The article is an opinion piece by Mr. J.S. Sibal, former Director General of Mines Safety on how removal of low-grade iron ore dumps from Goa will help in safe mining

1. Removing Low-grade iron ore dumps from Goa in a Scientific Way –
Will Lead to Safe Mining
The reddish hills dot large tracts on the goan landscape mounds of waste soil and
other debris that have been left behind after iron ore was dug out from some
mines. Accumulating since the 1960s, the dumps, as they are known, are
estimated at 750 million tones and consists of top soil, mud and iron ore.
With little having been done to clean them up in 50 years, the dumps are said to
pose a serious environmental hazard. But a technical point of view has been lost
in the debate that has focused mainly on the political and social fallout of illegal
mining. This missing link is critical.
Traditionally, Goa has been home to low-grade in nature, and unsuitable for
domestic consumption. It has therefore commanded a far lower price in the
international market for close to 50 years. Considering only the best quality of
ore mined could be sold, there has been a growing stockpile of sub-grade ores,
laterite and clay overburden, which has been accumulated for many years and
was lying unutilized due to ‘no economic value’ with no takers.
Mines stacked such waste generally outside leasehold areas and sometimes closer
to the pits, with due approvals as it was operationally unwise, unsafe, unlawful to
stack it on ore bearing areas closer to pits.
However, it is pertinent to note that the Chinese boom in mid-2000s, changed the
whole scenario where the demand of iron ore forced steelmakers there to find
ways to use low grade iron ore. This development brought a unique opportunity
for Goa mine owners.
Low grade hematite ores in Goa can be used best when they are blended with
high-grade magnetite concentrate. But that is not available in India, whereas it is
available plenty in China. Naturally, mine owners in India scouted around to find
buyers for the otherwise-unusable stockpiles in their areas.
This is the reason behind the current hue and cry on low-grade ore sales from the
dumps. Financial benefits notwithstanding, removal of these dumps that have

2. existed anywhere between 20 and 40 years can only have a positive impact. Some
of the benefits include reducing the extent of environmental damage, lowering
the need for additional dumping areas, accessibility to safe mining operations and
furthering the vision of zero-waste mining.
It should be noted that the removal and economic use of old stockpiled waste
or low grade ore needs to be done till such time that the opportunity exists.
Mining operations are governed by relevant safety laws and environment
clearance limits. Lease holders are required to plan mining operations in a way so
as to ensure safe mining with due regards to conservation of available national
resources. However it is necessary to ensure that there is no misappropriation
and safe mining is carried out.
Statutes and regulations should be applied and monitored rightly to facilitate safe
mining, with the scope for ensuring appropriate economic use of such low grade
stockpiles in the interest of the industry, state and its people. It is therefore
necessary that existing low-grade ore dumps are re-handled, albeit with safety as
an important parameter.
Further Stockpiles should be removed in a scientific and safe manner and it must
be ensured that such stockpiles do not cause additional environmental damage.
Adequate infrastructure must be available for safe mining, processing and
evacuation.
With a broader perspective and effective regulations will lead to clarity,
transparency, responsible mining and will ensure that there is no impact on the
environment.
By Mr. J S Sibal, (The author is former Director General of Mines Safety)