| " We define mining as - the art of unearthing consumable minerals in an environment-friendly, safe, scientific and planned manner with due care given to conservation of natural resources and development of community "
– Tata Steel |
The potential environmental hazards associated with the mining industry far exceed those faced in most other sectors in intensity and impact. Considering the fact that specific mining operations have to be confined within the given mineralised zone, it is both surprising and alarming that the dire consequences of irresponsible mining can have such widespread influence. Tata Steel has over the years addressed all issues of environment with total commitment and utmost priority. In an effort to minimise the footprint of its operations, the economic viability of any Tata Steel mining project has always given precedence to an evaluation of its environmental or social outcome.
From the early years, when most other miners extracted only good quality coal that had a ready market, Tata Steel's objective had been to ensure sustainability of the resources by recovering the maximum possible coal from its mines. A century later, responsible mining as a policy is the single most important reason for the growth and prosperity of the company. In addition, Tata Steel has continuously invested in the modernisation and expansion of its raw material facilities and all its mines and collieries are certified to ISO – 14001.
Technology
Tata Steel has always acknowledged the importance of technological progress in carrying out mining activities responsibly and therefore every single step in technical advancement has been incorporated in its operations to optimise ecological benefits. The Jharia mines were mechanised ahead of times even in the 1930s and in 1938, extensive development of the Jamadoba Colliery was undertaken. The innovations were introduced in order to check the wastage of natural reserves resulting from “slaughter mining” – a formidable environmental crime.
The 1940s saw the erection of screening plants at Digwadih, Sijua and Bhelatand. An important step towards the sustainability of coal reserves was taken when Tata Steel decided to attempt washing coal to remove inert matter that if present reduced its usability. More importantly, unwashed coal causes air pollution in the mine region thus making beneficiation imperative to safeguard the environment. The first coal washing plants in India were installed in Jharia and at the open cast mines in West Bokaro ensuring the sustainability of the steel industry and balance in our eco-system at the same time. Innovations in the field of ash reduction in the new millennium have increased carbon recovery by 12% thereby improving the yield of clean coal.
The other significant step forward in technology from the environmental perspective was the commissioning of a Fluidised Bed Combustion Power Plant in 1988 to use washery waste in generating “green” power. This 10 MW plant was inaugurated by Mr. JR D Tata and it has made the Jharia Division self sufficient in power even in exigencies.
Use of information technology in mining planning and surveying, integration of the processes through an ERP system, superior connectivity and transfer of all functions onto computerised systems have defined the 90's and heralded in the new millennium. The modernisation of the Jamadoba Colliery was initiated and a big leap towards future sustainability was taken with opencast mining commencing at Kalimela Colliery. The Company was also the first to introduce sand stowing in seams that were being worked upon. Today, the Jharia Division fulfills the commitment of putting back in the Earth what has been extracted from it.
Waste Utilisaion and Energy Conservation
The suitability of waste management and disposal methods has a profound influence on the environment and the physical and social well being of the people in mining developments. The Jharia Division of Tata Steel generates 50% of its power from plant effluents and by-products that had earlier posed an immense environmental challenge. The fly ash generated by the power plant is in turn used to reclaim mined out areas and preserve the health of the land. Tata Steel has undertaken several initiatives in reducing stack emission considerably and keeping it well below the Indian and international standards. All hazardous wastes generated at Tata Steel facilities are handled as per the requirement of the Hazardous Waste Management and Handling Rules 1989/2000.
The mining operations of Tata Steel utilise the full scope in energy and resources conservation and are efficient in that they are environmentally viable. Noamundi and Joda Iron Mines as well as West Bokaro and Jharia Collieries have all achieved ‘zero discharge' and thus operate in complete harmony with the existing ecosystem. When treated effluents are discharged in the local river it is categorically ascertained that it has no significant impact on the aquatic life.
Pollution Control
A safe and dust-free environment has been achieved underground in the collieries mainly by spraying water through a vast network. The coal is transported directly to the washeries through an underground trunk belt network in order to minimise air pollution outside the mines. At the washeries, mechanised dust collectors and electrostatic precipitators prevent dust from rising into the air. Special silencers have been incorporated at the design stage where possible and thus, noise levels are kept within limits to keep a check on sound pollution.
Land Reclamation and Conservation of Forest Resources
Mining operations in general are faced with enormous challenges in terms of environmental responsibility. As the primary task involves the extraction of the resource from the ground, it obviously leaves ‘mined out' areas in the land. The goaf areas thus created can be the cause of land subsidence making it unsuitable for any use. While using natural resources Tata Steel has always considered it a corporate responsibility to ensure that a sustainable development of the mining region takes place. The Jharia Division uses fly-ash to reclaim goaf areas. It has even gone a step further by making the reclaimed land suitable for tree plantation by supplementing it with organic manure. Tree plantation drives have always been a mainstay in the Company's environmental agenda. The use of conventional timber to provide roof support in underground mines is discouraged and replaced with roof bolts. The Sir Dorabji Tata Park with its vast stretch of green was once a goaf area that has been reclaimed by Tata Steel along with more than 240 hectares of mined out areas in its out locations.
