MEAI MAR 2010

Mining Engineers' Journal 3 March 2010

Shri V.D. Rajagopal Chairman

Prof. Dr. - Ing M.A. Ramlu Member

Prof. Sushil Bhandari Member

Shri S.V. Satyanarayana Member

Shri B.K. Mohanty Member

Shri Dipesh Dipu Member

Shri Suresh Chandra Member

Dr. A.K. Raina Member

Dr. K.K. Sharma Member

Shri A. Sangameswara Rao Member(A.S. Rao)

EDITORIAL BOARD

EDITOR

Dr. K.K. Sharma (Tel : 040 - 23517205)

PUBLISHER

Shri A. Sangameswara Rao(A.S. Rao)

Secretary General,

Mining Engineers' Association of India

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Editorial 05

News from the Mining World 06

MEAI News 30

MEAI Awards 34

Conferences, Seminars, Workshops etc., 38

TECHNICAL PAPERS

1. Granite extraction and treatment techniques :

A study on cost effective geo-technical aspects 11

- Dr. Govind Singh Bhardwaj & Sandeep Sharma

2. Top soil erosion and sedimentation control, The need of the hour 20

- B. Arunachalam

3. Coal India's 34th Foundation Day 1st November 2009

3rd J.G. Kumaramangalam Memorial Lecture 26

- G.L. Tandon (Padmabhushan)

Vol. 11 No. 8 MONTHLY March - 2010

C O N T E N T S


EX - OFFICIOIMMIMMIMMIMMIMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTEDIATE PAST PRESIDENTShri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025Shri R.P. Gupta - 93529 50025PAST PRESIDENTSPAST PRESIDENTSPAST PRESIDENTSPAST PRESIDENTSPAST PRESIDENTSShri Meda Venkataiah - 99002 56797Shri R.N. Singh - 98190 89120Shri T.V. Chowdary - 99493 59969Shri N.S. Malliwal

ELECTEDProf. Sushil Bhandari - 98296 71949Shri Y.C. Gupta - 94142 34746Shri C.S. Dhaveji - 94220 63909Shri M. James - 94442 89405Shri Santosh K Pattanayak - 99370 53927Prof. Gurdeep Singh - 0326-2206372Shri S. Chandrasekaran - 94433 91000Shri B.R.V. Susheel Kumar - 98480 94373Shri D.L. Choudhury - 93021 - 63994Shri K. Madhusudhana - 99002 56759Shri M. Srinivasa Shetty - 94480 24246Shri K.U. Rao - 98491 77677Shri M.C. Thomas - 93345 11343Dr. T.N. Venugopal - 98452 17692Shri P. Dharma Rao - 040-23396691

NOMINATED MEMBERSShri. B. Ramesh Kumar - 98480 99868Shri S.N. Mathur - 94273 08502Shri V. Lakshmi Narayana - 94402 79811Shri C.P. Parihar - 98874 82007Shri Sohan Singh Rathore - 94141 59605

CO-OPTED MEMBERSShri N.K. Nanda - 94907 60010Prof. A.C. Narayana - 99896 25346Shri S. Tiu - 94386 73600Shri V. Ramasubba Reddy - 99496 06060Shri B.P. Pandey - 94482 86155

MINING ENGINEERS' ASSOCIATION OF INDIA

Regd. Office : Rungta House, Barbil (Orissa)

COUNCIL MEMBERSCOUNCIL MEMBERSCOUNCIL MEMBERSCOUNCIL MEMBERSCOUNCIL MEMBERS

Chapter Chairman Secretary

Ahmedabad R.L. Bhatt S.G. PatelBarajamda Arun Misra Shailesh VermaBailadila A.K. Gupta K.K. BasuBangalore D.V. Pichamuthu D.H.M.V. SwamyBelgaum M.P. Itnal Dr.P.T.HanamgondBellary-Hospet D.Y. Mane Nagesh ShenoyBhubaneswar S.R. Singh J.K. HotaCulcutta Not functioningGoa K.D. Kulkarni Kishore B. HaldankarHimalayan Arun Sharma R.K. SharmaHyderabad A. Sivashanker A. KunduJabalpur C.V. Singh -Jaipur V.C.S. Shreemal Anil MathurJodhpur V.S. Mathur P.R. DaveNagpur - M. K. PrasherNew Delhi Prof. B.B. Dhar D.K. ChawlaRajasthan A.K.Kothari Dr. S.S. RathoreDalli-Rajhara Merged with RaipurRaipur S. Chakraborti P.Y. DhekneRourkela Not functioningRayalaseema P.V. Krishna Yadav S. RamamoorthySukinda Dr. Vinod P. Sinha H. BeheraTamil Nadu Dr. L. Ajay Kumar R. NatarajanVeraval-Porbandar N.K. Nuwal Shiva Moorthy Swamy

PAST PRESIDENTS & SECRETARIES

Period President Secretary/Secretary General

Mining Engineers' Association1957-64 B.L. Verma Late B.N. Kanwar1964-67 N.S. Claire Late R.C. B. Srivastava1967-68 L.A. Hill Late S. Chandra1968-69 Late H.L. Chopra M.G. Jhingran1969-70 S.S. Manjrekar V.S. Rao1970-71 Late R.C.B. Srivastava M.G. Jhingran1971-72 R.K. Gandhi B. Roy Chowdhury1972-73 I.N. Marwaha D.D. Sharan1973-75 Late R.S. Sastry M.S. Vig1975-76 G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran

Mining Engineers' Association of India1975-76 G.L. Tandon K.K. Biran1976-78 D.L. Patni A.K. Basu1978-80 R.C. Mohanty Late S.K. De1980-81 M.K. Batra R.C. Dutta1981-82 D.K. Bose S.B. Mukherjee1982-84 P.R. Merh M.K. Srivastava1984-86 V.S. Rao L.S. Sinha1986-88 M.A.Khan D.K. Sen1988-90 Saligram Singh A. Panigrahi1990-93 M. Fasihuddin B. Mishra1993-95 K.K. Biran S. Chandrasekaran1995-97 N.S. Malliwal Dr. P.V. Rao1997-99 T.V. Chowdary CLVR Anjaneyulu (S.G.)

1999-2001 -do- -do-2001-2003 R.N. Singh -do-2003-2007 Meda Venkataiah -do-2007-2009 R.P. Gupta CLVR Anjaneyulu & A.S. Rao

Aarvee Associates, Architects,Engineers & Consultants Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-049)8-3-833/50, Phase-I, Kamlapuri Colony, Hyderabad-73.ACC Ltd (LIM - 25)Raw Materials & Mines Planning Division,ACC Thane Complex, LBS Marg,Thane - 400 604. (Maharashtra)A.P. Mineral Dev. Corp.Ltd., (LIM-12)Pancom Business Centre 2nd & 3rd Floors,8-3-945, Ameerpet, Hyderabad - 16, A.P.Aravali Minerals & Chemical Industries (P) Ltd.(LM-048)B-132, Mewar Industrial Pvt. Ltd.,Madri, Udaipur - 313 003.Associated Mining Co., (LIM-19)Nanak House, Narmada Nagar,Bilaspur - 495 001., ChhattisgarhAssociated Soapstone Distributing Co. (P) Ltd. (LM-057)24, Akashwani Marg,Post Box No. 3, Udaipur - 313 003.Bharat Alloys & Energy Ltd., (LIM-36)6-2-913/914, 3rd Floor, Progressive Towers,Khairatabad, Hyderabad - 500 004.M/s Designer Rocks (P) Ltd., (LIM-32)# 201, Archana Apartments,Behind Shoppers Stop, Begumpet, Hyderabad-05.Grasim Industries Ltd., (LIM-26)202 & 203, 2nd Floor, May Fair,S.P. Road, Secunderabad - 500 003.Gujarat Ambuja Cements Ltd., (LIM-3)Ambuja Nagar, Kodinar (Taluk)Junagadh (Dist.), Gujarat - 362 715Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-6)Prakash Complex (P.O), Bomno. 28,Veraval - 362 265. GujaratGujarat Mineral Dev. Copr Ltd. (LIM-18)Kanij Bhavan, 132 Ft. Ring Road,University Ground, Vastrapur, Ahmedabad - 52.Gujarat Sidhee Cements Ltd., (LIM-4)Regd. Office, Sidheegram (P.O),Veraval-Kodinar Highway,Tal : Veraval, Dist. Junagadh, GujaratGulf Oil Corporation Ltd. (LIM-9)(Formerly IDL Industries Limited.)Kukatpally, Post Box No.1, Sanathnagar (IE) P.O.Hyderabad - 500 018. A.P.India Cements Ltd. (LIM-16)Sankarnagar (P.O) Tirunelveli - 627 357. T.NIndian Rare Earths Ltd., (LIM-35)Plot No. 1207, Veer Savarkar Marg,Prabhadevi, Mumbai - 400 028.J.K. Cement Ltd (LIM - 058)Kamla Tower, Kanpur,Uttar Pradesh.Jubilee Granites India Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-23)EGA Trade Centre, No. 6C, 6th Floor,New No. 318 (Old No. 809), Poonamallee Highroad,Kilapauk, Chennai - 600 010.Kariganur Mineral Mining Industry (LIM-41)Embitee Complex, Bellary Road, Hospet - 583201.Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Ltd., (LIM-33)Bevinahalli 583 234, Dist. Koppal (Karnataka)Krishna Mines (LIM-27)23, Sri Puram, Tirunelveli - 627 001. TamilnaduMadras Cements Ltd., (LIM-17)Ramasamyraja Nagar,Kamarajar (Dist.) - 626 204, Tamilnadu.Manganese Ore (India) Ltd., (LIM-37)(A Govt. undertaking)3, Mount Road Extension, P.B. No. 34,Nagpur - 440 001. (Maharashtra)M.P.L. Parts & Services Ltd., (LIM-14)12, Dr. Nair Rd., T. NagarChennai - 600 017. Tamilnadu.MSPL Limited (LIM-30)Baldota Enclave, Abheraj Baldota Road,Hospet - 583 203 (Karnataka)Mysore Minerals Limited (LIM-45)#39, M.G. Road, Bangalore - 560 001.National Aluminium Co. Ltd, (LIM-1)'NALCO Bhavan'P/1, Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar - 751 013NMDC Ltd., (LIM-20)10-3-311/A, Castle Hills, Khanij Bhavan,Masab Tank, Hyderabad - 500 028.

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERS

Contd. on page 3

National Head Quarters &: Permanent Secretariat

Vice Presidents :Dr. S.K. Sarangi - 94370 23134Shri A. Bagchhi - 99899 98600Shri T. Victor - 98221 23498

Secretary General :Shri A. Sangameswara Rao - 98498 70397(A.S. Rao)

Jt. Secy & Treasurer :Shri Koneru Venkateswara Rao - 92987 59625

Shri V.D. RajagopalMEAI - President

98491 22817, 94408 17700


Obulapuram Mining Co. (P) Ltd. (LIM-54)(Mine located in A.P.), Off.: Ennoble House,Raghavachari Road, Bellary, (Karnataka)Orient Cement (LIM-059)P.O. Devapur Cement Works,Dist. Adilabad (A.P.) - 504 218.Panduronga - Timblo Industries (LIM-056)Subhash Timblo Bhavan, P.O. Box No. 242,MARGAO-403601, GOA.Pearl Mineral Ltd., (LIM-39)R.L. Puram, Chimakurthy Mandal,Prakasham Dist. - 523 226. (A.P.)Priyadarshini Cement Ltd., (LIM-5)No. 34, Green Tower, Srinagar Colony, Hyderabad-73.Radials International (LIM-29)80/1, Block-II, W.H.S.,Kirti Nagar, New Delhi - 110 015,Rajgarhia Group of Industries (LIM - 050)H-279, Udyog Vihar, Sukher,Udaipur - 313 004 (Rajasthan)R.K. Marbles Pvt. Ltd., (LIM - 52)17, Old Fatehpura, Near Seva Mandir,Udaipur - 313 101, Rajasthan.Rajasthan State Mines & Minerals (LIM-053)CA Govt. of Rajasthan Enterprise)4, Meera Marg, Udaipur - 313 004 (Rajasthan)Sagar Cements Ltd., (LIM-21)8-2-472/B/2, Rd. No.1,Banjara Hills, Hyderabad - 500 034.Sandvik Asia Limited (LIM-46)Mumbai - Pune Road, Pune - 411 012.Sesa Goa Ltd., (LIM-11)Sesa Ghor 20, EDC Complex,Patto, Panjim, GOA - 403 001.Shree Cement Ltd. (LIM-051)Bangur Nagar, P.B. No. 33,Beawar - 305 901. (Rajasthan)Shri Sharda Cold Retreads (P) Ltd., (LIM-24)15 & 16, Industrial AreaKorba, Chhattisgarh.Shree Engineering Services (LIM-15)7, Naveen Bazar, Raipur - 492 001.Singareni Collieries Company Ltd.,P.O. Kothagudem, Dist. Khammam, A.P.South India Mines & Minerals Industries (LIM-2)315, Narayana Nagar,Sankaranagar (P.O) - 627 357 Tamilnadu.South West Mining Ltd. (LIM-40)Vidya Nagar (Toranagallu)Dist. Bellary (Karnataka) 583 275.Sri Kumarswamy Mineral Exports (LIM-43)No. 87, S.V. Colony,Club Road, Bellary (Karnataka)Sudarshan Group of Industries (LIM-047)425 Sector 11, Hiran Magri,Udaipur (Rajasthan) - 313 002.Tata Chemicals Ltd., (LIM-7)Mithapur, Okhamandal, Gujarat - 361 345.Tata Iron & Steel Co, Ltd (LIM-8)Mines Division, Noamundi - 833 217Singhbhum (West) Jharkhand.Terra Reserves DeterminationTechnologies (P) Ltd., (LIM-055)(A member of Terra World Holdings)Plot No. 15, Madhuvan Enclave, Street No.4,Habsiguda, Hyderabad - 500 007.The K.C.P. Ltd., (LIM-22)Macherla - 522 426, Guntur Dist. A.P.Thriveni Earthmovers (P) Ltd., (LIM-31)22/110, Greenway Road,Fairlands, Salem (TN) 636016.Tungabhadra Minerals Pvt. Ltd. (LIM-42)#322/3, 2nd Floor, Sree Sapthagiri Enclave,College Road, Hospet - 583201 (Karnataka)UltraTech Cement Ltd. , A.P. Cement Works,( L I M - 2 8 )Bhogasamudram (Vill.)Tadpatri (Mandal) Anantapur Dist., A.P.Ultra Tech Cement Ltd. (LIM-10)Unit - Narmada Cement - Jafarabad Works,P.B. No. 10, Jafarabad - 365 540.Dist. Amreli, Gujarat.Veerabhadrappa Sangappa & Company (LIM-44)# 2/138, Bellary Road, Sandur,Dist. Bellary (Karnataka)V. Thirupathi Naidu (LIM-34)Railway & PWD Contractor,Basaveshwara Badavane,College Road, Hospet - 583 201.VS Lad & Sons (LIM-38)Prashant Nivas, Krishnanagar,Sandur (Dist. Bellary) - 583 119, KarnatakaW.B. Engineers International Pvt. Ltd., (LIM-13)C-22, Liberty Society, North Main Road,Koregaon Park, Pune - 411 001.

