIM-19) 42. Radials International (LIM-29) 6. Associated Soapstone 43. Rajgarhia Group of Industries (LIM - 050) Distributing Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-057) 44. R.K. Marbles Pvt. Ltd., (LIM - 52) 7. Belgaum Minerals (LIM-64) 45. Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (LIM-053) 8. Bharat Alloys & Energy Ltd., (LIM-36) 46. Sagar Cements Ltd., (LIM-21) 9. Capstone Geo Consultants (India) Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-66) 47. Sandvik Asia Limited (LIM-46) 10. Designer Rocks (P) Ltd., (LIM-32) 48. Sesa Goa Ltd., (LIM-11) 11. FCI Aravali Gypsum & Minerals India Ltd. (LIM-61) 49. Shree Cement Ltd. (LIM-051) 12. Grasim Industries Ltd., (LIM-26) 50. Shri Sharda Cold Retreads (P) Ltd., (LIM-24) 13. Ambuja Cements Ltd., (LIM-3) 51. Shree Engineering Services (LIM-15) 14. Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-6) 52. S.N. Mohanty (LIM-62) 15. Gujarat Mineral Dev. Copr Ltd. (LIM-18) 53. South India Mines & Minerals Industries (LIM-2) 16. Gujarat Sidhee Cements Ltd., (LIM-4) 54. South West Mining Ltd. (LIM-40) 17. Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (LIM-9) 55. Sri Kumarswamy Mineral Exports (LIM-43) (Formerly IDL Industries Limited.) 56. Sudarshan Group of Industries (LIM-047) 18. Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (LIM-60) 57. Tata Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-7) 19. The India Cements Ltd. (LIM-16) 58. Tata Steel Limited (LIM-8) 20. Indian Rare Earths Ltd., (LIM-35) 59. Terra Reserves Determination 21. J.K. Cement Ltd (LIM-058) Technologies (P) Ltd., (LIM-055) 22. JSW Cement Ltd. (LIM-63) 60. The K.C.P. Ltd., (LIM-22) 23. Jubilee Granites India Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-23) 61. Thriveni Earthmovers (P) Ltd., (LIM-31) 24. Kariganur Mineral Mining Industry (LIM-41) 62. Transworld Garnet India Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-67) 25. Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., (LIM-33) 63. Tungabhadra Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-42) 26. Krishna Mines (LIM-27) 64. UltraTech Cement Ltd., A.P. Cement Works, (LIM-28) 27. Lafarge India Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-69) 65. Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. (LIM-10) 28. Madras Cements Ltd., (LIM-17) 66. Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Company (LIM-44) 29. Manganese Ore (India) Ltd., (LIM-37) 67. V. Thirupathi Naidu (LIM-34) 30. M.P.L. Parts & Services Ltd., (LIM-14) 68. VS Lad & Sons (LIM-38) 31. MSPL Limited (LIM-30) 69. V.V. Mineral (LIM-68) 32. Mysore Minerals Limited (LIM-45) 70. W.B. Engineers International Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-13) 33. My Home Industries Limited (LIM-70) 34. Maheswari Minerals (LIM-65) INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS (Laterite Mine Owners and Traders) 1. B.L. Meena Marbles 35. National Aluminium Co. Ltd, (LIM-1)

MEAI Special Issue 2018 6 Contents

1. President's Report 2017-18 9

2. Awards 2017 - 18 12 MEAI - Lifetime Achievement Award 13 MEAI- Service Excellence Award 15 MEAI Annual Awards 22

3. International Initiatives SME News 27 CRIRSCO NEWS 30

4. Indian Mining Day 34

5. Inauguration of MEAI auditorium and new office premises 43

6. Meai Chapters' News Ahmedabad Chapter 44 Barajamda Chapter 46 Bangalore Chapter 51 Belgaum Chapter 56 Bellary - Hospet Chapter 58 Dhanbad Chapter 61 Goa Chapter 64 Hyderabad Chapter 65 Kolkata Chapter 67 Rajasthan Chapter - Jaipur 68 Rajasthan Chapter - Jodhpur 74 Rajasthan Chapter - Udaipur 77 Tamilnadu Chapter 84

7. Recommendations made to NITI Aayog by MEAI 85

8. Recommendations made to Committee on National Mineral Policy by MEAI 87

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 7 Visuals of Auditorium and Office Inauguration Ceremony at National Headquarters, Hyderabad

New Administrative Office and Auditorium New Auditorium

Inaugural Function of New Auditorium Presidents Chamber

Unveiling of Auditorium Plaque by Chief Guest Release of MEAI Introductory Brochure

MEAI Special Issue 2018 8 President's Report 2017-18

It is my proud privilege, as the leader of the National Council of the Association, to share with you the highlights of major achievements during the past one-year i.e. 2017-18. Our Office Bearers and the National Council, in coordination and cooperation with the leadership of our Chapters, worked hard to uplift the brand image of the Association in several quarters, both in government and non-government sectors of India and abroad. In persuasion of these goals, during the last one year, I have been travelling extensively for furthering the progress of the Association. Apart from visiting the Association’s Headquarters at Hyderabad every month, I participated in person in the activities of Jodhpur, Delhi, Udaipur, Jaipur, Barajamda, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bhubaneshwar and Dhanbad Chapters.

Ours is the only association in India that could establish Association-level membership with overseas professional organisations viz. Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME), USA and leading a unique initiative in India to develop an Indian Reserves Public Reporting Code that is compliant with International Reserves Reporting Standards like CRIRSCO. We have chosen ‘Better mining through better learning’ slogan for the term 2017-19 and our National Council and the Chapters are consciously working towards realizing this objective.

I wish to highlight the following incredible achievements of the Association during 2017-18.

1. Increased connect among members: In the last one year my emphasis was to build fraternal relationship among the members of MEAI by bringing awareness in the Chapters to create WhatsApp groups and also adding the National President and Secretary General as a members of the group. Similarly, we have also created a National Council WhatsApp group. This has proved to be an effective tool in our quest to share our knowledge and important developments in the mining sector along with increased networking between our members. During the last one year, a lot of useful information related to mining sector and MEAI was exchanged through this media. I congratulate all those Chapters who are successfully using this media for knowledge sharing and encourage those Chapters who are yet to create their own WhatsApp group. This will form as one of the important criteria for the selection of Best Chapter Award next year. One more request to all the members is to be self-disciplined in the group and use this facility for the intended purpose only. 2. Mining Engineers’ Journal: Publishing Mining Engineers’ Journal regularly is a major activity of the Association and since last one year, we have published it regularly without a single day delay. We started publishing only peer reviewed technical articles in the Journal. We have also made this Journal self-sustainable by procuring advertisements from various companies. Now our thrust is towards increasing the subscriber base for MEJ. Keeping in view the cost effectiveness and preventing MEJ copy from damage in transport, we have introduced plastic see-through envelope for its dispatch. 3. Diamond jubilee celebrations of MEAI: The yearlong Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Association were befittingly concluded at JRD Tata Training Institute, Iron Mines, Tata Steel on March 23, 2018 by organizing a one-day Seminar on “ Technology Innovation and Safety in Mining Industry” and Blood Donation Camps at Tata Sponge, Joda and at Udaipur. The venue, Barajamda Chapter, chosen for celebrating the event was apt because the Association took its birth here with a few dedicated mining professionals. 4. Completion of Auditorium and Inauguration Ceremony: MEAI Headquarters (HQ) acquired a new premise adjacent to its current office premise. Under the direction and guidance of the New Building Project Committee, the current office premise was altered into a splendid Auditorium and the newly acquired premise was transformed into new office. The new Conference cum Auditorium was inaugurated on January 24, 2018 by Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS, Spl. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Telangana. Thus, the MEAI HQ have been strengthened with a Conference cum Auditorium facility, having a capacity for 80 persons and equipped with modern audio visual facilities required to conduct technical programs and meetings. I appreciate the efforts put in by Shri A. Bagchhi for generating funds, Shri T.V. Chowdary, Chairman, Building Committee and his team for the renovation work, and Past President Mr. T. Victor for this project. 5. Completion of new HQ Office: Our new office at MEAI HQ started functioning more efficiently in a corporate like atmosphere. To ensure smooth functioning of the office, one full time accountant cum office supervisor has been appointed. 6. Amendments to and printing of Bylaws: The Constitution Amendment Committee of the Association successfully completed its task and presented its recommendations to the National Council. The proposed amendments were deliberated by the National Council, approved them with minor modifications and recommended them to the General

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 9 body of the Association for approval. The General Body ratified the amendments in an Emergency General Meeting called for the purpose and the amended bylaws came into effect from March 1, 2018. The amended bylaws were printed for reference, record and distribution to the members. 7. MoU with SME and meeting with SME leaders at Hyderabad: A historical event took place on June 1, 2017 when MEAI signed a Joint Agreement with SME, USA, one of the internationally acclaimed professional societies in the world. We are looking at this as an opportunity to enhance our Association’s international profile. By becoming as an ‘Association Member’ of SME under this agreement, MEAI with its over 5000 membership from 25 Chapters spread across every mineral rich district of the county, is poised to become a leading professional body in South Asia!. Consequently, all MEAI members gained free access to the publications and content available on the website of SME. The MEAI will explore possibility of partnership with SME in designing and hosting large-scale expositions and high- level technical conferences in India. Another MEAI-SME meeting was held in Hyderabad, India on August 23, 2017 where the SME President and Executive Director represented SME and International Affairs Committee & several past presidents represented MEAI. 8. Progress of MOU with CRIRSCO: An international recognition to MEAI was achieved by signing a MoU with CRIRSCO (Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards) - a voluntary body formed by major international professional bodies in the world- in February 2016 at Phoenix, USA to develop an internationally acceptable Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves Code for India. MEAI took firm lead and played a pivotal role in bringing together the leading professional bodies, mineral-based companies, consulting companies and domain experts in India on to a single platform and forming a National Core Committee (NACRI) towards achieve this goal. The day is not far-off when NACRI will be recognized as the National Reporting Organisation (NRO) and MEAI as a Recognized Professional Organization (RPO) of India by CRIRSCO. 9. Formation of New Committees for the term 2017-19 for inclusive governance through decentralization of responsibilities: To ensure flawless functioning of the Association, new committees such as International Affairs committee, Resource Mobilization committee, Program committee, Membership committee, Constitution Amendment committee, Website Renovation committee, New Building Project committee, Data Compilation Committee and Legal Issues resolving committee were constituted under the Chairmanship of subject experts, and empowered them to take decisions. 10. Personal Donation by members: For any organization to achieve its objectives, finance plays a major role. On my appeal, many of our members came forward and made significant personal financial contributions to strengthen MEAI this year. My sincere thanks to all of them. I again appeal to all the members to make generous financial contribution to the Association HQ and use their good offices to provide advertisement sponsorship for MEJ to build financially robust MEAI. 11. Timely Council & Annual General Meetings: As envisioned in the Association bylaws, the National Council held four meetings viz. two in Hyderabad, one at Dhanbad and one today at Jaipur to dispose of its business. Similarly we have convened EGM on January 24, 2018 and AGM today itself. The attendance in the Council meetings & AGM has been encouraging. 12. Website renovation: The Website Renovation committee has successfully revamped the existing MEAI website by adding several advance features and maintaining the MEAI website from Delhi. We have purchased another web domain “meai.co.in” and both the websites are operative. 13. Membership development: As on March 1, 2018, the Association membership of all categories rose to 5378 with 31 Annual members, 86 Fellows, 81 Student members, 2 Institutional members and 70 Life Institutional members. The Association also conferred Honorary Membership on 16 distinguished personalities associated with the mineral industry. 14. Creation of Welfare Fund: In 2nd Council meeting, a decision was taken to create a Welfare Fund for the members who were instrumental and immensely contributed in the progress of the Association but suffering from any critical disease and badly in need of financial help. Formation of Byelaws in this regard is in progress. 15. Land for MEAI HQ at Hyderabad: A delegation from MEAI met Hon’ble Minister of Mines, Telangana with a request to allot a piece of land to build offices for conducting the activities of the Association HQ and Hyderabad Chapter. The Minister of Mines has kindly considered our request and assigned this responsibility to Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter & Director of Mines & Geology, Telangana.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 10 16. Land for MEAI at Udaipur: Similarly, we also met with Hon’ble Minister for Home, Govt. of Rajasthan and he agreed to allot a piece of land for building a Research cum Training Centre at Udaipur. Application has already been filed in UIT Udaipur. 17. Effective representation of MEAI in GoI and Niti Aayog Committees: In response to our lasting efforts, Ministry of Mines, GoI recognized MEAI and extended invitation to attend all its important committees meetings. The MoM recognized the MEAI by co-opting it as a member of the review committee formed to formulate National Mineral Policy (NMP), 2018. Our team effectively presented the mineral sector’s concerns to the NMP review committee, offered suggestions in writing and published the same in MEJ November 2017 issue. MEAI was also nominated as a member of a committee constituted by NITI Aayog to develop a strategy paper aiming at creating visible employment and growth in mineral sector by 2022. Out team actively participated in the discussions, pinpointed the reasons for the slow or negative progress, and suggested corrective measures. We also offered our suggestion to NITI Aayog in writing and published the same in MEJ November 2017 issue for the benefit of our members. 18. Revival of dormant chapters: This year we succeeded in reviving Delhi, Kolkata, and Veraval-Porbandar Chapters by electing new Office bearers and Executive committees. They started functioning with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. These Chapters were left defunct for a long period. Not only this. We are in the process of stream lining the election process of all the Chapters. All the chapters, whose present Executive body completed two years, were advised to conduct election to elect new Executive body, before June this year. 19. International/ National Seminars, Workshops, Exhibitions, Conferences and Technical Talks: This year, record number of events (more than 100) were organised by our Chapters, which were attended by several VIPs representing politicians and bureaucrats. I attended almost all the important events conducted by the Association. For the first time, the recommendations arrived at in such events were favourably considered for action both by the Central and State Governments. 20. Indian Mining Day Celebrations: Indian Mining Day was celebrated by most of our Chapters in a grand manner throughout the Country On 1st November. MEAI Headquarters, Hyderabad also set an example by conducting various programmes on Indian Mining Day 2017, in a simple, yet grand and purposeful manner. The Headquarters office conducted Elocution, Quiz and Essay Writing competitions for the Mining Engineering Students at Mines Safety & Productivity Council Conference Hall, Hyderabad. The students of four Engineering Colleges including Osmania University attended the programs conducted by Shri K. Peter, LM MEAI & Vocational Training Officer (MSPC Ltd). The HOD and a Senior Professor in the Department of Mining Engineering, Mallareddy Engineering College, Hyderabad participated and functioned as judges. Prizes were distributed to the winners and two runners-up of the three competitions. 21. HQ Share received from events held by Chapters: For the first time we were successful in creating an environment amongst Chapters to divert 25% of surpluses to HQ from any event organised by them as per the provisions of Byelaws. I am happy to bring it to the knowledge of the Council that this year, from July 2017 to June 2018, we have received Rs. 12,89,328 from Rajasthan Chapter-Udaipur, Rs. 1,00,000 from Ahmedabad Chapter, Rs. 10,00,000 from Hyderabad Chapter, Rs. 5952 from Bangalore Chapter, Rs. 2,01,868 from Barajamda Chapter and Rs. 2,25,000 from Nagpur Chapter, totalling Rs. 28,22,148. From these receipts, Rs. 20,00,000 (Rupees twenty lakh only) were deposited as Fixed Deposits in Banks. My sincere thanks to all the Chapters. I thank my full team, and members of various committees who wholeheartedly supported me in making the above achievement possible and I am confident of getting similar support in the ensuing year also.

Jai Hind

Arun Kumar Kothari President

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 11 Mining Engineers’ Association of India Awards 2017 - 18 MEAI-Lifetime Achievement Award MEAI- Service Excellence Award Shri T.V. Chowdary, Past President, MEAI Shri Sanjay Pattnaik, Vice President –I, MEAI Shri T. Victor, Past President, MEAI Shri K. Madhusudhana, Vice President – II, MEAI Shri S.N. Mathur, Vice President – III, MEAI Shri O.P. Gupta, Former Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter – Jaipur Prof Sushil Bhandari, Former Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter – Jodhpur Shri Y.C. Gupta, Former Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter – Udaipur Shri R.H. Sawkar, Former Chairman, Bangalore Chapter Shri M. James, Former Chairman, Tamilnadu Chapter Shri Pankaj Kumar Satija, Chairman Barajamda Chapter Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar, Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter Dr. P.K. Singh, Chairman, Dhanbad Chapter Shri Deepak Gupta, Secretary, Delhi Chapter Shri K.U. Rao, Jt. Secretary-cum-Treasurer (Nominated), MEAI Shri T.N. Gunaseelan, Council Member (Nominated) Dr. P.V. Rao, Editor MEJ MEAI Annual Awards MEAI-Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award Shri A.K. Garg MEAI-NMDC Award Dr. S.K. Chaulya MEAI- Smt. Bala Tandon Memorial Award Dr. D.P. Mishra MEAI- Abheraj Baldota Memorial Gold Medal Award (Mining Engineer of the year) Dr. S.C. Jain MEAI- Abheraj Baldota Memorial Gold Medal Award (Young Mining Engineer of the year) Shri Akhil Avachar MEAI- Smt. Gullapalli Sarala Devi Memorial Award (Lifetime achievement by a Mining Engineer) Shri K. Laxminarayana MEAI- Master Tanay Chadha Memorial Geologist Award Shri Sunil Kumar Vashisth MEAI-Eco-friendly Mining Award Srri Suryanshu Choudhury MEAI- SCCL Coal Award – Mining Engineer Shri Matchagiri Narendar MEAI- SCCL Coal Award – Mechanical Engineer Shri J. Christopher MEAI- SCCL Coal Award – Foreman / Overman Shri R. Butchaiah

MEAI Best Chapter Awards MEAI- BEST CHAPTER AWARD Rajasthan Chapter – Udaipur MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Rajasthan Chapter – Jaipur MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Rajasthan Chapter – Jodhpur MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Ahmedabad Chapter MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Barajamda Chapter MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Bellary-Hospet Chapter MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Hyderabad Chapter MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Bangalore Chapter MEAI- ACTIVE CHAPTER AWARD Dhanbad Chapter

MEAI- Life/ Institutional Membership Development Award Shri K. Prabhakara Reddy MEAI- Special Award for enrolling Maximum Life Members Bellary – Hospet Chapter

MEAI- Special Award for launching/ reviving a Chapter Shri T.N. Gunashleen, Kolkata Chapter Shri C.M. Dwivedi, Veraval - Porbandar Chapter Shri Arun K Sharma, Chairman Veraval - Porbandar Chapter

MEAI Special Issue 2018 12 MEAI - Lifetime Achievement Award

T.V. Chowdary Mr. T.V. Chowdary, BE (Mining), M.B.A, L.L.B, after an initial stint of 4 years in Bengal Coal Company of Andrew Yule, joined the Govt. of A.P as Astt. Director of Mines in the Department of Mines and Geology in MEAI- Service Excellence Award Shri Sanjay Pattnaik, Vice President –I, MEAI 1969. He rose to the highest position as Director in the Department Shri K. Madhusudhana, Vice President – II, MEAI at 41 years age and held the post for 17 years. During his tenure as Shri S.N. Mathur, Vice President – III, MEAI Director of Mines and Geology, he was instrumental in stream lining Shri O.P. Gupta, Former Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter – Jaipur the processing of applications for Mineral Concessions which paved Prof Sushil Bhandari, Former Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter – Jodhpur way for phenomenal growth of mining industry in the State and in turn Shri Y.C. Gupta, Former Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter – Udaipur maximizing mineral revenue to the State’s Exchequer making Andhra Shri R.H. Sawkar, Former Chairman, Bangalore Chapter Pradesh as number one in the Country. Shri M. James, Former Chairman, Tamilnadu Chapter Shri Pankaj Kumar Satija, Chairman Barajamda Chapter Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar, Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter Mr. Chowdary formulated a New Granite Mining Policy, which Dr. P.K. Singh, Chairman, Dhanbad Chapter transformed the Industry from exporting raw blocks to creating value Shri Deepak Gupta, Secretary, Delhi Chapter addition by the establishment of cutting and polishing units in a big Shri K.U. Rao, Jt. Secretary-cum-Treasurer (Nominated), MEAI way in the State. The Govt. of India later adopted the said policy for Shri T.N. Gunaseelan, Council Member (Nominated) the entire Country bringing in Granite Conservation and Development Dr. P.V. Rao, Editor MEJ Rules 1999. He founded DMRTUF (Development of Mineral Resources and Technology Upgradation Fund) first of its kind in the Country to take up research and development and technology upgradation in the mineral industry. During his tenure with the Govt., he was also heading various Public Sector undertakings such as APMDC, NEDCAP, APSRIC, APTEX etc.

Mr. Chowdary travelled widely, participated in various International Seminars, World Mining Congress and visited various mines, particularly Granite and Marble. He was a Member of UNDP and visited Asbestos processing plant in Bolivia and held discussions in Vienna, Austria for setting up Asbestos Processing plant in A.P. He is a Member of MEAI (he was President for 2 terms), FIE, IEI, SME etc. During his tenure as President, the Headquarters of MEAI has been shifted to Hyderabad, started publication of MEJ apart from opening many new Chapters in the Country.

Post retirement from the Govt. service, Mr. Chowdary as Director of Trimex Group of Companies is instrumental in setting up a world class integrated mining and mineral separation project at Srikakulam in A.P by involving himself right from exploration, mine planning, obtaining all clearances/approvals, sourcing of technology etc. He is also an Independent Director in few other Companies. Lifetime

Mr. Chowdary received “RUNGTA” award in 1992 for best paper presentation, “Rastriya Gaurav Award 1993” by all India Achievers Conference, New Delhi for his contribution in the Development of Non-conventional Sources of Energy in Andhra Pradesh, and “Lifetime Achievement Award’’ by IMEJ at New Delhi in the year 2014 for his contribution in Mineral Administration and Innovation in Mining Industry.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 13 MEAI - Lifetime Achievement Award

T. Victor Mr T. Victor, a Mining Engineer by profession, actively serving the mining industry for the past 57 years on various assignments.

Started his career with research on ‘problems in deep underground mining’ at Kolar Gold Fields. He moved to opencast mining in 1963 and gained experience on different minerals / ores mining including Chromite, Magnesite, Silica Sand, Manganese and iron ore. He had a distinguished service record of 25 years with M/s. Sesa Goa Limited, then an MNC and the single largest Iron Ore producer and exporter in India in the private sector, now part of Vedanta Group. He headed Mining Projects, Mineral Processing, Shipbuilding and Engineering Divisions. With his specialized experience in mineral processing, he has designed and built over 35 process plants including eight beneficiation plants, for treating different types of iron ore.

He was advisor and consultant to several mining and export organizations in Goa, Karnataka, Indonesia, Mozambique and other African countries on iron ore processing, beneficiation and logistics.

During his tenure (2015-17) as National President of Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI), the Association has made following milestones achievements: 1. MEAI received International recognition by signing global strategic partnership and professional collaboration with SME (USA) and CRIRSCO an International Organization, which promotes international best practice in the Public Reporting of Mineral Resources and Reserves. 2. Received recognition as ‘Premier Mining Professional Body’ from Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India. 3. Enhanced quality of ‘Mining Engineers’ Journal’ in its standard of content and presentation. 4. Created opportunity to Mining Engineers to enroll in the National Register of Professionals in association with Engineering Council of India. 5. Acquired additional premises to the existing office accommodation and initiated modernization of the National Headquarters. 6. A magnificent ‘world event’ was organized and hosted at Jaipur in November 2016, with full involvement of Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur: The CRIRSCO Annual Meet 2016, an international event, where eminent earth science and mining professionals from 14 countries have participated. Secretary, MoM, GoI, who was the Chief Guest, acknowledged, applauded and recognized MEAI’s capabilities and its role in the Indian mineral industry. 7. 25th Chapter of MEAI was inaugurated on June 17, 2017 at Dhanbad, the Coal Capital of India. 8. Celebrated Diamond Jubilee (60 years of MEAI), with special programs organized throughout 2017.

Mr. T. Victor is a recipient of 'NMDC – Gold Medal' for his outstanding contribution to Indian Iron Ore mining industry for the year 1997, awarded by MEAI. He continues to serve the Association as Chairman of ‘Committee for International Affairs’. He is an accomplished Mining Engineer, committed to his profession, born in 1940 on the land of Gold (Kolar Gold Fields).

MEAI Special Issue 2018 14 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

Mr Sanjay Kumar Pattnaik K. Madhusudhana Managing Director MOBILE: 9900256759; Tata Sponge Iron Ltd EMAIL: [email protected] T: +91 674 2362121, M: +91 9861050099 E-Mail: [email protected] Mr. K. MADHUSUDHANA, born on 3rd September 1969 in ANANTAPUR District of Andhra Pradesh, is a well-known Mr Sanjay Kumar Pattnaik is currently working as Managing persona in Mining arena, has 29 years of rich experience Director of Tata Sponge. He was General Manager, Raw in Underground and Opencast Mines of Asbestos, Barytes, Materials Strategy Group in Tata Steel before moving to Chromite, Lime stone and Iron Ore . His experience includes Tata Sponge. Mr. Sanjay Pattnaik completed his B.E Degree 6 years in Underground mines at APMDC ltd, Andhra in Mining Engineering from the Osmania University in 1983 Pradesh and Ferro Alloys Corporation (FACOR), Chromite and has done Advanced Management Programme from mines, Odisha. He served for 10 years in Penna Cement CEDEP - INSEAD, France in 2004. Upon completion of industries limited as a Mining Head and then joined Baldota his graduation, Mr. Pattnaik joined Tata Steel in the year- Group of Companies as Sr. Mines Manager in 2005 and 1983 and had a long stint of 31 years in different functions rose to the level of VICE PRESIDENT - Mines. & Divisions of the Company. His area of operation has been raw materials, port operations & logistics solutions, liaison He has completed MBA (HR) in 2004 from Sri Krishnadevaraya & business facilitation, policy & regulatory affairs relating to University, Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh with accolade. mining etc. He is recipient of Smt. Bala Tandon Award along with a Gold He has served on the Boards of Tata Refractories, Nilachal Medal from Mining Engineers Association of India for 2004- Refractory Ltd., Trustee of Paradip Port Trust and as Vice- 05. He also received MEAI “Membership Development President, Utkal Chamber of Commerce & Industries (UCCI). Award” for enrolling large number of life members during He was the Chairman of Confederation of Indian Industries the year 2004-05 (Rayalaseema Chapter) and 2008-09 & (CII) Odisha State Council during 2016-17. He also served 2015-16 (Bellary-Hospet Chapter). He is Founder Chairman as Non-Executive Director of Tata Sponge from July-2003 of Rayalaseema Chapter and served as National Council until August-2009. Member of MEAI. At present, he is MEAI National Vice President-II and MSAK, ZONE-1 Secretary since 7 years. Presently he is the President of Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) and Vice-President-I of Mining Engineering Association of India (MEAI). He is also Director of T M Mining Company Ltd, (A Joint venture between Tata Steel & MMTC) and member of the Executive Council of the Society of Geo-Scientists & Allied Technologists (SGAT). He is a sports enthusiast & a cricket buff and has widely travelled in India and abroad.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 15 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

S. N. Mathur Prof. Sushil Bhandari

Mr S. N. Mathur was graduated Prof Sushil Bhandari obtained BE in Mining Engineering from degree from Jodhpur University, Jodhpur University in 1971. Master’s degree from BHU and He holds First Class Coal Ph.D from the University of New South Wales. Mine Managers’ Certificate of Competency. He served Pench He has 45 years’ experience & Kanhan Valley Coalfields in Teaching, Mining Industry, in Chhindwara district of MP Explosives Industry, Educational during pre-& post nationalization Administration, and Multimedia period, now under WCL, for & Mining Software Development. about 8 years and then joined He spent 25 years as Professor GMDC. He served GMDC for 27 years in various capacities of Mining in JNV University, Jodhpur with additional and superannuated as General Manager (Lignite Projects & teaching in Federation University (Formerly University of Sales) in August 2007. Ballarat), Australia and Sultan Qaboos University, Oman. He has been Member of Advisory Board, Indian Bureau of Mines. His Consulting and Research has been in the field Post retirement, he served Gujarat Industries Power Co. Ltd. of Rock Blasting, Mine Environment and Mine Computer (GIPCL) as Executive Director (Mining) for one year. He Applications. He was a Member of Board of Directors, Tamil sorted out back-fill dump slope stability problem of their Nadu Industrial Explosives and Central Mine Planning and mine by introducing reverse dumping system. Since then Design Institute. he is working as independent Mining Consultant / Advisor to mining companies. He recently joined as CEO with M/s He was Professor and Head of the Department of Mining Mahalaxmi Infracontract Pvt. Ltd. Ahmedabad to develop Engineering in Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur and operate their Lignite Mining Project for 2.25 Mtpa lignite from April, 1981 to January 2005; and was Dean, Faculty supplies to adjoining 500 MW Thermal Power Plant. of Engineering 1998-2001. Before joining University, he worked with a leading explosives manufacturer and also in hard rock underground mines of Uranium Corporation He was the founder Secretary of MEAI Ahmedabad Chapter. of India, Jaduguda & North Broken Hill Limited, Australia He was later elected as its Chairman for three terms. He and Assistant Director of Geology Mining, Government organized a number of National & International Seminars of Gujarat. He has remained Adjunct Professor with the on behalf of Ahmedabad Chapter. He introduced Local Federation University (Formerly University of Ballarat), Centre system in the Chapter for increased involvement Australia and Associate with Monash University, Australia. and better participation of members in Chapter’s activities. He was Director, Educational Multimedia Research Centre, He introduced Best Local Centre and Best Member Annual J.N.V. University, Jodhpur. Over 152 educational TV films Awards and felicitation of veteran members of the Chapter. have been produced during his tenure of over 4years He encouraged involvement of Mining Degree and Diploma covering science, engineering, culture, history and other College, and Geology College students in MEAI activities subjects. These films are broadcast on national educational and organized Seminars by & for students in their colleges. TV programs. He is Fellow of Institution of Engineers (India) and Member Under his leadership, the Ahmedabad Chapter won the Best of Mining, Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India. Chapter / Special Awards for excellent performance four Member of Fragblast, IOC since 1983 and has remained times during past five years. The Chapter has won special Co-editor of International Journal of Rock Fragmentation by awards for four consecutive years for celebrating Indian Blasting. He published over 120 papers and has participated Mining Day at all mines within Chapter’s jurisdiction. He in over 20 International conferences and presented papers introduced a series of annual B K Antia memorial lectures in USA, Canada, China, Sweden, Japan, Austria, Indonesia, in memory of the late founder Chairman Shri Antia, on the Oman and Australia. foundation day of the Chapter every year (14th June). He was recipient of National Mineral Award 2001for his contribution to Mining Technology, distinguished Alumnus He was awarded the MEAI Best Member Award in the year Award 2001 from Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu 2012. He was on the MEAI National Council for four different University, National Visiting Teacher Award 1999 from Indian terms; two terms each as Nominated Member and Co-opted Society of Technical Education, Life Time Achievement Award member. He is now elected Vice President-III of MEAI for RockEX-04 from Indian Journal of Mining Engineering and the term 2017-19. University Gold Medal from Banaras Hindu University.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 16 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

Y. C. Gupta R.H Sawkar Geological Resource Consultant Mr. Y.C. Gupta did Mining Engineering in the year 1962 from MBM Engineering College, Jodhpur. Immediately after grad- Mr R.H. Sawkar was born on 29.03.1934, graduated with uation, he joined Dept. of Mines & Geology, Rajasthan and M.Sc Degree in Geology from Mysore University and entered continued till the year 2000, serving for 38 yrs. He retired as the Karnataka State Department of Mines and Geology Addl. Director Mines and worked at various places in regu- in the year 1959. He subsequently served in the National latory positions, executed/ supervised Mineral Exploration Mineral Development Corporation, Mysore Minerals, projects and associated with the Planning and Environment Chitradurga Copper Company, Hutti Gold Mines Ltd., and in Cell of the Dept. for a considerable period. He worked in Ra- the investigation of raw materials for Vijayanagar Steel plant, jasthan Mineral Development Corporation on deputation for which is now JSW. He was trained in photo interpretation a period of about one year. He attended World Mining Con- by Prof. Roopke and subsequently in the satellite imagery gress and few other International Conferences / Exhibitions, interpretation. He has undergone a training programme and was associated in organizing Seminars/ Conferences in prospecting and Mine Development in Australia under by the Dept. He was associated in drafting various regula- Colombo plan. tory legislations in the Dept. He studied project economics in Delhi School of Economics for 2 months. He served as Agent of Mysore Minerals, Deputy Managing Director of Chitradurga Copper Company and Director of Since year 2000, he has been active member of Mining En- Hutti Gold Mines Ltd. He was involved in Exploration, Mine gineers Association of India, including a member National Development and preparation of Bankable document on Council for 4 years. He was Chairman and Secretary of the Gold along with Prof. Viljoen of South Africa. He modified the Rajasthan Chapter- Udaipur for 4 years. Presented good Chitradurga Copper Beneficiation plant to Gold beneficiation number of technical papers in National Seminars/ Work- plant to treat gold ore associated with BIF of Ajjanahalli. shops on various subjects. For the last 18 years, he has been the editor of Bi- Monthly newsletter of the Chapter, He is associated with all the leading earth science having all India circulation (First issue came out in Janu- Associations in India and abroad and is currently the ary 2001). He assisted/ actively participated in organizing Secretary of Geological Society of India, Publisher of National Seminars/ Conferences by the Chapter since year the Journal of the Geological Society of India and former 2001. He was a member of National Committee constituted Treasurer of the Journal of International Union Geological in year 2009 to review and suggest amendments to MEAI Sciences Episodes. He is also active in Mining and Memorandum of Associations and Rules & Regulations. Metallurgical fields. He was former Chairman of the MEAI, Bangalore Chapter and working President, Karnataka He actively participated in the IEI (India) Indian Engineering Jalbiradari. He is a Member of Dam Safety Committee since Congress held at Udaipur in the year 2007. He was a mem- a long time and represent Geological Society of India in the ber of the Executive Committee of Institution of Engineers World Water Council. (India), Local Centre, Udaipur for 2 years. He is associated with the State and Central Geological The Rajasthan Chapter- Udaipur honored him as Eminent Programming Boards since a long time. He represents Mining Personality in the year 2017, in a National Seminar Geological Society of India on Policy matters of Karnataka held at Udaipur. State.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 17 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