LIFE INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSContd. from page 2 EDITORIAL

Ships in the South Pacific Ocean have been alerted that hundreds of icebergs believedto have split off Antarctic ice shelves are drifting north towards New Zeeland. The nearestone, measuring about 30m. tall, was 260 km. southeast of New Zealand’s Stewart Islandand was part of a ‘flotila of icebergs that can be seen on satellite images, Australianglaciologist Neal Young said, "New Zealand maritime officials have issued navigationwarning for the area south of the country. Satellite images showed the group of icebergs,spread over a sea area of 1000 km. by 700 km. moving on ocean currents away fromAntarctica."

A new report says smaller Himalayan glaciers are proving much more vulnerable toclimate change than the area’s larger glaciers. A joint team from WWF – India and BirlaInstitute of Technology monitored two central Himalayan glaciers since 2006 – Gangotriand Kafni having lengths of 30 km. and 4.2 km respectively. The study entitled, 'WitnessingChange : Glaciers in the Indian Himalayas' says that while small glaciers are retreatingfast and some of the them have even vanished, larger glaciers too are retreating but at areduced rate and the larger glaciers like Gangotri are unlikely to disappear in near futuredue to their large mass balance.

According to a new study, published in Nature Geoscience, the East Antarctic ice sheethas lost billions of tonnes of ice since 2006 and could boost sea levels and the smallerbut less stable West Antarctic icesheet is also shedding significant mass. The risingglobal temperatures could trigger a rapid disintegration of West Antarctica and push upthe global ocean water mark by about five metres. In 2007, the UN IntergovernmentalPanel for Climate Change (IPCC) predicted sea levels would rise 18 to 59 centimetres by2100, but this estimate did not factor in the potential impact of crumbling icesheets inGreenland and Antarctica.

Global warming is melting the fringes of the frozen world where Greenland’s Inuits havehunted seal, but it is not all gloom. The retreating ice could uncover potential oil andmineral resources which could change the fortunes of this semiautonomous Danishterritory of 57,000 people. The US Geological Survey estimates that there are more than18 billion barells of oil and gas beneath the Arctic waters between Greenland and Canada,and 31 billion barrels of Greenland’s east coast. North Sea resources of the samemagnitude have made Norway one of the Europe’s richest countries. The gaint island isbelieved to be rich in base metals such as zinc and iron, precious stones like diamondsand rubies and precious metals like gold and platinium. It also has potential for rare earthminerals. But exploration for these minerals can be done only where climate slowlywarms and more of Greenland opens up for exploration.

Transparency International India’s (TII) corruption index released recently has rankedIndia as the 84th out of 180 countries. However, India is the least corrupt country in SouthAsia excluding Bhutan and India has improved its credibility with an integrity score of 3.4in 2009 from 2.7 in 2001. TII Chairman Admiral (retd.) R.H. Tahiliani said, “The score thisyear is not particularly flattering but we can take consolation from the fact that the country’sscore has not gone from bad to worse.” New Zeeland, Denmark, Singapore, Sweden andSwitzerland are the top five honest countries. While China ranks 79th with a score of 3.6,Pakistan has a score of 2.4, Bangladesh (2.4), Bhutan (5), Nepal (2.3), Maldives (2.5)and Sri Lanka (3.1), Haiti, Iraq, Myanmar and Somalia have recorded the lowest score ofless than 1.5. According to Transparency International there is a strong correlation betweencorruption and poverty.

A new study has revealed that New Zeeland shakes 60 times a day ranking itself as theworld’s shakiest place. A long fault line runs through the length of the country where thePacific and Australian tectonic plates grind against one another. The result is dozens ofactive volcanic cones, majestic peaks, glaciers of grinding ice, tremors and bubblinggeo-thermal activity. Information researcher Chris McDowall said that most of the quakeswere too small to be felt.

MEJ wishes a Happy Holi to all its readers.

(Dr. K.K. SHARMA)


IRON & STEEL• 20% hike in iron ore prices predicted in 2010

According to the announcement ofWorld steelprices.com, there may be 20% increase iniron ore prices in 2010 because of the following factors:-(i) Miners will like to get a large slice of the price

concessions made for the existing contractsbecause this year’s demand has been much higherthan anticipated at the time of negotiations.

(ii) Spot iron ore prices are, currently, above the 2009contract prices.

(iii) MEPS estimates that world iron ore production in2010 will be above the previous record figure in2007.

The European, Japanese and Korean mills agreed forcontract prices with most suppliers for 2009. There aresuggestions that the mining companies would like tomove to spot iron ore prices for all sales.

The mills may have to concede large increases this yearto maintain the contract price system.

• Steel Prices to rise on costlier oreRising demand and steep rise in raw material prices maylead to 10-30% hike in prices. The raw materialnegotiations indicate that the increase in new contractprices could be between 10% and 30%. Last year, ironore contract prices were at $80(Rs. 3742)/t. Currently,spot iron ore prices in China are trading at $126(Rs.5893)t. According to Jayant Acharya, Director (Sales& Marketing), JSW Steel, contracts could settle at $140(Rs. 6548)/t. The Director (Finance) Ispat Industries, AnilSurekha said, “Raw material prices are increasingbecause there is demand from the user industries.”

• India may miss the steel production target – SteelMinisterThe Steel Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh during aninterview at New Delhi said that the ministry will probablyhave to lower this year’s forecast to reach 124 m.t. ofoutput by March 2012. He added that difficulties inacquiring land and iron ore mines have stalled almost$80 billion of steel projects that would have more thandoubled the nations 55 m.t. production. Shri Singh said,“We may have to revise our estimates if we can’t solvemany of the problems of the Greenfield projects. I willbe happy if we do 120 m.t. or so.”

• KIOCL sells iron ore pellet at $108/t to Indian buyersAccording to Metal Bulletin Daily (MBD) report,Kudremukh Iron Ore Corporation Ltd. (KIOCL) sold about1,50,000t. of iron ore pellet @$108/t fob in December2009 to domestic steelmakers, against $98.50/t in

NEWS FROM THE MINING WORLDNovember 2009. KIOCL has re-opened its 3.5 m.t.p.a.pellet plant in New Mangalore port after critical repairs.

• Rio Tinto to make first iron ore shipment to Essar inIndiaRio Tinto is to make its first ever sale of iron ore in Indiato Essar Steel. Company’s Chief Executive (Iron Ore),Sam Walsh said “This is only one shipment at this stage,but this is very significant in terms of forging a relationshipwith Essar and potentially opening doors.” He added,“We have long believed that India is a long-term marketof great potential, and this development should be seenin that context. It is also potentially significant, givenour iron ore project in Orissa, which we expect will alsobe a source to supply the growing Indian market." EssarSteel is in the process of increasing its steel productioncapacity from 4.6 m.t.p.a. to 10 m.t.p.a. Rio Tinto isunderstood to supply about 160,000t. of iron ore to EssarSteel in the shipment. Essar Steel, which has a 6m.t.iron ore supply contract with NMDC Ltd. for the currentyear, is facing mineral shortage on account of disruptionin 274 km. long pipeline carrying the raw material.The pipe line from Bailadila (Chhattisgarh) toVisakhapatnam (A.P.) was blown up allegedly by theMaoists in May 2009.

• BHP and Rio Tinto form iron ore joint ventureIt is reported that Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton have signeda joint venture agreement for iron ore covering all aspectsto operate. The joint venture encompasses all currentand future Western Australian iron-ore assets andliabilities, and will own 50:50. The net present value ofthe production and development synergies will be over$10 billion (100% basis).

• China acquires iron ore deposits in ChileAccording to Metal Bulletin (MB) report, Shunde RixinDevelopment (Shunde), a privately owned Chineseautomaker, has purchased over 70% of the explorationrights of a 3.0 b.t. iron ore deposit in Chile. Shunde Rixinwill invest $2.1 billion into the project for a stakepurchase, and construction of associated railroads andports. The iron ore deposit is expected to produce morethan 50 m.t. of ore.

• Iron ore spot prices exceed $120/tAccording to Metal Bulletin (MB) report, most of thecurrent transacted prices are in the range of$120-122/t cfr but suppliers of iron ore in India are pushingfor prices as high as $125/t cfr. Stocks at Indian portsare low as most of the mines in Bellary Hospet and inthe eastern part of Orissa are closed for one reason orthe other. Demand from China is for medium (61% Fe)and high (63.5% Fe) grade iron ore.


• Chinese Government to provide financial help todomestic iron ore producersAccording to the report, during China’s Ministry ofIndustry and Information Technology’s (MIIT)investigation, the iron ore miners complained about hightaxes, including resource tax, value-added tax, fuel oiltax and land tax, which amounted to over 20% of theiroperating revenues, some pay more than 30%. Thereforea new scheme has been launched by ChineseGovernment to help iron ore producers to reduce theirfinancial burden, which may come either by cutting taxesor giving subsidies.

• Chinese steel production expected to grow by 9% in2010According to London Commodity News report, China isexpected to increase steel production by 8.6% in 2010to 621.5 m.t. Xinhua news agency said that this may beachieved despite an expected increase in domesticprices caused by increased costs of iron ore, cokingcoal, and other steel making ingredients.

• ArcelorMittal will quit $20bn. Indian projectAccording to Steel Times International report,ArcelorMittal may pull out of a $20bn. plan to built twosteel plants in Jharkhand and Orissa (12 m.t.p.a.capacity each) by around 2015. In an interview with theUK’s Financial Times newspaper, Shri Mittal said peoplethere (India) had to be ‘educated’ into supporting gradualindustrialization including the need to build new steelplants on agricultural land.

• LNM frustrated at tardy progress in his projects inIndiaLN Mittal, in a rare display of frustration at the tardyprogress in his projects in India, blamed the country’sinability to move things. "The entire country is to beblamed for the delay in the execution of projects. Theprojects get mired in problems related to land acquisition,environmental clearances, redtape and lack ofinfrastructure. I am unhappy with the progress achievedso far an the proposed projects in Jharkhand and Orissa",Shri Mittal said. After years of waiting, Shri Mittalrationalizes that the problems may be due to thecountry’s inability to handle a surge of big ticketinvestment proposals, fuelled by an unprecedentedinterest in investing in India. "We have not experiencedthis kind of growth and interest in investments in Indiabefore. Neither the central government nor the stateswere prepared for such growth", he said. But he hasmade his presence in India. He has agreed to buy up a35% stake in Uttam Galva Steels for an estimated Rs.500 crore. He also got permission from the KarnatakaGovernment to set up a Rs. 30,000 crore steel plant of6 m.t.p.a. capacity and a 750 m.w. power plant. He said

that the Karnataka project may become a priority if workon the Jharkhand and Orissa steel projects does nottake off soon.

• Mittal’s remark on India’s investment climate stirsgovernmentA day after LN Mittal’s stinging remark that India wasnot prepared for mega investments, senior Cabinetminister Kamal Nath said that the criticism was valid,but only in relation to mining sector and the Orissagovernment has also promised early clearances to megasteel projects, including Mittal’s.

• ArcelorMittal, BHP Billiton likely to ink iron ore JVin AfricaArcelorMittal and BHP Billiton hope to combine their ironore assets in West Africa to cut costs on infrastructure.This could be the second such iron ore joint venture forBHP after it signed JV with Rio Tinto. ArcelorMittal andBHP Billiton may sign JV agreement as their depositsin neighbouring Guinea and Liberia were near eachothers.

• Sponge iron producers raise pricesIn view of the ongoing raids to stop illegal iron ore miningacross the country, which may create scarcity of theraw material in the short term, sponge iron producers,have raised basic selling prices of their products by5.25%. The sponge iron ore prices, which were hoveringat about Rs. 12500-13000/t, have gone up to Rs. 14200/t.

• NMDC to form SPV for A.P. iron – ore mining ventureNMDC Ltd. proposes to examine the iron ore potentialin Andhra Pradesh. The company is in the process offorming a special purpose vehicle with the AndhraPradesh Mineral Development Corporation (APMDC) toexplore the iron ore potential in the state.

MANGANESE• Deficit in manganese ore market – International

Manganese InstituteAccording to International Manganese Institute (IMnI)Chairman Mr. Alastair Stalker, the market of manganeseore could move into deficit in the next four to five yearsas the high grade ore is becoming scarcer, consequentlymedium grade ores will increase market share and theore demand is likely to be driven by a strong ex-Chinarecovery and moderate growth from China itself.

• BHP Billiton raised manganese ore offers to pushexports to ChinaAccording to Metal Bulleting (MB) report, BHP haspushed up offers for manganese ore exports to China,as the alloys market edges up and ore demand outsideChina improves. BHP Billiton raised offers of siliceous


chip with 43% Mn to $6.3/mtu, up from $6.06/mtu. Pricesof manganese alloy have increased in the last fewmonths, and there have been more orders coming forore from consumers in other Asian countries, tighteningsupply.

COPPER• Copper consumption likely to increase by 5-6%

In view of huge demand from power, telecommunicationand housing sectors, India’s copper consumption isexpected to go up by 5-6% this year. These three sectorsaccount for 65% of the total demand in India. With thisexpected growth the total copper consumption in Indiamay touch 550,000t. next year. Besides use forelectricity, industrial machinery and equipment,consumer electronics and construction industries, themetal also finds applications in hospitals due to its anti-bacterial properties. As per the latest report by ICRAManagement Consulting Services, the copperconsumption in India was 520,000t. in 2009 against100,000/150,000t in the 1990s. Still, India’s per capitaconsumption is only 0.4 kg against 4.0 kg in China.

COPPER, LEAD & ZINC• Demand for copper, lead and zinc to go up in 2010

Demand for copper, lead and zinc will go up in 2010 asthe global economy recovers, according to Calyon andCitigroup Inc. China’s industrial production in November2009 increased by 19.2% against that of 2008, morethan 18.2% median estimate of economists in aBloomberg News survey, Copper for delivery in threemonths on the London Metal Exchange gained to $6,886/t in Shanghai. It advanced to $7,170/t on December 2,2009, the highest since September 2008.

CHROMITE• FeCr firms on ore prices in China

According to Metal Bulletin Daily (MBD) report, highcarbon ferrochrome prices in China increased to$7.29/t in the second week of December 2009 reflectinghigher prices of chromite. High-carbon ferro-chrome wasat 7,300-7,500 yuan/t in China’s spot market, up from7,250-7,300 Yuan/t. A series of new stainless steelprojects have boosted demand expectations for the nextyear. Guangzhou Lianzhong Stainless Steelcommissioned a 500,000t. stainless steel mill in the firstquarter of 2010. Also, Zhejiang-based Eastern SpecialSteel will commission its 450,000 tpa stainless steelproject next year.

URANIUM• Varun Energy acquires Madagascar uranium mines

Varun Energy Corporation (a group company of steelexporter Varun Industries Ltd.) has acquired uraniummines in Madagascar. Madagascar has highconcentration of uranium, besides thorium and gold. The

group acquired 1,111 blocks covering 6900 sq.km withestimated reserves of 1,7000,000t. of uranium ore,4,350,000t. of thorium ore and traces of gold forexploration and output sale.

According to a World Nuclear Association report, Indiahas an ambitious nuclear power programme and expectsto have 20,000 MWe nuclear energy capacities on lineby 2020 and 63,000 MWe by 2032. It aims to supply25% of electricity from nuclear power by 2050.

Reliance Industries is also in uranium mining, butindirectly with 49% stake in Uranium ExplorationAustralia.

Jindal Power and Steel is another company havinguranium assets in Mongolia, bought from a Canadiancompany.

• Uranium mining in Meghalaya in six monthsAccording to the State’s Chief Minister Shri D.D.Lapang, uranium mining in Meghalaya is to start in five-to-six months. Addressing media persons on thesidelines of the 5th North-East Summit organized by theIndian Chamber of Commerce Shri Lapang said, “A jointcommittee of NGOs has been formed and we intend toresolve all issues within the next three months. I amhopeful that the mining will start within the next five-to-six months.”

The deposits in the two uranium rich area of Domiasiatand Wakhyan are estimated to be nearly 9,500t. and4,000t. respectively. Uranium Corporation of India Ltd.(UCIL) plans to establish an open-cast mine in theDomiasiat area.

• Kazakhstan overtakes Canada to become biggesturanium producer of the worldAccording to Mining Journal (MJ) report and asKazatompron said, uranium production in Kazakhstanwould be 13,500t. in 2009, 58% up than in 2008.According to the WNA website, Canada produced 9,000t.of uranium in 2008, followed by Australia with 8,430t.and Namibia with 4,366t.

BAUXITE• 300,000t. of bauxite deposits found in Chhattisgarh

An official of the Chhattisgarh Mining DevelopmentCorporation (CMDC) said, “We found about 300,000t. ofbauxite reserves spread in an area of 20 ha. at villageKudarwahi in Keshkal Tq. in Bastar district.” The ore isof high quality and CMDC intends to open up the minefor excavation within three – four months. However,mining activities in the area would be difficult due togrowing Maoist dominance.


• Aluminium demand in China likely to rise 15% in 2010Enam (a leading brokerage and research house) has saidthat aluminium demand in China is expected to grow by15% in 2010 on the back of revival in construction andauto segments. In China many long term prospects ofaluminium are to be completed and many smelters aredue to return to profitability. Enam expects LMEaluminium to trade between $2000-2400/t in 2011 (FY)and alumina at $385/t.

GOLD• China : Biggest gold buyer in 2009

According to Global Mining News report, World GoldCouncil (WGC) data reveals that China has been thebiggest buyer in 2009, adding 454t. to bring its centralbank reserves to 1,054 t, purchasing on an average priceof $978/ounce.

• Illegal mining of goldAccording to Metal Bulletin Monthly (MBM) report, theprices of gold were at record high $1,179.80/0z. onNovember 25,2009. But the higher gold price appears toencourage people to become part of illegal gold miningsyndicates in the country. The South African governmenthas estimated that the mining and illegal production ofgold, stolen from gold mines, costs companies involvedabout R5.6bn ($760m)/ a year. In the six months to June2009 Harmony Gold reported that 109 illegal miners haddied in the abandoned shafts, including 90 people whowere suffocated by toxic fumes from a fire in oneabandoned shaft. Pan African Resources has reportedthat 35 people died while mining illegally. Pan AfricanResources and Harmony Gold has arrested 700 and 844illegal miners respectively.

COAL• Coal production in Indonesia increases by 5%

According to London Commodity News report, Indonesiaproduced 254 m.t. of coal in 2009, up 5.8% against thatof 2008. Bambang Setiawan, Director General of Coal,Minerals and Geothermal Energy, said that coal exportsin 2009 were worth $14.85 bn. Mining sector investmentstood at $1.81 bn. in 2009, a 9.5% increase from 2008.In 2010 it is likely to be $2.5 bn. It is also reported thatin Indonesia coal production may increase to 309 m.t.by 2014.

• Coal production of China increased by 26.3% inNovember 2009As per statistics released by the Ministry of Industryand Information Technology of China, China produced290 m.t. of coal in November 2009 recording a growth of26.3% Y-O-Y. China’s coal production in the first elevenmonths of 2009 was 2.71 b.t. up 12.6% from the sameperiod of last year.

• Rise in Australian coal prices to $70/tThermal coal prices in Australia rose to $70.18/t, basedon FOB prices at Australia’s New Castle port.

• Coal India plans to make supplies at 10% premiumCoal India Ltd. (CIL) proposes to offer mine-specific coalsupplies to interested parties at about 10% premium overthe notified price. The proposal is prepared based on anumber of requests from large consumers. CIL officialsaid, “We have received requests from a number ofconsumers (including Hindalco and Rosa Power ofReliance Power) to meet their entire thermal coalrequirement from a specific source closer to theirrespective facilities rather than from multiple sources.”

• Tata Steel, SAIL seek CIL minesSAIL and Tata Steel have submitted to the governmenta joint proposal asking to be allocated Coal India Ltd’s(CIL’s) long neglected coking coal mines. Bothcompanies are expanding aggressively and are keen toward off the impending threat of a surge in input costsby bolstering their captive raw material bases. SAILChairman Shri S.K. Roongta said the joint proposaloutlined potential benefits to CIL as well as to SAIL andTata Steel. The steel companies have also agreed tostringent penal provisions for non-performance. Headded, “We have suggested that the mines be given tous on a lease basis, with an obligation to develop themwithin a fixed time frame. The government can eventake bank guarantees from us.”

• Government stops coal blocks allocationThe Centre has stopped allocating coal blocks to stategovernments till the Mines and Mineral (Development &Regulation) Act is implemented with amendments. TheUnion Ministry of Mines has already written to theconcerned states, including West Bengal, saying thatall coal blocks would be auctioned according to the newMMDR Act.

GENERAL• Union Steel Minister opts for merger of Steel and

mine MinistriesUnion Steel Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh is in favour ofmerging the Steel and Mines Ministries. Speaking at anIdea Exchange programme of the Express Group he said,“Ideally, the Steel and Mines Ministries should bemerged. This is my personal view. If not merged, atleast the power to grant mining leases for iron ore andother minerals used by the steel industry should betransferred to the Steel Ministry.” He also said miningleases, should be granted by the Centre and not StateGovernments, as is the current practice. However,royalties should continue to be given to the states


• Ministry asks steel PSUs to focus on overseasacquisitionThe Steel Ministry has directed government ownedcompanies like SAIL, RINL and NMDC Ltd., to scale upits overseas acquisition drive and close atleast one dealwithin the next three months. Steel Ministry SecretaryShri Atul Chaturvedi said, “Security of resources for futureproduct requirements is absolutely essential, especiallyfor those natural resources which are not available inabundance, such as coking coal. Hence, we have advisedPSUs to aggressively acquire assets abroad.”

• NMDC negotiating with LNMittal for miningopportunities in AfricaNMDC is in talks with ArcelorMittal for ore mining andproduction opportunities in Africa. NMDC proposes todevelop mineral deposits that could be used in steelplants set up by its partner. NMDC is also looking atjointly developing deposits of other minerals like rockphosphate and limestone in Brazil and Tunisia and othermineral properties that ArcelorMittal owns overseas.NMDC, CMD Shri Rana Som had said that earlier theywere scouting for iron ore resources overseas to meetthe surge in demand for steel from steel firms.

• Tata Steel, NMDC to explore JVTata Steel and NMDC Ltd signed a MoU to explorepossible araes of strategic alliance, including formingjoint ventures in the fields of steel making and mining inIndia and overseas. The deal was singed by Tata SteelMD, Shri HM Neruskar and NMDC CMD Shri Rana Som.Speaking to reporters Shri Rana Som said, "the twocompanies would from a joint working group to exploreand finalise possible areas of co-operation."

• Nalco to setup mines and refinery in A.P., OrissaNational Aluminium Company Ltd. (Nalco) proposes toset up mines and refinery project in Andhra Pradeshand a second aluminium smelter in Orissa. Accordingto the Ministry of Mines, Nalco proposes to spend $1.2bn. in A.P. project that would be located inVishakhapatnam district and Rs. 16,350 crores in Orissathat would be located in Brajarajnagar in Jharsugudadistrict for the smelter and a captive power plant. Theproposed aluminium smelter will have 500,000 tpacapacity.

• CIL cuts production target to 486 m.t. on delays in projects"Coal India Ltd. (CIL) has revised its production targetto 486 m.t. from 520 m.t. by 2012 as delay in gettingenvironment and forest clearances for some of itsprojects has affected production," company ChairmanShri Partha S Bhattacharya said.

• Sumitomo-Bhushan also looking towards Karnatakafor setting up a steel plantAfter ArcelorMittal and Posco, now Sumitomo Metal and

Bhushan Steel, who had proposed to build a steel plantjointly in West Bengal, are looking at Karnataka as asecond destination. Bhushan Steel's Chief FinancialOfficer Nittin Johari said, "There is an invitation fromthe Karnataka Government and we are evaluating theproposal. But we are also progressing reasonably wellin West Bengal and are in the process of acquiring landthere." Japan's Sumitomo had signed a technologytransfer agreement with Bhushan Steel in December 2009and had also expressed interest in jointly building a6 m.t.p.a. steel plant in Asansol (W.B.)