Pankaj Kumar Satija

A graduate mining engineer from IIT (ISM), Dhanbad with PGDBM from XLRI, Mr Pankaj Satija has blended mining operation with framework of Safety, Health and Environment. As PMP certified professional he has undergone Indo German Manager Programme at Germany and pursuing LEAD Fellowship at present. M. James Mob: +91-9840404603, +91-9444289405 Mr Pankaj Satija is working for Tata Steel Ltd as Chief Regulatory Affairs. He has more than 23 years of experience Date of birth: November 24, 1960. in Strategic Planning, Project Management, Mine Planning, Mining Operations, Production and Maintenance. Under Qualification: his leadership, vetiver plantation experiment was carried FCC (METAL), M. Phil, PG (Mineral Exploration & Mining), out in 2012, first time in Indian mining industry with the Labour Law collaboration of IIT Kharagpur at Joda East mine of Tata Steel. He has been in task force for Sustainable Development Experience & Position: 28 Years G/-Mines, South India Framework for Indian Mining Industry constituted by Ministry corporation, Chairman, Tamilnadu Chapter 2015-17, Zonal of Mines. Under his leadership, Sukinda chromite mine of Secretary in Tamilnadu Mines Safety Association - Chennai Tata Steel became the first mine in the country where pilot zone, MEAI National Council Member (co-opted) 2017-19 launch of SDF (Sustainable Development Framework) was done in Jan 2016. Under his leadership, Noamundi became Address: No.121A, Sri Krishna Nagar, Numbal village, the first mine in the country where pilot launch for Drone Iyyapanthangal, Chennai – 77 Application in Mine Monitoring (DAMM) was launched in Jan nd Contribution: As Vice-Chairman / Chairman of Tamilnaud 2017. ‘SABAL - Centre for Abilities’ (2 in India) was also Chapter during 2014-17, got Award from MEAI for enrolling started at Noamundi under his leadership which will groom maximum membership in Tamilnadu. Organised MINEFEST PWD (Person with Disability) for a brighter future by offering 2014 and MINEFEST 2017 National events and generated various skill development courses. fund. Mentor and facilitator for blue metal quarry owners of Tamilnadu. He is recipient of FIMI Gem Granite Sustainability Award 2014-15 and Excellent Performer Award 2015 from Legasis. He is a member of QP & NOS committee and Governing Board of Skill Council of Mineral Sector. He is a member of National Council of MEAI. He is a recipient of Best Corporate Management Innovative Excellence Award 2016-17 at GeoMinTech symposium, Bhubaneswar. He is the recipient of Bala Gulshan Tandon Excellence Award from FIMI for his significant contribution towards assisting the mine achieving excellence through Sustainable mining for 2016-17.He is the recipient of IME Journal annual award for innovation in 2017. He has been associated with professional bodies and has numerous papers published in National and International Journals to his credit.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 18 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

B.R.V. Susheel Kumar Dr. Pradeep K Singh Director of Mines & Geology, Telangana State Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh is Director, CSIR-Central Institute Education Qualifications: of Mining and Fuel Research B.E.(Mining) (CSIR-CIMFR), Dhanbad. He Achievements: Published has studied from Pre-University five Papers on Investment to Post Graduate level at Banaras Opportunities in A.P. in Mining Hindu University, Varanasi, Sector. India, and did his Doctor of Engineering Degree from the Technical University, Clausthal, Germany. He has also worked Trainings Undergone: 4 months full time Intensive Training at Lossande Institute of Geosciences, University of Toronto, Program conducted by IIM, Ahmedabad on Implementation Canada, as Post Doctoral Fellow. He joined CSIR-CIMFR of Information Technology. in 1990 as Scientist ‘B’ and by virtue of his hard work and Participated in International Fairs: Iran - World Mining dedication, rose to the present coveted post of Director. Congress (2005); Canada - PDAC (2010); Italy-Verona Granite Expo Exhibition (2011), China -Granite International Dr. Singh has made notable contributions in Explosive Fair (2012); Australia- MINING 2017 Science and Blasting Technologies to solve practical Conducted: Mining Today 2018, International Conference- problems in the mining industry encompassing the fields cum-Exhibition at Hyderabad of optimal use of explosive energy in rock fragmentation, explosive energy partitioning, blast vibration, wall-control, Preparation of State Amendments: In light of new fragmentation control, blast design in mines and tunnels, State of Telangana and MMDR Amendment Act 2015, the pre-split blast design, cast blast designs in coal mining State Govt. duly considering priorities for development of operations besides correlating structural damages caused mineral sector in the State. Amendments proposed are State due to blast vibrations. Mineral Policy, establishment of District Mineral Foundation Trust, and DMF Rules, State Mineral Exploration Trust, Rules He has authored a blast damage index for underground for (31) Major Minerals declared as Minor Minerals etc., and openings in close vicinity of open-cast blasting operations other State related policies for Indian coal mines. Based on this study, the Mine Letters of Appreciation: Regulatory Authority in India (Directorate General of Mines Safety) has issued a mandatory guideline (circular No. 06; • Ministry of Mines (MoM), Govt. of India (GoI) issued Commendation for contribution towards framing of dated 28.05.2007) on "Damage of below ground structures Amendment of Auction Rules 2017, Star Rating for due to blast induced vibration in nearby opencast mines" minor minerals & Draft National Mineral Policy 2018. for implementation in mines. He has also authored 4 more • MoM, GoI given Appreciation for contribution in framing guidelines, which have been internationally accepted. of Sand Mining Framework. • MoM, GoI commended for framing of MM (D&R) Presently, Dr Singh is coordinating many research activities Amendment Act 2015, DMF, NMET and SMET, GCDR of the institute in field of fuel and energy science. Based on 2016. scientific studies sponsored by different organizations, Dr. • MoM, GoI appreciated for organizing Mining Today Singh has written 311 technical reports and 9 S&T reports 2018. funded by Ministry of Coal, Government of India. He has • Minister of Mines & Geology, Telangana appreciated 152 papers published in referred National and International for excellent and extravagantly organizing Mining Today Journals/ Symposia to his credit. He is also author of 4 2018 books and 4 booklets. • Govt. of Telangana Commended on 04.06.2018 for outstanding performance in spearheading achievement Dr. Singh is recipient of prestigious National Mineral Award, of Targets, introducing pronounced Sand Policy in the Raman Research Award and CSIR Technology Award for Country, Implementation of IT in the Dept., Policy Business Development and Technology Marketing – 2017. Initiatives and overall mineral sector development in He is a Fellow of German Academy. the State.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 19 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

Deepak Gupta Kolli Umamaheswara Rao (K.U. Rao) Former Deputy Director-General of Mines Safety Mobile: 9849177677, 040-23370706 Director – Corporate Affairs, Fomento Resources Private Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Limited Mr. K.U. Rao was born on January 2, 1945. He has a Diploma Mr Deepak Gupta obtained his Mining Engineering degree in Mining Engineering with Mine Manager’s Certificate of from the Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. He was over 44 Competency issued by DGMS. He is a Certificate holder years of experience in mining both in project development, in handling explosives and “Advanced Rock Blasting operations and as Regulator. He is holder of Manager’s Cer- Technique” issued by Nitro Nobel A. B Sweden. tificate of Competency for Coal and Non-coal mines. He worked in Coal, Limestone, Bauxite, Granite, Clay Mines He visited Netherlands and Germany on ILO fellowship on in the state of Andhra Pradesh and other states for over 12 Occupational Health and Safety in Workplaces. The Govern- years. He worked with erstwhile IDL Industries, now Gulf Oil ment of India nominated him as Country Expert for a Meet- Corporation Ltd, a multinational company, for over 25 years ing of Experts on Safety and Health in underground Coal in various capacities in marketing of explosives and related Mines convened by the International Labour Organization in branches. He retired in the year 2003 as Business Manager Geneva in the Year 2006, to draft a Code of Practice. in-charge of South India & Goa.

He is a Qualified trainer for HAZOP studies. He has worked During his tenure in Gulf Oil Corporation Ltd. He was in Public Sector, Government (on Regulatory side) and responsible for the entire process relating to marketing now in Private Sector Mining Company, gaining insight in explosive materials besides extending technical expertise to whole spectrum of mining culture in India and overseas to the mining industry in the application of various types of having travelled extensively to Six of the Seven Continents explosives depending upon the prevailing ground conditions. appraising opportunities in minerals and mining sector. He is associated with the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd and managing for the last 5 Years of Carrying and Forwarding He presented several studies in National and International Agents for Servo Lubricants in Andhra Pradesh, taking care Seminars, Workshops and Conferences, some of which of inventory, Loading, and Unloading operations, catering the subsequently became the basis for formulation of Govern- needs of different institutional and automotive customers as ment Policy and legislative action. per the guidelines / policies of Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.

He is Member of MGMI of India, Member of International Society of Explosives Engineers, USA, National Council Member of Mining Engineering Association of India, Joint Secretary cum Treasurer of MEAI- Hyderabad and Secretary to Lions Club of Hyderabad, Khairatabad.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 20 MEAI- Service Excellence Award

MEAI-Service Excellence Award & MEAI- Special Award for Launching/ Reviving Kolkata Chapter

Dr P.V. Rao

Soon after the award of M. Sc Tech degree with Distinction in Applied Geology in 1975, Mr PV Rao got appointment in ONGC and PPCL, though he preferred to join the later. T.N. Gunaseelan He subsequently migrated to Hindustan Copper Ltd to serve for a decade and then to Tata Steel for two decades. Mr. Gunaseelan is a graduate in mining engineering from He received specialized training in Geostatistics and IIT-BHU, India and holds First Class Mine Manager’s Mathematical Morphology from IIT, Kharagpur in 1984-89, certificate of competency. He has 31 years of experience during his Research Work leading to award of Ph.D. He has in mineral industry. After a decade of experience in mining the singular distinction of introducing Computerized mine and ferro alloys at Tata Steel, he co-founded SRG, a Mining planning in India in 1989. consulting organization in 1998. Today, the organization is grown and now part of worldwide DMT Group involved in Dr Rao was Head of Mine Planning, OMQ and Chief of exploration, engineering and consulting. He also co-founded Geological Services of Tata Steel before he decided to DMT Indonesia and DMT South Africa and is on the Board become independent in 2005. After that he held several of DMT UK. senior management positons viz. Director Exploration in DR Congo, Director and Partner of SRG Consulting Services- During his career, he has worked as project director / India, C&MD of Mincon Indo Resources - Indonesia, Senior manager / team member on numerous assignments Mining Advisor of Curvcap Ventures Ltd- UK and Senior including exploration, modeling, due diligence and feasibility Associate of Behre Dolbear International Ltd, London. He studies on various minerals and solid fuels such as iron was appointed as Honorary Professor of Geology for two ore, coal, gold, manganese, copper, chromite, limestone, years in 2015 by Andhra University. He is specialized in dolomite, rock phosphate etc in various projects in all the conducting Technical Due Diligence, Computerized deposit inhabited continents of the World. He has travelled widely modeling, Mine planning and scheduling, Estimation, over 30 countries on overseas projects. Classification and Public Reporting of Mineral Resources and Reserves to promote international private investments Gunaseelan is a recipient of Eminent Engineer (Mining) in exploration and mining. His consultancy services covered Award from Institution of Engineers (India) in 2015; Young minerals from diverse geologic environments, including heavy Achiever’s Award from IIT-BHU Alumni in 2015; Mining & mineral beach sands, iron ore, chrome ore, manganese ore, Entrepreneur Award from Department of Mining Engineering, phosphorite, limestone, dolomite, magnesite, copper, cobalt, IIT-BHU in 2014. barytes and quartz; and coal deposits, stretching over Asia, Europe, Africa and Americas.

He was Honorary Secretary in 1995-97 and National Council member of MEAI for a decade. He is recognized as one of the two National Coordinators of the ensuing 36th IGC, 2020 for the theme ‘Advances in Mineral Resource Evaluation and Mine planning’. He is an Honorary representative of CRIRSCO in India, member of AusIMM and life member of MEAI & SGAT, and Editor of MEJ.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 21 MEAI Annual Awards

MEAI-Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award MEAI-NMDC Award

A K Garg Dr. S.K. Chaulya BE (Mining), FCC (Coal) Diploma in Env & Ecology from Delhi Dr. S.K. Chaulya has been working as a Scientist since Recipient of National Safety award from Hon’ble President 1993 at CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research of India. (CSIR-CIMFR). His fields of research include design and development of monitoring, control, automation and Mr AK Garg passed out from MBM Engineering college, communication systems for mines; air pollution modeling Jodhpur with BE (Mining) in 1985. Later on did Diploma in and management; reclamation of oberburden dumps and Env & Ecology, FCC(coal). I also got National Safety award utilisation of mine wastes. He has completed B.Tech. in 1991 from President of India Dr Pranab Mukherji sir. I am also from NIT-Karnataka, M.Tech in 1993 and Ph.D in 1997 from recipient of Bala Tondon award 2 years back. IIT-BHU in Mining Engineering. He has worked on 14 S&T projects sponsored by different ministries of Government of He joined Coal India Limited in 1985 and served in differ- India and World Bank. In addition to these he has worked on ent capacities in Underground as well as Opencast Mines. around 80 research projects sponsored by central and state Thereafter he joined GMDC in 1997 and working at present governments of India, and various public and private sectors. as General Manager. In GMDC, he worked in all the Lignite He has also won various awards, namely (i) Whitaker Golden Projects as Project Manager. Further it was a matter of pride Jubilee Award 1997, (ii) Research Paper Publication Awards that he was also given additional charge of Power Project in 2000 to 2007, and (iii) Award for Filing Patents 2003 to 2008 GMDC for about 3 years. by CSIR-CIMFR. He is also a member of Editorial Board of 3 journals and reviewer for around 24 international journals.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 22 MEAI Annual Awards MEAI- Abheraj Baldota Memorial Gold MEAI- Abheraj Baldota Memorial Gold Medal Award (Mining Engineer of the year) Medal Award (Young Mining Engineer of the year)

Dr S. C. Jain Akhil Avchar Mob: +91-9413763980 Mob: +91-9405186309 E-Mail: [email protected] E-Mail: [email protected]

Dr. S.C. Jain is presently Asso- Born in 1984, Er. Akhil Avchar is ciate Professor and Head, De- a mining graduate from College partment of Mining Engineering, of Technology and Engineering College of Technology and Engi- (MPUAT) Udaipur in 2007 and neering, Mahrana Pratap Univer- Masters in mining engineering sity of Agriculture and Technolo- from IIT Kharagpur in 2009. He gy, Udaipur. He has outstanding is pursuing doctoral research contribution in the field of Mining work at IIT (ISM), Dhanbad since Technology for improvement in production, productivity, pro- 2015. He has Second Class Mine Manager’s Competency tection of environment and mineral conservation in small- Certificate issued from DGMS, Dhanbad, Gas testing scale mining areas through his research contribution. certificate issued from IIT Kharagpur.

Dr Jain presented his research work at National & Interna- After completion of M.Tech degree, he had joined ACC tional level through seminars, symposia and workshops and cement as management trainee and successively promoted published 65 technical papers. Visited Bangkok in 2009 and to managerial capacities. In ACC, he served primarily Perth, Australia 2010 to present papers in international con- at Chanda Cement Works (Chandrapur, Maharashtra) ference. He is co-author of two books, edited four books and and visited Kymore Cement plant (Kymore, M.P), Wadi prepared two lab manuals. Also worked as member, edito- Cement plant (Gulbarga, Karnataka), Jamul Cement plant rial board of three proceedings. (Raipur, Chaittisgarh), Throdebhavi grinding unit (Banglore, Karnataka) and Technical Support system (Thane, Dr Jain was associated in carrying out R & D work with Inter- Maharashtra) on different assignments. national Marble Institute (IS.I.M), Napoli, Italy and Centre for Development of Stones (CDOS), Jaipur during years 2005- He was Deputy Manger Mine planning in Tubed Coal mines 06 to 2014-15. He provided technical guidance in setting (A joint venture of Tata Power and Hindalco Ind.). He served and development of “Stone Test House” at CDOS, Jaipur. as Assistant Professor, participated in establishing mining engineering department at Goa College of Engineering He has also rendered meritorious services by working as (Ponda, Goa); Government Engineering College (Bhuj, Organizing Secretary/ Joint organizing secretary / member Gujarat) and presently faculty in College of Technology and in organizing committee in conducting number of seminars/ Engineering (Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and workshops organized by MEAI and other professional bod- Technology), Udaipur Rajasthan. He has served as Board ies. He has been associated with the industry by solving of Study member for Goa University. He published three their problems through consultancy research work and pro- research papers in International Journals based on his vided 24 technical research consultancy services related to doctoral research work. Scientific Studies. He has industry experience of three and half years including He was elected Joint Secretary Cum Treasurer of Rajast- both metal and coal mining. Teaching experience of about six years in different government engineering colleges. He han Chapter-Udaipur from 2012-16. Dr. Jain is proud recipi- is a life member of MEAI and he is actively participating in ent of “Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award” for 2009-10 for the national seminars, conferences and workshops organised best Technical Paper Presentation, “MEAI-SRG Information by Goa and Udaipur chapters. Technology Award” for 2013-14 for significant contribution in I.T. in Mining and Mineral Industries, and ‘MEAI-Membership Development Award’ for 2014-15.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 23 MEAI Annual Awards MEAI- Smt. Gullapalli Sarala Devi Memorial MEAI-Master Tanay Chadha Memorial Award (Lifetime achievment by a mining engineer) Geologist Award

K. Laxminarayana Sunil Kumar Vashisth Mr Laxminarayana was born on Mob: +91-9829059236; 10th January 1961 in a village in Mr Vashisth is presently working Telangana state. He was gradu- as an Assoc. General Manager ated in Mining Engineering from (Geology) & leading Hindustan Osmania University in 1984. He Zinc Limited’s (HZL) Strategic obtained Post Graduate degree Business Development Group. in Ecology and Environment from IGNOU, New Delhi in 1989 Mr. Vashisth has meritorious and secured top rank in India. achievement in academics and He served for 34 years in the professional equally with several Singareni Collieries Company outstanding contributions in the Limited (SCCL). field of Exploration (both Brown-fields as well as Green-fields spreading over 3 decades in Hindustan Zinc Limited (1991- He is “Self –made” inspiring personality having joined in 2018), Mineral Exploration Corporation Ltd, (1989-91). SCCL as Mining Graduate Trainee on 14.09.2014, served in He has significantly contributed to HZL’s phenomenal growth various capacities and rose in ranks from Under Manager to post disinvestment in their highly mechanized Underground the present General Manager, at Yellandu Area. Metal-Mining Operations through introduction of high-speed & deeper exploration leading to organic growth of > 3x in As Dy. General Manager of Human Resources Develop- HZL’s in-situ R&R Portfolio; Short & Long-Term mine-plan- ment (HRD) Department, Mr Laxminarayana translated Coal ning and successful adaption of latest Technology in Explo- Mines Regulation 1957 into Telugu version and received ap- ration & Mining operations for improvement in Production, preciation from the then Chairman & Managing Director, Grade forecasting process & Dilution Control measures, Mr. A.P.V.N. Sharma, IAS. He was instrumental in writing protection of Environment & Mineral Conservation areas support men, Coal Cutter, Coal Filler guides in Telugu and through innovative contributions & numerous Productivity also Trammer, Hauler operators ‘KARADEEPIKA’. He was enhancement initiatives with regular awards & apprecia- also pivot in writing about different types of gases and their tion for such contribution from HZL. He is currently heading precautionary measures in underground mines and got ap- HZL’s tenement management also. preciation from Mr. M.K. Benjamin the then Director (Proj- He has presented his research work at various National lev- ect Planning). He received appreciation letters form Mr. P. el Seminars, Symposia, Trade-shows and workshops and Chandrakanth Sharma, Chief General Manager ( HRD) for published 7 technical papers. Upon invitation from Govt of rendering excellent services while working in HRD. Nepal, he visited for assessment of its base metal assets for exploration/ exploitation potential. He is on panel of several He received appreciation from Mr. R.H. Khwaza, IAS, the universities & central & State government bodies like GSI, then Chairman & Managing Director for producing the DMGs for imparting regular lectures & assessment process Telefilm “SURYODAYAN”, an innovative approach highlight- as well. ing the need for productive work culture in SCCL. He has also rendered meritorious services by working as He established MEAI-Singareni Chapter and also opened Jt organizing secretary / executive member in organizing IEI (India) Kothagudem local Centre. He was chosen for the committees in conducting number of seminars/ workshops “MEAI-Abheraj Baldata Memorial Gold Medal Award” for the organized across India under the banner of IGC, GSR, GSI, year 2016-17 (Mining Engineer of the year). He received MEAI, ISTD and other allied professional bodies success- Rastreeya Gowrav award from India International Friend- fully. ship Society, New Delhi on 12.5.2016. He was selected as Mr. Vashisth has been a Recipient of Ratandevi Choudhary ‘Best Engineer” and felicitated on 15.9.2017 by Telangana memorial research fellowship for carrying out applied re- State Government. He was selected for “MEAI-Smt. Gulla- search in evaluation of economic mineral resources during palli Sarala Devi Memorial Award” (Lifetime achievement by his doctoral work on Evaluation of Deri-Ambaji basemetal a Mining Engineer) for the year 2017. deposits of Rajasthan & Gujarat.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 24 MEAI Annual Awards MEAI-Eco-friendly Mining Award MEAI- SCCL Coal Award Mining Engineer

Suryanshu Choudhury Matchagiri Narendar Dy. General Manager (Mining), Mr. Suryanshu Choudhury is basically a Mining Engineer AMIE (Min), FMMC, MBA (Fin) from IIT, Kharagpur and completed MBA in Operations Management from Welingkar Institute, Mumbai. He was top- Mr. Narendar worked for 31 years in various Positions in the per in M.Tech (Mining) from Indian Institute of Technology, Company i.e. Overman, Under Manager in Conventional Kharagpur in 2004 ranked 12 in GATE 2001. Mining and Blasting, Gallery Method in Underground Mine. Worked Asst. Manager, Colliery Manager and Agent in vari- He is having 15 years of rich experience in the areas of Mine ous opencast mines having Dragline & Shovel –Dumper Optimization, Mining Intelligence, Mine planning and design, combination, including Underground converted into Open- Mine scheduling, Resource estimation and development of cast mine. Worked as Technical Assistant to CEO of SCCL corporate mining strategy. Presently he is associated with Company. AMBUJA CEMENTS LTD (A LAFARGE-HOLCIM GROUP) in Corporate Mineral Resources Dept. at Mumbai. Prior to Specific Achievements in 2017-18 as a Project Officer present assignment, he worked for 6 years on base metal (Agent) of Medapalli Opencast Mine, Ramagundam area deposits in Africa and for 3.5 years in Surpac Software Inter- -1: Achieved 45.69 LT of coal production against the target national (Now, Geovia of Dassault system) at Hyderabad. of 40.9 Lt, stood at 112%. Highest Record in the History of Mine (23 years). Dispatched 52.67 Lt of coal by clear- Add to his credit, he has published/ presented around 30 ing 6.30 Lt book stock. Achieved highest ever dispatch technical papers in International/ National Journals, sympo- since inception. Highest Record in the History of Mine (23 siums/ seminars etc. Very recently, he received Prof. H. R. years). Achieved single day produced 27, 370 tonnes and Anireddy award for Mining Engineering from IME Journal. dispatched of 28,261 tonne. Highest Record in the History of Mine (23 years). Increased the profits to Rs 653.35 Crore, He is also a visiting faculty to Mining Engineering depart- which is highest in any single mine in the Company in cur- ment of National institute of Technology at Rourkela, NIT- rent financial year 2017-18. Last year it was Rs 179.90 Crore. Suratkal, and Orissa School of Mining Engineering at Ke- Achieved Highest OMS of 26.38 tonnes. Commenced High onjhar. Wall Mining Operations on 18.08.2017 after a gap of two years.

Improvement in Safety: Achieved Zero Accident Potential (ZAP) in 2017-18. Implemented and continuing the wearing of Radium Jackets round the clock by all ground mounted employees in the Quarry in view of safety of the persons. First mine practiced in the Company. Laid, maintaining and using separate road for Light Vehicles in the quarry in view of safety. Fixed 60 Prisms on highwall of final benches and monitoring slope stability total highwall in the quarry.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 25 MEAI Annual Awards

MEAI- SCCL Coal Award MEAI- Special Award for launching/ Mechanical Engineer reviving a Chapter

Jonnalagadda Christopher Arun K Sharma Bhadradri, Kothagudem Dist., Telangana Chairman, Veraval – Porbandar Chapter

Mr. Christopher is currently working as SE (E&M), in-charge Mr. Arun K Sharma is a mining graduate, FCC, and MBA Engineer of coal handling plant, Wharf loading platform, Yel- with dual specialization. He also completed Senior level landu. He received Rs One lakh cash reward thrice from management program at IIM – Ahmedabad and IMD – Swit- C&MD for dispatching all time highest rakes from CHP, Yel- zerland. landu in the months of December 2017, January 2108 and March 2018. He has more than 28 years of experience in the cement in- dustry and specifically limestone mining in India and abroad. He also received appreciation from General Manager, Yel- He has extensively travelled to various countries of South landu for dispatching 936 rakes in the year 2017-18, which East Asia Middle East Asia, Africa and Europe region and is an all-time record; and from ED (coal movement) for dis- shared the mutual beneficial experience with the mining patching 115 rakes in March 2018, which is again an all-time community of these parts of the world. monthly dispatch record. He was involved in old bunkers dismantling works in 2016 for minimizing railway shunting During his tenure, he has worked with various leading In- charges and saving Rs 15 cr per annum. dian companies viz. – TATA, BINANI and AMBUJA. He has also completed the overseas job assignment with one of the cement majors of East Africa as country head and briefly worked in steel sector in India and headed the mines and plant operation of Lloyds group. Presently working as Sr. Vice President with Ambuja Cement Ltd.

Also played an active role in CSR activities to the stake- holders in and around mining communities in the state of Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan and specially contrib- uted to the skill development, education, health, and water conservation.

Played an important role since the inception of the Veraval - Porbandar chapter 25 years ago is the founder member of the Chapter, revived the chapter from dormant position, and made this Chapter vibrant for the benefit of the members of this chapter.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 26 International Initiatives SME News 2017 leading to final drafting of the agreement. Dr Abani The Mining Engineers Association of India Samal coordinated the meeting. Prof A Srikant represented (MEAI) signs Agreement with the Society for the MEAI council in the meeting. Mr Dave Kanagy, Mr John Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME) for Mansanti and Barbara Arnold (incoming president of SME) mutual benefit of the members of both the were present at this meeting. professional organizations By Dr. Abani R Samal, Principal, GeoGlobal, USA While MEAI is looking at this opportunity to enhance its inter- Email: [email protected] national profile, the SME sees this as an opportunity to ex- The Mining Engineers’ Association of India (MEAI) MEAI is pand brand awareness in India. SME and MEAI will explore the leading professional body representing mineral indus- possibilities of collaborating on joint technical programming try professionals in India. MEAI has been in the service of in India. In this background, SME and MEAI agreed to es- the nation for more than 50 years. The Society for Mining, tablish a strategic partnership between SME and MEAI for st Metallurgy & Exploration Inc. (SME) is one of the most in- mutual benefits and signed a joint agreement on1 June ternationally recognized professional societies in the mining 2017. Mr T Victor, Mr Arun Kothari and Dr PV Rao are sig- natories on behalf of MEAI, and Mr John Mansanti and Mr industry with membership exceeding 13,000 worldwide. The Dave Kanagy signed the document from SME side. Upon SME recognizes the Mining Engineers Association of India activation of this agreement, the MEAI members can now (MEAI) as a prominent professional organization for the access the Mining Engineering magazine, and SME eNews, mining industry in India with nearly 5,000 professional mem- a bi-monthly electronic newsletter. The MEAI members will bers. The SME is expanding its footprint in South America also have an opportunity to collaborate and interact with and other parts of the world. Currently, SME has 70 individ- SME members through the ‘SME Community’. Additionally, ual members in India as well as four student chapters at the the MEAI members can also avail the member pricing for following academic institutions: Indian Institute of Technol- conferences, webinars and books. The MEAI will explore ogy (ISM) Dhanbad (formerly India School of Mines), Indian possibility of partnership with SME in designing and host- Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, Indian Institute of Tech- ing large scale expositions & high level technical conference nology (BHU) Varanasi (formerly Banaras Hindu University) in India. Potentially this agreement will lead MEAI towards and University of Petroleum &Energy Studies, Dehradun. becoming the leading professional organization for mining industry professionals in SE Asia. Keeping the future of the mining industry in both USA and In- dia in consideration a meeting between high level delegates Thanking the SME leadership for ‘renewing the relationship of SME and MEAI was conceptualized, coordinated and or- between the two professional bodies’, Mr T Victor wrote: ganized by Dr Abani Samal (Life member of MEAI since 1997 ‘A historical event has taken place on this day, the 1st June and a registered member of SME) during SME Conference 2017’. Mr Dave Kanagy responded: ‘I’m also very pleased in February 2016. The MEAI was led by its elected president that we were able to find a working relationship that begins a Mr T Victor, who traveled to USA in February 2016 to renew new relationship between MEAI and SME. The new agree- the collaboration with SME for a strategic long-term benefit ment gives us a foundation to continue to work together and of both professional organizations and industry as a whole. find common ground to support the professionals in the min- Dr. PV Rao (Editor of MEJ and past Honorary Secretary of ing industry in all aspects of their careers.’ MEAI) and Dr. Abani Samal were the other team members of MEAI. The SME delegation was led by Dave Kanagy (Ex- ecutive director) and represented by Steve Gardner (past President of SME 2015-16), Tim Arnold (President of SME 2016-17), John Mansanti (President of SME, 2017-18). The meeting was also attended by other prominent SME mem- bers such as Dr Madan Singh, Dr Manoj Mohanty and Dr Harry Parker (Past Chair of CRIRSCO and a Co-Chair of the SME’s Resource Reserve Committee).

Following this meeting various rounds of discussions and presentations were held between both sides. Notable, Dr Samal presented to the BoD of SME during the midyear L to R: Dr Abani Samal, Dr PV Rao, Mr Tim Arnold, Mr Steve Gardner, Prof. meeting held in Las Vegas in September 2016. Later a high Manoj Mohanty, Dr Madan Singh, Mr T Victor and Dave Kanagy. Delegates of level meeting was held between leadership of SME and SME and MEAI that participated in the discussion on strategic partnership for MEAI during SME annual conference at Denver in February mutual growth and benefit of their members in February 2016

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 27 Record Notes of Meeting between MEAI and SME members. Subsequently, past presidents Mr KK Biran, Mr TV Chowdary and Dr Meda Venkatiah had also met SME leaders in USA to strengthen the relationship, he explained.