• MEAI may provide technical help to M/s. T.R.R.InstitutionsM/s. T.R.R. Engineering College, one of the branchesof T.R.R. Institutions, Patancheru, Medak districtapproached Mining Engineers 'Association of India(MEAI) requesting to sponsor a three year diplomacourse in Mining Engineering during the second shift intheir campus located at nearly 8 km. from Patancheru.Consequently Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President MEAIconstituted a committee under his chairmanship to studythe possibility of the involvement of MEAI with M/s.T.R.R. Engineering College for introducing the graduateand diploma courses in Mining Engineering during thefirst and second shifts in association with the T.R.R.Engineering College in their campus. In a joint meetingbetween the representatives of MEAI and M/s. T.R.R.Engineering College it was agreed that MEAI will provideall the necessary technical help.

• Central team to explore Chilean fieldsA team of officials from the Union Mines Ministry led bythe Mines Secretary is going to Chile for exploratorytalks to acquire interests in copper mines. Shri ShakeelAhmed, CMD of Hindustan Copper Ltd. is also part ofthe delegation. Shri Ahmed said, "We are visiting Chileas part of an inter-governmental delegation led by UnionMines Secretary. We will try to familiarise ourselves withthe on ground situation in Chile and also scout foropportunities to invest in that country." Earlier, a jointteam of officials from HCL and National AluminiumCompany Ltd. (Nalco) and subsequenty a team fromthe Mines Ministry had visited Namibia to scout foropportunities in minerals including copper.

• OVL team bags 40% in Venezuelan oil block"A consortium led by Indian state owneed oil companieshas won a global bid to pick up 40% stake in an importantoil block in Venezuela. ONGC Videsh (OVL), the foreignarm of ONGC will pick up 11% stake in the Venezuelanfield Caraboba-1, while other two Indian partners - IndianOil Corp. (IOC) and Oil India (OIL) will have 3.5% stakeeach," an ONGC statement said. The field has potentialto produce 400,000 barrels crude oil per day or20 m.t.p.a.


GRANITE EXTRACTION AND TREATMENT TECHNIQUES:A STUDY ON COST EFFECTIVE GEO-TECHNICAL ASPECTS

*Dr. Govind Singh Bhardwaj and **Sandeep Sharma

* Assistant Professor (Geology), Department of Mining Engineering, Maharana Pratap University of Agricultureand Technology, College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur (Rajasthan)

** B.E Mining Engineering, C.T.A.E. Udaipur

AbstractIndia has vast resources of granite and its mining in the country is being carried out for centuries. The large-scale mining andprocessing of granite, as dimensional stone, is being carried out in many parts of the country. During last two decades, thesupply and demand of granite has increased many folds. Therefore, scientific study of a granite deposit is necessary to developa successful quarry. In the past, many quarry operators have failed as the area for mining was not geologically studied andexamined prior to the start of the mining operations. Thus, geo-technical investigation is required to improve the success storyof granite quarry. In this context, a study has been undertaken based on the available literature and findings of the analysisare presented in this paper.

Keywords: Granite pluton, Geo-technical investigation, Improved extraction techniques, Soundless chemical demolitionagent (SCDA).

1.0 INTRODUCTIONGranite is a gift of nature to the mankind. Its reference appearsin the literature before the Christ. Several important buildingstructures were built of granite. It occurs in several varietiesand colours and finds wide use in industrial and domesticapplications. It is generally used in buildings for exterior work,flooring, gift items, furniture and paving etc. The demand ofgranite as a dimensional stone, in the international anddomestic market depends upon consumption pattern. To fulfillthe demand, an increase in granite mining has taken place.Presently huge quantity of granite is lost during extraction ofblock at quarry. Thus, adoption of advance technology isneeded to reduce the waste generation (Rathore et al., 2000).

Granite has become a commercial term and it includes gabbro,a coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock containing two mainminerals i.e. pyroxene (augite) and feldspar (plagioclase).Sometimes it is described as mafic due to presence ofpyroxene, Mg-Fe silicate. The most obvious difference betweengranite and gabbro is that granites are relatively light in colourand gabbros are relatively dark. Basalt is the most abundanttype of extrusive igneous rock formed by the cooling of lavaflows. It has exactly the same mineralogical composition asgabbro. Genetically, granite is a common kind of intrusiveigneous rock. Mineralogically, it contains three differentminerals i.e. quartz, feldspar and biotite-mica. The mineralcomposition is described as felsic due to presence of principalconstituents i.e. feldspar and quartz.

In India granite is the second highest foreign exchange earnerin the mineral sector next to diamond. Further, adopting costeffective granite extraction techniques can increase thequantity of granite exported. At present it is sold in theinternational market under various brand names, KashmiriWhite, Imperial White, Camalian White, Kashmiri Gold, IvoryBrown (Shiva Brown), Ivory Gold (Shiva Gold Cristina),Champange (Ghibli), Juprana Columbo, Juprana Gold, IndiaGold, Ocean White, Raw Silk Pink, Green Rose, LavenderBlue as supreme varieties; Vyara, Silver Pearl, Paradiso,Forest Green, Multi Colour, Desert Brown, Paradiso, Bash asmedium varieties and Black, Black Galaxy, Black Pearl,Kuppam Green, Sapphire Brown, Tan Brown, Tropical Green /Kerala Green, Seaweed Green, Indian Mahagony, HassanGreen as dark varieties.

The market prices of Indian granites (ex. factory) ranges fromRs. 135 to Rs. 150 for size 30cm x 30cm x 10mm and Rs.159.00 to Rs. 180.00 for 45cm x 45cm x12mm or 40cm x40cmx12mm which includes mining, processing and othermiscellaneous expenses and also aesthetic and beautyaspects ([email protected], http://www.findstone.com). If we compare these costs with othergranite producing countries as well as different types ofdimensional stones, we will find poor competitive prices atglobal level (Panakkal, 2000). Leading granite quarries of theworld include those of USA which are the North Carolina GraniteCo., Mount Airy Quarry, Surry County, NC, Fletcher GraniteCo., Inc., Westford Quarry, Middle sex County and M.A.,


Dacota Granite Co., Dacota, Mahogany Quarry (Thomas etal., 1997; Radowir, 2003).

Granite mining is being carried out in different parts of Indiaand its potential quarries are located in few States. The Stateof Karnataka has been blessed with vast deposits of granite.There are seventeen major operative quarries in the State,where scientific methodology and eco-friendly miningtechniques are in practice (Singh et al., 2002). Gujarat is alsoemerging as a large producer of granite. Madhya Pradesh is astorehouse for black and multi coloured granite, which isavailable in Shahdol, Betul, Seoni, Balaghat, Chattarpur,Tikamgarh.Datia and Shivpuri districts (Anon, 2005). InRajasthan a number of granite quarries are located in Pali,Jalor, Barmer and several other districts. Black Galaxy granitefrom Chimakoorty is famous in A.P. In Tamilnadu granitequarrying is going on since long.

2.0 GEO-TECHNICAL EVALUATION TECHNIQUESThe geotechnical features present in granite pluton and theirunderstanding plays a significant role in extraction-costoptimization. Among these, the main feature is bandings i.e.flow sorting, steeply dipping mineral layering, which has beenmistakenly identified as relict bedding and rhythmicprecipitation. Sometimes special kind of bandings are presentdue to a composite intrusion of relatively simple sheets,synplutonic deformation, where most commonly the aplitedykes are filling the synplutonic fractures, and felsic –maficbanding as shown in Figure 1.

The granite rock shows a variety of texture and the texturalvariation & its dynamics define the shapes and mutualdisposition of matrix grains called the morphology. Recognitionof the complexities of granitic texture is desired beforeextraction exercise. The crystalloblastesis aspects to bestudied viz. primary, metablastic or endoblastic textures.

Homogeneous granites in outcrops show some degree ofblastesis. This varies from intergrain reactions, grainenlargements and the granulation of quartz. The techniquesof statistically controlled examinations of grain shape, size,distribution, and the grain interrelationship including the graincontact frequencies are part of advance textural study of granitebody i.e. three dimensional geometry in relation to texture(Figure 2).

Figure 1. Idealized diagram, showing oxide percentagedistribution trends within granite pluton

Explanation:a. Na2O > 4%, CaO < 3 % and MgO < 1%

b. Na2O <4-5%, CaO <3-5 % and MgO 1-2%

c. Na2O > 5%, CaO > 5 % and MgO > 2%).

Figure 2. Strain measurements in granite pluton(Modified after Wallace, 1997)

Explanation:- Showing the variations in the shape and orientation- In both mafic enclaves and phenocrysts.

Early micro-fractures in the framework lead to pore-interconnectivity. It decreases the cutting force magnitude andreduces the cutting rate. In general the pore network becomesdisconnected at porosities below ranging 3-4%. Phenocrystspresent in granite, often enclose minute crystals. The presenceor absence of these causes interruption in the cutting operationat quarry site. Further the equilibrium gets disturbed in threedriving forces i.e.chemical potential, the surface energyresulting from incomplete bonding of surface atoms anddeviatric stress, could be the reason of interruption. Magnitudeof the dihedral angles of the grain contact corners is responsiblefor the nature of packing of the mineral grain and change inthe nature of packing ultimately reflects in terms of changesin the physico-mechanical behaviour of granite at micro level.In majority of granites there is a remarkable uniformity in grainsize and grain distribution over large areas of a single magmaticpulse, which facilitates the smooth cutting operation andimproves the efficiency of the cutting tool.

Mineral zoning is a common feature in granites. It occurs asoscillatory pattern of zoning of feldspar in individual crystal.Abrupt changes in composition in relation to periphery to centerof the granite body, which is represented as truncated zoning.Truncated zoning sheathing a calcic core and thermal crackingoften apparent within the calcic core. Zonation characteristicsof the alkali feldspar megacrysts are very important and itshould be taken care.

2.1 Significance of EuhedralismEuhedralism is defined as the confirmity of size and a zoningmarked by inclusions and chemistry. It is present in variousways viz.when megacrysts lie across boundaries of apliticveins or within or across the margins of mafic enclaves. K-


feldspar megacrysts commonly show the euhedral shapes,crystal boundaries often show a microscopic invasion of thegroundmass, the minerals of which appear to be partly resorbed, even replaced, forming an outer zone of extension that hasbeen interpreted as a replacement front. Internal zones inmegacrysts shows tiny inclusions of plagioclase, biotite, andquartz, which have accreted on to crystal faces parallel to thehost. Euhedralism is also observed when potassium feldsparmegacrysts penetrates or lie across aplitic veins. It is a partof the texture but considered separately, because it is one ofthe significant factor in cutting. The complex interactivetextures which seems to show potassium feldspar replacingplagioclase or even reverse.

The other features which affect the conformity are the rapakivitexture i.e. rimming of potassium feldspar by sodium–richplagioclase and presence of myrmakite i.e.the rims and wrtylobes of intergrowths of plagioclase and quartz. The plagioclaseand quartz both simultaneously invade potassium feldspar fromits grain boundaries. It is referred for grain boundaries or tofractures within grains. It looks like cauliflower like lobes;advance in to the K-feldspar. Rims and swapped rims aredefined as the contact between the feldspar grains of granite,which are often rimmed by the mineral albite. Between thegrains of potassium feldspar and plagioclase the albite rimextends in to the former and is in virtual continuity with thelater (Figure 3).

Figure 4. Schematic representationsof the compositional trend lines

from periphery to core of a zoned granite pluton

Explanation:(a) Continuous, likely to have been established in situ(b) Stepped discontinuous produced by periodic upwelling

of a differentiating core magma(c) Totally discontinuous as a result of multipulse infills.

The main inward changes are an increase in the modalproportion of quartz and potassium feldspar and a decrease inthe mafic minerals. The Fe: Mg ratio from periphery to thecenter of the pluton i.e. Fe due to calcic plagioclase and Mgdue to hornblende. Complexities of the zonation as shown inFigure 1, clearly envisages the importance where theopportunities are limited for observation in three dimensions,though zonal boundaries are marked by actual contacts, mostoften dipping steeply and parallel with the outermost contact.Favourable topographic relief reveals a flat lying zonation.

The oxide distribution trend could be the cause of zonationand the zoning shows calc-alkaline to felsic end membermineral; there may be changes from meta-aluminous toperaluminous chemistry, outer granodiorite and inner granite.In multipulse intrusion variation is well recorded and SiO2 %contour model with pulse separated by the internal contact.Furthermore a greater variation if any exist between pulses orwithin a single pulse can be plotted as shown in Figure 1.

2.3 Other AspectsFollowing aspects also play an important role in granite cuttingperformance.

2.3.1 Presence of foliation and its orientationFoliation orientation shows varied relationship in granite plutondefined as foliations concordant with walls locally crossingthe contacts. Foliation crosses re-entrants and mafic enclaves.Internal contacts in foliation are so often welded and subtlethat they show an acute angle between contact and foliation.

Deflections in the foliation orientation are also observed and itis sometimes very complicated (Figure5).

Figure 3. Schematic diagram showing relationshipbetween feldspar crystal geometry, cutting rate and tool

wear in granite. Explanation for feldspar crystals:SIP= Suspended isolated, SI= Suspended impinging,

SCB=Suspended clusters or branching,IC= Interstitial connected, IR= Interstitial restricted,

II=Interstitial isolated.