Mr T Victor elucidated the following salient points from the Joint Agreement 2017: • Through this agreement, an ‘Association-level MEAI-SME meeting was held in Hotel Golkonda, Hyderabad, Membership’ to MEAI with SME has been established. India, on August 23, 2017 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This is a new membership category conceived by SME exclusively to accommodate relationship with MEAI. The following dignitaries represented MEAI and SME in the This may become a ‘model’ for SME to enlarge its meeting. footprints in other parts of the world. SME will provide the following benefits to MEAI members : SME - Online access to its Mining Engineering John G. Mansanti, President-SME magazine David L. Kanagy, Executive Director-SME - Member price for conferences, webinars and MEAI books T Victor, President (2015-17) –MEAI - Access to the SME online community Dr PV Rao, Editor, MEJ-MEAI - eNews BRV Susheel Kumar, Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter - Use of the SME logo at mutually agreed upon VS Rao, Past President -MEAI MEAI events M Fasihuddin, Past President-MEAI - In addition, SME will offer complementary KK Biran, Past President-MEAI registration in the SME Annual Conference & TV Chowdary, Past President-MEAI Expo for two MEAI leaders (President and one of the three Vice Presidents). These leaders will be AK Gupta, Jt.Secretary cum Treasurer-MEAI invited to attend the open SME Board of Directors Dr DA Hiremath, Council Member-MEAI Meeting & Luncheon held during the annual S Kumaraswamy, Council Member-MEAI conference. KU Rao, Council Member-MEAI - SME welcomes to discuss joint technical KS Rao, Senior Member-MEAI programming with MEAI in India. Dr H Sarvothaman, Former Editor, MEJ-MEAI After clarifying the salient features of the agreement, Mr T Mr T Victor, while welcoming the SME guests, formally Victor presented the ‘Short term’ and ‘Long term’ plans of introduced Mr John Mansanti and Mr David Kanagy to the MEAI proposed for implementation in association with SME MEAI members present. In his welcome address, Mr Victor - MEAI would like to avail SME expertise in setting briefly explained the background of the Joint Agreement up suitable IT environment in MEAI Head Quarter signed between MEAI and SME on June 1, 2017. He for effective management of Membership Services expressed special gratitude to Mr David Kanagy for the and Administrative purposes. important role played by him in negotiating and finalizing the Joint Agreement. - MEAI is working on prospects of organizing at least one International event during early part Mr Victor recalled the all-important role played by Dr Abani of 2018. The feasibility of SME’s support and Samal, USA in linking the SME and MEAI from arranging association to be further discussed. the first meeting with SME in February 2016, and thereafter - MEAI is eager to organize, a joint technical in strengthening this relationship leading to signing a joint program - a Conference with Expo – under the agreement by SME and MEAI. guidance and Branding of SME in India, some time during later part of 2018 or early 2019. To Dr Rao introduced the MEAI luminaries present in the establish this joint program as a regular feature, meeting by giving a brief about their valuable contribution every year in India. to the MEAI and the mining industry, individually to the SME - In future, MEAI wishes to be a part of the guests. Among the Past Presidents present, Mr Fasihuddin international group of professional societies, had met SME leaders in USA in 1996 and signed an which will enable MEAI members to access MOU, which lead to Affiliate membership of SME to MEAI world’s largest online digital library ‘OneMine.org’

MEAI Special Issue 2018 28 for the professional development of the mining Life Membership details of MEAI have already been industry professionals in India. furnished to SME. - MEAI’s long-term goal is to emerge as international 3. Mr TV Chowdary pointed out that in the agreement it was level professional organization and attain the mentioned that the President and one of the three Vice leadership role in SE Asia mining. Presidents of MEAI would be offered free registration to the SME Annual Conference. In lieu of this provision, Address by Mr John Mansanti, President-SME SME may consider extending this invitation to any two Mr John Mansanti at the outset thanked the leaders of MEAI members of MEAI who can attend but nominated by for extending this delightful hospitality. He appreciated the leadership of Mr T Victor in erecting the mutually beneficial the MEAI President. Mr David confirmed that such relationship with SME. SME is one of the internationally a request could be considered favorably by SME on recognized professional societies in the mining industry with specific request from MEAI. membership exceeding 13,000 worldwide. SME considers the partnership with MEAI as an opportunity for SME to expand its brand awareness in India. He looks forward to work with the leaders of MEAI to achieve the common goals of both the Societies.

Address by Mr David Kanagy, Executive Director-SME Mr David Kanagy expressed his pleasure to meet the MEAI leaders. SME and MEAI signing the Joint Agreement is indeed an historical event to both the societies, he said. He felt abundant satisfaction in negotiating and finalizing the agreement with Mr Victor, which is a milestone achievement for both SME and MEAI. He recognized Dr Abani’s extraordinary contribution in developing this partnership (R to L) Mr John Mansanti, Mr T Victor, Mr David Kanagy and Dr PV Rao between SME and MEAI into a reality. The offering of Association level Membership to MEAI members is just a beginning and there is great opportunity for both societies to gain in future.

Mr David briefly explained about SME’s Vision, Mission, Core Values and its Goals. He explained about SME’s Membership details, Local Sections, Student Chapters (L to R): Mr VS Rao, Mr TV Chowdary, Mr AK Gupta, Mr KU Rao, and its publications. There is great deal of opportunities for DR H Sarvothaman and Mr KS Rao professional engineers in the mining industry world over, he said. He was looking forward to work with MEAI leaders for mutual benefit in future, he concluded.

Interaction by MEAI Leaders 1. Mr Susheel Kumar, shared brief details of the proposed MEAI’s International Conference on 15-17 February 2018, at Hyderabad. Mr Victor proposed to Mr David to examine the possibility of SME’s participation in this event. Mr David felt that the conference dates proposed by MEAI are just a week before the SME’s Annual Meet in 2018 and hence may be difficult for SME to join. MEAI leaders with SME President Mr John and Executive Director Mr Dave However, he promised to examine the possibility and communicate. 4. Mr M Fasihuddin suggested that SME might consider ‘Students’ Exchange Program’ and offer scholarship to 2. Mr VS Rao suggested that whatever benefit offered students seeking higher studies in USA in mining and under the Association level Membership should be geoscience disciplines. Mr David clarified that SME’s extended to the Life Members and the Fellow Members of MEAI. Mr Victor clarified that all Fellow members of website contains details of all such facilities which are MEAI have to be life members of MEAI and hence the offered by SME.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 29 5. Mr T Victor requested Mr David to clarify on whether CRIRSCO NEWS by virtue of the Association level Membership to MEAI, HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CRIRSCO ANNUAL MEETING-2017 the MEAI members can pronounce themselves as The 11th annual meeting of the Committee for Mineral Re- ‘Members of SME’. Mr David confirmed that MEAI serves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) was members could be Members of SME and that SME need held at Jogjakarta, Indonesia, from 29 to 31 October 2017. to work out and create a ‘new membership category’ in The meeting was hosted by KOMBERS (the KCMI Joint SME. Mr David agreed with Dr Rao’s suggestion that Committee), which is a committee of The Indonesian Soci- ety of Geologists (IAGI) and The Association of Indonesian when the task is accomplished, SME will have to allot Mining Professionals (PERHAPI). The Society of Economic specific individual membership number to each MEAI Geologists (MGEI), a society of IAGI, handled much of the member. organisation of the Annual meeting. 6. Dr Rao informed that MEAI has paid USD 2,000 for association level membership of SME for this year and NRO representatives from the Australasia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Europe, Mongolia, South Africa and United States of this will be reviewed after two years. Depending on the America attended the meeting. Representatives from Ka- membership strength, the annual fee will be decided. zakhstan and Russia could not join the meeting. The CRIR- SCO representatives from Latin America and India and ob- Vote of thanks servers from Indonesia participated in the Annual meeting Dr Rao proposed vote of thanks to esteemed SME guests except the ‘members only’ part of the meeting. Dr Abani Sa- Mr John and Mr David for their cooperation in adjusting their mal and Dr PV Rao represented the NACRI from India. On th busy schedule in India and attend this collaborative meeting. 29 October, Dr Samal and Dr Rao presented a concise re- port on the progress made by NACRI, India during the year He profusely thanked the past Presidents, Council members 2017. The CRIRSCO attendees acknowledged the remark- and leaders of MEAI present in the meeting for their able progress made by NACRI in India. Again, a 30 min- attendance, unstinted support and valuable interaction. He utes time slot was given to the Indian representatives for a thanked Dr Abani, in absentia, for his invaluable contribution detailed presentation on 31st October 2017. Dr Abani Samal to fructify this expedient relationship between SME and and Dr PV Rao jointly made the presentation. The following MEAI into a reality. He amply thanked Mr Susheel Kumar core questions raised by the attendees were clarified: for hosting the meeting in Hotel Golkonda and extending 1) NACRI represents the mining industry of India: It was hospitality to all our guests on behalf of MEAI Hyderabad clarified through Q&A session that the NACRI members Chapter. come from all geographical parts of the country and represent the mineral industry, academicians The meeting ended with cocktail and dinner. and professional organizations in India. CRIRSCO Executive stressed that the NACRI shall remain an independent and all-inclusive body. T Victor President – MEAI (2015-17) 2) MEAI’s support and cooperation was acknowledged. 3) Dr Harry Parker elaborated on the discussions held with MGMI on 27th October at Kolkata. He stressed on the need for professional development programs in India. 4) After the approval of the IMIG code by CRIRSCO members, the NACRI will make an application to join the CRIRSCO.

It was recognized that as the role of CRIRSCO is increasing, so is its financial burden. Therefore, the CRIRSCO members unanimously decided that all existing and new members of CRIRSCO would have to pay an annual fee of approximately USD 2000, plus airfare and accommodation charges for two members to attend the CRIRSCO annual meeting. In light of this requirement, the NACRI has to come-up with ‘ways’ and ‘means’ to fund the rolling essential activities of NRO. It is expected that the annual fee payment responsibility will be shared equally by the RPOs.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 30 It should be noted that as a potential future member of CRIRSCO Workshop cum Training Program to GSI CRIRSCO, the NACRI has to think about hosting regular officers professional training sessions through MEAI, MGMI and Two-day workshop cum training program on January Geological Society of India in all mining districts of India. 5-6, 2018 was organised for Geological Survey of India The Registered Competent Person has to undergo a mini- (GSI) Officers in the Conference hall, MS Krishnan mum (40 hours) of professional training annually to become Auditorium, GSI Training Institute (GSITI), Hyderabad. eligible for registration as CP and renew. The participants included high ranked senior officers of the rank of Deputy Director General (DDG) to young Observers from Turkey, China, Philippines and Kyrgyzstan geologists from all locations of Marine Geology Division also participated in the open session. Turkey and Kyrgyz- of GSI and Senior Officers of Indian Bureau of Mines stan signed MoU with CRIRSCO to become its members. (GSI), Nagpur.

Indonesia was admitted as 11th member of CRIRSCO and it was celebrated with grandeur in the presence of federal gov- While Dr S Ravi Iyer, Director, GSITI and Chief ernment officials and authorities. The Chairperson of CRIR- Coordinator of the workshop welcomed the faculty SCO Mr Ian Goddard wrote ‘The interest from countries all and the participants, Mr VK Chittora, DDG & Head over the world demonstrates the overwhelming commitment M-V inaugurated the program on Jan 5, 2018 and to the establishment and maintenance of common stan- elucidated the necessity and importance of training dards of high quality for the reporting of Exploration Results, the geologists on International Mineral Resource Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves’. Reporting Standards like CRIRSCO. It is encouraging Dr Abani R Samal & Dr PV Rao to note that the decision on holding this workshop on CRIRSCO compliant Standards was resultant of a meeting of Senior Officers from GSI and IBM with the officials from of Ministry of Mines on 6-10-2017 held at New Delhi.

The GSI’s in-house faculty (Mr Pradipto Tarafdar, DDG (PSS); Mr M Hari Prasad, DDG (Retd) and Mr AC Dinesh) dealt with the Current scenario, Policies and relevance of UNFC with respect to on-shore and offshore Indian mineral resources. Dr PV Rao, Editor, MEJ and Co-Chair NACRI made convoluted presentations for a full day on the CRIRSCO Template and its relevance to Indian mineral industry; Resource Estimation techniques, Classification and Reporting as per international best practice; progress of CRIRSCO

Dr Abani Samal addressing the CRIRSCO members

L to R: Dr PV Rao, Co-Chair NACRI; Mr VK Chittoora, DDG (GSITI); Mr Dr. P.V. Rao addressing the CRIRSCO members Pradipto Tarafdar, DDG (PSS) addressing the inaugural session

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 31 initiative in India and path forward; and development preparation of public reports that present information of draft Indian Mineral Industry Guide (IMIG). Dr Rao needed by the stakeholders that is material, transparent and stressed upon the immediate need for India (SEBI, IBM, prepared by Competent persons that are members of self- GSI) to adopt transparent public reporting standard to regulating professional organizations with enforceable code encourage and attract much needed private investments of ethics. Such reporting will help mineral based and mining in mineral exploration and mining. He also emphasized companies raising capital from the Indian stock markets and the importance of addressing stakeholders concerns abroad.” and the role of GSI in appreciating and addressing all aspects of mine value chain to make sure that the The services of Mr Deepak Rathod, one of the founder resource reports are meaningful, especially in light of members of NACRI, in coordinating with the management the recent mandate given to it to undertake detailed ASSOCHAM and getting its endorsement letter to IMIG are exploration at G2/ G1 levels from the current G4/ G3 highly appreciated. levels. Presentation on ‘CRIRSCO developments in India’ by Mr Deepak Rathod in ASSOCHAM Summit ASSOCHAM had organized with the support of Ministry of Mines and Steel “India Mining Summit –Enabling Policy Framework “on August 04, 2017 in New Delhi. Shri Arun Kumar IAS, Secretary Ministry of Mines Government of India delivered the Inaugural Address at the Conference.

In the inaugural session, the Mines Secretary conceded that there is a need to focus more and speed up exploration; and government is serious to accelerate exploration and address any deficit. The issues related to auction and pricing of A view of participants in the concluding session of the workshop blocks were discussed. Government has set itself a target of 100 blocks for auctioning subject to states’ response, as Based on the feedback received from the participants the ministry has identified the most-potential district in the and previous negotiations with its management, states that have not rolled it out in the desired manner and the GSI voiced its keen interest in organizing a full- has deputed GSI and IBM officers to sit in those districts and fledged 5-6 day workshop in near future, covering all make out blocks. key aspects of mine value chain but with particular reference to mineral resource estimation, classification The second Session on ‘Technologies and Infrastructure and reporting. Similarly, the IBM officers who & other concerns’ was moderated by Shri S. Vijay Kumar, participated in the workshop also evinced their interest distinguished Fellow, TERI. Shri Milon Mukhopadhyay, Co- in holding similar program but with greater emphasis on chairman, ASSOCHAM National Council on Mines and practical geostatistics and CRIRSCO public reporting Minerals, Shri Deepak Rathod, GM (Technical Services), standards. Trimex Sands Pvt Ltd, Shri Indranil Som, Senior Principal (Value Engineering) SAP India, Shri Punnet Narula, ASSOCHAM endorsement to IMIG General Manager-Equipment Sales, Normet India Pvt. Ltd, Mr DS Rawat, Secretary General, The Associated Chambers Shri Basab Mukhopadhyay, Director (G), Geological Survey of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), in a letter of India were the panelists. Important aspects like SDG in th written on 9 August 2017 to Mr Ian Goddard, Chairperson, the mining sector along with technological advancements in CRIRSCO concurred its support to the draft Indian Mineral underground mining were deliberated upon in this session. Industry Guide (IMIG) prepared by the National Core Shri Deepak made a presentation entitled “CRIRSCO Committee for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Reserves in India (NACRI). initiative in India: It’s benefits and future outlook” on behalf of NACRI that was well received and appreciated by the In his endorsement letter, he wrote, “ASSOCHAM believes delegates, and panelists alike. Congratulations to Mr Deepak that the IMIG will assist the mining industry in India in Rathod.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 32 and Karnataka highlighted the investment opportunities in mineral exploration and mining in their respective states. Senior officials from various countries also participated in the event.

Mr Deepak Rathod made a presentation entitled “CRIRSCO initiatives in India: It’s benefits and way forward” on behalf of NACRI in Technical Session-I “Policy issues and initiatives in Mineral exploration and mining development and financing, Investment potential and opportunities in exploration, mineral Presentation by Mr Deepak Rathod beneficiation and mining”. Mr Ranjan Sahai, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines and Dr Gopal Dhawan, CMD, MECL chaired the session. The presentation was well received and appreciated by the chairpersons, delegates, and panellists.

Mr Deepak Rathod (2nd from Left) participating in Panel discussion

CRIRSCO developments in India - presented by Mr Deepak Rathod in Mining Mazma 2017 With a view to attract investment and technology in the mining sector besides tapping the country’s rich mineral potentials, FIMI with the support of Ministry of Mines, Government of India has been organising the annual international event “Mining, Exploration, Convention & Trade Show”. Mr Deepak Rathod seen presenting his paper on CRIRSCO initiatives in India

As part of this Annual Event Series, Mining Mazma 2017 was organised from September 14–16, 2017 at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC), Bangalore (India) in the backdrop of legislative reforms brought by the new government in the recent past. It provides a unique opportunity for various stakeholders involved in the mining value chain- policy makers, exploration agencies, mining companies, regulatory agencies, technologists, economists, investors including foreign companies - for intense deliberations and discussions.

Mines Secretary Mr Arun Kumar inaugurated this international mega event in the august presence of Mr Subhash Chandra Kuntia, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Karnataka and other senior officials from State and Central Governments besides dignitaries across the globe. Mr Deepak Rathod receivng memento from Mr Ranjan Sahai, CG, IBM

Technical and Scientific Papers were presented covering policy issues, investors perspective, exploration strategies and role of technology for efficient and safe mining operations. The State Governments of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Odisha, Maharashtra

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 33 Indian Mining Day Barajamda Chapter for organizing such a good session on a new topic “Mineral Seminar cum workshop on the “Role of International economics and its guiding principles nationally and interna- Resource Reserve Reporting codes/ guidelines in Sus- tionally”. He encouraged mining fraternity of Barajamda re- tainable Mineral Resource Management”. Venue: JRDT- gion to participate in large numbers to learn and gain from TI, Noamundi, Tata Steel, Date: October 26, 2017 the session and urged senior management officials of min- ing companies of the region to involve young professionals A seminar on “Role of International Resource Reserve Re- from their respective companies. He expressed his gratitude porting codes/ guidelines in Sustainable Mineral Resource to Barajamda chapter for inviting him and organizing the Management” was organized under the banner of Mining session. Engineers Association of India (MEAI), Barajamda chapter at JRDTTI, Noamundi Tata Steel on October 25, 2017 Guest faculty apart from sharing their thoughts delivered a detailed presentation on the “Role of International Resource Formal inauguration of the seminar was done by lightening Reserve Reporting codes/ guidelines in Sustainable Mineral of the lamp by dignitaries on dais. The Secretary, MEAI Ba- Resource Management” and discussed the same at length. rajamda Chapter Mr. Mukesh Ranjan, presented welcome They also clarified and promoted healthy discussions among address. participants on the process and guidelines. They also ex- plained the same in Indian context. In their closing words, Dr. Abani Samal, Principal and Owner GeoGlobal LLC, they thanked Chairman of the chapter and his team for invit- Utah (USA) and Dr. P. V. Rao, Editor, MEJ addressed the ing them to share their thoughts with the mining fraternity. gathering and shared their thoughts on reporting of mineral resources, reserves, and exploration results; and the best Participants included MEAI members, mine agents, mine practices prevalent internationally for sustainable resource management. They also presented the guidelines for Sus- managers, geologists and engineers from various mines of tainable mineral resource management. Barajamda region.

Mr. M. Fasihuddin, former General Manager (OMQ), Tata Formal vote of thanks and concluding remarks was given by Steel and distinguished life time member of MEAI graced Mr. R. P. Mali, member of MEAI and Chief of Noamundi Iron the occasion as special guest and shared his thoughts on Mine, Tata Steel. what is required to be a good mining professional taking ref- erence of his vast experience in mining business. He ad- dressed the gathering and shared some best practices to improve production and productivity which he spearheaded during his stint in Tata Steel to draw comparison with today’s Scenario. He lauded the efforts put in by MEAI, Barajamda team and specially Mr. Pankaj Satija in rebuilding the chap- ter as one of the most vibrant and active chapters of MEAI across India.

Mr Pankaj Kumar Satija, Chairman, MEAI Barajamda Chap- Address by the Chairman, Barajamda Chapter Mr Pankaj Satija ter and General Manager (Ores Mines & Quarries), Tata Steel delivered the presidential address and thanked the faculty, chief guests, dignitaries and delegates present in the seminar. He briefly stressed on the importance of the role of Resource Reserve Reporting codes and sustainable resource management, which play a vital role now-a-days in investment decision making. He, in his address, expressed his gratitude for the presence of DMS, and his continuous support and guidance to Barajamda chapter. He briefly explained some guiding principles that are guiding today’s mining industries’ strategic decision making. Formal inauguration of the Workshop by lighting the lamp by DMS Mr Mr. Satish Kumar, DMS, Chaibasa region, started his ad- Satish Kumar dress by thanking dignitaries present on and off the dais, delegates and speakers. He lauded the efforts of the chapter

MEAI Special Issue 2018 34 BELLARY-HOSPET (BH) CHAPTER freshers to get free training and do higher education after Indian Mining Day - 2017 “ Diploma. Accountability is our future Challenge” Invitee Shri Gopal Joshi AGM, RBSSN advised the freshers Indian mining day and Kannada Rajyostava–2017 were cel- to study hard for 3 years. Principal Sri. T.M. Vijaya Kumar ebrated at T.M.A.E Society Polytechnic, Hospet, in associa- advised the students to study well, practically according to tion with Mining Engineer’s Association of India, BH- Chap- syllabus and refer good books to acquire industry knowl- ter on 1st November 2017. Various Departments’ Heads, edge. Mine Managers, Mining Engineers, Principal, Teachers and over 200 Mining & Metallurgy Students participated in the function.

Sri. T L Yogananda, HOD of Department of Mining & Metal- lurgy welcomed the dignitaries and other participants and expressed gratitude to about 51 MEAI Student members enrolled on the day of the function.

The function was presided over by Principal Sri. T.M. Vijaya Kumar.

The function was inaugurated with the lightening of the lamp. Welcome Speech by Sri. T L Yogananda, HOD of Dept. of Mining & Mining Day Flag hoisting and taking oath/pledge followed by Metallurgy, T.M.A.E.S Polytechnic Mining Day Speech by the Chief guest Shri K Madhusud- hana, Vice President (Mines), MSPL and Vice President-II, MEAI. He advised the freshers to study well, enlightened them with the changes in the present mining system, and assured the T.M.A.E.S Principal to provide Guest lectures.

Chief Guest Shri K Prabhakara Reddy, CEO Sai Universal Mining Services and Secretary MEAI-BH Chapter advised

Speech by Chief Guest Shri K Madhusudhana, Vice President (Mines) , MSPL

Speech by Chief Guest Shri K Prabhakara Reddy, CEO, Sai Universal Mining Lighting of Lamp by Sri. T.M. Vijaya Kumar, Principal T.M.A.E.S Polytechnic Services

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 35 BaNGALoRE CHAPTER (iii) Designating a senior management representative to be The Indian Mining Day (IMD) was celebrated by MEAI: responsible for overseeing proper functioning of OSH Bengaluru Chapter on 1st November 2017 in dignified management. splendor with the participation of 55 members of the The punch line of his address was that in India, like many Chapter and students from School of Mines, KGF and some major mineral producing countries across the globe Acharya Polytechnic, Bengaluru who are studying for mining who have successfully adopted the concept of 'self-regulation' engineering. and 'duty of care', with the role of the Government being only that of a facilitator for OSH, a gradual shift from the Mr. A.K. Megharaj, Deputy Director General of Mines Safety existing prescriptive legislation to a goal setting legislation who had retired on the previous day (31.10.2017) was the would prove to be a better choice in achieving the real and Chief Guest. purposeful objectives of safety and health standards.

Mr. Dhananjaya G Reddy, Vice-Chairman presided over The occasion was special also because the Chapter chose the meeting, and administered the Pledge. In his welcome to felicitate Mr. R.H. Sawkar, Council Member, MEAI, and address, he spoke about the importance of IMD, which is a former Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of Bengaluru morale-boosting celebration when the mining sector in the Chapter. Mr. Sawkar's glorious contribution in the fields of country has been facing multiple challenges. He appreciated geology and mining was lauded. He is involved in water the theme 'Role of Management for Safety in Mines' set for management projects in India, and works closely with Mr. the year, and gave statistics on mine accidents, and specified Rajendra Singh, Chairman, Rashtriya Jal Biradari. Mr. B.G. Chennappa, Retired Additional Director of Mines and the role of all mine managements for enforcing safety in Geology, Karnataka who was Mr. Sawkar's classmate and mines to bring down the rates of accidents to zero levels. a close associate since 1954 gave a chronological account of their lasting friendship; his talk was studded with humour Mr. K. Ramani, Deputy General Manager, Tumkur Minerals and the audience burst in to laughter all along. Mr. K.R. Pvt Ltd (a sister concern of V.M. Salgaocar Private Ltd, Krishnamurthy, Secretary of the Chapter read the Citation, Goa) made an interesting Power Point Presentation on whereupon Mr. A.K. Megharaj and Mr. P. Sriram, Founder- the same theme. Commencing with the evolution of Safety Secretary of the Chapter honored Mr. Sawkar with a shawl, Legislation, he narrated the duties of employers/ owners, bouquet, fruit basket and medal. In his reply, Mr. Sawkar supervisors, workers, contractors, manufacturers/ suppliers recalled his professional career, and the opportunities and of equipment and tools for use in promoting safety in mines, encouragement he got to make steady progress to be where and further spoke about the part played by Safety and Health he is today. Committees formed in order to promote the two major areas of industrial concern, namely safety and health of miners. The august presence of Mr. A.K. Megharaj, just a day after his retirement from the Directorate of Mines Safety added In his address, Mr. Megharaj lucidly explained the rate glamour to the assembly. His prolific service in Bharat Gold of accidents in mines and the steps that are constantly Mines Limited during the early years of his career, and later in DGMS was recalled. He was felicitated by Mr. Dhananjaya taken by DGMS to imbibe 'Zero Harm' concept amongst Reddy and Mr. H.S. Murthy. all concerned people, namely owners, supervisors and workmen (employed by the owners and also contractors). The highlight of the IMD was essay writing competition He emphasized that Risk Assessment in mining activities on 'Role of Management for Safety in Mines' for which the should be a regular exercise, and that Safe Operating response was overwhelming with 16 entries. Mr. D. Vidyarthi Procedures (SOP) should be framed and implemented. He and Mr. Cyriac Joseph evaluated the essays and declared elaborated on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as the following prizewinners: provided under ILO, and advised that OSH and SOP be part of all training programs. Mr. Megharaj opined that while total Mr. A.K. Megharaj distributed the prizes to the prizewinners. commitment of management should put safety and health Mr. Dhananjaya G Reddy and Mr. D.V. Pichamuthu presented as a prioritized agenda, they should look in to the aspects mementos to Mr. A.K. Megharaj and Mr. K. Ramani. Dr. K.V. of Krishnamurthy, Retired Deputy DG of Geological Survey of India conducted the proceedings with poise. (i) Allocating sufficient resources (financial and human) for the proper functioning of the OSH programme Mr. N. Rajendran, Jt. Secretary-cum-Treasurer of the Chapter (ii) Establishing organizational structures to support proposed a Vote of Thanks. The participants dispersed after managers and employees in their OSH duties, and having sumptuous lunch.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 36 Cash Prize GOA CHAPTER Name Institution Rank value Rs. MEAI Goa Chapter celebrated the Indian Mining Day on 1st Micah John Simeon School of Mines, KGF I 2000 November 2017 at Mining Engineering Department, Goa Engineering College, Farmagudi. There was a formal func- Manju Katti -do- II 1500 tion where the Head of the Department of Mining Engineer- ing Dr Ulhas Sawaikar was the chief guest. The others digni- 1. Aadhil S. 1. School of Mines, KGF III 1000 taries on the dais were Mr. Cletus D’Souza, Vice- Chairman 2. Acharya Polytechnic, 2. Kartikeyan (Joint) 1000 of MEAI Goa chapter, Mr. Mahesh Bongale, Member- MEAI Bengaluru National Council, and Mr. E Hymakar Reddy, Secretary of MEAI Goa chapter. The Chief Guest Dr. Sawaikar men- tioned about the need for students to join the professional bodies to enrich their careers. He requested MEAI to play a positive role in promoting involvement of students in indus- trial projects. He also stressed on the importance of safety, which was the theme of IMD set for this year. Mr. Mahesh Bongale spoke on the theme of the Day “Role of Manage- ment for Safety of Mines”. He mentioned that though the legislations are very strong in India with regard to safety, still the companies need to go few steps ahead in identifying the hazards & arriving at solutions. Mr. Cletus D’Souza spoke on the theme & explained as to how there was development of safety standards in Goan Mining Industry. He administered the safety pledge by all the members present. Mr. Hymakar Reddy gave an overview of the objectives of the Indian Min- ing Day and also introduced the guest speaker of the day. The formal function was followed by a technical talk by Mr. Mr. R.H. Sawkar being felicitated by Mr.A.K. Megharaj Clarence D’Souza, Training Officer (GGVTC), Ex- Associate General Manager (safety), M/s Vedanta & Safety Consultant on the topic “Behavioural Management”. Mr. Clarence ad- dressed the elements in Safety interaction program, Risk Behaviour (ABC Model). Mr. Akhil Avchar, Asst Professor proposed vote of thanks. The entire programme was con- ducted by Ms. Yogita Kharkhanis, Asst Professor (Geology). Around 70 MEAI members, Faculty & Students of GEC at- tended the programme.

Prize winning students with the Mr. A.K. Megharaj, Chief Guest

(L – R: Mr. Mahesh Bongale, Dr. Ulhas Sawaikar, Mr. E. Hymakar Reddy, Mr. A View of the audience participating in IMD Cletus D’souza)

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 37 Kolkata Chapter munity at large so that the negative impacts of mining can Indian Mining Day celebrations were held in Kolkata and be addressed. Other faculty members who spoke included Kharagpur on October 27th and November 1st 2017. In Kol- Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya, Dr. Ashish Bhattacharjee and Dr. kata, a panel discussion was held on the ‘Rationalization Srikant Annavarapu. The students and faculty members of Payments to Governments for Mineral Reserves’ in the took the Mining pledge promoted by the Mining Engineers EcoVista Club. To set the tone for the discussion, Dr. Harry Association of India (MEAI). Parker, Immediate Past Chairperson, CRIRSCO, made a presentation on the “Payments to Governments for owning The mining pledge states “We, the Mining Engineers of In- mineral assets globally” and explained good, bad and really dia, salute our National Flag and pledge, while observing bad scenarios in respect to the use of these payments by 1st November of every year as Indian Mining Day, that it will certain governments in developing economies. Mr Suresh be our endeavor to uphold and follow, with all sincerity and Singh, MEAI Executive Committee Member, Kolkata Chap- integrity, the best scientific methods to Prospect, Produce ter, made a brief presentation on “Reflections on Regulatory and Preserve the Mineral Resources for the prosperity of Changes in Mineral Concessions and Payment to Indian our Nation”. Government in Mineral Auction Regime”. The presentations were followed by lively discussions amongst the members. Some photographs of the event are attached.

Faculty and students at Indian Mining Day celebrations

MEAI – Headquarters MEAI – Headquarters, Hyderabad set an example by con- ducting various programmes on Indian Mining Day 2017, in simple yet grand and purposeful manner. The Headquarters Dr. Srikant addressing the gathering Dr Harry Parker speaking on office conducted Elocution, Quiz & Essay Writing competi- “Payments to governments” tions for the Mining Engineering Students at Mines Safety & Productivity Council, Conference hall, Hyderabad. Shri K. Peter, LM MEAI & Vocational Training Officer (MSPC Ltd) Indian Mining Day celebrations at IIT Kharagpur conducted the programmes attended by the students of four The SME Student Chapter at IIT Kharagpur in India cel- Engineering Colleges including Osmania University. The ebrated the Indian Mining Day on November 1, 2017 with HOD and a Senior Professor in the Department of Mining a small mineral exhibition and a display of mining related Engineering, Malla Reddy Engineering College, Hyderabad posters, videos and mining artefacts. The Mining Engineers participated and functioned as judges. Prizes were distrib- Association of India (MEAI), a major professional body with uted to the winners and two runners- up of the three com- over 5000 members from mining and allied disciplines, de- petitions. clared November 1st as the Indian Mining Day and has been organizing events to celebrate mining in India since 2013. NMDC Ltd, in association with MEAI Headquarters, Hydera- bad conducted the Indian Mining Day 2017 Meeting at NM- SME student members and faculty members were on hand to DC’s Conference hall. The meeting was attended by a large answer questions from about 60 students who attended the number of participants from NMDC, MEAI Hyderabad chap- event in the lobby of the mining engineering department. On ter, Academicians, and the Officers of DGMS, DGM-Govt. this occasion, the department head, Dr. Khanindra Pathak of Telangana, IBM, FICCI and several other sister organiza- encouraged the students to be “aware of the challenges and tions. Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha, Regional Controller of Mines, targets of mining industry and set new goals of the next gen- IBM, Hyderabad was the Chief Guest. Shri B.R.V. Susheel eration mining engineers”. Dr. Biswajit Samanta, the faculty Kumar, Director, Directorate of Geology & Mines, Govt. of advisor for the SME student chapter spoke of the activities Telangana & Shri M. Narsaiah, Director, DGMS were the of the SME in promoting awareness of mining in the com- Guests of Honour.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 38 Shri Pradeep Kumar, DGM (Mining), NMDC Ltd., welcomed awarded with First, Second and Third Prizes of Rs 2,000, the august gathering. Dr H. Sarvothaman, Secretary Gen- 1500, and Rs 1000 respectively. eral, MEAI spoke on the ‘Context of Indian Mining Day’. He also made a presentation on various types of minerals that The Program was started with Saraswati Poojan. The Guests come into the day-to-day use of human activities. Shri M. on Dais were the Chapter Chairman and Secretary, HOD Narsaih spoke on the importance of the Mines Safety mea- of Department of Mining Engineering- Prof. Dr S.K. Parihar, sures and actions taken by the DGMS in the safety of the and Prof. Dr Sushil Bhandari, the National Council Mem- mines and mine workers. Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar spoke ber. Prof. Parihar gave the Welcome Address. Two minutes on ‘Mining Today 2018’ Conference to be held at Hyderabad silence was kept in the memory of late Prof (Dr) AS Sheo- in February 2018, apart from mineral resources of Telan- ran, who recently departed in the month of October 2017. It gana in brief. Shri Pankaj Kulshrestha Chief Guest spoke was followed by e-hosting of the IMD Flag by the Chapter on various recent reforms made by the Govt. of India in the Chairman Dr P C Purohit and the pledge as received from mining sector. The Chief Guest and Guests of honour were the Headquarter was read by each attendee on the occa- handed over mementos. Dr H. Sarvothaman proposed vote of thanks. sion. Three lectures on the subject theme were delivered by Dr. P.C. Purohit, Er. P.C. Dhariwal, Advisor to J.K. Group of

IMD Celebration at MBM Engineering College Jodhpur Dignitaries with participants at MEAI Headquarters

Dr Bhandari presenting Rs 2000 cheque to 1st prize winner in essay competition Dignitaries present in NMDC IMD celebrations

Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur News Item- Report on Celebration of Indian Mining Day-2017 Rajasthan Chapter, Jodhpur celebrated Indian Mining Day on 1st of November 2017 at Seminar Hall of Department of Mining Engineering, M B M Engineering College, Jodhpur on the theme “Role of Corporate Management in Mines Safety”.

An essay competition on the theme was organized for the under graduate students of the Mining Engineering. 22 par- Members taking pledge at IMD celebrations ticipants submitted their essays and first three of them were

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 39 Industries and Er. D.S.K. Saksena, former Director DGMS, their team members were facilitated for receiving First Prize Government of India. Er. Nishank also presented his view in State category in 'Mining Majma' for the State of Rajast- point on e-data storing & its utility in present mining scenario han which was held in Sept. 2017 at Bangalore. for safe mining. Shri Rajeev Shrimali and Shri Murari gave keynote ad- All the speakers presented their view points on the subject dress about safety provisions and Paste Filling procedure in theme which were very well appreciated by the gathering Sindeshwar Khurd Mine of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. consisting of over 100 people. Prof Virendra Singh, Prof D.M. Surana, Er V.S. Mathur, Prof V.S. Palria, Er P.R. Dave, Shri Anurodh Prashant, Chairman, Institution of Engineers Er K.D. Purohit, Er S.N. Mathur, college faculty members, welcomed the audience and Sh. Y.K. local chapter members, and college students were present during the program. Prof. Bhandari honored all the three Boliya proposed the vote of thanks. Shri R.D. Saxena, Sec- speakers with a Memento. The Chapter Chairman gave the retary of the Udaipur chapter conducted the event. Fellow- prize money to all the winners of the Essay Competition. At ship Dinner was arranged after the event. the end, the Vote of Thanks was given by the Chapter Sec- retary Shri A.K. Jaiswal. He also conveyed that the chapter has upgraded a classroom by installing 5 split ACs (1.5 tons each), overhead projector and furnished it with door & win- dow curtains at a cost of Rs 2.50 lakh. The Program ended with the signing of National Anthem.

Rajasthan Chapter-Udaipur Indian Mining Day Celebration Indian Mining Day was celebrated by the Mining Engineers Association of India, Rajasthan Chapter-Udaipur on 1st No- vember, 2017 in association with Institution of Engineers A section of Audience in the IMD Program and Geological Society of Rajasthan, in the Institution of Engineers Hall, Udaipur. The Chief Guest of the function was Sh. Narayan Rajak, Dy. Director General North West Zone, Udaipur and Presided by Sh. A. K. Kothari, National President, MEAI.

Sh. Narayan Rajak, highlighted the role of management in developing safety in mines. He explained in detail how safe- ty can be enforced in co-ordination with and co-operation of workers and managers.

Shri A.K. Kothari highlighted the importance of celebrating the Indian Mining Day for Mining Professionals and Mining Dy DGMS presenting certificate to M.S. Paliwal Industry. He also explained about the requirement of sepa- rate safety regulations for large and small mines. Former Director Mines, Govt. of Rajasthan Shri D.S. Meh- ta, Director Mines Safety, North-West Zone, Udaipur, Sh. P.K. Kundu, Controller of Mines Udaipur Zone, Indian Bu- reau of Mines, Sh. T.K. Rath, and General Manager, Zawar Mines and Key Note speaker Sh. Rajeev Shrimali attended the meeting. The event was well attended by members of the Mining Engineers Association, Institution of Engineers, Geoscientist Society and Hindustan Zinc Ltd.

Sh. M.S. Paliwal, Supdt Mining Engineer, Mines & Geology Dept and Sh. S.K. Vashitha, A.G.M. Hindustan Zinc Ltd. and Honor to Rajasthan Team for getting 1st Prize at Bangalore

MEAI Special Issue 2018 40 TAMILNADU (TN) CHAPTER role of mining for the growth of economy in the country and MEAI-TN Chapter celebrated Indian Mining Day (IMD) in a urged the student community to focus more on the safety very grand manner at 6 different places in Tamilnadu Chap- and environmental aspects of mining. He also requested the ter covering areas of Mining clusters and Academic insti- young mining engineers to prepare themselves to work in tutions of national repute. The organizers of IMD received any given situation. Finally, Prof. P. Balamadeswaran, former tremendous support from all the Executive members and Secretary, MEAI-TN Chapter and Convener, IMD celebra- Office bearers of the chapter to celebrate it in a very grand tions proposed vote of thanks manner. During this unique event, where academicians, stu- dents, miners, practicing engineers, geologists and veterans of mining operations came together for the cause of mining for the nation. A brief report on celebrations held at various places TN Chapter is given below.

1. IMD celebrations at ARIYALUR (Mining Cluster)-orga- nized by MEAI TN Chapter Sri. M. Mayilrajan, Secretary welcomed the gathering and stressed the importance of IMD celebrations. Sri. B. Ar- Chief Guest Shri. T. ANBALAGAN, IAS addresses during the IMD function unachalam, Expert trainer in SMS and Senior member of MEAI was the Chief Guest for the event. 3. IMD celebrations at Annamalai University supported by MEAI-TN Chapter, Chidambaram Shri S. Kumarasamy, Former Director, NLC India Ltd and Department of Earth Sciences, Annamalai University and MEAI National Council member was Guest of Honour. Shri Mining Engineers’ Association of India, Tamil Nadu chapter E. Vasudevan, Jt. Secretary proposed vote of thanks. The jointly organized one day National Seminar on “Artificial In- activities at Ariyalur included: telligence in Mining” in order to celebrate the Indian Mining • Poster, Speech & slogan competitions for Mine Day. Shri. S. Kumarasamy, Former Executive Director Mines, Workers NLC India Ltd was the Chief Guest. Shri E. Vasudevan, Jt. • Quiz competitions for frontline supervisors Secretary MEAI TN Chapter was the Guest of • Training on SMS- presented by Chief Guest • Blood donation camp Honour. Prof. S. Kabilan, the Dean, Faculty of Sciences, • Donation of Notebooks to children of orphanage Annamalai University offered felicitation. The Professor school, Ariyalur and Head, Dr. T. Ramkumar presided over the function. Dr. G.R. Senthil Kumar, MEAI Life member and Convener of the Seminar welcomed the participants. Dr. N. Ganesh, the organizing secretary, briefed the objectives of Indian Mining Day celebration. At the end, Dr. B. Selvaraj, organizing sec- retary proposed vote of thanks.

BLOOD DONATION CAMP Donation of books to orphanage school

2. IMD Celebrations at Dept of Mining Engineering, Anna University, Chennai In the beginning, Prof. K.V. Shanker welcomed the guests Address by Shri. S. Kumarasamy, View of participants and Students and participants of the Indian Mining Day 2017 celebrations. Chief Guest The importance and need for holding the Mining Day Cel- ebrations was highlighted. Prof. K. Srinivas, Former Chair- 4& 5 IMD Celebration at M/s.India Cements Ltd (ICL), San- man, MEAI-TN Chapter and Head, Department of Mining kar Nagar, Tirunelveli & Sankari, Salem Sankar Nagar: Engineering dealt with the role of management for safety Shri R. Balamurugan, Sr. Manager (Mines), The India Ce- in mines. While delivering the special address, Shri. T. An- ments Limited welcomed the dignitaries. The function was balagan, IAS, Director, Tamilnadu Archives and Historical presided over by Sri.S. Dakshinamoorthy, General Manager Research and the Chief Guest of function indicated the (Production), The India Cements Limited, Sankarnagar,

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 41 Shri R. Balasubramaniam, Mines Agent, Krishna Mines, Formation of new committees of Meai Tirunelveli was the Chief Guest of the function. E.Krishnan, I am grateful and obliged to the members of MEAI for showing faith AGM (Mines)& Sri. S.K. Chinnadurai, Secretary India Ce- in me and giving the responsibility as MEAI President for the term ments Employees Union were also attended the function. 2017-19. I shall try my level best to meet the expectations and dignity of MEAI. This is only possible with your active contribution It was concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Shri E. & support. Mohan, Manager (Mines), Sankarnagar. For effective functioning of our organization, we have to delegate Sankari- Salem: responsibilities to our esteemed members for immaculate planning & impeccable execution of different activities. Keeping in view the Sri. G. Rajesh,Manager Mines has welcomed the gathering. proper implementation of objects of MEAI, I hereby constitute Sri. S. Ramesh. AGM, Mines presided over the celebration following Committees for the term 2017-19: and addressed the gathering. The celebrations concluded with Vote of thanks proposed by Sri. S. Natarajan, Chief International Affairs Committee: Shri. T.Victor, Immediate Past President – Chairman; Members: Shri. R.H.Sawkar, Council Manager, Mines. Competitions for mine workers, afforesta- Member, Dr. P.V.Rao, Editor MEJ, Dr. Abani Ranjan Samal. tion and safety drama were conducted. Resource Mobilization Committee: Shri. B.R.V.Susheel Kumar, Chairman Hyderabad Chapter – Chairman; Members: Shri. D.S.Maru, Council Member, Dr. Meda Venkataiah, Past President, Shri. O.P.Gupta, Chairman Rajasthan Chapter Jaipur. Program Committee: Dr. N.K.Nanda, Co-opted Council Member – Chairman; Members: Shri. Rajendra Singh Rathore, Council Member, Shri. C.H.Narsimulu, Secretary Hyderabad Chapter, Shri. V.S.Rao, Past President. Membership Committee: Dr. S.S.Rathore, Chairman Rajasthan Chepter Udaipur – Chairman; Members: Shri. Dilip Saxena, Shri S. Dakshinamoorthy, View of participants Afforestation at Council Member, Prof. Bhabesh C.Sarkar, Dhanbad, Shri. P.N.Rao, GM (Production) ICL, Sankari, Salem Chairman Ahemdabad Chapter. addressing the gathering Constitution Amendment Committee: Shri. T.V.Chowdary, Past President - Chairman; Members: Shri. T. Victor, Immediate Past 6. IMD Celebrations at M/s Ashwin Enterprises, Chennai President, Shri. V.S.Rao, Past President, Shri. M. Fasihuddin, Sri. M. James, MEAI National Council Member, welcomed Past President, Shri. BRV Susheel Kumar, Chairman Hyderabad the gathering. Sri. K.S. ANANDAN, Former Executive Direc- Chapter, Dr. P.V.Rao, Editor. tor (Mines), NLC India Ltd, the Chief Guest, addressed the Website Renovation Committee: Shri. Deepak Gupta, Council gathering. Meeting was concluded with Vote of thanks pro- Member – Chairman; Members: Shri. Anil Mathur, Vice Chairman posed by Sri. Tamilarasan, Executive member. Rajasthan Chapter Jaipur, Prof. Sushil Bhandari, Council Member, Shri. C.S.Dhaveji, Council Member. New Building Project Committee: Shri. T.V.Chowdary – Chairman; Shri. B. Ramesh Kumar – Treasurer; Members: Shri. T.Victor, Immediate Past President, Shri. S.K.Pattnaik, VP-I, Shri. K.Madhusudhana, VP II, Shri. S.N.Mathur, VP-III, Shri. B.R.V.Susheel Kumar, Chairman Hyderabad Chapter, Dr P.V.Rao, Editor, Shri. K.U.Rao, Council Member. Legal issues resolving Committee: Shri. Vijay Singh A.R, Council Member – Chairman; Members: Shri. P.C.Bakliwal, Secretary Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur, Shri. Prakash, Chairman Hutti-Kalaburagi Chapter, Shri. S. C. Suthar, Council Member. Address by Shri. K.S. Anandan, Donation of food & Sweets to old age 1. In all above committees President & Secretary General shall Chief Guest home by Sri. M. James be ex-officio members. 2. Chairman of committee can co-opt any member of MEAI in his committee for betterment of work, intimating the President and Secretary General of MEAI on Email. 3. First meeting of committee can be held within 15 days at a suitable place or on telephonic/Email route & decide the budgetary requirement for the year 2017-18 for their effective functioning. They must intimate the requirement to Secretary General so that the amount can be included in budgetary provision for approval from council in first council meeting. - President, MEAI

MEAI Special Issue 2018 42 inauguration of MEAI auditorium and new office premises

MEAI headquarters at Hyderabad has acquired a new premise (unit no.609) for use as a refurbished office. The existing office premises in unit no.608 was remodelled into a grand auditorium with modern facilities like acoustics, stage and seating. The refurbished office premises and the new auditorium were inaugurated and dedicated in the service of the mining profession and the Nation on Wednesday 24th Jan, 2018. Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest on this occasion.

On this memorable occasion several Council Members, Past- Presidents and Special Invitees guests and MEAI Members were present in large number. After lighting of the lamp to start the solemn occasion Dr.H.Sarvothaman, Secretary Inauguration of Auditorium by Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS as Shri Arun Kothari, President, MEAI and Dr. N.K. Nanda, Dir.Technical, NMDC Ltd. look on General welcomed the guests in his welcome address. Shri B. R. V. Susheel Kumar, Director Mines & Geology, Govt. of Telangana and Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter addressed the gathering as one of the Guests of Honour. He pledged support to MEAI headquarters activities. Dr. N.K. Nanda (Director Technical) NMDC Ltd &Guest of Honour, in this address appreciated the activities of the mining professionals in the service of the Nation. Shri I. Gopi Nath (Senior Vice President-Corporate Affairs) the India cements, Hyderabad, also a Guest of Honour, recalled the services of the mining profession and also assured his support to Dignitaries on the dais MEAI. Shri Arun Kumar Kothari, President MEAI, spoke at length about the need of MEAI headquarters newly acquired space for effective functioning. He appreciated the Building Committee’s efforts in realising the dream of possessing permanent own Auditorium for conducting various activities such as seminars, workshops and trainings. The newly designed MEAI Brochure was released during this occasion. On this occasion, the Past-Presidents S/Shri V.S. Rao, Md. Fasihuddin, T. Victor and Dr. V. D. Rajagopal; and Prof B. B. Dhar, shared their thoughts on long association with MEAI and also highlighted how MEAI grew activities over the last 60 years.

Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Government Address by Shri Arun Kumar Kothari, President, MEAI of Telangana, the Chief Guest of this occasion had assured in his capacity all possible assistance to MEAI from the Government of Telangana. He said that MEAI needed to make impact on the societal matters like education. He also asked the MEAI to rise to all occasions in the Social Responsibilities.

Shri M Raju, Retired Director General Geological Survey of India and Shri P R Tripathi EX-CMD, NMDC Ltd also spoke on this occasion and shared their professional experiences and association with MEAI. Shri M Chakradhar, Joint Secretary-cum-Treasurer MEAI proposed vote of thanks. Shri AK Kothari, President, MEAI honouring Shri Ajay Mishra, IAS, Chief Guest

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 43 MEAI Chapters' NEWS Ahmedabad Chapter a seminar and a family dinner after the AGM. If 14th June The Ahmedabad Chapter was formally launched on 14th falls mid-week on a working day when the attendance is June 1997, with meagre membership strength of about likely to be poor, the event is shifted to the week end for the 25, in the presence of the then MEAI President Shri T. V. convenience of members and guests. Chowdary with Founder Chairman (Late) Shri B. K. Antia ------and Secretary Shri S. N. Mathur. The Chapter has since been working actively and rather vibrantly during the past Kutch Local Centre two decades. Kutch Local Centre of Ahmedabad Chapter organized a half-day seminar on Changes in Coal Mine Regulation 2017’ As its membership grew from 25 to over 250 and looking at on February 16, 2018 at VT Centre of New Mata No Madh the membership spread over a very wide area of the State, Mine township. Around 57 persons gathered to mull over the Executive Committee of the Chapter, with due approval the Changes in Coal Mines Regulation 2017 and interacted in the Chapter’s AGM, decided to have four Local Centres over its impact on mining industry. The participants were to ensure active participation of all members. The proposal from Mata No Madh, Umarsar, Panandhro & Gadhsisa was also submitted to the MEAI HQ, but not to receive its projects of GMDC, Sanghi Industry, students and professors written approval in the absence of a clear policy guideline from Bhuj Polytechnic and mining contractors Monte Carlo though verbally allowed this experiment. This arrangement Limited. This program was anchored by Shri S.H. Makwana, had been working quite successfully. Each Local Centre Sr. Manager (Store), Mata No Madh Lignite Mine. (Kutch, Bhavnagar, South Gujarat and Ahmedabad) has its own administrative Committee and organises at least Shri H.K. Joshi Convener, Kutch Local Centre, Shri R.K. one Seminar, Workshop or some such event every year. Das General Manager (P), Mata No Madh Mine, Shri Pappu They also take care of students of Degree / Diploma Mining Kumar General Manager Sanghi Cement and Shri S G Engineering and Geology in their region and also try to Srivastav HOD, Mining Bhuj Polytechnic College were on the organise some event for and by the students every year. dais. Shri H.K. Joshi delivered the keynote address. Other dignitaries on the dais also presented their views. Shri R.K. In addition to the seminars or other events organised by the Das, GM (P) Mata No Madh Mine, Shri H. Bhushan, Safety Local Centres, the Chapter also organises seminars at its Officer (Mata No Madh Mine) and Shri A.B. Dani, Safety Ahmedabad HQ. One such event every alternate year is Officer (Umarsar Mine) presented papers on the changes either a National level or International Level programme. The in Coal Mines Regulation 2017 with reference to Coal Mines Chapter also organises paper meets, group discussions and Regulation 1957. / or Round Table Conferences at Ahmedabad on relevant current topics. Recently a programme was organised on Vote of Thanks was proposed by Shri. N.N. Mupkalwar, Dy. the new Coal Mines Regulations 2017. Earlier, similar G.M (Mata No Madh Mine) for making the event a huge programmes were organised on new Land Acquisition Act success. and new MMDR Act also.

The Chapter has also instituted annual awards for Best Member (and Best Student Member) of the Chapter and the Best Local Centre. It also felicitates two veteran Members every year for their service towards the growth of the Association and to the mining industry. They are presented with a plaque, citation and shawl in family gathering, just after the AGM. Mr H K Joshi delivering his address In recognition of dedicated services rendered by the founder Chairman (Late) Shri B. K. Antia, the Chapter established a series of Annual Memorial Lecture in his name. So far, four such lectures have been organised where senior and reputed professionals/ dignitaries of the mining industry were invited to deliver the Memorial Lecture.

The Chapter aims to have its AGM on its Foundation day i.e. 14th June every year, with Shri B.K. Antia Memorial Lecture, A view of the audience

MEAI Special Issue 2018 44 Kutch Local Centre In all 65 delegates attended the seminar. Dr. M.G. Thacker, Kutch Local Centre organised a one day Seminar on April 7, HOD (Geology) Kutch University and Shri. Nathani, HOD 2018 in Auditorium Hall of Government Polytechnic, Bhuj on (Mining), Government Engineering College Bhuj were the ‘Environmental issues related to mining/industrial activities Chairman and Co-Chairman respectively for the technical in Kutch region’. session.

The basic purpose of the seminar was to bring awareness The programme was anchored by Shri. A.B. Dani, Secretary, in the students on the environmental issues being faced Kutch Local Centre and the vote of thanks proposed by Shri. by mining industry during mine operation and suggest B.K. Mahato, LM MEAI & I/c G.M.(Project), GMDC, Umarsar possible mitigation measures. Shri B. G. Bhankar, Principal Lignite Mine. of Government Polytechnic College Bhuj, inaugurated the Seminar. The other dignitaries on the dais were Shri H.K. Joshi, GM GMDC & Convenor, Kutch Local Centre, Shri Pappu Kumar, G.M. Sanghi Cement Industries, Shri Pradeep Kothari, G.M., GIMPEX, and Dr. M.G. Thacker, HOD(Geo), Kutchh University.

Following six papers were presented in the Seminar. 1. Prospects/opportunities for industrial development in Lakhpat Taluka of Kutch District by Shri A.B. Dani LM MEAI & DGM, GMDC, Umarsar Lignite Mine 2. Environment Friendly Mining by Shri. Pappu Kumar, Mr A B Dani anchoring the programme LM MEAI & GM, Sanghi Cement Industries 3. Sustainable Industrial and Socio-economic development South Gujarat Local Centre by Shri. S. K. Chaudhari A.M. (Environment), GMDC, South Gujarat Local Centre of Ahmedabad Chapter had Akrimota Thermal Power Plant organized a one-day Seminar on “Safety Management Plan” 4. Environmental issues related with mining/industrial on April 30, 2018 at GVTC, Lignite Project Rajpardi. Around activity in Kutchh Region by Shri. P.S. Patel A.M. 40 members of the Chapter participated along with their (Env), Mata-No-Madh Lignite Mine, GMDC and Shri. family members. Participants were from following Mines S.H. Makwana, Sr. Manager (Store), Mata-No-Madh form the South Gujarat region and other organizations: Lignite Mine, GMDC 1. Amod (G-19 Extn.) Lignite Mine, GMDC 5. Air Quality Monitoring by Shri. S.G. Srivastav, LM MEAI 2. Valia Lignite Mine, GIPCL & HOD(Mining), GP Bhuj and Shri S.C. Dabhekar, Lecturer (Mining dept.), GP Bhuj 3. Tadkeshwar Lignite Mine, GMDC 6. Use of low cost adsorbents in remediation of acid mine 4. Vastan Lignite Mine, GIPCL drainage by Shri. B.V. Thacker Lecturer (Civil Dept.), 5. M S Universty, Vadodara GP, Bhuj The programme was inaugurated by Shri. Swagat Ray, Chairman of South Gujarat Local Centre & GM (Project) GMDC Lignite Project Rajpardi, along with Project heads of Tadkeshwar, Valia & Vastan mines.

Shri. Swagat Ray welcomed all the distinguished guests and chaired the technical sessions. Shri. D S Bhayal, GM GMDC Tadkeshwar also highlighted the necessity of Safety Management Plan giving some examples. Shri. N K Chauhan, Mine Manager, Vastan Lignite Mine -SMP said that SMP has covered a distance from recommendation to A group photo of participants with the Chief Guest Mr B G Bhakhar regulation. It was a learning session for all the participants

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 45 as to how to prepare and implement the management plan effectively. Shri. P C Goyal, Mine Manager, Vastan Lignite Mine emphasised on uniform approach for risk rating of the hazards of the mines and vigorous brainstorming sessions for developing the method of document review and its control.

S/Shri S D Jagani LM (Rajpardi), Vikash Mrituka (GIPCL), A I Srivastava (Tadkeshwar) and Pushpendra Sharma (Vastan) presented four papers in the Technical Session.

Following valuable suggestions were received from the delegates: a) Implementation approach has to be in documented Lighting of Lamp by Dignitaries (L-R): Mr S D Jagani, Mr Swagat Ray, Mr P C form. Goyal & Mr N K Chauhan b) Consequences and exposures should be fixed components and probability the variable one based the control measures adapted. c) Responsibilities should be shared up to bottom level like Overman, Mining Sirdar, Contractor supervisor and operators of the concerned machineries. d) ERCI should either be in high range or medium range. As keeping the hazard in the lower range would mark the things quite safe. e) After installation of Slope Stability Radar, the hazards which are ranked high should come to medium rank due to implementation of the advance technology. Mr Swagat Ray explaining the functioning of Slope Stability Radar installed Work force could be withdrawn before occurrence of at Amod (G-19 Extn) Lignite Mine any danger, so that the consequences and probability Barajamda Chapter for any unexpected occurrence would be low. Technical paper presentation cum workshop on Contract f) SOP and COP should also be prepared in and Safety Management Gujarati language for the workers employed in the mines The technical paper presentation cum workshop on “Contract so that they can easily understand the importance of Safety Management” was organized under the banner of SMP. Mining Engineers Association of India, Barajamda Chapter at Valley Club, Joda , Tata Steel on June 2, 2017. g) Stress should be put on Incident not on accident. h) Yearly plan should be given to mining contractor for At the outset of the meeting, Safety pause was given on better understanding of how they work in the specific emergency preparedness and exits in the auditorium. Formal commencement of meeting cum workshop was inaugurated period. by lightening the lamp by the dignitaries on dais. Welcome i) Management and contractor’s structure and address was given by Mr Sirish Sekhar, Chief-Khondbond responsibilities should be defined in a chart. Iron Mine, Tata Steel.

Special events were organised for family members that Mr Pankaj Satija, GM (OMQ), Tata Steel and Chairman of MEAI Barajamda Chapter gave presidential address. He included visit to nearby Rajpipala Palace, Photography emphasized the importance of Safety in mining Industry and Session at Pond Area, Indoor Games and mine Visit along on the welfare and safety of the contract employees. He with MEAI Members. explained about the star rating system for contract evaluation

MEAI Special Issue 2018 46 that helps in improving the system and management of the contract. He expressed his commitment towards providing equal opportunity for welfare and training facilities to the workforce. He stressed on regular medical check-up of contract employees to improve the health status of employees and community for better quality of life and productivity.

Mr. Satish Kumar, Director of mines safety – Chaibasa region appreciated the efforts of MEAI for organizing regular workshops/ seminars on different topics to enhance the knowledge of mining community as well as sharing industry practices/ technology in mining Industry. He informed the Address by Mr. Satish Kumar-DMS participants regarding the recent Supreme Court decision on Occupational Health in Mining & Industries. He told that the mining companies should give more focus on and ensure proper implementation of Occupational Health with regard to IME & PME. He emphasized on conducting regular medical & health check-up of contract employees. He presented the details of Mines Act, Rules and regulations related to welfare of all employees including contract Mining.

Around 250 participants including the MEAI members along with contractors and their supervisors attended the workshop. MEAI members along with contract owners

The technical papers on “CSM- Transportation, CSM- Excavation, CSM – Processing Plant, Occupational Health, Present Scenario of Occupational Health & Eastern Zone Mining Association and Mines Act, Rules & regulation on Contract Safety” were presented by Mr. G. Subramaniam of M/s TEMPL, Mr Shailendra Kumar of M/s Rungta, Mr Narayan Sharma of Tata Steel, Dr. Saurav K De, OH&S, Tata Steel, Dr. B N Mohapatra from BBSR and Mr Satish Kumar, DMS-Chaibasa respectively. Presidential address by Mr. Pankaj Kumar Satija In sequence of technical presentations, the initial three papers were made on contractor safety Management in Workshop on Safety Management Plan (SMP) operation area, which included transportation, excavation A technical paper presentation cum workshop on Safety & plant operation and maintenance. The doctor in charge Management Plan (SMP) was organized under the banner of OH&S presented on the promotion and maintenance of of Mining Engineers Association of India (MEAI), Barajamda the highest degree of physical, mental and social well-being Chapter at JRDTTI, Noamundi, Tata Steel on August 4, of workers. Dr. B. N. Mohapatra presentation focused on 2017. continual improvement and regular review of the processes to raise the standards of qualitative occupational health Formal commencement of meeting cum workshop was service in Eastern Zone Mining sector. inaugurated by lightening the lamp by the dignitaries on dais. Welcome address was given by Mr. H. Mojumdar, Vice Mr Satish Kumar, DMS-Chaibasa presented a paper on Chairman, MEAI Barajamda Chapter. Mines Act, Rule and regulation on contract safety and welfare. His presentation focused on statutory provisions, Mr Pankaj Kumar Satija, General Manager (Ore Mines & court and ministry guidelines on OH&S, welfare and safety Quarries), Tata Steel and Chairman, MEAI Barajamda guidelines for employees, which include contract worker. Chapter delivered the Presidential address. He stressed about the importance of safety in mining industry and Formal vote of thanks was propsoed by Mr Mukesh Ranjan, emphasized on the welfare and safety of employees. He Secretary, MEAI Barajamda Chapter. also said that safety is everybody`s responsibility and

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 47 emphasised on behavioural safety. He expressed his views of the system. He stressed upon self-regulation model of on the key role of frontline supervisors in making SMP and SMP over the prescriptive regulatory model and adoption of ensuring safety at workplace. He invited all MEAI members digital model for making SMP where the details will be made for the upcoming workshop and expressed his commitment available online. He urged all mine managers to complete for organising regular workshops and seminars by MEAI the process and submit the SMP on time. Barajamda Chapter. Around 200 participants including the MEAI members along with mine managers, engineers and agents from various mines attended the meeting. Tata Steel, Essel Mining, and Rungta Mines presented papers covering subjects like hazard identification, risk assessment, hazard control plan & audit and review. The objective of the workshop was to improve safety at workplace by involving mine management and employees performing the job.

Formal vote of thanks and concluding remarks were delivered by Mr R. P. Mali, Member, MEAI Barajamda Chapter.

(L-R): Mr H Mojumdar, Mr P Damodar, Mr Satish Kumar, Dr Seminar cum Workshop at Megha Club, A K Sinha, Mr Pankaj Satija, and Mr Saket Bharti Iron Ore Mine, SAIL A seminar cum workshop on ‘Innovative Practices on Dust Suppression for Mining Industry’ was organized at Megha Club, Meghahatuburu Iron ore Mine (MIOM) of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) on July 29, 2017.

At the outset of the meeting, safety pause was given on emergency preparedness and exit of auditorium. Formal commencement of seminar cum workshop was inaugurated Mine Agents, Managers, electrical and mechanical engineers participating in by lightening the lamp by the dignitaries on dais. Welcome SMP workshop address was given by Mr S. D. Pahadi, General Manager, Meghahatuburu Iron Ore Mine, SAIL. Mr P Damodar, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (Electrical) gave keynote address on the occasion and appreciated the Mr Pankaj Satija, General Manager (Ore Mines & Quarries), efforts of MEAI Barajamda Chapter team to bring together Tata Steel, and Chairman of MEAI Barajamda Chapter mining professionals. gave presidential address. He spoke about the importance of implementation of various dust suppression systems Mr Satish Kumar, Director of Mines Safety, Chaibasa in mining industry and their impact on environment. He Region appreciated the efforts of MEAI in organising regular expressed his concern over the rising air pollution due to workshops/seminars on different subjects to enhance the mining operations. This requires innovative and new methods professional knowledge of mining community as well as to prevent generation of dust, he remarked. He invited all the sharing best practices/ technology in mining industry. He MEAI members for upcoming workshop on 04.08.2017 at requested all members present to take benefit of presence Noamundi and articulated his views on MEAI as a forum for of Dr. Ashim Kumar Sinha, DDGMS, an eminent mining learning and sharing of ideas by various mining companies. engineer with vast experience of OHS, regulation, and member of task force for review of national policy on safety, Mr Satish Kumar, Director of Mines Safety, Chaibasa Region health and employees welfare. appreciated the efforts of MEAI for organising regular workshops/seminars on different subjects to enhance the Dr. Ashim Kumar Sinha talked about the long journey of knowledge of mining community as well as sharing of best safety management system in Indian mining industry. He practices/ technology by the mining fraternity. He said that explained about the benefits of implementing the system today’s seminar on innovative practices on dust suppression and how the same has reduced the number of incidents for mining industry is a key concern and miners should and improved safety at workplace. He explained in detail ensure implementation of different new practices for dust the process to be adopted for successful implementation suppression.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 48 Around 150 participants including the MEAI members along with mine managers and agents from various mines attended the meeting.