2.2 Zoning PatternThe general sequence of lateral zoning inwards from theperiphery often involves a change from quartz, diorite, throughgranodiorite, to garnite, with gabbro occasionally forming anouter rim. This is a kind of mafic to felsic inward variation(Figure 4)


A. Overall foliation is concordant with the walls.

B. Overall concordant but somewhat discordant.

C. Foliation discordant.

(Modified after Wallace, 1997)

2.3.2 Strain measurementThe variation in shape change and orientation both in maficenclaves and phenocrysts alignment is measured forquantifying the magnitude of strain throughout the granite body.By digitizing the strain in X, Y and Z axis of the pluton, equalstrain value lines are plotted, which are very helpful in decidingthe strategy for planning the cutting procedure i.e. cuttingspeed and its variation. It is represented in a schematicdiagram as shown in Figure 2.

2.3.3 Volcano-plutonic interfaceIt is developed due to evolution of silicic magma in subvolcanicmagma chambers viz. ash-flow tuffs surely reflect the ever-changing history of that chamber. Geophysical mappingprovides convincing models of the three-dimensional shapeof the underlying granite pluton body. The volcanism andplutonism are generally inseparable.

2.3.4 Restite presenceThe restites many a times become cause of Na2O chemicalvariation in the composition of granite suites. The variation inthe suite results from the different degrees of unmixing ofSiO

2 poor restite and SiO

2 rich liquid during and after melting.

Restite is a residual un-melted material, which coexists withthe silicate melt and present in many granite plutons.

3.0 PRESENT EXTRACTION TECHNIQUESMining of granite is carried out manually at majority of quarriesin India. Although now a days the mechanization has beencarried out at several places. Extraction of granites includesdrilling and blasting, diamond wire saw, water jet, jet burnersand swelling chemicals techniques. The cost effectiveextraction is possible by considering geo-technical factors at

planning and development stages. When the extractiontechnique is blended with geotechnical parameters of the in-situ granite resource then it becomes cost effective. Onecannot change the properties of the granite deposit but costoptimization may be achieved if entire extraction processesare strictly in accordance with the nature of the stone. Thevarious extraction techniques which are in practice in Indiangranite quarries are described taking into consideration ofgeotechnical parameters.

3.1 Drilling and Blasting Geological features are required to be considered in decidingfor selection of drilling and blasting procedures, technologyand tools, to train the operators for operating the machine ingeo-site friendly manner. For drilling purposes, mostly hydraulicdrills are used for high penetration rate.

Blasting is normally carried out to remove overburden i.e.weathered or unblockable portion so that quickly and cheaplyone can reach to production stage. Blasting generates wavesand there are chances of damage to the dimensional qualityof granite. In this case every care should be taken to preventthe damage and for this advantage of the orientation of naturalplanes may be taken as obstruction in the path of travel ofwaves. The controlled blasting technique is used in most ofthe granite mine. The capacity of the blast, granite volume tobe blasted is related with the nature of deposit i.e. in morejointed granite body low capacity and lesser volume blast areadvisable. At most of granite quarries, gunpowder anddetonating cord containing 10g/m PETN explosive are usedfor splitting of large sized block from insitu rock mass.

3.2 Diamond Wire SawingDiamond wire saw cutting machine is also used for theextraction of granite block and it is most successful in softgranite of South Indian quarries. Diamond wire used in cuttingcontains impregnated beads. The diamond beads are 10-11mm in diameter and are placed on the steel cable at such aninterval to provide 33-40 beads per meter of cable length (Figure6). Granite cutting rate obtained in majority of the cases varies2-5 m2/hr, wire life ranges from 3-7 m2/m. and speed of cutting18-20 m /s as given in Table 1.

Table 1 Different type of granitesshowing cutting rate and life of wire

S.No. Type of granite Cutting Wire liferate m2/hr m2/m

1. Very hard granite 2-3 3-5

2. Hard granite 3-5 4-6

3. Less hard granite 3-5 6-7

Figure 5. Foliation trajectories in a range of pluton


Figure 6 (a)

Figure 6 (b)

Figure 6 (c)

Figure 6 (a), (b) and (c). Showing diamondcutting wire with beads, spacers etc.

3.3.1 Composition and cutting efficiency optimization ofwire sawThe size, morphology, composition, impregnation orientationand impregnation patterns in the diamond bead are importantaspect for the suitability of diamond cutting wire for particulargranite (Figure 7). Cutting rate may be optimized looking tothe composition material of wire, type of cut and stone-geofriendly operation level. There are two main factors consideredin the cut i.e. Size of cut 3m²/m (small cut) & 5m²/m (largecut) and angle of cut. For finishing cut the 8mm diameter beadsare impregnated in wire.

Explanation(1) Complete crystal shape, good diaphaneity, high compact

strength and thermal stability. It is suitable for cuttinghard granite.

(2) Complete cubic octahedral crystal shape, high strengthand thermal stability. Having wide cutting range. It issuitable for high-power saws.

(3) Complete crystal shape, high diaphaneity and low impurity.It is Suitable for circular saws.

(4) Regular crystal shape, full crystal surface, gooddiaphaneity and high strength. It is suitable for cutting.

(5) Comparatively regular crystal shape, high strength,belonging to middle grade but contain more regular crystalshape. It is suitable for cutting.

(Data source: Non Zhongnan Diamond Co.Ltd.)

The Cubic Boron Nitrite (CBN) is the second hard materialafter synthetic diamond. It has good resistance to high thermalstability and chemical attack. Thus, it is most widely used incutting granite deposit (Figure 8). With the change in shape ofthe diamond grain cutting rate varies in different granite asexperimentally tried by the Chinese technologists. This showsthat cost effective cutting diamond wire saw for granites canbe designed in order to shape and size of diamond grain usedfor wire saw bit (Bhardwaj et al., 2001).

Figure 7. Showing syntheticdiamond crystal shape and size

Figure 8 Showing cubic boron nitrite (CBN)bit segment with variable performance


Explanation(1) Black colour, irregular shape, medium toughness mainly

used for resin bond.

(2) Bright black colour, regular shape, high toughness andgood heat stability.

(3) Red colours, regular shape, high toughness.

(4) Amber colour, good transparency, regular shape, hightoughness and good heat stability.

(5) Dark brown, regular crystal shape, high toughness.

3.4 Water Jet CuttingHigh-pressure water jets are used for granite cutting where apressure of approximately 100 MPa and water flow rate of 60liters per minute is required in normal cases of cutting.Therefore, it became possible to cut a slot in the rock nearly6.0 m long and 1.0 m deep. The water jets could cut granitesat the pressure considered are angle based. Optimization ofwater flow conditions to the nozzle require that the feed pipehas a diameter of 2.5 cm, which in turn means that the nozzlebody would be approximately 37 mm. in diameter, and so theslot required should be at least 50 mm wide. Preliminary testswith a variety of nozzles angle carried out by various scientistsindicated that if the included angle between nozzle is lessthan 22 degrees, the water-jet would not cut a slot of consistentwidth, but with so much of the force of the water being directedforward and less being directed to the side and as a result, itwould bounce off the rock inward and over a sequence ofthree or four passes, the slot would get significantly narrower.The results shows that the included angle between the two jetorifices is maintained in excess of 30 degrees and ultimatelyan angle of 45 degrees found suitable. Two nozzles in theprogramme were sized according to the volume flow rate ofwater achievable from the pump at 100 MPa, and this cameout to be approximately 0.94 mm (Summers et al., 1977).

3.5 Chain SawChain saw is a compact machine consisting of a strong chassismoving on a guide frame by means of pressure rollers withrack and pinion mechanism on a set of modular track section.Cutting unit consists of a jib (3.25 m long) and chain made upof removal links. It gets its strength from highly stressableplanetary transmissions. A hydraulic motor is provided in thefast moving closed circuit. The rotational speed is infinitelyvariable by mechanically adjustable high-pressure controlledpump. During cutting process the cutting chain is continuouslylubricated by electrically driven grease pump with waterrepellent and bio- degradable special grease.

The machine can execute both vertical and horizontal cuts upto 3m of depth and used in bank mining of granite block and itis advantageous to set up for the largest cuts of 15 to 30m.The cutting jib can be rotated on 360 degrees. The machinemoves on strong and wide rails guaranteeing quick levellingand stability. The rail line is 10m long and rail elements are

modular and different in length, in order to allow their use insmall spaces. With the help of this machine production of themine can be increased many folds and quarry can be developedsystematically. The time required in setting up the chain sawvaries from 25 minute to one hour. At the end of cut the tracksare removed for a parallel cut.

3.6 Jet BurnerJet burner used for spalling rocks such as quartzites, granitesand syenites. In these rocks the speed of cutting is very fastby this technique. Spalling of rock by a high-temperature andhigh velocity jet or rocket flame causes the rock breaking inthermal cutting (Wang et al., 1991). The major mechanism ofbreaking of the rock is by the thermal stresses in the rock.The high jet velocity helps in breaking by dynamic stresses.On the basis of spalling by thermal stresses, rock can beassigned a spallability number, S, given by following equation:

S=bxn/axfWhere b = coefficient of thermal expansion of the rock,

a = thermal diffusivity of the rock,n =coefficient of rigidity of the rock,f = shear strength of the rock.

Jet burner machines are mainly of two types i.e. having anon-rotating burner and a rotating burner. The burner formsthe main unit of jet burner machine. It can be single flame ormulti flame, the later being generally used in rotary burners.The burner comprises a combustion chamber into that thefuel oil is supplied in atomized form, which is usually kerosenein oxygen fuel burners and diesel oil in air fuel burners. Thefuel is supplied at a pressure varying from 4 - 8.5 kg/cm². Inthe combustion chamber the fuel mixes with the oxidizer andburns. The oxidizer is usually gaseous oxygen, supplied at apressure of 9.5-10.5 kg/cm². This gives a high jet temperatureof 2500-3000ºC and a high jet velocity of 1600-2000 m/s. Costof oxygen alone amounts to 70% of the total cost. Water iscirculated around the combustion chamber to cool it and aftercirculation it is sprayed into the hole through nozzles locatedaround the nozzle. Sufficient water is circulated so as to coolthe escaping gases to 120ºC. The water is converted in tosteam and this helps in the removal of the cuttings out of thechannel (Park, 1972).

3.7 Chemical Rock Breaking TechniqueBreaking the rock along a weak plane is termed as splittingi.e. prying the two faces apart. In order to get the pryingforces, somehow a force is developed onto the rock. Thehole drilled are means whereby the force can be applied tospread the two faces, hence, it serves as a clear startingpoint (Liner, 2004).

The best way to break up rock without using explosive materialsis by drilling small diameter holes into the rock and pouring anexpansive chemical agent into the holes. These chemicalsare called soundless chemical demolition agents (SCDA) or


non-explosive demolition agents. The process can be doneon a small scale, even with a boulder, or on a large scale witha massive rock formation. These chemical agents have provento be viable substitutes for the use of explosives. SCDA arepowdery materials that expand considerably when mixed withwater. This expansion, when occurring under confinement,generates significant pressures. These pressures are sufficientto break up rock when it is confined in a hole or a series ofholes. Normally it is mixed with a measured quantity of waterand poured into the holes. Immediately it begins to hydrate,generates heat and crystallizes i.e. hardening and expanding.The pressure developed is of sufficient magnitude and after aperiod of time it fractures the confining material. Dependingon the type of SCDA, significant expansive pressure may begenerated as quickly as within 15 min., or as long as within 24hr ([email protected], 2004).

3.7.1 Non-demolition technologiesThe non-explosive demolition technologies and workingexperience of various scientists world over for the last morethan 10 years show that for the time being the best alternativeis a pyrotechnical rock breaking technology, namely SAFEX.Safex is so safe that, it only works when placed in the holesdrilled precisely, and stemmed to get maximum pressure.During transport, storage, free standing, etc. it is not affectedfrom impact, pressure, fire and electricity. Even passengerplanes can transport it. It has several sizes to suit differentapplications and can be found as a cartridge ready to use. Itis classified under UN0432 1.4S code. The activation is simpleand it is within a fraction of second. Pressure level attainedreaches to levels 4-8 tonnes per m² (Safex-ga, 2004).

3.7.2 FRACT.AG® expansive mortarIt is a versatile chemical agent, can be used in hole diametersfrom 34 mm to 75 mm, which can be keyed to jobsiteconditions, depending on the drilling equipment available andthe method of excavation. It makes mass rock removal aneasier task, substantially reduces removal time, saving timeand money. It also works in underwater situations, can beused in deep holes and it is environmentally friendly (http://www.daighcompany.com/default.asp).

3.7.3 Dexpan Non-Explosive demolition agentFor controlled demolition, building remodelling, reinforcedconcrete cutting, rock breaking, granite and marble quarrying,mining, excavation, the Dexpan non-explosive demolition agentis used. It has amazing expansive capability to break reinforcedconcrete, rock, granite, marble or any material you are workingwith, easy to use, just mix with water then fill into holes, non-explosive, much safer than explosives, does the job withoutnoise, vibration, fly rocks and toxic gases. It works in efficientand cost effective manner. In this case no special license,training and equipments are needed. It is an earth friendlyproduct (Pinkfreud, 2004).

3.7.4 BristerIt is a soundless and safe demolition agent. It does not causeany fly rock, noise, ground vibration, gas, dust or any otherenvironmental pollution when used properly. When it is mixedwith an appropriate quantity of water and poured into cylindricalholes drilled in rock, it hardens and expands. It cracks thematerial to be demolished and later on easily removed with apick breaker, pneumatic breaker, and excavator(http://www.new-technologies.org/ECT/Civil/soundche.htm, http://www.demolitiontechnologies.com). It is applied to separatethe granite block of required dimension at number of quarriesin China, Korea and other parts of the world (Anon, 2005; http/: www.crackag.com, http/: www.stone.com).