The details of presentations made in the seminar given below: 1. Presentation by Mr Saket Bharti, DDMS, Chaibasa Region was on awareness on sillicosis and control measures. He explained the details of regulation on dust control and medical examination of persons employed in mines. Mr Satish Kumar, DMS addressing the audience 2. Presentation by Australian experts from Dustwork was on the use of additives as measure for dust suppression. Seminar on “Digital initiatives in Mining Industries” During the presentation, different innovative ideas for haul road dust suppressant, rail wagon veneer dust The seminar on “Digital initiatives in mining Industries” was suppressant, stockpile and exposed ground crushing agent etc. were discussed in detail. organized under the banner of Mining Engineers’ Association 3. Presentation by BEML was mist spray and conversion of India (MEAI), Barajamda chapter at JRDTTI, Noamundi, kit for existing dumpers. They presented on the effective Tata Steel on August 21, 2017 measures taken in development of new sprinklers which will lead to reduction in the total requirement of water Formal commencement of the seminar was done by and improvement in the effectiveness of duct control. lightening of the lamp by dignitaries on dais. Welcome 4. Presentation by the team from Quality Circle MIOM address was given by Mr RP Mali, a life member of MEAI was on in-house interlocking arrangement of drill Barajamda Chapter and Chief (Noamundi), Tata Steel. machine for wet drilling. The kaizen was done by one of the improvement groups to ensure the wet drilling in DTH drill machine. Mr Pankaj Kumar Satija, Chairman, MEAI Barajamda Chapter and General Manager (Ores Mines & Quarries),Tata The workshop was interactive and participants raised Steel delivered the presidential address. He stressed on the questions after each presentation to obtain further details importance of digital transformation in mining industry which on commercial aspects of projects for implementation in was still untouched one or two years ago. He elaborated on mines. how digital initiatives have transformed the mining business Concluding speech was delivered by Mr Rajesh Kumar, nationally and internationally. He also elaborated on how Joint Secretary cum Treasurer of MEAI Barajamda Chapter. digital has become a way of life for a common person and Formal vote of thanks was proposed by Mr I VA Raju, touched upon Digital India initiatives promoted by Indian General Manager , Kiriburi Iron Ore Mine, SAIL. Government. He briefly explained some digital initiatives of government regulatory bodies to ease the mining business hassles. He expressed his views on key role of younger generation of mining industry to inculcate digital culture in their respective organisations. He concluded his address by thanking dignitaries, speakers and delegates.

Mr Saket Bharti, Deputy Director of Mines Safety (DGMS), Chaibasa region addressed the gathering by briefly Mr Pankaj Satija, Chairman Barajamda Chapter speaking on Chapter future explaining initiatives taken up by DGMS as a regulatory programs body of Indian Mining industry under digital drive. He also gave a presentation on “Digital transformation to obtaining statutory permissions” and showed a self-explanatory step-by-step video to apply online application for obtaining statutory permissions without any hassles.

Mr Anupam Nandi, Regional Controller of Mines (RCoM), Ranchi Region stressed on the need for mining industry to go digital in their operations and explained the benefits in terms of production, productivity as well as workplace environment and safety. He explained about digital initiatives taken by (L-R): Mr I V A Raju, Mr Saket Bharti, Mr Satish Kumar, Mr Pankaj Satija, Mr Nicholos and Mr Martin government regulatory bodies to ease the way of working.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 49 He discussed and elaborated on several implemented and meai Diamond Jubilee Celebrations upcoming digital initiatives by Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) National Seminar on “Technology Innovation & Safety in such as submission of mine plan for approvals and others. Mining Industry” Organised by MEAI Barajamda Chapter He urged all agents, mine managers and mining fraternity Venue: JRDTTI, Noamundi, Tata Steel on 23-24.03.2018 present in the seminar to expedite digital drive in their respective organisations. On the occasion of the Diamond jubilee celebrations of Mr Sarajit Jha, Chief, Digital Value Acceleration Team MEAI and MEAI Barajamda Chapter, a two-day National (DVAT), Tata Steel and team gave a presentation on “Digital Seminar was organized at Noamundi Iron Mine, Tata steel transformation initiatives in Tata Steel” and discussed on 23-24, March 2018. The topic of the National Seminar about major initiatives taken up to ease the way of working, was “Technological Innovation & Safety in Mining Industry”. enhance workplace safety and productivity, paperless Mr. Arun Kothari, National President, MEAI was the Chief operation, smart logistics and others. He appreciated the Guest on this Occasion. Other dignitaries present on the dais efforts of MEAI Barajamda Chapter in organizing a seminar on this occasion were, Mr. Satish Kumar (DMS, Chaibasa on this important topic. Region), Mr. M. Fasihuddin (former General Manager, OMQ and former President MEAI), Mr. V.S. Rao (former Executive The Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) team led by Mr Director, FAMD and former President, MEAI), Mr. P. Saidev Arun Kumar gave a presentation on “Digital innovation in (Executive Director, SAIL), Mr. Sanjay Pattnaik (Managing mining” and discussed about various initiatives. Director, TSIL), Mr. Manas Biswas (General Manager, Gua Iron Mine, SAIL) and Mr. H Majumdar (Vice Chairman, The team from e-Trans Enterprises also gave a presentation Barajamda Chapter). on “Fleet management System” and explained benefits of their digital products. The program started in its traditional lighting the lamp by the dignitaries. Mr. Manas Biswas gave the welcome address, Over 70 delegates, including MEAI members, agents, mine which was followed by the speeches by the dignitaries. Major managers and engineers from various mines of Barajamda highlights of the speeches given by the dignitaries include region attended the seminar and appreciated the content adaptation of mining industry to the current challenges and insights generated from the seminar. and thereby developing and executing the technological solutions to improve the production, safety and operational Mr Sanjit Kumar Adhya, a life member of MEAI Barajamda Chapter and Mine Manager, Noamundi Iron Mine, Tata Steel, excellence. It was also discussed that the Indian Steel gave formal vote of thanks and concluding remarks. demand (as per National Steel Policy 2017) will increase to 300 Mt, which will necessitate the use of technological solutions for breakthrough improvement. It was also stressed that in future, with limited resources and infrastructure, improvement in production and productivity and adaption of alternate resources and technological solutions will be the key for success and sustenance of the mining industry. It was also stressed that the Barajamda Chapter should play an active role while any amendments are made to mining legislations. Speech Session was followed by release of the souvenir by the dignitaries.

Mr Pankaj Kumar Satija, GM (OMQ) addressing the delegates

Mr Saket Bharti, Dy Director of Mines Safety, Chaibasa Region addressing the delegates Inauguration of Souvenir

MEAI Special Issue 2018 50 Mr. Rajesh Kumar (Joint Secretary, Barajamda Chapter), presented the annual activities conducted by the Barajamda Chapter. A tribal dance by members of the TSRDS group was performed to start the program in a traditional and unconventional way.

Exhibition Stalls were displayed by various mining companies to present their models, which was followed by the Technical Sessions. In all 25 technical papers were presented in four Technical Sessions in the two-days seminar. Key highlights and learnings from these technical papers include the following: ä Mineral levies and ease of doing business in mining industry Mr AK Kothari, President MEAI receiving a memento from Mr Satish Kumar, ä Use of underground water robots, advancement in DMS, Chaibasa mine surveillance system Blood Donation Camp at Joda ä Use of rope con and pipe conveyor in transportation On the occasion of Diamond Jubilee Celebration of the As- ä Importance of simulator based training sociation held at Noamundi by the Barajamda Chapter, a ä Use of LIDAR technology in surveying blood donation camp was organized at Tata Sponge, Joda ä Use of surface miner for blast free mining on 24th March 2018. Mr Arun Kothari, President MEAI and ä Use of Photo Sat GPS for surveillance Mr Sanjay Pattnaik, CMD Tata Sponge & Vice-President-I, ä Potential for Use of natural gas and CNG in dumpers MEAI inaugurated the Camp. Hospital team collected 101 units of blood. President Arun Kothari along with Mr Pattnaik ä Use of fleet management system for improving the also visited a beautiful park developed on a 50m high fly ash operational excellence dump by Tata Sponge, a unique step towards environment ä RFID based solution in dispatch process protection. ä Challenges and innovation in rock blasting techniques ä Mine excellence system in drilling and blasting and use of cloud based data ä Autonomous haulage system in mining industry ä Potential for use of high capacity excavators and dump trucks and automated drill machine ä Noise mapping in operational areas ä Use of Slope Stability radar for pit slope stability ä Biodiversity conservation measures ä Behavioural Safety in Mining ä Use of surveillance system and video analytics in mining Mr Arun Kothari and Mr Sanjay Pattnaik with Medical team ä IOT (internet of things) based solution in mining industry BANGALORE CHAPTER Annual General Meeting / Executive Committee The two-day function ended with the valedictory function in Meetings which recommendations from the papers were discussed. The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chapter was The Chief Guest on this occasion was Mr. Satish Kumar, held on 1st July 2017 and the new Executive Committee with DMS Chaibasa. The other dignitaries present on this Dr. T.N. Venugopal as Chairman, Mr. Dhananjay G. Reddy occasion were, Mr. M. Fasihuddin, Mr. V.S. Rao, Mr. R.P. Mali, as Vice Chairman, Mr. K.R. Krishnamurthy as Secretary Mr. Arun Kumar, Mr. D.N. Parida and Mr. Ganesh Tripathy. and Mr. N. Rajendran as Jt. Secretary cum Treasurer took The Chairman of the recommendation committee, Mr. R. P. charge, and five Executive Committee Members viz. Mr. H.S. Mali discussed the Summary and Recommendations from Murthy, Dr. H.S. Venkatesh, Mr. Cyriac Joseph, Mr. V. Nagaraj the technical papers. The session ended with the vote of and Mr. S. Nayak was elected. The AGM was followed by thanks, given by Mr. Arun Kumar (DGM, Gua, SAIL). a professional talk on 'Emotional Intelligence' by Mr. A.K.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 51 Ojha, a renowned mining engineer in the country who has 4. ‘Limestone and Dolomite Resources of Karnataka’ been a Management Consultant for the last few years. The by Mr. N.R. Pattabhi Ramaiah, Sr. Geologist (Retd.), talk was highly engrossing and encouraged the members in Department of Mines and Geology, GoK, Bengaluru the interactive session, which followed the talk. b. A seminar was conducted on 20th February 2018 at During the year, the Executive Committee met eight (8) Acharya Polytechnic for the benefit of diploma and times to discuss various issues concerning the activities of degree students of Mining Engineering Departments of the Chapter. the institute. The Topic of the seminar was DRILLING AND BLASTING IN MINES. The following topics Membership Drive were covered by senior members of the Bengaluru Chapter: The membership drive continued and 20 new life members, and 30 student members, all from Acharya Institute, Technical Session I: Bengaluru were enrolled during the period. Explosives, Blasting Accessories and Drilling Mr. S. Subramanyam Half-day Seminars, Workshops, etc. a. Two (2) half-day Seminars were conducted as per the Technical Session II: details given below. The attendance at the Seminars Blast Designs in Mines was good, with 40-50 members attending each of the Mr. Deepak Vidyarthi seminars. Technical Session III: 15.04.2017 - Mining, Metallurgy & Environment Mine Legislation for Transportation, Storage and Use of 1. Beneficiation of Iron Ores and its impact in Iron and Explosives Steel making by Mr. T.R.R. Rao, Former Executive Mr. H. S. Murthy Director, KIOCL, Bengaluru 2. Microbially assisted processes in mineral processing, c. The following two workshops were conducted during extractive metallurgy and environmental remediation by the year: Prof. S. Subramanian, Dept. of Materials Engineering, i. Workshop on Impact of GST on Mining Industry IISc, Bengaluru was held on 17th August 2017 in the auditorium 3. Processing of solid wastes from mines, mineral of Institution of Engineers (India), Bengaluru. processing and metallurgical plants – a conceptual The Workshop was conducted in four sessions, case study of small size iron-steel industry by Dr. B.P. covering (i) Brief Overview of GST, (ii) Basics of Ravi, Professor, Vijayanagara SriKrishnadevaraya GST, (iii) GST and Mining Issues, and (iv) GST University, Bellary (VSKU B), PG Centre, Nandihalli, Returns. CA Vijay Singh A.R. and CA Shashi Sandur Kumar, the resource persons lucidly explained many facets of GST, including basic definitions, 4. Advances in Gold Ore Processing by Mr. Vivek provisions and enforcement of GST legislation, Ranganathan, Manager, Mineral Processing, its impact on mining industry and answered Geomysore, Bengaluru the queries raised by several delegates from mining Industry. Over 65 delegates attended the 17.03.2018 - Advances in our Knowledge on Regional workshop. Mineralisation in Karnataka, Methods of Prospecting for Gold and Open Cast Mining for Bauxite ii. Workshop on Minor Minerals Legislation - Karnataka Minor Minerals Concession Rules, 1. ‘Archaean crustal evolution of the Dharwar craton and 1994 (KMMCR1994): Provisions & Procedures related mineralization' by Dr. R. Srinivasan, Senior was organized on 20th January 2018 at Executive Researcher Centre for Atmospheric and Oceanic Development Centre, IIHM, Bengaluru. More Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru. than 100 delegates attended the workshop. 2. ‘Adoption of Modern Exploration methods, a key to Mr. Veeramani, Chairman, GEM Group of discovery of economic new gold deposits and leading Companies inaugurated the workshop. Post- to mine development’ by Mr. S.C.R. Peshwa, Director inauguration, four Technical Sessions were held, (Exploration), DESPL, Bengaluru. and the faculty consisting of Dr. T.N. Venugopal, 3. ‘Mining with Care - Eco Friendly Mining Practices at Mr. A.R. Vijay Singh (Chartered Accountant), Mr. Panchpatmali Bauxite Mine of NALCO – Orissa’ by Mr. K. Ravindar (Dy. Director of Mines Safety, DMS, K.S. Sreedhara, Ex-Executive Director, NALCO. Bengaluru) and Mr. S. Nayak, (Mining Engineer,

MEAI Special Issue 2018 52 R&R Cell, Monitoring Committee, DMG) made titled “Management of Water in Mines” in 2016 during the presentations. The sessions covered a wide array AGM held at Udaipur on 7th July 2017. of topics, KMMCR, DMG Permits, Explosive Usage, Royalty, DMF, GST, Auctions and Tenders GST Implementation and the Role of DGMS in mining minor minerals. As per the minutes of the meeting dt. 19th July 2017 held After detailed deliberations, the group identified in MEAI HQs office, Hyderabad under the chairmanship contradictions in amended KMMCR with the of Mr. A.K. Kothari, President, MEAI, Bengaluru Chapter provisions of the Act and other related rules. has registered under GST with three additional places of business to cover Hutti-Kalburgi, Bellari-Hospet and Belgaum Other Activities Chapters. The implementation has been successfully Indian Mining Day was organized on 1st November in the carried out though understanding the provisions and making premises of Geological Society of India. Mr. Dhananjaya modifications thereof has taken some time and effort. The G. Reddy, Vice-Chairman Presided over the function and Chapters are complying with all requirements, particularly administered the pledge. Mr. K. Ramani, Deputy General filing the Returns. Manager, Tumkur Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (a sister concern of V.M. Salgaocar Private Ltd., Goa) made an interesting Presentation Demise of Members on the theme of the day - 'Role of Management for Safety • MEAI, Bangalore Chapter feel sad at the demise of the in Mines'. The Chief Guest Mr. A.K. Megharaj, Dy. Director following members during the period of the report: General (Retd), lucidly explained the rates of accidents in mines and the steps that are constantly taken by DGMS to • Mr. Honnapuram Kariyanna (LM 5205/BAN): Expired imbibe 'Zero Harm' concept amongst all concerned people, on 11-09-2017 namely owners, supervisors and workmen (employed by the • Mr. C.S. Shivashankar (LM 0017/BAN): Expired on 23- owners and also contractors). Mr. R.H. Sawkar, Immediate 12-2017 Past Chairman, MEAI Bengaluru Chapter was felicitated • Condolence messages were sent to the families on the occasion. Mr. B.G. Chennappa, Retired Additional concerned, obituary published in MEJ and one-minute Director of Mines and Geology, Karnataka who was Mr. silence observed in the meetings. Sawkar's classmate and a close associate since 1954 gave a chronological account of their lasting friendship; his talk was studded with humour and the audience burst into laughter all along. Mr. A.K. Megharaj, retired just a day before from the Directorate of Mines Safety, GoI added glamour to the assembly. His prolific service in Bharat Gold Mines Limited during the early years of his career, and later in DGMS was recalled. He was felicitated by Mr. Dhanajaya Reddy and Mr. H.S. Murthy. The highlight of the IMD was essay writing competition for the students on 'Role of Management for Safety in Mines' for which the response was overwhelming with 16 entries; Mr. D. Vidyarthi and Mr. Cyriac Joseph evaluated the essays and announced cash awards and Executive Committee members of Bengaluru Chapter for 2017-19 certificates to Messrs. Micah John Simeon, Manju Katti, and L to R: Dr.H.S.Venkatesh, Mr.H.S.Murthy, Mr.N.Rajendran, Mr.Dhananjaya Aadhil S, all from School of Mines, KGF, and Mr.Kartikeyan G.Reddy, Mr.R.H.Sawkar (National Council member), Dr.T.N.Venugopal, from Acharya Polytechnic, Bengaluru. Mr.K.R.Krishnamurthy and Mr.V.Nagaraj (Mr.Cyriac Joseph and Mr.S.Nayak were not present) Some Members of Bengaluru Chapter participated in a one-day Workshop organized in Bengaluru by the Geological Society of India on 29th May 2017. The theme was 'Strengthening of State Departments of Mines and Geology'.

Honor Mr. Deepak Vidyarthi was conferred the Award of Excellence for Mine Planning & Design for 2016-17, at the Geominetech Symposium on the National Technology Day on 11th May, 2017 at Bhubaneshwar. Mr. D. Vidyarthi received MEAI Smt. Veena Roonwal Memorial Award for best technical paper Dr.T.N.Venugopal, Chairman, handing over a memento to Mr.A.K.Ojha.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 53 Seminar on Mining, Metallurgy & Environment: L to R: Mr. K.R.Krishnamurthy, Mr.R.H.Sawkar (R) giving a memento to Mr.K.S.Raju (L), Former Controller Dr. S. Subramanian, Mr.K.S.Raju, Mr.TRR Rao, Mr.R.H.Sawkar, Dr.B.P. Ravi, General of IBM & Chairman of the Technical Session Mr.Vivek Ranganathan

Dr. R.Srinivasan, Senior Researcher in the Centre for Atmospheric and Mr. K.R.Krishnamurthy, Secretary presenting memento to Mr. S.C.R.Peshwa, Oceanic Sciences, IISc delivering his talk during the half day seminar on 17th Director (Exploration), Deccan Gold Mines Ltd. March 2018.

A section of students, Acharya Polytechnic, listening to Mr.S Subramanyam’s Mr.D Vidyarthi, who made a presentation on blast designs in mines, receiving talk. a memento from Prof.Rekha Reddy, Assistant Professor, Acharya Polytechnic.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 54 Inauguration of the Workshop on Minor Minerals Legislation: Mr.R.Veeramani, Inaugural Programme of the workshop. L to R- Mr. K.R.Krishnamurthy, Dr. Chairman, GEM Group of Companies & Chief Guest addressing the gathering. T.N.Venugopal and Mr. D.V.Pichamuthu Seated L to R: Mr.K.R.Krishnamurthy, Dr.T.N.Venugopal, Mr.R.H.Sawkar and Mr.Dhananjaya G Reddy

Technical session of Workshop of GST Mr. A.R.Vijay Singh delivering a talk during the Workshop on impact of GST in Mining Industry.

Shri. R.H.Sawkar felicitated by S/Shri A.K.Megharaj and P.Sriram. Prize winning students with the Mr. A.K.Megharaj, Chief Guest and Mr. Cyriac Mr.Dhananjaya Reddy, Dr. K.V.Krishnamurthy and Mr. K.R.Krishnamurthy Joseph, one of the Jury. Students from left to right - Kartikeyan, Manju Katti, also seen. Micah John Simeon & Aadhil S.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 55 Belgaum Chapter • The Chapter sponsored Zeolite Exhibition held on 5-8 The following are the brief activities of the Chapter during October 2017 at GSS College, Belgaum by contributing 2017-18. with Rs.25000. • The last Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Chapter • Details of Fixed Deposits (Total 5,15,386) of the was held on May 28, 2017 and election was held for Chapter: Rs. 2,00,000 at Canara Bank, Khanapur various positions of Executive committee for the year Road, Belgaum (till 28 June 2020) and Rs. 2,14,416 2017-19. and Rs.1,00,970 at Canara Bank, Udyambag Branch, • Apart from AGM, 6 monthly meetings and one Belgaum with monthly interest earning scheme. bimonthly meeting were conducted to discuss various ------issues pertaining to Mining, Geology, Environment, MEAI, GST etc. These meetings were held at two NATIONAL WORKSHOP on Limestone and Dolomite venues viz. National Institute of Hydrology, Belgaum Deposits of India, Organised by Mining Engineers’ and Hotel Shiva, Belgaum. In addition, two meetings Association of India, Belgaum Chapter in association with of the workshop organizing committee were also held Department of Geology, GSS College, Belagavi, held on 7th towards organizing the National workshop. January 2018 at KM GIRI AUDITORIUM, GSS COLLEGE, • It’s sad news for our Chapter that it lost Dr. G.S. Pujar, BELAGAVI was inaugurated with an invocation song by GSS Associate Professor, KSc, Dharwad who was a great College Students. Shri. D.S. Malkai, Chairman, Belgaum academician and Life Member of MEAI, on February Chapter welcomed the dignitaries and the delegates. 11, 2018. Shri. Kamlesh Patel, Convener & Jt. Secretary, Belgaum • Mr. D.A. Hiremath has continued to be the National Chapter briefed about the Belgaum Chapter and introduced Council member of the MEAI for the term 20017- the guests. The workshop was presided over by Shri. K. 2019. Madhusudhana, Vice-President II, MEAI & Vice-President • Three new Life Members were enrolled during this M/s. MSPL, Hosapete, along with Chief Guest Dr. T.N. term viz. Dr. P. Prabhakar, Solapur; Mr. S.A. Budavi, Venugopal, Chairman, Bangalore Chapter; Principal Dr. N.D. Belgaum, and Mr.Yogesh M Kutre, Belgaum Hegde; Shri. D.S. Malkai, Chairman Belgaum Chapter; Dr. • Mr. D.S. Malkai, Chairman and Dr P.T. Hanamgond, P.T. Hanamgond, Organising Secretary, and Shri. Kamlesh Secretary of the Chapter attended the GST Workshop Patel, Convener, by pouring water to a plant. At the outset, held at Bangalore on August 17, 2017. Shri. K. Madhusudhana, released the Souvenir volume. MEAI Belgaum Chapter and GSS College entered into an MoU to • With MEAI Bangalore Chapter as the principal place have interactions and interdisciplinary programs in future for of business under GST Laws, the Belgaum Chapter has been incorporated as additional place of business the betterment of the Society and Geology students. along with Bellary-Hospet Chapter and Hutti-Kalburgi Chapter. The GSTIN (GST Identification Number) Life members Shri. S.R. Hegde and Shri. A.P. Bansal allotted to our Chapter is 29AAATM7472Q1ZO. were felicitated for rendering yeomen service to Belgaum Chapter. • The Chapter has conducted one National workshop on “Limestone and Dolomite Deposits of India”, at KM The chief guest Dr. T.N. Venugopal in his address briefed Giri Auditorium, GSS College, Belgaum, which was a the importance of Limestone and Dolomite deposits, the grand success. On this occasion, the Chapter entered legislative constraints etc. He appreciated both GSS College in to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with and Belgaum chapter for having entered into an MoU, and GSS College. said it is the first time in the MEAI history to have entered • The Chapter has brought out a leaflet regarding the an MoU with a UG College. He also delivered a keynote activities of MEAI and Belgaum Chapter, for distribution talk on Limestone and Dolomite Mineral Concessions- to the delegates during the National workshop. Processes and Procedures, wherein he elaborated the • Two of our members Mr. S.R. Hegde and Mr. A.P. details of Indian and International scenario of limestone and Bansal were felicitated at the National workshop for dolomite exploration and Indian status. their dedicated services to the Belgaum Chapter. • Dr. Hanamgond, Secretary published a paper “A note Shri. Mukeshkumar Sinha, GM (Mines), Dalmia Cement on Zeolites of Maharashtra”, in Mining Engineers’ Ltd., Yadwad, delivered the second talk of the day on Journal June 2018, pp 19-21. “Limestone Mining after recent regulatory regime”. He • Dr. Hanamgond, Mr. G.S.N. Murty, Mr. K.V. Patel detailed about the problems and constraints in Limestone and Mr. H.G. Shreepada attended the Mines Safety mining, especially highlighting the MMDR Act and has made Association of Karnataka, Golden Jubilee Celebrations some significant recommendations, which are included at seminar held at Bangalore on May 25-26, 2018. the end of this report.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 56 The third invited talk was given by Dr. A. R. Kulkarni, Head, Belagavi on “Limestone & Dolomite Deposits of Bagalkot Environmental Science, SCIBER, Kolhapur on “Sustainable District”, wherein he gave a brief account of Bagalkot Development Framework for mining”, wherein he gave a deposits with reference to stratigraphy, geology and grade. brief account of Star rating aspects for mines.

The fifth invited talk was given by Shri. S.M. Waghmare, Asst. Professor, SGBIT, Belagavi (joint paper with authors Dr. P.T. Hanamgond and Mrs. P.S. Shinde) on “Geo-tourism in Karst Topography”, highlighting the limestone deposits which have importance in Geo heritage/tourism point of view.

Exchange of MoU document by Principal Dr. N.D. Hegde and Shri. D.S. At the end of the day’s deliberations, a panel discussion Malkai with valedictory function was held under the chairmanship of Dr. B.K. Purandara, Scientist NIH & Vice Chairman, MEAI Belgaum chapter along with the panel members Shri. H.G. Shreepada, Mine Owner, Bagalkot, Shri. G.S. Narasimhamurty, Mining Consultant, Bagalkot & Shri. Sagar M. Waghmare (Treasurer) and Shri. Mukeshkumar Sinha, GM (Mines), Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd., Yadwad.

The following recommendations were drawn from the panel discussion: 1) Approval of leases should be faster, 2) In case of associated Release of Souvenir volume by the dignitaries deposits of Limestone and Dolomite, the dolomite deposit should be treated as major mineral and approval should be sought from IBM, 3) In case of Patta Land the approval should be sought from either State or Central Govt., 4) In case of associated minerals/ materials such as building material (rejects) or over burden, occurring in the held lease, the lessee should be permitted to sale in the open market which will generate revenue to the State Govt & will lower the burden, 5) After mining of resources before 50 yrs, the stamp duty should be levied for that period of Mining only, 6) Due to various constraints only part of the Mineral resources can be converted into reserves. Therefore it is suggested that the Presidential remarks by Shri. K. Madhusudhana, VP-II, MEAI resources for the auction-able blocks should be put under – 1. Constraint Free Areas & 2. Constraint Areas, 7) Mineral bearing areas should be put to auction only after obtaining in-principle clearances and NOC (including Gram Sabha), etc., 8) In case of auction of mining blocks: a) Average Sale Price of Limestone: Long term obligations (50 Years) not to be linked with Volatile Reference price. Separate Sale Price for Captive and Non Captive Limestone Mines may be considered, 9) In case of Transfer of Mining Lease, transfer of captive mining lease within group companies where there is no change in effective control and management may be Shri.Mukeshkumar Sinha, GM (Mines) Dalmia Cements, with Dr. B.K. considered by including a definition in the rule of transfer and Purandara, Shri H.G. Shreepada, & Shri. Sagar Waghmare in Panel exempt them from payment of transfer charges, 10) In case Discussion of Taxes and Levies, the effective tax rate for mining in India is significantly higher than any other country in the world and The fourth invited talk was given by Shri. Yogesh M.Kutre needs rationalization, and 11) In case of Threshold value of (joint paper with authors Dr. P.T. Hanamgond and Shri. Lime Stone, it is suggested to revise threshold values in line S.S. Mense) Lecturer, Geology Department, GSS College, with Norms of NCBM.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 57 BELLARY - HOSPET CHAPTER • Improving the membership of the Chapter Annual General Meeting • Different activities to be conducted The Annual General Meeting of the Chapter was held at • Ways of generating funds MGVTC Sandur on 29th July, 2017. The following office bear- • Frequency of meetings to be conducted ers and executive committee were elected unanimously. It was proposed and decided to celebrate ‘Indian Mining Chairman: Day’ with a theme “Accountability in our future Challenge” Shri B. Sahoo, GM, NMDC Ltd., Donimalai on 1st November 2017.

Vice Chairman: Indian Mining Day Celebration Shri T.L. Yogananda, HOD Department of Mining & Metal- On 1st November 2017, Indian Mining Day & Karnataka Ra- lurgy Engineering- TMAES Polytechnic Hosapete. jyotsava Day were celebrated at TMAES Polytechnic, Hosa- pete by the Mining Engineers Association of India, BH chap- Secretary: ter. More than 200 professionals attended the program. Shri Shri K. Prabhakar Reddy, CEO, Sai Universal Services & K. Madhusudhana, Vice President-II, MEAI, Shri K. Prabha- SUMS Techno Labs Pvt. Ltd. kar Reddy, Secretary, MEAI-BH Chapter, Shri Gopal Joshi, AGM, RBSSN, and Shri T.M. Vijaya Kumar, Principal graced Jt. Secretary cum Treasurer: the occasion and delivered their valuable speeches. Later Shri R. Prakash Babu, Mines Manager, SMIORE Sandur. on, they interacted with the students.

Executive members: General Body Meeting Shri S.H.M. Mallikarjuna, General Body Meeting of the chapter was held on 17.11.2017 AGM, M/s JSW, Sandur at MGVTC, Sandur. Shri K. Prabhakar Reddy, Secretary of the Chapter requested the executive committee members Shri J. Srikanth, and others present to rise the members strength of the Mines Manager, M/s ZTC, Sandur Chapter by encouraging mineral industry professionals to join as Life Members of MEAI. He requested all executive Shri P. Sathyaprakash, committee members to donate Rs.5,000 each to MEAI to Mines Manager, M/s RMML, Hosapete generate funds for the Association.

Shri M.T. Jagadish, Mines Manager Dr. Meda Venkataiah Past President, MEAI in his speech M/s Chowgule & Company Pvt. Ltd., Hosapete suggested for conducting National Seminar in association with Ballari-Hosapete, Gulbarga & Bengaluru Chapters. Shri Chandrashekhar Halli, DGM, MGVTC, Sandur Shri K Madhusudhana, VP-II, MEAI encouraged new engi- neers to become life members of the Association. He in- On the same day, a seminar was organized on recent Leg- formed that national seminar is being proposed to be held islation changes like MMRD, DMF, NMET, Mineral auction by the Chapter in September 2018. He also informed that Rules etc. Dr. T. N. Venugopal, Shri A.R. Vijay Singh, Council coaching classes for candidates appearing for First Class Member and Shri S. Nayak, MONCOM presented techni- Mine Manager examination will be arranged soon after the cal papers. Mr. Rakesh presented on “MAGMA the Miners issuing the examination notification by DGMS. He requested Anatomy” Mobile App. There was also an open discussion to collect the data of officers/ competent persons working in about IBM “Online application” for Star Rating and its dif- the mining field of their organization and send it to Chair- ficulties”. man/ Secretary of the Chapter for compilation and main- tain centralized data bank. He requested senior members of Dr. Meda Venkataiah and Shri M.S. Raju expressed their MEAI to become fellow members of MEAI. views on the activities of the Chapter and made sugges- tions for further improvement. Shri Manish Eknath Murkute, In his speech, Shri B. Sahoo suggested the members to in- DMS, Bellary Region shared his experiences for the better- crease the frequency of technical seminars at Chapter level. ment of the Association. He requested member mines to donate generously to the Association’s fund. He congratulated Shri K. Madhusudana First Executive Committee Meeting for being elevated as Vice President-II of MEAI National The first executive committee meeting of the Chapter was Council. conducted on 19th Sept. 2017 at Sai Universal Mining Ser- vices-Hosapete. Discussed the following points in the meet- In the technical session, following papers were presented ing: on different topics.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 58 • Water purifier for healthy life was presented by Mr. on the seminar theme as “PRESENT MINING & FUTURE Praveen from Enagic India Kangen Water Pvt Ltd- CHALLENGES”, which may be modified and finalized in Hydrabad next meeting. • Shri Shivaprasad and his team presented on Belt Conveyor System The following important aspects for holding the seminar • Shri Sanjeev Sheel from M/s Automation Controls, were discussed in detail. Hyderabad presented on Safety equipment to be used i) Expected members for Seminar is 250-300 and in HEMM in mines students 50-80. ii) On 21st Sep 2018 (first day of the seminar), it was Second Executive Committee Meeting decided to have conference Dinner. Second executive meeting was conducted at NMDC Guest house, Donimalai on 20th January, 2018. iii) Estimation of income and expenditure was made on the basis of Seminar conducted in the year 2013-14 Chairman of the chapter Shri B. Sahoo congratulated all and it amounts to around Rs. 25 Lakhs. the executive members for contributing Rs 5000 each to the iv) Prima facie it was decided to collect Event Sponsorship Chapter as a donation. He also thanked all the executive were @ Rs. 5 lakhs, 3 lakhs, 2 lakhs, & 1 Lakh depending members for making new life members from this chapter. on the size of the company Chairman suggested all the Executive members to make at v) Delegate fee for the seminar was decided as below: least 10 new life members each. MEAI members………. Rs. 2,000 Shri K Madhusudhana, VP-II, MEAI appreciated that there is Non members………… Rs. 3,000 an increase of enrollment of new members, which is a worthy Students………………… Rs. 500 achievement by the members. Secretary Shri K Prabhakar Reddy also suggested that we should make two groups, one vi) Venue of the seminar at Hotel Mallige, Hosapete at Hosapete and another at Sandur to approach mine own- vii) On the suggestion of the Chairman, the following ers and request them to donate funds for the Association. It committees were formed for smooth organization of was decided to request to all the members of the chapter to the seminar. donate funds to the Association. a) Collection Committee (Executive committee is responsible for the collection) Chairman of the Chapter proposed to conduct workshop / technical talk 1) Mine Transport surveillance system at b) Technical Paper Committee NMDC, 2) Downhill Conveyor system, and 3) Recent amend- c) Organizing Committee ments on E-Auction, etc. Requested the mining companies d) Broacher Committee to host the same. viii) It was decided to release the brochure by First week of June 2018. It was also decided to have the following It was also decided to conduct a National Seminar on Sep- members in the brochure committee. tember 21-22, 2018 at Hosapete. The title of the national seminar will be decided later. Shri K. Madhusudhana was a) Shri K Madhusudhana requested to obtain the National Council’s approval for hold- b) Shri K Prabhakar Reddy ing the national seminar. c) Shri Jagadeeshwar, NMDC Ltd. Third Executive Committee Meeting d) Shri Chandrashekhar Halli It was conducted at NMDC Guest house, Donimalai on 27th ix) Shri K Madhusudhana informed that DMS shall be the March 2018. Patron with other DMS and Dy. DMS as delegates. x) It was decided to assign Shri K Madhusudhana with Shri B. Sahoo, Chairman expressed his happiness for put- the responsibility of booking the hotel and other ting all the efforts in enrolling highest number of life mem- arrangements for the seminar. bers & Student members compared to other Chapters. Shri K. Prabhakar Reddy, Secretary informed that the Chapter It was decided to have a workshop on 20th April 2018 at enrolled 74 Life Members, 53 Students Members and 2 MGVTC Sandur followed by dinner with families. The sub- Fellow Members. He also informed that the Chapter has got the approval from Head office to organize 2-days Na- jects proposed for discussion in the seminar are: tional Seminar on September 21-22, 2018 and requested 1. Belt Conveyor system the members to propose appropriate title/ theme for semi- 2. Star rating report procedures nar. After prolonged discussions, it was tentatively decided 3. Mine Transportation and Surveillance System

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 59 GLIMPSES of EVENTS

Shri K Madhusudhana VP II, MEAI requested the members for selection of Felicitation to Shri Dr Meda Venkataiah, Past President, MEAI, ED Mining, new office bearers MSPL

Shri B Sahoo, GM, NMDC Donimalai selected as a chairman of MEAI BH Chapter Lightening of Lamp

Shri K Prabhakar Reddy, CEO, SUMS-Hospet selected as a Secretary of MEAI BH Chapter Presidential address by T M Vijaya Kumar, Principal TMAE’S

Felicitation to Shri MS Raju, Council Member MEAI Speech by Chief Guest Shri K Madhusudhana VP II, MEAI

MEAI Special Issue 2018 60 Dhanbad Chapter Seminar on “Mining Industry – Future Prospects and Challenges” 17th June, 2017, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad On this great occasion, a seminar on "Mining Industry - Future Prospects and Challenges" was also organized. In this session, six research papers were presented by scientists, CSIR-CIMFR and the chief guest of the function Prof. B. B. Dhar.

Prof. B. B Dhar delivered a lecture on “Skill development Memento Distributed to Fresher’s by Shri K Prabhakar Reddy, Secretary BH initiative in Indian mining sector – FIMI’s efforts” where Chapter he explained about the necessity of skill development for generating employment, adorned several examples where skill development helped in empowering the youth, discussed the necessity of skill development in the country, presented relative comparison of initiatives taken by the mining communities at present and in the past and oriented the future path forward to the mining communities, avenues where efforts have to be concentrated for skill development.

Dr. N. Sahay, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR delivered a lecture on “Challenges in ventilation, fire and safety in coal mines” where he explained about the history of mine ventilation, the role of ventilation in controlling underground Water purifier for healthy life by Mr. Praveen from Enagic India Kangen fire, the safety aspects associated with mine fire, control Water Pvt Ltd-Hydrabad of open and sealed fires. The challenges in maintaining adequate ventilation, controlling fire in coal mine were also discussed. He stressed the need for planning and design of ventilation system for deep underground coal mines and studies on thermal properties of rock. Application of CFD modeling for realistic estimation of air quantity requirement for mechanized mines is also emphasized.

Dr. Abhay Kumar Singh, Principal Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR delivered a lecture on “Water resource management in Indian coal mining areas”. With the help of several statistics he explained the drawbacks of water management and nationwide water resources and their respective qualities. Safety equipments to be used in HEMM in mines by Shri Sanjeev Sheel from He explained the hydro-geological formations of coal and M/s Automation Controls how its geochemistry contributes to the overall chemical composition and physical characteristics of mine water. In the latter half of the lecture, he elucidated that under the present scenario of water scarcity, enormous quantities of water generated as a result of mining operations can be purified and utilized. This has been successfully implemented in BCCL.

Dr. T. Gouricharan, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad delivered a lecture on “Effect of Mining process Executive committee members assembled in NMDC Guest House to for selection of coal washery equipments”. He emphasized discuss and decide the theme for international seminar. on the importance of washing high ash Indian coal. He “PRESENT MINING & FUTURE CHALLENGES” identified four key areas where mining operations produce

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 61 challenges on coal washing processes and the technological interventions required to overcome it. He showed how recommendations of CSIR-CIMFR regarding inclusion of rotary breaker for crushing the large sized rocks prior to washing has increased the efficiency of washeries.

Dr. C. N. Ghosh, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad delivered a comprehensive and thought provoking talk on “Coal ash as a filling material for underground and opencast coal mines”. He stressed on the importance of coal ash for filling in underground mines at the backdrop Prof. B. B. Dhar and other dignitaries lighting the lamp of sand becoming a scarce resource and Indian power plants producing almost 200 MT of coal ash per annum. He explained the process of testing the strength of a back fill material right from physical simulation in the laboratory to field implementations when several parameters like compressibility, strength, permeability etc. are tested. He underlined the fact that in recognition of the successful work carried out by CSIR-CIMFR in the field of ash stowing in mines, Ministry of Environment and Forest, Ministry of Science and technology and Ministry of Mines bestowed accolades on CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad.

Ms. Pallabi Das, Scientist, CSIR-CIMFR, Dhanbad delivered Prof. B. B. Dhar installing medals and badges to Chairman MEAI Dhanbad Chapter a talk on “Process intensification- the future of sustainable technology and development”. The talk focused on four main technologies in the domain of process intensification, viz. micro reactors, membrane based contractors, membrane distillation and forward osmosis with respect to their salient features, area of application and further progress in each area. Advancement in the field of membrane technology is a key component in the successful application of process intensification. By describing various design aspects with practical implementations by way of process flow sheets and experimental setups she explained how process intensification’s intrinsic advantages were established - eco- friendliness, simple yet efficient systems, easy coupling Prof. B. B. Dhar installing medals and badges to Secretary MEAI Dhanbad Chapter with the renewable energy sources.

Inauguration of Dhanbad Chapter The inaugural ceremony of MEAI Dhanbad chapter was celebrated on 17th June 2017 in befitting manner at CSIR- Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research. As a result of the untiring efforts of MEAI, Dhanbad Chapter, Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Chairman, Dr. Santosh Kumar Ray, Secretary, Shri Santosh Kumar Behera, Jt-Secy-cum-Treasurer, other executive members and CIMFR scientists and technical officers, it was possible to establish a center of this dignified organization in Dhanbad. On the same day of inauguration Pledge ceremony, From left: Prof. B. C. Sarkar, Shri. A. K. Singh, Prof. B. B. a seminar on “Mining Industry – Future Prospects and Dhar, Prof. D.C. Panigrahi, Dr. P. K. Singh, Dr. S. K. Ray Challenges” was organized.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 62 Prof. Bharat Bhushan Dhar, Former Director, CSIR-CIMFR launch of Dhanbad Chapter and expressed his gratitude and Chairman of MEAI, New Delhi Chapter graced the towards everyone. He also informed the audience that MEAI occasion as the chief guest in this programme and also Dhanbad Chapter was approved at its council meeting held represented MEAI President. Among the dignitaries, Shri A. at Jaipur on 21st January 2017. K. Singh, Director Technical (P & P), ECL and Prof. D. C. Panigrahi, Director, IIT(ISM), Dhanbad were also present as National Conference on Recent Challenges in Mining Guests of honour. Industry (RCMI 2018) A National Conference was organized by Mining Engineers’ Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, gave a hearty welcome to all Association of India, Dhanbad Chapter in association with the guests and welcomed all the people in the auditorium. CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), He said, “MEAI, Dhanbad Chapter was established with 64 Dhanbad on 28th April 2018 at CSIR-CIMFR Dhanbad. In members and there should be 200 members of Dhanbad this conference 150 delegates attended and 49 papers were chapter by December 2017. Dhanbad chapter of MEAI presented by maintaining parallel session. Shri A K Kothari, would be the most famous center - this is our goal. " President, MEAI and Shri S Krishnamurthy, Secretary General, MEAI were also present in the conference. Shri Shri A. K. Singh, Director Technical (P & P), ECL and Selected- Ajay Kumar Singh, CMD, BCCL was the chief guest in the inaugural function and Prof. B B Dhar, Former Director, CMD of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) emphasized CSIR-CIMFR and National Council Member, MEAI was on the importance of underground coal mining, need of the guest of honour of the function. Dr. Praddep Kumar Singh, hour to go deeper so that coal deposits at greater depth can Chairman, MEAI Dhanbad Chapter and Director, CIMFR be extracted. He also gave a food for thought how to safely Dhanbad graced the event. extract coal below surface structure at shallow depth due to acute land acquisition problem. The mining industry in India is a major economic activity, which contributes significantly to India's economy. The Prof. D. C. Panigrahi, Director, IIT(ISM), Dhanbad addressed mining sector's GDP contribution is between 2.2% to 2.5%. the gathering starting with an inspiring story. He tried to Shri Ajay Kumar Singh said that we need to find alternatives convince everyone in his story of Hindustan Zinc Limited while facing the challenges of the mining industry and that the challenges remain everywhere, but those have work on the productivity, improvement and cost control. to face stubbornly. He said, "Coal production is a serious Considering the significance of environment, coal should be challenge today. The share of solar power has also increased produced efficiently. There is also a need to take concrete significantly. Its rate has decreased. The reason for this is steps regarding land acquisition. The government has to that scientists all over the world have faced the challenges consider socio-political conditions too. He emphasized of solar power. We will have to think together with passion on the current challenges that the coal mining industry is for development”. facing that include land acquisition, environmental impact of mining, extraction of coal standing on pillar, mining at greater Professor Bharat Bhushan Dhar said in his ostentatious depth among others. He stressed on the requirement of statement, "MEAI is the largest professional body of collaboration between CSIR-CIMFR, BCCL or industry as a geologists. Geoscientists must work together to solve the whole and DGMS to overcome the recent challenges. problems of the mining sector. Everyone should have a very high level of trust. Today, MGMI and MEAI are working Dr. Pradeep Kumar Singh, Director CIMFR welcomed the a lot in business bodies. CIMFR and IIT(ISM) can do guests and focused on the demand supply gap that exists unprecedented work today, because both have resources in the Indian mining Industry and consumers. He also and the biggest thing is that they have the knowledge. He threw some light on the fact that though there are abundant further said that Dhanbad is the 25th center of MEAI and 60 potash reserves in the country we still are importing potash, years of MEAI has been completed. Inaugurating Dhanbad which is an ingredient for agricultural fertilisers. He again chapter in the year of this diamond jubilee, it is a matter detailed about the abundance of rare earth deposits and the of great honour in itself. After his address, Professor Dhar requirement of coal to methanol. He also emphasized on the use of methanol in place of coal. took pledge from the 45 MEAI members present in the gathering. Thereafter he installed medal and badges to Dr. Professor Bharat Bhushan Dhar said that we cannot obtain Pradeep Kumar Singh,Chairman,MEAI, Dhanbad Chapter, experience as a legacy. We have to achieve it through hard Dr. Santosh Kumar Ray, Secretary, and Mr. Santosh Kumar work. Honesty and hard work should get absorbed in our Behera, Jt-Secy-cum-Treasurer. blood. Then only we can imagine about development in this area. He also emphasised on the need for a MOU between Professor B.C. Sarkar, IIT (ISM), Dhanbad, Vice-Chairman, BCCL and CSIR-CIMFR to efficiently tackle environmental MEAI, Dhanbad Chapter congratulated everyone for the issues due to mining and allied industry.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 63 Giving details about Mining Engineers' Association of Indian Mining Day India (MEAI), Shri Arun Kumar Kothari said that MEAI has The Indian Mining Day was celebrated on November 1, membership strength of over 5000, spread across 25 Chapters 2017 at Mining Engineering Department, Goa Engineering in the country. The members include Mining Engineers, College (GEC), Farmagudi. The dignitaries present on Geologists, Metallurgists, Geoscientists, Environmental the dais were Dr. Ulhas Sawaikar, HOD (Mining)- GEC, Engineers and Allied Engineers serving the mining industry, Mr. Cletus D’Souza, Vice- Chairman of Goa chapter, Mr. Educators, Researchers and Students. MEAI advances the Mahesh Bongale, Member- National Council, MEAI and mining community through information exchange, knowledge Mr. E. Hymakar Reddy, Secretary of Goa chapter. The chief sharing and professional development. He stressed on the Guest Dr. Sawaikar mentioned about the need for students importance of MEAI in the mining fraternity, which organizes to join the professional bodies to promote their careers. over 100 seminars and symposia every year. He requested MEAI to play a key role in involvement of students in industrial projects. Mr. Mahesh Bongale spoke on the theme of the Day “Role of Management for Safety of Mines”. He mentioned that though the legislations are very strong in India with regard to safety, still the companies need to go a few steps ahead in identifying the hazards & arriving at solutions. Mr. Cletus D’Souza spoke on the theme and explained as to how there was development of safety standards in Goan Mining Industry. He administered the safety pledge by all the members present. Mr. Hymakar Reddy gave an overview of the objectives of the Indian Mining Day and also introduced the guest speaker of the day. The formal function was followed by a technical talk by Mr. Clarence D’Souza, Training Officer (GGVTC), Ex- Associate General Manager (safety), M/s Vedanta & Safety Consultant Section of Audience on “Behavioural Management”. Mr. Clarence addressed the elements in Safety interaction program and Risk Behaviour (ABC Model). Mr. Akhil Avchar, Asst. Professor proposed vote of thanks. The entire programme was managed by Ms. Yogita Kharkhanis, Asst. Professor (Geology). Over 70 MEAI members, Faculty & Students of GEC attended the programme.

National Metallurgists’ Day Goa Chapter in association with the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM), GMOEA and Indian Institute of Mineral Engineers organised the 55th National Metallurgists’ Day (NMD) on November 11-14, 2017 at Birla Institute of Technology & (R to L): Dr P.K. Singh, Prof B.B. Dhar, Shri A.K. Singh, Shri A.K. Kothari Sciences (BITS Pilani), K K Birla Goa Campus in Goa. A and Dr C.N. Ghosh Symposium on “Iron Ore Mining: Issues and Solutions” was organised with active participation from MEAI members. Goa Chapter Shri. Y.S. Reddy & Shri Awdeoppan, MEAI members were Annual General Meeting Annual General Meeting (AGM) was conducted on June in the organising committee. Over 40 members from Goa 25, 2017 at GGVTC, Curti at 11:30 am. Prior to AGM a Chapter attended the technical session. technical session on “Mine Pumps – Practical solutions” was presented by Mr. Balkrishna M. Chodankar, Lecturer in Meeting of Experts Mechanical Engineering, Government Polytechnic Mayem. A meeting of experts in the field of mining industry and National President Mr. T. Victor was the Chief Guest on this Executive Committee of the Chapter was called on February occasion and presided over the function. Other dignitaries 21, 2018 at 4:00 pm at GGVTC to discuss “Mining in Goa on the dais were Mr. C.G.B.S. Varma, Chairman, Mr. Cletus – A way Forward”. The discussion critically analysed all the D’Souza, Vice-Chairman, and Mr. E. Hymakar Reddy, issues pertaining to Hon’ble Supreme Court judgement on Secretary of the Chapter. Mining in Goa.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 64 Hyderabad Chapter (1) Mineral Exploration; (2) Mining Technology; (3) Overseas MINING TODAY 2018: International Conference-cum- Mining Policy & Technology; (4) Mineral Concessions Exhibition, 14-17 February 2018, Hyderabad & Legislation; (5) Environment; (6) Mineral Economics, Mining Today 2018, an International Conference-cum- Financing & Investments; (7) Atomic Minerals, Beach Sands, Exhibition was held from 14-17 February 2018 in HITEX River Sands & Crushed Stone Sands and (8) Sustainable Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The mega event was Framework & Prospective Mineral Scenario with Special jointly organized by Mining Engineers Association of India Focus on Telangana State. The Special Invitees and Speakers (MEAI) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce from Australia, USA, Canada, South Africa and India have & Industry (FICCI) supported by Government of India and attended and presented their esteemed papers on above State Government of Telangana. subjects. The paradigm of technical papers, deliberations and panel discussions were very much relevant to the On 14.02.2018, the inauguration of Mining Today 2018 was concept & event profile focusing on policy, machinery and held at 4.00 PM in HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The technology transfer. The proceedings during international inaugural function was graced by Shri ESL Narasimhan, His conference were highly appreciated by speakers, delegates, Excellency Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana as exhibitors and visitors. Chief Guest; Shri Narendra Singh Tomar, Hon’ble Minister of Rural Development, Panchayath Raj & Mines, Government In the exhibition, 88 entities viz., Private companies, Central of India as Special Guest and Shri K.T. Rama Rao, Hon’ble & State Public Sector units, Central & State Government Minister for Information Technology, Municipal Administration Departments have participated. There was display and & Urban Development, Industries & Commerce, Public dissemination of information/data by granite industry, Enterprises, Sugar, Mines & Geology and NRI Affairs as machinery, equipment, cement, quartz & feldspar, mineral Distinguished Guest. samples etc. Delegates, speakers & visitors have thronged the exhibition on all three days i.e., 15-17 February 2018 Shri Seri Subhash Reddy, Chairman, Telangana State and appreciated the presentation of mineral based products, Mineral Development Corporation Ltd (A State Government machinery etc by the exhibitors. unit); Shri Arun Kumar IAS, Union Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Government of India; Shri Jayesh Ranjan IAS, On 16.02.2017, Valedictory function was held at 4.30 PM Principal Secretary & Commissioner Industrial Promotion, in HITEX Exhibition Centre, Hyderabad. The valedictory Industries & Commerce Dept. Government of Telangana function was graced by Shri Jogu Ramanna, Hon’ble attended as Guests of Honour. Minister of Forests, Environment & BC Welfare as Chief Guest; Shri G Jagadish Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Energy, Other dignitaries on the dais were Shri Arun Kumar Kothari, SC Development as Special Guest. President MEAI; Shri BRV Susheel Kumar, Director of Mines & Geology, Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad Chapter and Dignitaries on the dais were Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar, Chairman, Mining Today 2018; Shri Dilip Chenoy, Director Director of Mines & Geology, Chairman, MEAI Hyderabad General, FICCI. Chapter and Chairman, Mining Today 2018 and Dr N.K. Nanda, Director (Technical) NMDC and FICCI. Dr V N In the inaugural function on 14.02.2018, the attendance Vasudeva, Mineral Resource Consultant presented the including VIPs, Special Invitees, Dignitaries, Delegates, recommendations on the deliberations, discussions & panel Exhibitors, Visitors and public was more than 1500. discussion pertains to eight technical sessions held on 15th & 16th February 2018. Shri A.K. Kothari presented Welcome Address and Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar presented Key Note Address on The Chief Guest and Special Guest have presented Mining Today 2018. The Chief Guest, the Special Guest and Mementos to the exhibitors selected as best in display, the Distinguished Guest addressed the august gathering presentation and dissemination of information viz., 1st price and expressed their views on the concept & profile of to M/s. Singareni Colleries Co.Ltd; 2nd price to National Mining Today 2018 and its importance for mining sector Mineral Development Corporation under Govt./Public Sector in today’s overseas scenario. The Guests & Dignitaries on categories and 1st price to M/s. Gayathri Group and 2nd the dais lighted the lamp and His Excellency, the Governor price to M/s.Ram Dev Baba Granites and consolation price declared the mega event Mining Today 2018, International to M/s. InSmart Systems under private category. With the Conference-cum-Exhibition as opened. valedictory function, the International Conference concluded on 16.02.2018. In the valedictory function, the attendance On 15.02.2018 and 16.02.2018, the International Conference including VIPs, Special Invitees, Dignitaries, Delegates, was held wherein total eight sessions were organized viz., Exhibitors, Visitors and public was more than 1000.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 65 On 17.02.2018, the exhibition was open for general public. As the event was first of its kind held in the newly formed State of Telangana, the visitors appreciated the way the exhibition was organized with display & presentation of granite & dimensional stones, mineral samples, machinery, equipment etc.

The Mining Today 2018, International Conference-cum- Exhibition held on grand-scale was well appreciated by the Chief Guest, the Special Guest, the Distinguished Guest, Guest of Honor, Dignitaries, Special Invitees, Delegates, Speakers, Authors, Visitors, Media etc and the event concluded elegantly on 17.02.2018.

Keynote address on by Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar, Director M&G, Govt. of TS

Lighting of the lamp at Inaugural Meet by Shri KT Rama Rao, Hon'ble Minister for Mines, MAUD, PR, IT

Dignitaries at Valedictory Meet. Dr. N.K. Nanda, ShriBRV Susheel Kumar, Shri Jogu Ramanna and Shri Jagadesh Reddy, Hon'ble Ministers of Telangana, Shri Subhash Reddy, TSMDC Chairman and Dr. K. Vinod Kumar of NRSC. US delegate in Technical Session on 15 Feb 2018

H.E. ESL Narsimhan lighting the lamp in inaugural meet accompanied by Shri N.S. Tomar, Hon'ble Minister for RDPR and Mines and Shri KT Rama Rao Cultural Evening on 15 Feb 2018

MEAI Special Issue 2018 66 Kolkata Chapter Opening Bank Account Revival of Kolkata Chapter A savings bank account in the name of the Mining Engineers’ Action was initiated by the Council members for the revival Association of India, Kolkata Chapter was opened with the of Kolkata chapter and a General Meeting was convened State Bank of India, Terminus Building branch, Newtown, in the office of DMT Consulting (P) Limited on September Kolkata. Dr Srikant Annavarapu, Chairman and Mr. R 18, 2017. In this meeting, a brainstorming session was Karthikeyan, Joint Secretary cum Treasurer are retained as held to invite ideas for making the Kolkata Chapter active, authorized signatories for accounts. interesting and sustainable. There was active participation of 25 members and potential members during this meeting. New Membership Between September 2018 and March 2018, the National The following office bearers for MEAI, Kolkata Chapter, were Council approved six new members from the Kolkata elected by voice vote. Chapter.

Chairman Technical Presentations Prof Srikant Annavarapu Total five technical presentations were delivered during the year, as presented below: Secretary Mr Shameek Chattopadhyay 18th September 2018: Semi-Quantitative Approach to Mineral Resource Classification by Mr. Shameek Chattopadhyay, Joint Secretary cum Treasurer Principal Consultant, SRK Consulting Mr R Karthikeyan 27th October 2018:Payments to Governments globally Executive Committee members by lessee of mineral concession by Dr Harry Parker, Past Mr Suresh Chandra Singh Chairman, CRIRSCO Mr Ashok Kumar Ghosh 27th October 2018: Reflections on Regulatory Changes For enabling seamless communication between the in India and Payment to Government in Mineral Auction members and sharing their views, a WhatsApp group was Regime by Mr. Suresh Chandra Singh, Consultant created and a new committee was formed.

nd General Body Meeting and Election of Office Bearers 2 February 2018: Application of Drone Services for the On October 27, 2018, the Second General Body Meeting Mining Sector by V Nagaraj, President, Mappa Engineering was held and the members present approved the election Services, India of the Office bearers and the Executive Committee by voice nd vote. Twenty-two members and invitees attended this event, 2 February 2018: Imaging Applications in Geomechanics which was held at Ecovista, Newtown, Rajarhat, Kolkata. by Dr. John Kemeny, University of Arizona, USA

Apart from approval of elected members, resolution was Accounts passed for the following in the presence of 10 members. Income Amount (Rs.) 1. A savings bank account in the name of the Mining Engineers’ Association of India, Kolkata Chapter will Sponsorships 39,200 be opened with an appropriate Nationalised Bank. From MEAI HQ - 2. Authorisation of Dr Srikant Annavarapu, Chairman and Mr. R Karthikeyan, Joint Secretary cum Treasurer for Loan from A.Srikant 11,000 signing the forms and documents related to opening of Total 50,200 accounts.

Executive Committee Meeting Expenditure Since its revival until March 31, 2018, the Executive Committee met thrice and discussed the following issues: Meeting on 27.10.2017 31,430 • Budget for the Year Presentation 02.02.2018 3,352 • Managing Bank Account and Financial Matters Other expenses 2,750 • Initiatives for increasing membership • Monthly Meeting and Technical Presentations Total 37,532

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 67 Technical Presentation Rajasthan Chapter- Jaipur A meeting was convened on February 2, 2018 with two The Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur organized multi-faceted ac- presentations on ‘Drones in Mining’ coinciding with the visit tivities at its Mining Welfare Centre (MWC) during April 2017 of Dr. John Kemeny, Professor and Head, Department of to March 2018. They include organizing four seminar/ work- Mining and Geological Engineering, and Dr. Alon Efrat, shops, eight technical guest lectures, celebrations of Inde- Professor, Computer Science Department, from the pendence day, Republic day, Chapter Foundation day, and University of Arizona, USA. Mr. V. Nagaraja, President, Indian Mining Day, visit to Kayad and Agucha underground Mappa Engineering Services, Bengaluru was invited to mines, and special event on “Beti Bachao’ besides several make a presentation at the meeting. The presentations Annual General and Executive Body Meetings. Some of highlighted the possibility of using drone technology for the them are briefly discussed below: collection and analysis of critical data from mining operations to help assess ground movement and stability. A. WORKSHOPS/ CONFERENCES / SEMINARS Mr. Nagaraja presented on the basics of drone operations A.1 The Institution of Engineers (India) the Rajasthan State for mine surveying and the currently available models. Centre, organized two-day All India Seminar on Skill India- Drones were presented as devices to carry cameras and Making Engineers to Meet Demand of Industry in as- other sensors for rapid data gathering from mining areas. sociation with ‘The Employers Association of Rajasthan, The significance of route planning and scheduling and Bhardwaj Foundation, MEAI Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur and the importance of proper downstream analysis of the the Rotary Club, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur’ on May 6-7, 2017 in collected data was emphasized by the speaker. The draft the Auditorium of Mining Welfare Centre, Jaipur. It was in- Civil Aviation Requirements for Unmanned Aircraft System augurated by Dr. Jaswant Singh Yadav, Hon’ble Minister for (UAS), published by Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government Skill Development, Labour and Employment and Factory of India on 2nd of November 2017 was also discussed. and Boilers Inspection, Govt. of Rajasthan.

Dr. Kemeny’s talk on analyzing the stability of slopes Chairman, IEI Rajasthan State Centre Er. Praveen Jain FIE, with imaging technologies dovetailed with Mr. Nagaraja’s FITP welcomed the guests. Er. N.K. Jain, President, Em- presentation. He explained the collection and analysis of ployers Association of Rajasthan expressed his views on data for assessing the stability of slopes virgin and cut rock coordination between Industries and Institutions. Er. Anil slopes in USA. The use of drones to collect the required Mathur, Vice-Chairman, MEAI expressed his views on skill data from remote locations and in inaccessible areas of mine slopes was also presented. He also outlined the MoU requirements in Mining sector. Er. P.C. Sanghi and Er. P.M. signed between the University of Arizona and IIT Kharagpur Bhardwaj coordinated the function. In all 17 learned speak- and the projects likely to taken up by in near future. ers having vast experience as Vice Chancellors, Directors of Universities, top managers from Industries and business A lively discussion followed, and the members raised houses, field engineers in the field presented their expert several queries on various issues, mainly on the size of views in two technical sessions. drones, their capabilities and legal limitations on the usage of drones. As UAVs or drones will be the most effective and On 6th immediately after the Inauguration, First Session was sought-after technology in mining industry in future, it was chaired by Er. P.M. Bhardwaj FIE, Co- Chairman & Founder recommended by the participants for initiating efforts by President Bhardwaj Foundation, also known as Motivational MEAI for recommending special provisions, for encouraging Guru, wherein nine experts viz. Er. C. K. Bafna, Managing application in mining areas, to ministry of Civil Aviation. Director, Kautilya Institute of Technology and Engineering; Brig. Surjit Singh Pabla, President Bhartiya Skill Develop- The meeting concluded with the presentation of mementoes ment University; Dr. K. K. Singh Bhatia, President, Poornima to guest speakers by Dr A Srikant, Chapter Chairman and a University; Dr. RoshalLal Raina, V.C., JK Lakshmipat Uni- vote of thanks to the speakers and the participants. versity; Rtn. P.K. Tiwari, Ex. DGP, Director JECRC; Mr. Sunil Gurjar, Founder Sabal Bharat; Mr. Shankar, Kaushal Bhav Skill Solutions, Faridabad; Rtn Vipan Bahal, Secretary, Ro- tary Club, Jaipur Bapu Nagar & Owner BB professionals; and Er. D.P. Chirania, Ex Chief Engineer of erstwhile Rajast- han State Electricity Board made presentations.