4.0 RESIN TECHNOLOGYApplication of resin is mainly for strengthening of the fissuredand porous portions of the stone. Resin hardens slowly andhas a very high penetration rate in fine and deep fissures (Figure9, 10 and 11). It starts filling immediately in small holes andfissures, as soon as it is applied to the rock.

Figure 9 Showing resin colours

Figure10 Showing cracks in granite slab

Figure 11 Showing pouring of resin in slab


The use of resin is on colour basis and mixing ratio is kept as4:1 by weight i.e. 4 is weight fraction of components1 and 1 isweight fraction of components 2. Normal time required for rockstrengthening is 20-25 minutes at 20º centigrade. Various typesof resins are available in the market i.e. Mastice 2000, Strong2000, Imprepox and Preparato special. The Mastic polyesteris made up of polyester resin, which comes in two parts i.e.adhesive and catalyst. It is available in 12 different colours(Figure 9). Epoxy mastic Epoxy 2000 is suitable for glue aswell as joints fill and reinforce various types of granite whereas the Imprepox is suited for filling micro cracks, capillaries.

5.0 ROLE OF GEO-TECHNICAL PROPERTIES INEXCAVATIONThe geo-technical properties of granite play a key role inexcavation. Thus, geological details including mode ofoccurrence, geological features of granite body including thevolumetric joint count, joint frequency, persistence, joint typesi.e. open, indurated, clay filled, joint orientation, joint gap, jointsets number, joint spacing, thickness of granite sheet and itsvariation if any, granite sheet geometry and relationshipbetween adjacent sheets, intersecting veins and theirorientation, frequency, vein filled mineral types as well asrelationship with the main granite body are to be assessedbefore starting the quarry.

The study clearly reveals that the geo-technical propertiesand excavation as well as treatment techniques have intimaterelationship. Geo-technical evaluation techniques have provedtheir role in cost effective excavation.

(i) In the exercise of drilling the orientation of drill hole must bedecided by the nature of granite body so that by minimum orleast effort the maximum number of standard size blocks maybe produced (Brown, 1976). Notch is made in such a way thatthe plane of weakness i.e. rift, grain, secondary veins trend,strike of joint plane etc., in the granite body always coincidesthe direction of split.

(ii) The high frequency electrical disintegration technique isused for development of crack to assure intact granite block,which eliminate drilling but great scope of consideration ofgeo-technical parameter i.e. foliation orientation and strain inX-Y-Z direction.

(iii) In water jet cutting the pressure as well as water flow ratevaries in fine and coarse-grained granites, varies in less andmore joint spacing granites, and varies in indurated joints wherethe type of indurated material is different.

(iv) If diamond wire is manufactured by considering the stone-geo parameters i.e. grain size, texture, grain morphology,quartz-mica-feldspar mineral grains mutual relationships, inter-granular and intra-granular status, grain orientation etc. betterresults can be achieved in terms of extraction and recovery.

(v) The non-rotating burner gives good results in rocks ofuniform and good spallability, but in cracked granite formationsand in formation with varying spalling characters the rotatingburners give a more uniform hole shape. It is stone nature-friendly approach (Summers et al., 1977).

(vi) Application of soundless controllable demolition agentscan be optimize looking to the geological properties of thestone, which decides to drill the boreholes i.e. alignment,diameter, depth, orientation etc., according to the stonestructure and nature in order to achieve the desired effect.

(vii) The point of injection of resin always decided on the basisof geo-technical parameters so that it penetrates in maximumfractures or weak planes and takes less time. In-situ resintreatment converts dimensionally unsuitable granite in toblockable, hence, contributing towards conservation aspectand finally recovery of standard size blocks.

CONCLUSIONSIn global competitive era, reduction or optimization of granitequarrying cost is a matter of concern to survive in theinternational market. This challenge may be fulfilled if geo-technical properties are taken into consideration beforeexcavation. On the basis of present study, followingconclusions are drawn.

- Granite excavation technology should be stone-geofriendly.

- If diamond beads are manufactured in order to graniteresource-wise by considering the stone-geo parameters,better results can be achieved in terms of extraction andrecovery.

- Chemical rock breaking techniques are really stone-geofriendly. Further, research is required and behaviours ofthe stone at micro level should be considered for makingthese techniques efficient.

- Application of resin is the process of preparing the stoneto user-friendly state. By filling of joints/cracks etc. thebonding improves, sometimes upto the natural state ofthe stone. Finally improves recovery and mineral will beconserved.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSThe authors are thankful to Professor Virendra Kumar, Dean,College of Technology and Engineering, Udaipur, for theirmotivation. We are thankful to quarry owners who have providednecessary facility for fieldwork. Heartfelt gratitude to Dr. B.L.Sharma, Professor of Geology and Dr. P.S.Ranawat, Professorof Geology, for their valuable suggestions.


REFERENCES

Anon (2005). Mineral Resources of Madhya Pradesh, Broacher of D.M.G.,M.P. pp.1-4

Anon (1999). G.O.I. Department of Mines - Granite Conservation andDevelopment Rules (mines.nic.in).

Brown, W.S. (1976). Rock Fragmentation- A Report of a Special Seminar,held in conjunction with 17th U.S. Symposium on Rock Mechanics,Snowbird, UT. pp. 20-26

Brun, J.P., Gapais, D., Conge, J.P., Ledru, P. and Vigneresse, J.L. (1990).Geological Journal, Vol. 25, pp. 271-286.

Gustafson, R (1981). Blasting Techniques, Fourth Australian TunnelingConference, Melbourne, pp.283-285 Kaplunov, D.R., Rilnikova, M.V.andChapligin, N.N. (2003). The Principle and Strategy of Combined Methodsand Technologies in Massive Mineral Resources Exploitation, Proc. 19W.M.E, Vol.1, pp. 558-570.

Martin, M.R. (1953). Quarterly Journal of the Geological Society of London,Vol. 108, pp. 311-342.

Nicole, I. (2003). Specificity of Mining Technological System Developmentfor Romanian Conditions Proc.19th W.M.E., Vol.1, pp. 467-482.

Panakkal, J. (2000). International Marketing of Granite and Other stones,Souvenir Stone Mart, held at Jaipur, India.

Park, P.A. (1972). Jet Properties, Proc. 14th Symposium on RockMechanics, Penn. State Univ., University, June, pp. 12-14

Patersan, S.R. and Vernon, R.H. (1995). Bursting the Bubble of BallooningPlutons. A return to nested diapers emplaced by multiple processes. Bulletinof the Geological Society of America, Vol. 107, pp. 1356-1380.

Pitcher, W.S. and Berger, A.R. (1972). The Geology of Donegal: A study ofgranite emplacement and unroofing. Wiley-Interscience, NewYork, p 435.

Radowir, S. (2003). Development Trends for Surface Mining in Yugoslavia,Proc. 19 W.M.E, Vol.1, pp. 483-494.

Rameshkumar, B. and Nanda, N.K (2003). Application of LCC and LSATechnology for Profitability in Surface Mining Quantity. Proc.19 W.M.E,Vol. 1, pp. 570-580.

Rathore, S.S., Bhardwaj, G. S. and Jain, S. C. (2000). Dimensional StoneTechnology, Himanshu Publications, Delhi-Udaipur, pp. 20-115

Safex(2004).ChemicalforRockBreaking.(http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview/id/354284.html)

Sharma, S. (2005). Cost Effective Granite Extraction Techniques,Unpublished Seminar Report(Under supervision of Dr G.S.Bhardwaj)submitted for partial fulfillment of the degree of B.E. Mining Engineering,Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology, Udaipur ,Rajasthan.

Snaderson, D.J.and Meneilly, A.W. (1981). Journal of Structural Geology,U.S.A., Vol.3, pp. 109-116.

Summers, D.A. and Lehnhoff, T.F. (1977). Water Jet Drilling in Sandstoneand Granite, Proc. 18th Symposium on Rock Mechanics, Keystone, CO.,pp. 243-244

Summers, D.A. (1968). Disintegration of Rock by High Pressure Jets.Ph.D. Thesis, University of Leeds.

Thomas, J. and Reston, V.A. (1997). US Department of Interior, USGeological Survey, Mineral and Mineral Industries Survey, pp.11- 60

Trueman, E. (2003). Mine Development Challenging the Fundamentals,Proc.19 W.M.E Vol.1, pp. 533-558.

Wallace S. P. (1997). The Nature and Origin of Granite. Chapman andHall.

Wang S. K. (1991). Hot-dry Rock Drilling Techniques and Thermal SpallingMethod. Evaluation of deep drill hole for high-level nuclear waste disposal.Master of Science thesis pdf no. 27455531(1) (secured) MassachusettsInstitute of Technology, pp. 56-232.

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OBITUARYWith utmost sorrow and grief it is informed that Shri A.G.Keshava Reddy (LM-818) passed away in November 2009.Born in 1936, he graduated in 1960 from KothagudemSchool of Mines. Immediately after graduation he joinedSingareni Collieries and retired as General Manager in May1995. At the age of 70 years he acquired Law degree aswell.

In November 2009 he had gone to attend a marriage inSingareni Collieris where he suddenly breathed his last.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters, all doctors.

MEJ extends sincere condolences to the bereaved family.

Address :Sri Sai Ram Apartments

3-5-700/204, Opposite MLA Quarters,Narayanaguda, Hyderabad - 500 029.


WHAT HAPPENS IF WE DO NOT CONTROL TOP SOILLOSSWater erosion across the country is the major cause of topsoilloss (in 132 m.ha) and terrain deformation (in 16.4 m.ha). Winderosion is dominant in the western part of the country causinga loss of top soil and terrain deformation in 13 mha (Sehgaland Abrol 1994).

Land management practices are often not geared to checkwater erosion on slopes and wind erosion on level lands of dryregions leading to considerable deterioration. Often, it is neitherthe environment nor the type of land use that necessarily leadsto degradation, but the standard of land management.

According to one estimate, nature takes nearly 1,000 years toproduce a few centimetre of top soil! The rate of erosion in thecatchment area of rivers has increased five-fold; the presentrate being upwards of 1 mm per year. [The Indian landslidescenario, strategic issues and action points R.K.Bhandari]

Some short term effects of erosion and sedimentation are:1) dump slope damage,

2) virgin hill slope damage,

3) turbidity of rain water flowing down hill,

4) temporary blockade on roads,

5) bad road conditions.

Some long term effects of erosion and sedimentation are:1) loss of virgin land,

2) covering up of mineral deposit or lean ore depositsat lower level,

3) permanent damage to agricultural land,

4) loss sweet water collection systems like lake,pond etc.,

5) increase in turbidity and toxicity levels in watercourse.

In most of these cases, the loss is not easily reversible.

Dumps advanced by dumping from top are at a factor of safetyof 1.0 on the edge. Change in angle by external measures willdestabilise the dump slope (e.g. Holding by retention walls)The stability of such dumps must be carefully evaluated andmonitored during the operating phase of mining. The longterm stability of waste dump slopes can decrease as a resultof:

TOP SOIL EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL,THE NEED OF THE HOUR

B.Arunachalam*

*Manager, Mines Group Vocational Training Society, Hospet, KarnatakaPaper presented in the meeting of MEAI Bellary-Hospet chapter on 29th Aug 09.

1) Increase in the groundwater table due to groundwateraccumulation and due to changes in the permeability ofthe dump materials resulting from weathering and washingof the fines.

2) Decreases in the dump material strength due toweathering.

Changes such as these are responsible for the tragic dumpfailures.

Miners and mining operation usually are the ones that comeunder the firing line. Proactive measures and not knee jerkreaction/short term measures should be taken.

Rainfall, Cloud Bursts and Land sliding:For the first time landslides, however, the action is usually solong delayed that the connection between rainfall and landslidemay not be felt obvious. Most landslides have multiplecausative factors.

Some dump slides result in fatalities and many in loss ofproperty as well. We need to keep ourselves updated withincidents and update our measures.

We need to identify hazard, analyse the risk and initiate/maintain proactive measures in time.

� In case of inadequate precautions against erosion ofsoil dumps, downstream silting in water logged and / orcatchments areas takes place.

� In case the water gets collected in a pond or lake it canharm agriculture, aqua culture, cattle or wild life as alsothe source of potable water for inhabitants. It ismandatory to monitor the quality of such water.

� Removing silt will more often not be possible as it wouldbe a thin layer over a wide area.

� The soil will no more be permeable. There by loosingfertility.

� The toxicity of soil may go up. This could result in bador no yield of crop.

� Even when such silt is removed, safe disposal andcontaining it will pose a problem.


Experience suggests that reactivation of old landslidesinvariably takes place following heavy or prolonged rains. Oncea measure is taken, it is required to monitor its health, re-modify it, apply, and again monitor. It is a continuous processand not a one time activity. It is necessary to prevent erosionat source. We should contain the waste within bounded areas,allow silt to settle using flocculants like burnt lime, if need be,design and allow clear water to overflow. When such settlingpond gets filled with silt, allow it to dry, cover with a layer oftop soil and then vegetate.