On 7th May, Technical Session-II was chaired by Er. P.C. Sanghi, FIE, Convener & Past Chairman, IEI, RSC, Assis- tant Governor RID 3052, wherein eight learned speakers viz. Dr. Kemeny (R) receiving a memento from Dr. Srikant (L) Dr. Sandeep Sancheti, V.C., Manipal University; Dr. Pathak,

MEAI Special Issue 2018 68 V.C., KN Mody University. Newai; Mr. Rishi Raj Saxena, Sa- Modi that ‘if we have to promote the development of our bal Bharat; Dr. S. K. Calla, Dean SKIT Engineering College; country then our mission has to be Skill Development and Dr. Manoj Gupta, Dean Poornima University; Dr. Ravi Kumar Skilled India’, emphasized the need for skill development Goyal, Director, JIT Engineering College; and Dr. Sanjay Bi- in the mining sector of Rajasthan. He told that Rajasthan yani, Director, Biyani Engineering College presented capti- Government is already setting-up Skill Development Uni- vating ideas and concepts on skill education and its devel- versities for 100% employment and assured that if MEAI opment to suit the engineering needs. comes forward to teach skill development courses in mining in these Centres, then the funds can be arranged from the In the Valedictory Session, Er. Dr. Narendra Prakash government. Kaushik, FIE, Vice Chancellor, Rajasthan Technical Univer- sity, Kota was the Chief Guest and Er. R.P. Gupta, FIE, For- The workshop had two technical sessions. Technical Ses- mer President IEI & District Governor (Rotary International sion-I was chaired by Dr. Sushil Bhandari, former Professor, District 3052); Rtn Ramesh Choudhary; Er. Anil Mathur, Vice JNV University, Jodhpur and co-chaired by Dr. S.K. Parihar. Chairman, Jaipur chapter were guests of honour. Er. Praveen Shri A.K. Bhandari, CEO Skill Council for Mining Sector, Jain, Chairman, IEI SC while welcoming the guests, thanked New Delhi; Shri M.L. Lahoti, Vice President (Mines), Ultrat- Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jaswant Singh and the government for ech Cement Ltd., Kotputli; Shri Sanjay Sharma & Shri Ravi actively encouraging all the stakeholders for all their initia- Gupta, HZL, Udaipur; and Dr B.B. Dhar, former Professor tives and programs on skill development and assured on and Chairman, Delhi Chapter made presentations. Techni- behalf of the organizers to cooperate with the government cal Session–II was chaired by Dr. B.B. Dhar and co-chaired and undertake proactive programs. While extending vote of by Dr. M.L. Gupta. Three technical presentations were made thanks, Rtn Er A.K. Jain, President Rotary Club Jaipur Bapu by Dr. Sushil Bhandari, Shri B.S. Jodha, Director, Geological Survey of India Training Institute, Jaipur, and Shri Rishi Raj, Nagar, voiced the necessity to review the engineering cur- Sabal Bharat Sansthan, Jaipur. riculum and better coordination with AICTE. He thanked the Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur for providing their beautiful and The Panel Discussions were held in open-house format to well equipped auditorium at Mining Welfare Centre to hold consolidate the recommendations and outcome of the Work- the Seminar. shop for the follow-up. Shri A.K. Kothari, Vice President-1, MEAI chaired the panel, and the other panelists include dis- A. 2 A one-day workshop on ‘Skill Development in Mining’ tinguished delegates S/ Shri A.K. Bhandari, L.S. Shekha- was organized at Mining Welfare Centre (MWC), Jaipur on wat, B.B. Dhar, M.L. Gupta, M.L. Lahoti, O.P. Gupta, and P.C. June 25, 2017. It was inaugurated by Dr. Jaswant Singh Ya- Bakliwal. The Workshop concluded with thanks proposed by dav, Hon’ble Minister of Labour & Employment, Factory and Shri P.C. Bakliwal, Chairman of the Workshop. Boilers Inspection Government of Rajasthan; and attended by professionals in large numbers from mining, geosciences A.3 A workshop on Auction of New Mining Leases as per and academic institutions. Special Guests of Honour includ- the Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017 was ed Shri A.K. Bhandari, CEO, Skill Council for Mining Sec- organized jointly by Department of Mines and Geology, Ra- tor, New Delhi; Shri L.S. Shekhawat, COO, Hindustan Zinc jasthan Government; Rajasthan Stone Crusher Association; Limited, Udaipur; Shri Rajiv Saxena, JEP, Ultratech Cement and Rajasthan Small Mines (Chejja Pathar) Lease Holders Ltd. (Aditya Birla Group); Dr. Sushil Bhandari, former Profes- Association at Mining Welfare Centre, Jaipur on August 10, sor, JNV University, Jodhpur; Dr. B.B. Dhar, Chairman MEAI, 2017 at 2.00 pm, in association with Rajasthan Chapter- Delhi Chapter; Shri Sunil Gurjar, Sabal Bharat Sansthan, Jaipur. Jaipur; Shri A. Thiruvengadam, ADG, Geological Survey of India, Jaipur; and Shri A.K. Kothari, National Vice Presi- Presentations were made by Shri D.P. Gaud, SME, Jaipur dent-1, MEAI, who presided over the Inaugural Session. Circle of DMG, Rajasthan and Dy. Manager Shri Dinesh Dr. S.K. Wadhawan, Organising Secretary of Workshop & Meel of MSTC - the service provider for the Auction of Mi- former D.G., GSI welcomed the distinguished guests and nor Minerals in Rajasthan. The entire process of auctioning delegates. He elaborated on the objective of the Workshop ‘staring from the registration to final bidding’ was presented which comprised of raising awareness and involvement of through PowerPoint and clarified the queries raised by the stake holders and industry leaders on skill development in delegates. Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter- mining as per the requirement and the focussing on under- Jaipur appealed to all the leaseholders to generously con- standing the current trends and requirement in skill develop- tribute from their CSR fund, for the development of this Cen- ment in the mining sector of India in general and Rajasthan tre. Over 150 delegates attended the workshop, which was State in particular. followed by high tea, arranged by the Associations.

In his inaugural address, Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jaswant Singh A.4 Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur organized a one-day work- Yadav while quoting Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra shop on River Sands and its Alternatives on February 11,

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 69 2018 in association with DMG-Rajasthan and Stone Crush- and contribute handsome revenue in the form of taxes to er Association of Rajasthan. The main objective of the work- the government. He requested the government to relax the shop was to find the alternative material to replace river sand, rules and regulations such as reduction of crusher distance whose mining has been banned by Honorable Supreme from village to 500 m in place of 1500 m; ease in environ- Court, recently. Owing to this decision, all the infrastructural mental clearance; abolition of royalty on crushed material; development projects in Rajasthan came to standstill. The and encourage awareness on use of manufactured sand, to Chief Guest of the Workshop was Shri D.S. Maru, Director, promote ease of doing business. Department of Mines and Geology, Rajasthan Government. Shri A.K. Kothari, President, MEAI with Guests of Honor S In the post-lunch session, technical paper was presented by / Shri M.P. Meena, Additional Director, DMG-Rajasthan and Dr. K.S. Raghav, former Director, GSI on palaeo-drainage Shri Pawan Sharma, President, Crushers Association of system of Rajasthan along with their potential for river sand Rajasthan, chaired the inaugural function. deposits in many sectors. Large pockets of older river sand deposits are available, as per him, which may be mined in Shri P.C. Bakliwal, Secretary, Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur, place of existing rivers. It was followed by a power point and while welcoming the guests, after lighting the lamp, narrated film presentation by Everlast, manufacturer of variety of the importance of arranging this workshop. The Chief Guest weighbridges; plant manufacturers for sand making namely Shri D.S. Maru in his speech briefed the current mining poli- METSO, PROPEL, CDE, and GAWAR constructions. Shri cies of Rajasthan Government related to river sand mining. Saurabh Agarwal of LSC spoke about manufactured sand – Shri A.K. Kothari briefed about the MEAI activities and ef- its demand and advantage over the river sand. forts being made by the Association to sand mining. Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur, on Shri Meena expressed the activities and problems being behalf of MEAI, thanked all the sponsors, co-sponsors and faced by the department due to sand mining. Shri Pawan event & support partners of the workshop as well as to co- Sharma urged the government officials for extending the fa- organizers and delegates for making the event a success. cilities and subsidies required for stone crushing units, es- pecially for the sand manufacturing and washings, so that B. MISCELLANEOUS ACTIVITIES zero-waste could be achieved. The guests on the dais were B.1 Monthly Lecture Series: Under this, eight technical lec- felicitated by presenting shawls. Shri A.K. Kothari also hon- tures were organized at Mining Welfare Centre, as detailed ored all the sponsors and eminent guests by presenting the below: shawls. Vote of thanks was proposed by Shri O.P. Gupta, (a) Shri Anand Sharma delivered first lecture on May 13, Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur to all guests and del- 2017 on ‘Controlled Blasting in Jhalana area’ near egates attending the workshop. MNIT for foundation of Bhamasah Data Centre of State Government. His expertise in controlled blasting Pre-lunch technical Session was chaired by Dr M.K. Pandit, in the populated area in very successful manner was former Professor, Department of Geology, Rajasthan Uni- highly appreciated. In recognition of his achievement, versity, and co-chaired by Dr. A.K. Grover, former, Dy. D.G., Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman of the Chapter, presented a Geological Survey of India. Six presentations were made in memento to him. this session. (b) Second lecture was delivered by Dr. A.K. Grover, former Dy. D.G. and Head, Mission-II, GSI on June Shri D.P. Gaur, SME, DMG-Rajasthan gave a detailed ac- 10, 2017 on ‘Geotourism in North East States of count of the sand mining. He further explained the reasons India’ in Rajbhasha Hindi. Dr. Grover showed not only for banning the sand mining by Honorable Supreme Court the existing tourist areas of India and the Northeast of India. Dr. S.K. Wadhawan, former D.G., G.S.I. spoke on Region but also the geological sites having potential for the environmental hazards of sand mining and suggested Geotourism. His presentation in fluent Hindi had large remedial measures to mitigate environmental issues. Shri number of illustrated maps and drawings to understand Pradeep Agarwal, Supdg. Geologist, DMG-Rajasthan dealt the phenomenon and beautiful photographs of general in detail the case studies of sand mining from Banas and tourism as well as geological-tourism sites and features Kundli rivers and its resulting effects. Shri Vimal Chowdhury, viz. waterfalls, caves, various springs, high-altitude Advocate spoke about the reasons of the PIL as envisaged and other lakes, Majuli Island, Dauki fault, fossil sites in the constitution. Dr. Suhas Zambre, Professor, IIT, Mum- including dinosaurian one, discrete landforms, natural bai presented a detailed account of green technology of gas leakage sites and ravines, etc. It attracted a sewage treatment having advantage over conventional STP. detailed interaction with the audience especially who Shri D.S. Chawla, President, All India Crushers Associa- had visited the NE region of India. The lecture as well tion, briefed about the problems faced by the stone crush- as the efforts put in by Dr. Grover in making Hindi slides ers industry, which employs large number of rural population was highly appreciated by all present.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 70 (c) The third lecture was delivered on January 26, 2018 i.e. January 2017, in addition to regular monthly lectures, 68th Republic Day, by Dr. M.K. Pandit, former Professor celebration of Independence Day, Mining Day, Republic Day, and Head, Department of Geology, Rajasthan etc. Important milestone was completion of Seminar Hall in University on ‘Climate Change’. Dr. Pandit showed that Mining Welfare Centre before CRIRSCO Meet. the climate change is more due to the cyclic nature of the ice age and warm periods. Shri M.C. Goyal, Treasurer presented the Audited Accounts (d) Fourth lecture was delivered by Shri D.K. Saxena, of the Chapter, which were approved by the house. Shri former Director, DGMS on ‘Mine Safety Management’. O.P. Gupta appealed to members to use their good offices He presented several case studies that were handled in generating funds so that Mining Welfare Centre building by him. Both the topics were of general interest and construction could be completed before December 2017. hence received by the delegates with keen interest. The meeting ended with vote of thanks. (e) Fifth lecture was delivered by Shri M.L. Lahoti, B.3 The 71st Independence Day of our Nation was cele- Vice President (Mines), Kotputli Cement Works brated on August 15, 2017 with great enthusiasm by Rajas- on ‘Sustainable Mining’ on November 1, 2017. His than Chapter-Jaipur at its Mining Welfare Centre by hoisting emphasis was more on the mines safety, which also national flag. Shri R.K. Bakliwal, Patron hoisted the tri-color leads to sustainable mining, including health and safety in the premises. All members with full respect sang National standards, observation or monitoring, safety programs, Anthem. The celebration was followed by singing of freedom health programs, pollution and environmental hazards, songs and bhajan on the occasion of Shri Krishna Jana- water conservation and safety regulations, etc. mashtmi by Shri L.N. Yadav and distribution of sweets with (f) Shri P.N. Sharma, former DDG, GSI delivered the sixth high tea. lecture on November 1, 2017 on a special topic ‘Cosmic Consciousness Module and Brain Programming’. He B.4 Indian Mining Day was celebrated at Mining Welfare runs an Institute of Peace, Happiness and Mind Power Centre by hoisting MEAI flag and high tea on November 1, Development at Jaipur. His lecture included basics of 2017. It was followed by a guest lecture. the mental programming and healings. It was highly appreciated by everyone. B.5 MEAI Members Portal installation ceremony was also (g) The seventh lecture was delivered by Shri Pradeep conducted on Indian Mining Day at Jaipur. Shri Anil Mathur, Agarwal, Suptdg. Geologist, DMG, Rajasthan on March Coordinator of the portal, explained the details and the ap- plications of this portal to all the members present. 31, 2018 on ‘Regulatory Framework of Construction and Demolition Waste Management in India’. It was highly B.6 The Republic Day of our nation was celebrated with informative lecture detailing the present scenario with great enthusiasm by the members of Rajasthan Chapter- case studies and requirement for stricter monitoring of Jaipur on January 26, 2018 at Mining Welfare Centre by waste management in all states of our country. It was hoisting Nation’s Tricolor. The flag hoisting was carried out applauded by all present. by Shri R.K. Bakliwal, Patron, Rajasthan Chapter- Jaipur. All (h) The eighth lecture was delivered by Shri D.K. Rai, members present sang National Anthem. It was followed by Former DDG, GSI on March 31,2018 on an interesting presentation of technical lectures. topic ‘Astronomy and Astrology’. Shri Rai detailed the fundamentals of astronomy and the astrology, which B.7 The 9th Foundation Day of Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur were initiated by our ancestors. Now it is considered as was celebrated on February 11, 2018 at Mining Welfare a science all over the world. Being a topic of general Centre by organizing a workshop on ‘River sands and its interest to all, it was received with greater enthusiasm, Alternatives’. Shri P.C. Bakliwal, Secretary briefed the audi- followed by lively discussions. ence about the activities conducted by the Chapter since 2010. Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman, narrated briefly the details B.2 Annual General Body Meeting: Annual general meeting of the construction of MEAI building, including fund genera- of the Chapter was held on June 25, 2017 evening after the tion. completion of workshop on skill development. Members of Jaipur Chapter attended it in large numbers. Shri O.P. B.8 Special Event Gupta, Chairman of the Chapter convened the meeting. Shri On September 27, 2017 the ‘Beti Foundation’ arranged a A.K. Kothari, MEAI Vice President-I graced the dais. Shri felicitation programme to honour 50 personalities under P.C. Bakliwal, Secretary presented the Chapter’s report on ‘save-daughter-teach daughter’ theme at Mining Welfare activities conducted during July 2016 to June 2017. Major Centre, Jaipur. All the distinguished personalities who con- achievements of the Chapter included CRIRSCO ANNUAL tributed significantly to uplift the society were honored with MEET in November 2016, International Conference in ‘RCFS Excellence Award-2017’. Honorable Shri Ram Cha-

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 71 ran Bohra, MP was the chief guest of the function, which B.9 Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur team visited Kayad and was chaired by Dr. Ravi K. Goyal, Director, Jaipur Institute Agucha Underground Mines of Technology. Shri Raj Sharma, Director, Beti Foundation A two-days visit of lead-zinc mines of Hindustan Zinc Limit- welcomed the guests. ed located at Kayad in Ajmer district and Agucha in Bhilwara district, Rajasthan was arranged for the first time by the Shri Ram Charan Bohra in his address stated that the way Chapter on September 11-12, 2017 for its members. The the daughters are making progress on the developmental visiting team included S/ Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman, Anil path of our society by their untiring efforts deserve more Mathur, Vice Chairman, P.C. Bakliwal, Secretary, D.K. Saxe- encouragement. We can improve daughters’ future by creat- na, Council Member, R.S. Rathore, Council Member, S/Shri ing equal opportunities in the society. The time of ‘Navratri’, Dr S.K. Wadhawan, A.K. Grover, D.K. Rai, Chand Chandna when daughters are worshipped, was rightly chosen for the and Anand Sharma, Members. The Kayad mine commenced function on the theme of ‘beti-bachao beti-padhao’. The per- its construction in 2014, on a small but high-grade deposit. sonalities honored with ‘RCFS Excellence Award-2017’ in- Upon completion of its construction in 2018, it is planned cluded S/ Shri Dr. Charanjeet, Shatabdi Avasthi, Khushbo to produce 1.2 Million tonnes of ore per year. HZL officials Kapoor, motivational guru P.M. Bhardwaj, Anchor Preeti briefed the team about its geology and mine development Saxena, Interior designer Vijay Maan, Bollywood artist Mo- plan before escorting them to underground mine, which is hit Dubey, Harish Sharma, Karan singh, Bhagisha Sharma, fully mechanized, by special vehicle through a decline. Min- Manoj Soni, Pawan Sen, Aman Satija, Raj Sogra, Bansi ing method includes blast hole open stoping and back-filled Bhardwaj, Vivek Sharma, Nikhil Sharma, Varun Soni, Mukul with cemented rock and tailing. Jeman, Abhinav Vikas Jain, Ram Rattan Kushwaha, Pawan Jangid, Ayan Sharma, Kunwar Kanak Singh, Rajes Sharma, Agucha is the world's largest zinc mine (commissioned in President & Vikram Jangid, Secretary of Jangid Foundation, 1991) with 15.9% grade. It is a stratiform, sediment-hosted, Raj Shobhraj, Keerti Saxena, Shobha Sharma, Ambalika, high-grade zinc and lead deposit. The ore was being mined Minashi Vipin etc. by open-cast method and now its underground development is in progress. This fully mechanized mine is known for using the 'best in class technology'. The project includes a produc- tion shaft of 950 m deep and two ventilation shafts. Rajast- han Chapter-Jaipur is highly thankful to Shri L.S. Shekhawat, COO, Shri R.P. Dashora, President (Mines), Shri Praveen Sharma, Shri B.S. Rathore and his team members for offer- ing excellent hospitality and arrangements during the visit to both the mines.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 72 (e) March 31, 2018: It was organized to discuss on the progress of seminar on Oil.

B.11 Miscellaneous Activities a) Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur along with Shri D.K. Saxena and Shri R.S. Rathore attended first National Council Meeting held at Hyderabad. b) A team comprising of S/Shri O.P. Gupta, P.C. Bakliwal, S.K. Wadhawan, Anil Mathur, D.K. Saxena, R.S. Rathore, A.K. Grover, Somnath Bhattacharya, Pradeep Agrawal, Chand Chanana and Anand Sharma attended the National Seminar on Environmental Issues in India on July 7-9, 2017 at Udaipur. Dr. Wadhawan presented a paper on green mining technology. c) Shri P.C. Bakliwal, Secretary, Rajasthan Chapter- Jaipur attended GST meeting held at Hyderabad in July 2017. d) Shri A.K. Kothari, Newly elected President of MEAI visited the Mining Welfare Centre, Jaipur in July 2017. e) Shri D.K. Saxena, National Council Member, MEAI gave a lecture on Mines Safety Management on B.10 Executive Body Meetings (EBM) Indian Mining Day at Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur on The Executive Committee of Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur held November 1, 2017. several meetings and their details are as follows: f) Shri O.P. Gupta, Chairman, Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur (a) April 1, 2017: The first meeting of Organizing Committee attended 3rd Mining Conclave organized by Ministry of of the Chapter was held regarding the Workshop on Mines, Government of India on March 20, 2018 at New Skill Development in mining. It was aimed at discussing Delhi. the strategy and action plan for the workshop. (b) April 18, 2017: Second meeting of Organizing Committee Republic Day celebrations was arranged on the Workshop on Skill Development Republic Day celebrations at Mining Welfare Centre, Jaipur in mining, to review the progress of work done. This The 68thRepublic Day of our nation was celebrated with great meeting was held as a follow-up after the formulation enthusiasm by the members of MEAI Rajasthan Chapter- of the skill development committee. The idea of making Jaipur at its Mining Welfare Centre by hoisting of nation’s the MEAI Centre as an examination body for DGMS Tricolor Flag. The flag was hoisted by Shri R.K. Bakliwal, courses, however, was not accepted. Selection of the Patron, MEAI, Jaipur and the National Anthem was sung by courses for skill development in mining, which could all members present. The celebration included presentation be conducted by MEAI at MWC was discussed. It was of two technical talks by viz. Dr. M.K. Pandit, former Professor decided to contact and invite Shri A.K. Bhandari, CEO, and Head, Department of Geology, Rajasthan University on SCMS, FIMI, New Delhi for selection of courses and ‘Climate Change’. And Shri D.K. Saxena, former Director, seek guidance in this regard. DGMS, on mine safety management. (c) May 13, 2017: It was held to discuss various issues pertaining to workshop, fund raising and skill development activities. It was decided to postpone the ensuing seminar on ‘Advancement in Exploration for Oil and Solid Fuel’ from June 24-25, 2017 due to overlapping of various seminars of MEAI at different locations. It was also decided to conduct AGM of the Chapter on June 25, 2017 and a one-day workshop on skill development in mining industry. (d) November 29, 2017: It was organized to discuss about further postponement of the seminar on Oil to February 2018. Flag hoisting by Shri R.K. Bakliwal, Patron, MEAI

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 73 Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur Committee Chairman: Diverse activities were held during the period under the News letter: Prof. S.K. Parihar aegis of MEAI, Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur. Brief details are Resource Generation: Er. Deepak Tanwar as under: Students Centre: Er. R.S. Rathore Membership: Er. Rajiv Choudhary 10th Annual General Meeting April 23, 2017 Publicity Committee: Er. Pramod Lakhanpal 10th Annual General Meeting of the Mining Engineers’ Office Management: Er. M.C. Tater Association of India, Rajasthan Chapter- Jodhpur will be held at Hotel Chandra Imperial, Jodhpur on Sunday, 23rd April, 2017. The secretary’s report & Balance sheet for the year 2016-17 was presented to the House and approved. Shri Deepak Tanwar, SME, DMG-Rajasthan gave a talk on New Minor Mineral Concession Rules 2017, Rajasthan & their impact on mining in Rajasthan. It was well attended by around 50 odds members of Chapter.

The election of the executive body of the Chapter was held for the ensuing term 2017-19. Shri NS Bohra & Shri SS Patel were nominated to conduct the elections. Honoring Er. Deepak Tanwar

Some of the members put up their views and opinions. After detailed deliberations, new executive body was unanimously elected by the house. The following were declared elected by the returning officer.

Chairman : Dr. P. C. Purohit

Vice Chairman-I: Prof Narendra K Kahndelwal New Executive Body (2017-19) Vice Chairman-II: Shri P.R. Dave Celebration of Indian Mining Day-2017 Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur celebrated Indian Mining Day on November 1, 2017 in the Seminar Hall of Department of Ex-officio Member: Mining Engineering, M B M Engineering College, Jodhpur and Prof. ( Dr.) Sushil Bhandari, Shri S.C. Suthar the theme chosen for the occasion was “Role of Corporate Management in Mines Safety”. An essay competition on Secretary: the theme was organized for the under graduate students Shri A. K. Jaiswal of the Mining Engineering department. In all 22 participants submitted their essays and the top three meritorious Jt. Secretary cum Treasurer: students were awarded with First, Second and Third Prizes Shri Y. S. Sankhla of Rs 2,000, Rs 1500, and Rs 1000 respectively.

Executive Members: Three lectures were delivered on the theme by Dr. P.C. Purohit, S/Shri Prof. (Dr.) Sunil K Parihar, Rajeev Choudhary, Manish Er. P.C. Dhariwal, Advisor J.K. Group of Industries, and Er. Verma, DK Arora, KP Singh, Bajarang Lal, and Rakesh D.K. Saxena- former Director, DGMS. The presentations on Acharya the theme were well appreciated by over 100 people present on the occasion. Permanent Invitees: Prof. (Dr.) Virendra Singh, Prof. (Dr.) D. M. Surana, Prof. Infrastructure development of Mining Engineering (Dr.) R.R. Tatia, Shri P.C. Dhariwal, Shri N. S. Bohra, Shri Department, MBM Engineering College V.S. Mathur, Shri S.S. Patel, Prof (Dr.) A.S. Sheoran, Shri On the request of Mining Engineering Department, MBM Deepak Tanwar, Shri K. K. Bora, and Shri Gordhan Ram Engineering College, the Chapter upgraded a students’

MEAI Special Issue 2018 74 classroom in the month Oct 2017 by installing 5 split ACs (1.5 ton) and an overhead projector; and furnishing it with 20 full-length curtains on doors & windows at a total cost of around Rs 2.50 lakh.

Conferences i) National Level Technical Conference held at Jodhpur on May 20, 2017 Rajasthan Chapter - Jodhpur in association with The Institute of Engineering Rajasthan State Centre has organized a one day Technical Conference on “Computers & Communication Technology Applications in Mineral Industry” on May 20, 2017 at Auditorium, Institution of Engineers India, Jodhpur (Rajasthan). Prof. Sushil Bhandari while welcoming the delegates emphasized that a technology-enabled future will be necessary for the mining industry to supply the iii) Symposium 2018 at Jodhpur on Feb 20-21, 2018 world with the mineral resources that it needs at decreasing MEAI Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur in association with real costs and with the environmental footprint that society Department of Mining Engineering, MBM Engineering expects. Dr. Prakash Purohit welcomed delegates from College, Jai Narayan Vyas University, Jodhpur organized a different organizations such as software developers, mobile Symposium on “Advance Technology in Rock Breakage & application users in mining industry etc. Mr. A. K. Kothari, Fragmentation” on February 20-21, 2018 in the Conference National Vice President of MEAI, Mr. K.S. Yadav Controller, Hall of Institution of Engineers India, Jodhpur. Indian Bureau of mines and Mrs Suryakanta Vyas dealt with the problems of mining industry and possible solutions. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Shri A.K. Kothari, Mr. G.K. Joshi, Chairman, IEI, Jodhpur Local Center also National President-MEAI, Presiding Guest was Er. L.S. presented his views. Prof Sushil Bhandari & Dr P.C. Purohiot Shekhawat, COO, HZL and the Guest of Honour was Mr. were the conference conveners. Over 125 delegates attended Alan B Richard, Australia. Convener and Co-Conveners the conference. In all 15 invited lectures were presented in respectively were Dr P.C. Purohit, Chapter Chairman, and three technical sessions. Prof. Sunil Parihar, Head, Mining Engineering Department, JNVU, Jodhpur.

Post-inauguration, two plenary Sessions and three Technical Sessions were conducted. In the Plenary Sessions, six Key- Note Addresses were presented by Mr. Carlos P. Orlandi, Chile; Mr. Allen B Richards, Terrock-Australia; Prof Sushil Bhandari; Dr R.R. Tatia; Er. Ajit Ostwal, Ultra Tech Cement; and Er. Vikash Tahkre, HZL-RAM. In three Technical Sessions, twelve papers were presented by the mining engineers and experts from different organizations and Institutes. Around 120 delegates including more than 50 students of Mining Engineering & girl students attended the conference. The delegates enjoyed each of the sessions. The symposium that was found successful and meaningful, was appreciated by the delegates and the students. The program was anchored by the students under the guidance Prof. N.K. Khandelwal. Attendees to the conference include delegates from DMG- Rajasthan, RSMML, FAGMIL, HZL, Binani Cement, J K Cement, Ultra tech Cement, Ambuja Cement-Rajasthan, NIT, IITs, CTAE-Udaipur, MBM Engineering College-Jodhpur, CSIR, DRDO, Mine Excellence-Australia, Terrock Consulting ii) FELICITATION Engineers-Australia, RK Marble-Udaipur, Nuvoco Vistas Mr. Laxman Shekhawat, COO Mines, Hindustan Zinc, Corporation Limited, delegates from Rajasthan Chapter- National Geoscience Awardee –2016 and Mining Jaipur, members from Bikaner, Barmer, Nagaur etc. and the engineering graduate from MBM Engineering College, students of third and final year of MBM Engineering College, Jodhpur was felicitated by the Chapter on May 20, 2017. Mining Engineering Department.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 75 presented by the students in a 2-hour session where over 50 delegates were present. During the activity, delegates from MEAI Chapter-Jodhpur and Mining Engineering faculty were also present to encourage the students. Final year and third year boys, and second year girl students presented their views. Mr. Lalitya Parashar, Secretary, student Center- Jodhpur hosted the program.

Address by the President, MEAI Er. AK Kothari

Release of proceeding by Prof SK Parihar, Er Allen Richard, Er LS Sekhawat, Er AK Kothari and Dr PC Purohit

Condolence meeting on sudden demise of Prof. (Dr.) A.S. Sheoran A prayer on the sad demise of our member late Prof. (Dr.) A.S. Sheoran was held at MBM Engineering college by the members of MEAI Local Chapter and the students & faculty of Mining Engineering Deptt, MBM Engineering College in October 2017.

Attending National Executive Body Meeting To maintain harmony among the chapters, the chapter’s executive body members attended the Seminars/ workshops organized by the Udaipur, Jaipur and other MEAI Chapters during the period 2017-18. A team of local Chapter executive body also attended Annual General Meeting & installation ceremony of new President, MEAI at Udaipur in 2017. Chairman & Secretary of the Chapter also attended one of the Council meetings held in NMDC Corporate office, Hyderabad during year 2017-18.

Student Centre Activity at Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur Executive Committee meetings of local chapter Under the guidance of the Rajasthan Chapter-Jodhpur, Further, to encourage the participation and association of the student activity was conducted at MBM Engineering youngsters with the Chapter, Student centre of Rajasthan College, Mining department on April 29, 2017. The member Chapter-Jodhpur with 20 new student members of mining students of mining engineering, MBM Engineering College engineering was registered. Seven new life members from organized mini conference and presented their projects GSI, Binani Cement, MBM College, RSMML, Ex-DMG through Power Point presentations on “DIGITISATION AND officials etc. were also enrolled. During the year, seven MOBILE APPLICATION IN MINING”. The students of 2nd, 3rd Executive Committee meetings were held to hold fruitful & 4th year enthusiastically took part in it. In all 10 papers were discussions.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 76 Rajasthan Chapter- Udaipur Chapters, and spouses of Council Members arrived from The Mining Engineers’ Association of India Rajasthan Chapter outside was done in traditional lahariya sarees. - Udaipur formed in year 1998 and since its formation, the Chapter is constantly doing various activities connected with On 9th July, two more technical sessions on the Topic (1) mining field. This Chapter presented two National Presidents Mining Challenges and (2) Renewable Energy Resources of the Association and always stood for the cause of mining in Mining and Case studies were conducted. Around 300 field, interacting with various Government organizations delegates Participated in the seminar, 25 papers were for solving the problems of mining sector. That the Chapter presented and 15 were kept / displayed in the poster presently having 244 members and have a fixed deposit of sessions, along with 3 Keynote speeches by renowned about Rs One Crore, with its own office building. personalities.

Activities of the Chapter during 2017-18 The Chief Guest of the Valedictory Function was Shri. Arun Kumar, IAS, Mines Secretory , GOI. Prof. P.K. Dashora, Vice One Day Work Shop on “Salient Features of New Chancellor, Kota University, Prof. Uma Shanker Sharma, Rajasthan Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 2017 Vice Chancellor MPUAT, Prof. B.B. Dhar, Chairman Delhi (Rmmcr-2017)” on 8th April 2017 Chapter and Shri D. S. Maru, Director, Mines & Geology, A workshop on “Salient features of New Rajasthan Minor Rajasthan were the Guests of Honor. Shri A.K. Kothari, Mineral Concession Rules, 2017 (RMMCR-2017)” was President, MEAI presided over the function. conducted by Rajasthan Chapter Udaipur in Association with Udaipur Chamber of Commerce & Industries and Technical Talk on “Sand Mining in Rajasthan” on Directorate of Mines & Geology, Govt. of Rajasthan. Over January 18, 2018 160 Mine owners and other dignitaries related to mining Keeping in view the crisis of sand availability in Rajasthan and and mineral sector from Udaipur, Rajsamand, Kota, Bundi, impact of different Courts Orders in this respect, a technical Jodhpur, Banswara etc. attended the workshop. talk was arranged at Dept. of Mining Engineering, CTAE, Udaipur. It was presided by Shri A.K. Kothari, President and Shri Arvind Singhal, CMD of Wolkem India was the Chief the speakers on this occasion were Shri N.K. Kothari, Addl. Guest and presided by Shri A.K. Kothari, then Vice President, Director, DMG, Shri M.S. Paliwal, Addl Director, DMG and MEAI. Dr. S.S. Rathore, Chairman, MEAI Rajasthan Chapter, Shri Y.C. Gupta, Former Addl. Director, DMG, Government Udaipur, Shri M.L. Lunawath, Chairman Mining Cell, U.C.C.I. of Rajasthan. were also on the dais. Indian Mining Day Celebration on November 1, 2017 National Seminar on “Recent Mining & Environmental Indian Mining Day was celebrated by the Rajasthan Chapter- Issues In India” on July 7-9, 2017 Udaipur in association with the Institution of Engineers and In the Inaugural session on 7th July 2017, Shri Surender Pal Geological Society of Rajasthan, in the premises of Institution Singh ‘TT’, Hon’ble Minister of State for Mines, GoR was the of Engineers. The Chief Guest of the function was Shri Chief Guest. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of MPUAT Prof. Uma Narayan Rajak, Dy. DGMS, Udaipur and Presided by Shri Shanker Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Shri Arjun A.K. Kothari, President, MEAI. Shri Rajiv Shrimali, General Lal Meena, and Shri. Sunil Duggal CEO, Hindustan Zinc Manager HZL was the keynote speaker who delivered a talk Limited, Udaipur, were the Guests of Honor. Shri Ranjan on “the role of management for safety in mines”. Sahay, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines was the Key Note speaker. The programme was presided over by Mr. Installation of new Council for 2017-19 and Annual T. Victor, President MEAI. The Convener of the Seminar Dr. Award Function S.S. Rathore, President Elect–MEAI Shri A.K. Kothari and Installation Ceremony of the new council for 2017-19 under Organizing Secretary Dr. S.C. Jain were also on the dais. the leadership of President A.K. Kothari was conducted by President T. Victor on 7th July 2018 in the presence of Shri On 8th July, four Technical Sessions were held on the sub Surender Pal Singh ‘TT’, Hon’ble Minister of State for Mines, themes (1) Recent Amendments in Rules / Regulations / GoR, Prof. Uma Shanker Sharma, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor Bye Laws (2) Environmental and Forest Clearances Issues of MPUAT, Shri Arjun Lal Meena, Hon’ble Member of (3) Safety, Health Environmental Issues and (4) Recent Parliament, Shri Sunil Duggal, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, advancements vis - a - vis Mining Technology. Udaipur, and Shri. Ranjan Sahay, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines. Shri Kothari, as new President addressed In the evening at Aashish Vatika, Hiran Magri, Cultural Night the house and outlined his plans for his two years term. conducted by Lok Kala Mandal group of Udaipur. Felicitation of Past Chairman and Secretary of Rajasthan Chapter On this occasion, apart from presentation of National Awards Udaipur and Chapter Chairman and Secretary of all the of MEAI, Past Presidents Shri. V.S. Rao, Shri M. Fasihuddin,

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 77 Shri T.V. Chowdary, Shri Meda Venkataiah, Shri R.P. Gupta Narayan Rajak, Dy. Director General Mines Safety, Udaipur and Dr. V.D. Rajagopal; Shri L.S. Shekhawat, Chief Operating Zone, Shri T.K. Rath, RCM, Udaipur, Shri B.K.P. Sinha, Ex- Officer, HZL, Shri Y.C. Gupta, former Additional Director, Director, HZL and several other members of the Association. Mines, DMG were honored. A souvenir on 60 years Journey Members and guests were felicitated for their excellent of MEAI, Souvenir of National Seminar and Diamond contribution in successfully organizing the National Seminar Jubilee Celebrations lapel pin were also released. Lifetime at Udaipur. Achievement Award was presented to Prof. B.B. Dhar for his outstanding contribution to Mineral Industry and effective Executive Committee Meetings coordination with Govt. of India on behalf of MEAI. The Best During 2017-18, five Executive Committee meetings of the Chapter Award was presented to Rajasthan Chapter - Jaipur Chapter were held on 28th April 2017, 22nd June 2017, 16th for its excellent performance throughout the year. October 2017, 6th January 2018 and 10th March 2018.