In the case of any of our mines, a similar situation may be oflesser or greater magnitude can take place when waste isdumped in a valley from hill top or from slope. Such wastecan slide down and block a water course in the valley below.Rain water from upstream will get impounded, build up pressureon such blockade and at some point of time the blockadewould yield, and silt with large quantity of water will flow down,submerge or flood inhabited area and/or agricultural land. Leastis silt carried down stream and worst is water gettingimpounded and later breach, inundating inhabitations below.When not taken care, rain water if allowed to flow through themine to river course will pollute water down stream (Annexure-1).

SEDIMENT CONTROL TECHNIQUES� The major causes of erosion problems in an open cast

mining operations are the extent of the disturbed areas,poor drainage plans and the lack of a sediment controlstrategy.

� In developing a sediment control plan the following basicapproach should be adopted:

1) minimize the area which is disturbed at any onetime;

2) develop a drainage control system for the minelease area;

3) integrate drainage, erosion and sediment controlinto each stage of the mining operation;

4) develop a mining and rehabilitation plan prior toinitiating mining activities;

5) construct drainage and erosion controls in advanceof mining activities ;

6) divert storm runoff away from areas with higherosion potential;

7) incorporate measures to reduce the flow velocityof storm runoff;

8) limit the handling of waste and topsoil materialsduring peak monsoon

9) rehabilitate areas as soon as possible;

10) maintain drainage and erosion control measures

Provision of drains in an in situ strata or concreted/boulderpitched base and with interspaced flow retarders, cross overculverts totally discharging into a settling tank and not in thewater course will greatly improve the quality of water.

Retention walls and failure (Annexure - 2)

� One area that gets commonly overlooked, or at leastunderestimated, is the necessity to drain the backfill ofrainwater and/or groundwater. Hydrostatic pressure cancause or induce retaining wall failure, or at least damage.

� Drainage of water as a result of rainfall or other wetconditions is very important to the stability of a retainingwall. Without proper drainage, the backfill can becomesaturated, which has the dual impact of increasing thepressure on the wall and lessening the resistance of thebackfill material to sliding. Granular backfill materialoffers the benefits of good drainage, easy compaction,and increased sliding resistance.

� Therefore it is necessary to dump blasted waste in thebottom most layer of a Dump.

Remedy

� Drainage systems usually utilize weep holes anddrainage lines.

� Weep holes actually penetrate the retaining wall and drainthe area immediately behind the wall.

� Weep holes should have a minimum diameter so as topermit free drainage.

� For large walls, 100mm weep holes are common.

� Adequate spacing between weep holes allows uniformdrainage from behind the wall.

� Weep holes should always have some kind of filtermaterial between the wall and the backfill to preventfines migration, weep hole clogging and loss of backfilland caving.

� Drainage lines are often perforated and wrapped in geotextile or buried in a granular filter bed, and serve tocarry water to the weep holes from areas deeper withinthe back.

MINE RECLAMATION PLAN – WHY?The main objectives of the mine reclamation plan are to,

� return the land to conditions capable of supporting priorland use or uses that are equal to or better than priorland use, to the extent practical and feasible

� Eliminate significant adverse effects on adjacent waterresources.

Mine reclamation plans should incorporate the followingcomponents:


a) Conserve, stockpile, and use topsoil for reclamation.

b) Re-contouring slopes of more than 20 degrees tominimize erosion and runoff.

c) Planting native vegetation to prevent erosion andencourage self-sustaining development of a productiveecosystem on the reclaimed land.

d) Budgeting and scheduling for pre- and post-abandonmentreclamation activities.

e) Plan views that show areas cleared, mined, refilled, andre-vegetated during each of the next 5 years andestimated activities at subsequent 5 year interval.

Active Dumps -

1) In the case of active dumps as the height increases thestability decreases the chances of dump sliding/ failurealso increases.

2) Generally waste encountered by us tends to have anangle of repose nearing 30 degrees when it is nearlydry.

3) Depending upon the intensity of rainfall, over all height,porosity and granulometry of the mass the same wastedump would assume an angle of repose of about 25degrees on the slope and still flatter at its toe whenexposed to rains

4) The granulometry of waste as available at the minesand in waste dump will differ due to impact while dumpingand also due weathering

5) The granulometry of the material along the slope willdiffer in direct proportion to the height of slope, speedand quantity of unloading per dumper, presence of tailgate or scoop body etc.,

6) Granulometry and solubility will determine erosioncharacteristics in case if water flows down along theseslopes

7) Moisture content of waste will be another factor. Drywaste will flow down uniformly, slushy material will getaccumulated at toe while waste which is not too wet willhang on the slope in meta stable condition and slidedown en masse.

8) Slides can block the water course. When such blockageyields, the flow is sudden and water in large quantitiescan inundate inhabitations below

The change in angle will amongst others depend upon the:

1) rain fall,

2) drainage at the top and toe of dump

3) presence of water table and seepage from inside thedump

4) characteristic of waste to disintegrate/dissolve in water

5) granulometry of the mass

6) porosity of loose material to maintain the stability ofdump.

Dumping in terrace pattern, which results in Better compactionand also prevent water percolation from top due to stage wiseand lesser depth of compaction required (Annexure- 3)

EROSION AND SEDIMENT CONTROL STRUCTURESThese protect the watershed and natural resources in a numberof ways, for example:

� By preventing the formation of, or the advancement ofgullies;

� Reducing the flow velocity in watercourses or providingstructures capable of with- standing high flow velocity;

� Stabilizing the grade and controlling head cutting innatural or artificial channels;

� Conveying water from one elevation to another;

� Diverting water away from unstable slopes; and

� By filtering and retaining sediment

These practices are applicable on sites where:Excessive gradient or overflow conditions occur.Water needs to be moved from higher to lower elevations. .There is sedimentation or an erosion problem

Properly designed, installed and maintained, erosion andsediment control structures will effectively reduce the transportof sediments, minimize erosion and the degradation of waterresources and reduce negative impacts to natural resources(i.e. vegetation, wildlife, etc.).

PIT BACKFILLING & STABILIZATIONDepending upon the type of deposit, the geochemistry of therock, and water (if present) in the pit, backfilling or partialbackfilling, can be a viable means for stabilization andreclamation.

Backfilling will typically be compatible with post-mining landuses and reduces visual impacts and minimize theimpoundment of surface water. There are three types ofbackfilling which can be accomplished concurrently or at theend of mining.

Types of Back filling

� Total Backfilling - Potentially extends the duration ofthe project and may not be economically feasible, butthis is balanced against returning the landform morenearly to its original configuration


� Partial Backfilling or Screen Slope Backfilling - Thispractice is typically done to modify or conceal visualimpacts and to increase slope stability of the pit walls.Sometimes utilized as a compromise to total backfilling

� Concurrent Backfilling - Commonly done at mine siteswith multiple pits where production schedules canaccommodate direct placement of waste rock in an openpit. This method is advantageous because it is costeffective, reduces the size, extent and reclamation ofwaste rock dumps and allows for a productive post-mining land use.

Any back filling project can be taken up only after completeexploitation of the block to be backfilled and approval fromconcerned authorities. (Indian Bureau of Mines)

Complete detailed survey will have to be made.To prove that the area to be back filled is barren, taking thestrike and dip into consideration, few bore holes would needto be drilled away from the contact on both foot and hangingwall side

Core of drilled hole as well as documents regarding location,litho logy ,physical and chemical properties, presence of groundwater and all data that can be collected will have to preservedand produced to authorities for inspection

e. It is also advisable to stack materials of different gradesat designated locations in the back filled area withpossibility of recovery should there be a change in marketscenario.

f. A detailed plan of such stacking will need to bemaintained

g. As far as possible backfilling should not interfere or blockground water table. Should it become unavoidable, forma pervious layer of boulders or other material at such ahorizon. If need be pumping out of water thus collectedshould be done

h. In case of filling in water logged area precautions andcontinuous monitoring for subsidence would need to bedone to prevent against slide .It would be safer to dumpat a distance of one truck length away from edge andthen doze down

Where backfilling is not possible then waste is dumped outsidethe pit. In such a situation the waste will change its angle ofrepose in the presence of water tends to get flatter and flowdown slopes carrying with it the waste. The solids like stoneetc., may not travel to longer distances while the dissolvedsolids in the form of slush will settle down in places where itlooses its velocity. Such area may be inhabited or agriculturalland or forest or water hole for wild life. Once an agriculturalland is covered with silt then depending upon toxicity it willloose its fertile nature for ever. Water that is allowed to flow

out should confirm to environmental norm. It therefore becomesnecessary that water is impounded made to settle and thenonly allowed to flow out

FILTERATION GALLERYSize and design and addition of settling agent depends upon,

a) on rainfall,

b) retention time depending upon turbidity (conduct lab test)

c) toxicity

d) size of catchments area,

e) addition of ground percolation water

f) time required for turbid water to settle and clear water tooverflow.

g) approachability for de-silting and filling sized rubble atintervals

h) filtration gallery should be located as far away from thetoe of dump as possible to avoid blocking due to anyunprecedented slide.

i) in case of low lying area, the basin may need little morethan a dam to hold water, as against constructingretaining walls and digging if you're placing it in a higherarea.

j) if such collection area has tendency to percolate ,thenit may be necessary to make the floor impervious.Otherwise the wells close by could turn turbid.

k) don't proceed without permission from your state's waterauthority.

l) consider about property downstream. Your impoundingof water could deprive him of his source.

m) incorporate a water release system. Even if you're justpushing up waste to create a pond, when your basinfills, the runoff may begin to overflow which leads to asmall trench. Very quickly, a small trench becomes awashed out retaining wall as the water rushes through

n) collect sample as per procedure based on quantity andtime

ORE STACKS

� Another area contributing to sedimentation is flow of rainwater through ore stacks. Rain water carries with it thefine ore and deposits down below. This in addition towaste of ore also adds up to pollution load on the water.These stacks are covered with plastic sheets to preventdirect contact

� As an additional precaution portable arrestors areprovided at a slight distance away from the foot of suchstacks. These can be shifted as the stack progresses


or retreats. These are cast in R.C.C measuring 3x1.2mand shifted as required. They weigh 5(t)approx

� Certain clay ,ore and silica benches show tendency towash down and increase the silt load. Depending uponthe rainfall conditions these are also covered with plasticsheets.

� When benches erode their width gets reduced. Thisover and above stability problems, affect the economicsby increase in waste handling to reform such benches

Employee training on the components of the storm water runoffmanagement program, practices, good housekeeping andmaintenance related to those practices should be implementedon a timely basis.

The views expressed above are of the author and may not besubscribed by the organisation he belongs to

The author conveys his thanks to management of Mines GroupVocational Training Society for permitting him to present thispaper

Annexure-5LIQUID EFFLUENTSSource: The World Bank policies and guidelines,The following are guidelines for effluent discharged to receivingwaters from tailings impoundments, mine drainage,sedimentation basins, sewage systems, and storm waterdrainage. They do not apply to direct discharge of tailings tothe marine environment

Details LimitspH 6 to 9BOD 50 mg/lOil and Grease 20 mg/lTotal Suspended Solids 50 mg/lTemperature - at the edge max 5° C aboveambient temperatureDesignated mixing zone max 3° Cof receiving waters if receiving waters>28° C

Residual Heavy MetalsThe following are recommended target guidelines below whichthere is expected to be no risk for significant adverse impacton aquatic biota or human use. In cases where naturalbackground concentrations exceed these levels, the dischargemay contain concentrations up to natural background levels.

Annexure 4

Annexure 1


Concentrations up to 110% of natural background can beaccepted if no significant adverse impact can be demonstrated.

Details Tolerance

Arsenic 1.0 mg/lCadmium 0.1 mg/lChromium, Hexavalent 0.05 mg/lChromiumTotal 1.0 mg/lCopper 0.3 mg/lIron, Total 2 mg/lLead 0.6 mg/lMercury 0.002 mg/lNickel 0.5 mg/lZinc 1.0 mg/l

Source: The World Bank policies and guidelines

FROM IVStatement about ownership and other particulars about newspaper "Mining Engineers' Journal" to be published in thefirst issue every year after the last day of February

1. Place of publication : Hyderabad2. Periodicity of its publication : Monthly3. Printer's Name : A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining of Engineers'

Association of India.Nationality :(a) Whether a citizen of India? : Yes(b) If a foreigner, the country of origin : -N.A.-Address : 'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers,

Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001.

4. Publisher's name : A.S. RaoNationality :(a) Whether a citizen of India? : Yes(b) If a foreigner, the country of origin] : -N.A.-Address : 'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers,


5. Editor's Name : Dr. K.K. SharmaNationality :[(a) Whether a citizen of India? : Yes(b) If a foreigner, the country of origin] : NAAddress : 'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers,


6. Names and addresses of individuals who own : "Mining Engineers' Association of India"the newspaper and partners or shareholders 'A' Block, F-608, VI Floor, Raghavaratna Towers,holding more than one per cent of the total capital : Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001.I, A.S. Rao hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date : 01-03-2010 Sd/- A.S. RaoSignature of Publisher.

NOTICEIt is for the information of all SME affiliated members thatthe annual membership has been renewed for the year2010 by paying $10 for each member. Members interestedto download the material from SME Website are requestedto contact the Secretary General for obtaining theirindividual passwords. They are also requested to providetheir addresses and telephone numbers by post/e-mail forcorrespondence.