Plantation in CTAE Campus Transfer of 25% savings to Head Quarter MEAI Rajasthan Chapter - Udaipur in association with Chapter has transferred Rs. 12,89,328 as 25% share from College of Technology and Engineering taken up plantation the savings of the events held by the Chapter along with Rs. program in the campus of CTAE and 3000 plants of 20 39000 for advertisement in MEJ to HQ. species of more than 6 feet high were planted in the presence of MLA Udaipur, Shri Phool Chand Meena, Vice Chancellor Personal Donation by Members to HQ MPUAT Shri Uma Shankar Sharma, President Elect MEAI This year, members of the Chapter donated Rs. 3,26,000 to Shri A.K. Kothari, all the council Members and Members of MEAI to strengthen the financial status of HQ on the appeal MEAI present at Udaipur, large no of guests and delegates. of President.

Blood Donation camps Best Student Award Two Blood Donation camps on September 25, 2017 and Every year this Chapter is presenting two awards to the March 23, 2018 were organized jointly with Shrimati Sunder Students of Mining Engineering of CTAE. One award known Devi Kothari Charitable Trust and CTAE. In the first camp 84 as MEAI- Best Student Award that consists of Rs. 21000 and rd units of blood were collected and in the second camp 111 given to first position holder of 3 Year and another MEAI- units of blood were collected. Blood Donors who donated Tata Sponge- Bhati Award of Rs. 11000 to best student of nd blood multiple times were also honored. 2 Year.

Technology Day Celebration Family picnic & get together On May 11, 2017, Technology day was celebrated in Every Year, the Chapter is organizing one Family get- association with Vighyan Samiti and Institution of Engineers together of members and more than 150 family members at Vigyan Samiti hall with a technical lecture. Two eminent took part in this picnic. This year it was organized in the lawn th technologists were also honored on this occasion. of the Institute of Engineers on 13 August 2017.

World Environment Day World Environment Day was celebrated on June 5, 2017 in Association with Institution of Engineers, Udaipur and a Technical Talk was also delivered at this occasion.

Bi-Monthly News Letter Rajasthan Chapter - Udaipur is the only Chapter of MEAI, Technical talk on Sand Mining in Rajasthan (18 Jan 2018) which is regularly publishing Bi- Monthly News Letter of the Chapter. It contains National & International news of mining world as well as activities of Rajasthan Chapter - Udaipur and is uploaded on our Website.

ANNUAL GENERAL BODY MEETING ON August 13, 2017 Annual General Body Meeting of the Chapter was held in the Institution of Engineers Hall, Udaipur in the presence of Shri A.K. Kothari, President, Shri R.P. Gupta, Patron, Shri Akhilesh Joshi, Patron, Dr. S.S. Rathore, Chairman, Shri Installation of Shri A. K. Kothari as New National President for 2017-19 (7 L.S. Shekhwat, Vice Chairman, Dr. S.C. Jain, Secretary, Mr. Jul 2017)

MEAI Special Issue 2018 78 Council Members Meeting (7 Jul 2017)

AGM of Rajasthan Chapter Udaipur (13 Aug 2017)

Plantation by Shri Uma Shaker Sharma, Vice Chancellor MPUAT and and Other Guest (7 Jul 2017) Blood Donation Camp (25 Sep 2017)

Indian Mining Day Celebration (1 Nov 2017) Inaugural Function Chief Guest Shri Surender Singh TT, Mines Minister, Govt of Rajasthan on Dias (7 Jul 2017)

Memento Presentation to Shri Arun Kumar MS, GOI by Shri Arvind Singhal in Valedictory Function (9 Jul 2017) Felicitation of Shri M.S.Paliwal (1 Nov 2017)

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 79 National Workshop & Exhibition on "PROBLEMS OF b. The surrendered / cancelled mining lease areas RIVER SAND MINING & ITS ALTERNATE" April 21-22, of silica sand , granite & quartzite are identified 2018 and later on attempts made to lease them out for M Sand. RECOMMENDATIONS c. The M Sand plants are allowed mines overburden Based on the technical papers presented in the National material at concessional rate of royalty Workshop, the Organizing Committee makes following 6. Huge quantity of overburden at Jhamarkotra Rock recommendations: Phosphate mines, District Udaipur: Huge quantity 1. State of Rajasthan should have separate and of overburden is lying at Jhamarkotra Rock Phosphate specific rules for Sand: The states like Andhra mines, District Udaipur that is also occupying large tract Pradesh, Chhattisgarh. Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Uttarakhand have separate policies of land. The overburden material which is suitable for and separate rules for natural Sand & Crushed sand M Sand manufacturing can be utilized for the purpose. (M Sand). The Mines Ministry also in Sand Mining It can be a boon to the Udaipur and nearby districts to framework 2018 has recommended for it. Therefore meet the requirement of sand. Rajasthan should also have simple and practical rules. 7. EC is not insisted for removal of overburden Also, as priority was given to marble/ gang saw cutters from mines: Presently EC is required for removal of in allotment of mining leases, similar priority is given overburden from mines. MOEFCC is of the view that to M sand manufacturers in grant of mining leases. it is actually dump mining hence it attracts EC rules. Also common overburden dumps are demarcated and The State Govt and the Mines Ministry should strongly information available on the portal of Mines & Geology recommend MOEFCC to issue appropriate directions Department. Allow the M sand manufactures to carry in this regard. If at all it is required, District Level away the allotted overburden by generating on line committee is authorized to allow such dump removal. rawanna. As per Wikipedia Mining is defined as “the extraction 2. The rivers & rivulets are classified in the state as of valuable minerals or other geological materials per their extension and size: The rivers & rivulets be from the earth, usually from an orebody, lode, vein, classified as per their extension and size. Excavation seam, reef or placer deposit. These deposits form a of sand by machinery from small rivers should not be mineralized package that is of economic interest to the allowed and the sand from such rivers be consumed miner.” The word mining cannot be used for removal of locally. The authority for excavation of sand from dump material. Word mining applies to only removal of such small rivers & rivulets can be given to gram mineral from mother earth and not from other place. panchayats. MOEFCC interpretation is arbitrary and is not legally 3. Excavation of sand from large rivers & rivulets can be tenable. given to State undertaking “ RSMM ” so that they can 8. M sand manufacturing units be given status of obtain early EC and commence excavation to provide industry: States like Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, relief to common man at the earliest. Small rivers & and Telangana have given industry status to M sand rivulets can be allotted as small mining lease areas so manufacturing units and giving concessions as MSME that they fall within the limit of DEIAA & SEIAA. units. It is recommended that in Rajasthan also similar treatment is given to these units. Also these units are 4. The mining leases for sand in Palaeo Channel in Bikaner separated from stone crusher category and treated as district hardly produces 1.5 million tonnes per annum mineral processing units. but it has inherent capacity to increase production 9. Govt. Departments should accept M sand as many fold. Need is for the State Department to take alternate to natural sand: The Govt. Departments initiative to locate more areas. Present indication is that like PWD, UDH and other Govt. departments should Palaeo Channel sand is available in1400 sq. km area. accept M sand as alternate to natural sand and include Presently it is being supplied to Bikaner, Hanumangarh, it in BSR. Sriganganagar, Sikar, Jaiselmer, Nagaur and Jodhpur 10. EC be cleared in a time bound manner: There is district. much delay in grant of EC. Looking to the acute problem 5. After identification of areas, M Sand manufacturers being faced by public, EC is granted in time bound are allotted mining leases for sand: manner. The State Govt. may request the MOEFCC for a. Sand is included in the mining leases for silica the following: sand so that after dispatch of Silica sand to glass a. The area limit should be increased as under: factories, the lessees can dispatch remaining For clearance by DEIAA: 0-50 ha material as building sand which is not suitable for For clearance by SEIAA: 50-200 ha silica sand. For clearance by MOEFCC: more than 200 ha

MEAI Special Issue 2018 80 b. For expeditious clearance, open SEIAA branches at Udaipur & Jodhpur 11. The present limit of 1500 m for establishment of M sand crusher from notified village habitation should be reduced to 500 m. In addition, declare this zone of 500 m as no habitation zone. 12. When the cluster size of 5 ha mining leases remain up to 25 ha, EC can be granted by DEIAA but when it exceeds 25 ha is classified as B I category mines. Then the matter goes to SEIAA. This limit of 25 ha and 500 m boundary limit is abolished when the size of Home Minister of Rajasthan Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and other dignitaries mines do not exceed 5 ha. on Dias in Valedictory function in Sand Mining Seminar on 22nd Apr 2018 13. Suitability of mines overburden, Copper and iron slag aggregate for M sand be investigated: The National Institute for Building Material & Cement , Ballabgarh, the Central Agency is requested by the State Govt. to investigate the suitability of limestone mines overburden including Copper and iron slag aggregates produced in the state in M sand manufacture and its suitability in civil construction. 14. All over the country, huge quantities of construction & demolition (C & D) waste is generated. Only in Delhi some quantity is being used in construction activities. Ministry of Housing has issued directions to CPWD to use such material and IS has also been amended. It is suggested that on similar lines, the State Govt. may also direct PWD to use construction & demolition (C & Home Minister of Rajasthan Shri Gulab Chand Kataria and other dignitaries D) waste. in exhibition in Sand Mining Seminar on 22nd Apr 2018

The National President, MEAI, Shri A.K. Kothari, replying to the queries of the audience Member of Parliament Shri Arjun lal Meena, Jt. Secretary, NITI Aayog, Vikram Singh Gaur and others inaugurating the exhibition of M-Sand machinery

Discussions by dignitaries at the occasion of Sand Mining Seminar on 21st Family get together Apr 2018

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 81 Annual General meeting of the Association Mr S.N. Mathur, A brief report is presented below on the proceedings of the 8th Vice President-III - Member Council meeting, Annual General Meeting and a National Mr Meda Venkataiah, Seminar on “Recent Mining and Environmental Issues in Past President - Member India” organized by Mining Engineers’ Association of India, Mr A.K. Kothari, Rajasthan Chapter-Udaipur / Jaipur / Jodhpur in association with the College of Technology & Engineering, Udaipur in President MEAI (Ex Officio) - Member the premises of CTAE Udaipur, during July 7-9, 2017. Mr P. Rangnatheeswar, Secretary General MEAI (Ex Officio ) - Member July 7, 2017 Council Meeting was held from 9.30 am to 12 noon and it Annual General Meeting was held from 12 noon to 2:00 pm was presided by Mr T. Victor. (Details will be published in next and it was presided by Mr T. Victor. (Details will be published issue). At the outset, the MEAI Udaipur Chapter honored all in next issue) the Council Members present with Uparana and presenting beautiful marble idol of Lord Ganesha. It was also decided The members of the Association organized Plantation that: in CTAE Campus from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm. MEAI Rajasthan Chapter-Udaipur in association with the 1) the amendments proposed to the constitution by College of technology and Engineering taken up plantation the bylaws amendment committee, another council program in the campus of CTAE and planted 3000 plants meeting will be called within two months in which main of 20 species of more than 6 feet height, in the presence agenda item shall be discussion on the amendments of Mr Phool Chand Meena, MLA Udaipur; Vice Chancellor to the MEAI constitution. Meantime, the constitutional MPUAT Mr Uma Shankar Sharma; MEAI President Mr A K amendment committee may again meet to review the Kothari; the council Members and the members of MEAI proposed amendments in light of the suggestions present at Udaipur and large number of Guests and seminar made by the members in the council meeting today. delegates.

2) the work related to all International initiatives like Inaugural function of the Seminar from 5.0 PM to 8.0 CRIRSCO, SME etc. will be coordinated by a designated PM committee viz. International Affairs Committee, and On this auspicious occasion, Hon’ble Surender Pal Singh appointed Mr T. Victor as its Chairman for next two ‘TT’, Minister of State for Mines, Government of Rajasthan years i.e. till 30th June 2019. He following members were was the Chief Guest. Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor of MPUAT nominated to the International Affairs Committee: Prof Uma Shanker Sharma, Hon’ble Member of Parliament, Mr T Victor - Chairman Mr Arjun Lal Meena, Udaipur constituency, Mr. Sunil Duggal Dr P V Rao - Member CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Udaipur, and Mr Ranjan Dr Abani Samal - Member Sahay, Controller General, Indian Bureau of Mines were Mr R H Sawkar - Member the Guests of Honor. The program was presided by Mr T Mr A K Kothari - President MEAI Victor, President MEAI. The Convener of the Seminar and (Ex Officio) - Member the Chairman of the MEAI Udaipur chapter Dr S S Rathore, Mr P Rangnatheeswar - Secretary General MEAI President Elect–MEAI Mr A K Kothari and Organizing (Ex Officio ) - Member Secretary Dr S C Jain also shared the dais.

3) to mobilize finances a committee viz. Resources The guests inaugurated the National seminar by lighting mobilizing committee, was formed under the the lamp. Dr S S Rathore welcomed all the guests and the Chairmanship of Mr B.R.V. Susheel Kumar, Chairman delegates to the program. He elaborated the objectives Hyderabad Chapter. The tenure of this Committee will and expectations of the seminar. Mr Sunil Duggal, Guest of also be for two years, till 30th June 2017 and following Honor expressed that India is far behind the Australia and will be its members: Canada in the mining activities. He also emphasized that the Mr B.R.V. Susheel Kumar, mining industry and the academic institutions must maintain Chairman Hyderabad Chapter - Chairman constant interactions and prepare the academic curriculum in Mr O.P. Gupta, such a way that the students graduated from the universities Chairman Jaipur Chapter - Member can better serve the society and the industry.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 82 Guest of Honor, Prof Uma Shankar Sharma said that the the Mining Industry to his knowledge for quick resolution mining and environment are two sides of the same coin. He at his level and if necessary he will take them up with the suggested that the minerals are produced with least effect on Central government. environment. Guest of Honour Mr Ranjan Sahay delivered the ‘Key Note address’ on the theme of the seminar. The MEAI National awards in different categories were presented to the award winners. Life Time Achievement Hon’ble Member of Parliament Mr Arjun Lal Meena, also Award was presented to Prof B B Dhar for his outstanding expressed his views and expected that HZL should come contribution to the mineral Industry and effective coordination forward for the welfare of the deprived people of tribal area with Govt. of India. The Best Chapter Award was given of this region through its CSR activities. He also suggested to Rajasthan Chapter-Jaipur for its excellent all round that the recommendations of the seminar sent to him for performance throughout the year. onward transmission to the Rajasthan Government as well as to Central Government for their implementation. Installation of the New Council of the Association (2017-19) MEAI President, Mr T Victor, announced the election results On this occasion, Mr L S Shekhawat, Chief Operating Officer, of the new council for 2017-19 and conducted the installation HZL was honored for receiving National Geoscience Award Ceremony of the new council. Mr A K Kothari as President 2016 and Mr Y C Gupta, Retired Additional Director, Mines of MEAI and his Council for the term 2017-19 has taken & Geology, Government of Rajasthan for his remarkable oath to take the MEAI to new heights while adhering to code contribution in publishing the Newsletter of Udaipur Chapter, of ethics. Mr Kothari, as new President, addressed the since its inception. gathering and gave an outline of his plans for future during his two-year tenure. Mr T Victor, in his Presidential address, remembered the invaluable contributions of all the past presidents of MEAI, The program for the day ended with vote of thanks proposed Secretaries/ Secretary Generals of MEAI and Editor of MEJ. by Dr S C Jain, Organizing Secretary. A souvenir on MEAI’s 60 years Journey (Diamond Jubilee special issue) and a lapel pin signifying the achievements were released.

Following Past Presidents of MEAI who were present on this occasion were felicitated in a grand manner with a Silver plated samman patra, Shawl and Uparana. Mr V S Rao (1983-1986) Mr M Fasihuddin (1990-1993) Mr T V Chowdary (1997-2001) Mr Meda Venkataiah (2003-2007) Mr R P Gupta (2007-2009) Dr V D Rajagopal (2009-2011) MEAI Office Bearers during National Council Meeting 7-7-2017

The Secretary General of MEAI Mr.K V Rao was also felicitated on this occasion.

The Guests on the Dias released the souvenir of National Seminar and CD containing all the presentations.

Chief Guest, Hon’ble State Minister for Mines Mr Surender Pal Singh ‘TT’ Government of Rajasthan said that he will make a request to the Government of India to reduce the GST on Marbles from 28% to 18% or 12% so that the Marble Industry of the State can survive. He also advised the mining entrepreneurs to bring the problems related to National Council Meeting on 7-7-2017 at Udaipur

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 83 Tamilnadu Chapter 1. 1st Executive Committee meeting Exhibition of It was held on October 14, 2017 at Hotel Dhanalakshmi Srinivasan, Perambalur (Near Ariyalur), Tamilnadu. minerals and Ores Executive Committee meeting was followed by presentation and discussion on the following subjects. Exhibition of Minerals and Ores samples was organized by Mr Koneru V. Rao on behalf of MEAI with a) New Guidelines On Mining Plan Approval the help of KGME Trust on 12-3-2018 in the premises b) Draft National Mineral Policy of A.P. Social Welfare Residential School /College, c) Star rating of Minor Minerals Tiruvuru , Krishna District , Andhra Pradesh . d) Indian Mining Day Celebration -2017 Mr Koneru V. Rao , former Secretary General, MEAI 2. Indian Mining Day Celebration 2017 and Secretary, KGME Trust took active part in The Details are covered under Indian Mining Day organizing the exhibition and also giving a talk on section. Mining and Minerals Education.

3. New website launched for the Tamilnadu chapter Over 200 students and teaching staff of the institute –www.tnmeai.in showed keen interest in acquiring knowledge on physical properties, occurrence and uses of minerals 4. 25% of Net savings from National Seminar (Minefest- 2017) equivalent to Rs.1,21,218 was transferred to and ores. Most of the students expressed that it MEAI HQ on October 1, 2018. was the first time they saw these minerals and ores about which they read only in the class book. They 5. Second Executive Committee meeting of the Chapter was held on February 16, 2018 at Department Mining expressed that they heard about mining engineering Engineering, Anna University Chennai. It was decided and earth science subjects for the first time, and they to conduct one-day symposium on ‘Recent Trends in are keen to choose them to further their educational Mining’ at Hotel GRT Grand, Salem and the following career. papers will be presented. a) Financial Aspects in Mining Mr Rao has plans to hold such type of exhibitions in colleges (Degree, Engineering, B.Ed) and other b) Application of Drones for Mine Surveying and Other Mining Applications Educational institutions in his region more frequently. c) Impact of Recent Amendments in Environmental MEAI appreciates the efforts of Mr K V Rao in Act popularising geosciences and mining in the young d) Mineral concession System as per MMDR-2015- brains. Anatomy of Mining Tenement System (MTS) e) Deriving Drill ability for various Rock types f) Advancement of Quality Monitoring System In Mines Using Tab/ Android Based Mobile - A case study from TATA STEEL LIMITED

Mr Koneru V. Rao creating interest in the students with his narration of minerals and ores.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 84 Recommendations made to NITI Aayog by MEAI MEAI Inputs to NITI Aayog for preparation of a Strategy 6. Insecurity among Existing Mine Owners: Mine Paper aiming at creating employment and growth in owners whose lease terms are due to expire in 2020, Minerals Sector by 2022 and 2030 may engage in non-sustainable and/or improper mining practices because of fear of loss of Objective investment.

1. Assuring indigenous production of adequate quantity Constraints of Mineral Resources for internal consumption as well 1. Mineral (Non-exclusive Reconnaissance Permits) as export and reduction in import while maintaining Rules, 2015 sustainable growth. The rules end up removing the revenue source for 2. Visible social upliftment of rural population through Mineral Reconnaissance Companies (or end up being Creation of Jobs and Infrastructural Development in a dead / unsecure investment by a mining company rural areas which is not promised a PL and subsequently ML in the 3. Ensuring competitiveness of India’s Minerals and explored area). Effectively, this rule has killed all private Metals industry in the context of an open and liberal investments in Mineral Exploration. global trade and investment framework. 2. Lack of Data for Accurate Estimation of Mineral Reserves 4. Conducive to Foreign Direct Investment as well as Domestic Investment in India. Success of any mineral extraction plan in the Mining Policy depends on Certifiable and Insurable Estimate of Mineral Reserve. Errors in estimate of mineral reserve Current Situation results in deviation from mining plans and makes an 1. Abysmal Exploration of Mineral Wealth: India is still investment in mining a gamble in terms of production. one of the most under explored Country in the world Current auction method of allotment of PL and ML for mineral wealth. All over the World Private Sector is without Certifiable and Insurable Estimate of Mineral preferred for investment in exploration of Minerals but Reserve makes investment speculative in nature and India is unable to attract even few of these companies thus renders the mining policy susceptible to failure. today. 3. Lack of Upfront Availability of Lease Area and 2. Non-productive Auctioned Mining Leases: The Unified Mining Clearance experience of past more than two years regarding e-auction regime has exhibited “Winner’s Curse”, Time is money. Current procedures requires a wherein the top bidder has failed to execute its mining successful bidder of mining lease to get other plan for loss of economic viability due to multiple clearances afterwards along with land acquisition of reasons among which the exorbitant costs imposed approved leased area, which have been a source of by its own initial bid is significant. This has become a inordinate delays and thus ends up increasing costs loose-loose situation for both the Govt. as well as the which many a times make a project unfeasible. Miner, and the nation suffers. 4. Excessive Upfront Govt. Levies 3. Lack of Auctionable Areas with Certified Mineral Current auction rules impose unreasonable burden Reserves: Exploration upto G2 level for ML and G3 on successful bidder of 1% of the value of estimated level for PL-cum-ML takes time. Adequate infrastructure resources, in the name of Upfront Payment and to undertake exploration upto G2/G3 is not available in Performance Security, above other costs. In terms the country. of mining plan which envisages extraction of these 4. Multiple Federal, State and Local Taxes: Numerous estimated resources over 50 years, this becomes taxes apart from Royalty on mineral namely, District an upfront levy of an exorbitant 50% of mine owner Mineral Foundation Tax, National Mineral Exploration average annual revenue of 50 years. Tax, GST, other local taxes and Levies. Presently mining 5. Cumbersome Accounting and Taxation industry in india is the highest taxed in the world. While most of the applicable indirect taxes in the 5. Lack of Investment Opportunities: Several mines country have been subsumed into single tax regime are capable of enhanced production but are unable of GST, mining companies still need to account for to secure necessary financial resources. Several and pay numerous levies and cesses over and above investors are interested but they are discouraged by GST. The burden of statutory compliance along with non-secure nature of investment wherein they do not stringent penalties adds to cost and time, and results get any shareholding. in unnecessary tension and harassment.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 85 6. Highest Mineral Tax Regime for each mineral while subsuming all taxes and levies. Mining sector in India is the highest taxed in the world, The final levy must be kept low enough to help mining which affects its competitiveness in Global Market and industry stay competitive with the world. renders many mining projects otherwise unfeasible. 6. Transfer of Rights in Mining Sector at Reasonable Cost 7. Non-Transfer of Rights in Mining Sector GOI must allow transfer of rights in both captive and non- GOI banned transfer of non captive leases since 2015. captive mining leases, at reasonable transfer charges This reduced the opportunities for existing mine owners and performance guarantee charges etc., to attract to add partners in order to improve finances. In case investment and improve employment opportunities. of captive leases, an excessive 80% additional royalty 7. Non-expiry of Leases till the end of lease period, huge transfer charges In order to ensure continuity of mining activity, a lesse and performance guarantee charges etc. imposed must be allowed to mine until exhaust of mineral deposit. upon transfer makes them unattractive for investment Any increment in Govt revenue may be subsumed to the point of becoming unviable. Together, this has under GST. slowed down mineral development in the country to a great extent and also decreased the investment and Conclusions employment opportunities in this sector. 1. Transparency and Govt. revenue has been the deciding 8. Non-renewal of Leases after Lease Period Expiry factor in making provisions for regulation of mining As per MMDR (Amendment) Act, 2015, the expiry activity. Both are necessary, however, the superseding of non-captive mining leases is on 31-03-2020 and factors should be economically and environmentally captive leases on 31-03-2030. Mine owners are looking viable progress in mining activities to ensure extraction at either loss of investment or significant cost upon of requisite quantities of available mineral resources renewal. for contribution to national security and prosperity. 2. The Govt. needs to think of private sector in mining How to Overcome as its partner instead of merely a revenue source and 1. Exclusive Reconnaissance Permits must formulate friendly policies. The rules must allow seamless transition from RP to 3. As a guiding principle for framing laws and rules, it PL and subsequently ML in the explored area. must be included in the preamble that the responsibility 2. CRIRSCO compliant Standard for Estimation of of framing just laws and rules that are never in violation Mineral Reserves of the other shall be of the Govt. Therefore, upon cognizance of any case where compliance by mine CRIRSCO templates are being used worldwide by owner to one rule results in violation of other, the mineral rich countries for most accurate estimation of lessee should be protected and fully compensated by mineral reserves that are certified by an accountable the Govt. Such intention exhibited by the Govt shall competent person. India must shift to using CRIRSCO increase confidence in potential mine owners. compliant Standard to achieve parity with other nations in attracting Investment in Mining. President, MEAI 3. Upfront Availability of Lease Area and Unified Mining Clearance MEAI Participation in MoM Meeting Govt must acquire entire lease area and all necessary Mr Deepak Gupta, MEAI Life Member was nominated by clearances beforehand for an auctioned leased area, MEAI President to represent MEAI in a Preparatory meeting which shall make mining operations timely and feasible, held on 1st August, 2017 (Tuesday) at 3.00 pm in Aluminium improving employment visibly. Room, Ministry of Mines, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi for the 4. Lowering of Upfront Govt. Levies 6th meeting of India- Russia Sub-Group on Mining to be held at Moscow, Russia during September 15-16, 2017. Govt must consider reducing burden on successful bidder of Upfront Payment and Performance Security, He suggested that Ministry may propose to Russian side above other costs by either reducing the value, that Associations of Professionals in India like MEAI would or increasing the duration of payments or both. In like to connect with Russian counterparts for exchange to determining the right combination, the overlap of such information on a regular basis. payment with start of production shall help in mitigation He learnt during the meeting that participation in the next of costs for mining company and thus feel more just. meeting in Russia will be limited to Government and PSU 5. Single Tax Regime with competitive tax rates officials only but Private sector may flag areas of interest GST of specific amount or percentage may be fixed and MoM will consider about raising it before Russian side.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 86 Recommendations made to Committee on National Mineral Policy by MEAI

Comments/ Para No. Paragraph Suggestions

2. Basic Features 2.1 Mining for minerals can play a big role in a nation’s long-term social This is an additional Para and economic development. Mining can generate jobs and much-needed Suggestion to articulate revenues. It can promote the development of a more skilled workforce and how investment in it can lead to creation of new health centres, educational institutions and sustainable mining can other infrastructure for local development. further Government Policy of creating jobs To achieve these benefits a broad and inclusive legal and policy framework and skill development is required. Such a framework needs to contain provisions that visibly etc. promote the economic and social development of local populace through revenue generated from mining while upholding strong environmental and social standards.

6. Data base 6.1. The national inventory of mineral resources will be based on a of mineral comprehensive and up to date review of exploration data. In coordination Resources and with Geological Survey of India, the Indian Bureau of Mines will maintain Tenements a database in digitised form comprising both a Resource Inventory and a Tenement Registry. The resource inventory will be in accordance with the latest version of the UNFC system showing reserves and remaining resources as well in the traditional IBM form of resources and probable and proven reserves. The Tenement Registry will give information of both Leasehold Areas as well as Freehold Areas in terms of green field, brown field and relinquished areas including areas given up by the GSIand other RP/PL holders as not pursued. The data would be maintained online giving instant information to prospective investors on what is available for reconnaissance, prospecting and mining. Summaries of work done by public agencies will be kept in the form of meta-data in the public domain and detailed reports will be made available to interested investors on cost recovery basis.

Mineral Land Map will be prepared for the entire country and mineral rich land shall be reserved for mining. Any diversion sought for other purpose shall be allowed only sparingly since once such land is diverted, the mineral may be lost forever.

Efforts will also be made to adopt a Globally accepted Public Reporting Standard (based on CRIRSCO templates which is distinct from UN Framework Classification that is presently used for GOI planning and policy purposes) for reliable and transparent communication with investors/bidders that is acceptable to Financial Institutions and Stock Exchanges.

MEAI Special Issue - 2018 87 7.9 Small 7.9 SMALL DEPOSITS Deposits Small and isolated deposits of minerals are scattered all over the country. In mining of small These often lend themselves to economic exploitation through small scale deposits it is equally mining. With modest demand on capital expenditure and short lead-time, important to keep they provide maximum employment opportunities for the local population. aspects economy of However, due to disadvantages of small scale they can also lead to sub- scale and occupational optimal mining and ecological disturbance. Efforts will be made to promote safety and health. small scale mining of small deposits in a scientific and efficient manner while safeguarding vital safety, environmental and ecological imperatives. Regulation of these conditionalities will be tightened so as to control and prevent sub-optimal mining and ecological disturbance.

Where small deposits are not susceptible to viable mining, a cluster approach will be adopted by granting the deposits together as a single lease within a geographically defined boundary. Efforts would be made to grant such mineral concessions to consortia of small scale miners so that such clusters of small deposits will enable them to reap the benefits of economies of scale as well as be amenable to safe and scientific mining.

9. Fiscal Aspects 9. FISCAL ASPECTS

It will be the endeavour of government, within the context of the budget, It is time that mining to design fiscal measures conducive to the promotion of mineral industry is subjected to exploration and development including beneficiation and other forms of a stable and predictable product refinement. In the context of the changing mineral scenario and fiscal regime in place the economies of mineral development and products, both at the national of multiple levies, and international level fiscal changes will be examined from time to time taxes and funds etc. consistent with the general tax structure and through the normal budgetary “Mineral Resource process. Mineral prices should reflect their value and the royalty structures Tax” is suggested that will be designed to ensure that the producer earns and the consumer will subsume all the pays the true value of the minerals produced and consumed. The fiscal levies and taxes that dispensation will generally aim to ensure that adequate compensation is the industry is currently forthcoming to the state in return for the concessions it grants. subjected to.

Government will consider, in consultation with State Governments, the possibility of adopting a unified Tax Regime for minerals and mining industry where all royalties, levies, duties and taxed would be subsumed in to GST (at specially prescribed rates) and Taxes on Mining are to be kept at par with international norms to attract FDI.

3. Regulation of 3.3 In order to make the regulatory environment conducive to private Unless there is security Minerals investment the procedures for grant of mineral concessions of all types, of tenure that is co- such as Reconnaissance Permits, Prospecting Licenses and Mining terminus with the Leases, shall be transparent and seamless and security of tenure resource, the lessee shall be guaranteed to the concessionaries. Tenure will be co-terminus will not have incentive with the mineral resource in the tenement so that the lessee will have to carry out further incentive to continue secondary exploration along-side with the mining exploration and at the operations. The first-in-time principle in the case of sole applicants and end of the tenure there the selection criteria in the case of multiple applicants will be appropriately is bound to be reckless elaborated. Prospecting and mining shall be recognized as independent mining and disruption. activities with transferability of concessions playing a key role in mineral sector development.

Mining shall be recognized as stand-alone industry to promote economy of scale and mineral conservation.

MEAI Special Issue 2018 88 CMYK Felicitation of six Past Presidents (sporting mementos) during Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on July 7, 2017 held at Udaipur

CMYK CMYK Felicitation of six Past Presidents (sporting mementos) during Diamond Jubilee Celebrations on July 7, 2017 held at Udaipur

CMYK