Secretary General

With profound sorrow and regret it is informed thatShri Alevore Ramesh Rao (LM - 99) pased away on 10-01-2010 at his native place. Born on 28-06-1947 he wasB.E. (Mining) with 1st Class Manager's Competencycertificate. He worked as General Manager inTungabhadra Minerals (P) Ltd. from 12-10-1999 to 06-08-2004.

He is survived by his wife Smt. Sulochana Rao and twodaughters Smt. Smitha Rao and Dr. Sushma Rao.

MEJ extends sincere condolences to the bereavedfamily.

OBITURY


Excerpts from the above paperShri G.L. Tandon had delivered his lecture on 01-11-2009which is a very elaborate presentation. For the paucify ofspace only special and technical portions have beenreproduced. However all the headings have been provided togive an idea of full presentation.

KOLKATA – THE LAND OF PIONEERS1.0 - 4.5 - Not reproduced1st Memorial Lecture5.1 First Memorial Lecture of the series was started by Dr RNSharma, our seniormost mining engineer, a very likeable andrespected-person. Though I have never worked with him, Ihave always drawn experience and inspiration from his gentleacceptable public and official dealings. I find he has alwayssupported me and covered my weakness of shyness in self-publicity and self-praise.

5.2 He was instrumental in arranging along with Russy Mody,a special convocation of XLR Jamshedpur with me as ChiefGuest to address and award to me, prestigious Sir JehangirGandhy Gold medal on 17th March, 1986. I was the twentiethrecipient of this medal for industrial peace. Some of the earlier.recipients were Naval H Tata, R.P. Billimoria, G. Ramanujam,Kanti Mehta, JRD Tata, V R Krishna Iyer and later includedShri Jyoti Basu - the longest Chief Minister of West Bengal.

5.3 Along with Dr PN Haksar, Chairman ISM Dhanbad and itsDirector Dr. Sinha, he arranged convocation to be addressedby me as Chief Guest. This was the first time that an ex-student of ISM Dhanbad was given such an honour.

5.4 On this occasion, award of Hony. Doctorate to me wasalso announced. I never bothered to pursue to get thiscertificate and it never came to me. Recently I learnt thatwith changes in the hierarchy, the file got bungled up and islying buried deep somewhere. It is left now for a bravenationalist open-minded Chief Executive to fulfil the promisemade by our almamator.

2nd Memorial Lecture6.0 Shri S R Jain delivered Second Memorial Lecture lastyear, whom I knew when he was in Bhilai Steel Plant andother places and I was in NMDC. When he was ChairmanSAIL, I helped him for 2 years to create and build up a separateMining Division. I had very close and - long lasting relationswith SAIL. Shri Wadud Khan the first Chairman of SAIL heldhis Board meeting at Kiriburu in 1974 where I was GeneralManager. I still remember the fascinating drive in a jeep Itook Shri Wadud Khan through thick Saranda forest whichwe tried to maintain with great Care.

COAL INDIA’S 34TH FOUNDATION DAY1ST NOVEMBER 2009

3RD J.G. KUMARAMANGALAM MEMORIAL LECTURE* G.L. Tandon (Padmabhushan)

3rd Memorial Lecture7.1 This 3rd Memorial Lecture for which I have been invitedwas to be delivered by my senior Shri Mahinder Singh Gujral.Unfortunately he is not able to do so because of health reasonsand I will be doing a sub-mix of both. Shri M S Gujral was aDoyen of the Railways and he is widely remembered andrespected even today. Vasant Kunj Delhi where I stay, I havean ex-Railway Board Chairman Y.P. Anand and some otherrailway officials. They all speak very high of Shri Gujral.

7.2 - 8.1 Not reproducedCOAL INDIA’S PROBLEMS & SIMPLE SOLUTIONS9.1 When I took over Coal India, I heard a general complaintthat senior officials are away from their site of work, visitingDelhi frequently to attend meetings with Ministry officials,Secretary and the Minister. In their absence work suffers asthere is no one to help in taking decision.

9.2 In the first meeting I attended taken by the Minister Hon’bleShri Vasant Sathe, present there were Secretary Shri S.B.Lal, Chairman Railway Board and other concerned seniorofficials. Shri Abhay Bhave, PS to the Minister told me thatthe Minister is very liberal. He will hand over this responsibilityof discussing coal industry problems to be handled at CILlevel. In this meeting I proposed to the Minister that I willhandle all-problems of coal and refer to him only those whichare beyond CIL’s domain. He readily agreed.

9.3 Within the next few days I called a dinner meeting inHotel Oberoi Calcutta. The three concerned GM’s on thedirection of Chairman Railway Board, DVC and West BengalElectricity Board - CIL subsidiary Chiefs and other concernedsenior officials attended. General Managers Railwayssuggested their Chief Operating Superintendents to attend infuture as they were directly dealing with the problems on theground. There used to be frequent unscheduled meets withUnions of different affiliations, meets with subsidiaries officialsand others concerned. To systematize and make the timespent productive, I decided to allot 4 days in a month forsorting out all major issues. Our Minister and Secretary verykindly agreed not to disturb anyone during these four days.

1) First day: Meet in CIL Hq. with Railways, DVC & WBSEB- half day for each.

2) Second day: Whole day from Breakfast to Dinner in GreatEastern Hotel with Unions. Dr. Pandhe and otherprominent leaders attended.

3) Third day: In CIL Hqrs meeting of CIL Board. Add/.Secretary Shri Krishnan, Joint Secretary/Director, CMDSingareni Collieries and CMD subsidiaries Membersattended.

* Former Chairman of NLC and Coal India Ltd. and President, MEAI


4) Fourth day: Meet in CIL Hqrs. with Board Members ofSubsidiary companies.

9.4 This left me and all others concerned 26 days free to dotheir own duties. Senior officers also remained at their sitesof work for quicker decisions and direction to others.

COMMUNICATIONS & DATA ACQUISITION10.1 Lack of proper communications, both inside and outsidecan make even the best Organisation/Company inefficientand powerless. I found that Coal India, after take over of allthe mines of BCCL and later the entire Coal industry, hasabout 1000 units spread all over the country if supportingcommercial, marketing, monitoring and other offices areincluded. But communications depended on Postal andTelegraph prevailing facilities. Computers had yet to visit CoalIndia.

10.2 To remove this deficiency in consultation with CMC (DrGupta-as CMD), NITIE Bombay and other available experts,I decided to give communication top priority and update byemergent measures. Far flung units like North East, Assamwere connected by wireless. A COALNET was created atCIL Hqrs. with network connections all over the country.

l0.3 To evaluate and analyse CIL’s systems prevailing andnew, and to strengthen them further; we organized a bigprofessional meet at Hotel Ashok in Delhi where India’s topexperts and senior officials of concerned Ministries wereinvited. To our pleasant surprise our systems were supportedand commented none other than by Sam Pitroda, theAcknowledged Authority on the subject. He congratulated CoalIndia and stated that he was himself engaged for similar workfor railways at much higher costs.

LOSS OF THE NATIONALISATION ARCHITECT11.1 Nationalisation of the entire Coal Industry, for whateverreasons, has created some problems of major consequencesfor the industry as well as the country. Underground coalmining decline and HRD became the major casualtiescompounded by sudden unfortunate loss of its ArchitectMohan Kumaramanglam in 1973 in an Air crash. The CoalIndustry became orphan and rudderless.

11.2 - 11.3 - Not reproducedBURDEN OF UNWANTED MANPOWER11.4 - 11.6 - Not reproduced11. 7 Due to political reasons Coal India was neither allowedto lay-off, nor retrench to get rid of the surplus unwantedmanpower. From 1992 the figure started coming down due tonatural retirement. In 2001 it came down to 542051, on 1.4.06to 452287, on 1.4.09 to 412350 and on 1.9.2009 to 404666.While manpower has been going down; coal production hasgone up from 79 MT in 1974-75; 171.5 MT in 1988-89; 216

MT in 1993-94; 279.65 MT in 2001-02; 363.8 MT in 2006-07,403.73 MT in 2008-09 and 184.44 MT (first half April-Sept.)2009-10.

NEGLECT OF UNDERGROUND MINING12.1 We have suffered badly by loosing several decades ofunderground mining technology/experience built on British/European base, due to a broom stick policy instead of selectiveapproach. If well managed companies like Bengal CoalCompany, Mcneill & Barry, Turner Morrison etc and someIndian companies like Chanchani-Worah etc. had been lefton their own; underground technology perhaps would havebeen still prevailing. Result of the poor indifferent handling isthat underground coal production has come down from 74%from 1st November 1975 to now about 10%, mostly frompillars already developed.

12.2 Shri Partha S Bhattacharyya has several strategies forincreasing coal production from underground mines andappears keen to correct the damages done to some extent.Having spent my life in the deepest and most difficult minesof Bengal & Bihar in fifties and sixties before switching toNational Mineral Development Corporation, I have words ofcaution and advice for Coal India. Underground mining is notlike opencast which most can adopt successfully. The 12strategies listed on pages 33-34 of Shri Bhattacharyya’spresentation on 11th December 2006 can be fully successfulonly if a strong and experienced internal organization isavailable. Outsourcing of normal jobs is very much differentthan outsourcing of underground coal mining. It will, therefore,pe advisable to create-build-train and develop an UndergroundMining Organization to achieve the dreams of undergroundmining strategies.

12.3 Very few persons today will like to adopt undergroundmining which is tough, risky, dangerous and always chancesof getting blames and abuses. India is not China whereaccidents will go unnoticed and mining persons go-unpunishedas production is the main motto. We live· in a ParliamentaryDemocracy. Even one accident involving fatalities will needto be justified to face and escape from the wrath of our mediaand legislature.

ADVERSE EFFECT ON COAL RESOURCES13.1 Bigger damage of long-term consequences to the countryand future generations lies in loss of our coal resources. Weshould be maintaining 30:70 and not less than 40:60 ratio ofopencast and underground coal production, if we want to fullyutilize this natural resource. Underground mining is risky and2 to 3 times costlier though better from quality and environmentangles.

13.2 - 13.2 - Not reproducedSIZING AND WASHING OF COAL14. Coal quality has suffered decline which has been a matterof concern of all consumers. Shri Bhattacharyya’s decisionto go for washeries on a large scale on, Build-Operate-Maintain


(BOM) basis is commendable. I hope he gets full support ofall concerned for the 19 washeries with a total investment ofRs.3000 crores in the first instance by 2015 to wash 105million tonnes of coal. Consumers also should realize thatsizing and washing cost money and they should be preparedto pay. Improvement in the performance of boilers is enhancedsubstantially and get paid back many times than the moneyspent.

15.1 Jharia Coalfields : Jharia coalfields situated inJharkhand State between Dhanbad and Sindri, the only sourceof prime coking coal of our country has suffered neglect dueto unauthorized habitation now about 1 to 2 lac, and indifferentunscientific attitude. India’s steel production - vital for modern,advanced and secure life heavily depends on this resource,reported to be over 500 million tonnes. Fires and burning ofthis precious resource have continued unabated over longperiods. Jharia field is like a bowl with series of coal seamsfrom top to bottom.

15.2 Steel producers and several others have envincedinterest and conveyed concern. Government of India issuedan ordinance in 1962 banning new construction in the town.Polish Experts invited by the Union Government gave a masterplan for removal of all establishments and their relocation in7 satellite townships. Some doubts were expressed in 1984-85 and some new locations were suggested.

15.3 We in Coal India studied the subject in depth and Ipersonally paid visits to understand the realities on the ground.In April 1987 Coal India constituted “Coal City PlanningCommittee”, headed by Shri ENF Riberio, Chief Planner, Town& Country Planning Organization, Govt. of India. His reportafter detailed study of desired requirements and severalalternatives, favoured a single large town where all types offacilities could be provided. An Advisory Group, in Augustappointed “Coal City Planning Committee” II which alsofavoured a single large town of 8 lacs to one million. This wasdiscussed in a seminar at Hotel Meridien, Delhi under thePresidentship and as Chief Guest Shri Vasant Sathe, ourMinister of Energy. This idea could also fill a gap of a largetown as there was no large planned city between Calcuttaand Patna.

15.4 Raniganj coalfield in West Bengal has always been innews. Along with Jharia this coalfield has been discussedtime and again by the Legislature, even in the nationalParliament. As Railway tracks, oil pipelines and severalvillages are affected, fires having engulfed a vast area spreadover 100 sq.km. Some MPs and aggrieved parties have takenthe matter to country’s highest Court - Supreme Court. Thebench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan and

Justices R V Raveendran and J M Panchal have studied thewhole problem, but expressed reluctance to interfere in thematter of fires stating, “If it had been ranging for the last 100years, the Supreme Court can do little to control it. We are noexperts and even if we hear it for years, we would not be ableto even scratch the surface of the problem."

16. LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIPWhile here in Kolkata I must make it clear that I am neitherleftist nor rightist. I consider both left and right as essentialwith brain in the middle as given by God to all of us. I havelived, worked and or visited every part of the country; fromKashmir to Kanyakumari and Dwarka (Gujarat) to Assam andArunachal Pradesh. Though poor in languages, I never facedany problem; regional, religious, language, caste and or creed.Questioned by many for reasons of success; my answer issimple. Treat, every part of the country without anydiscrimination like your own body which feels pain if any partgets hurt. Be a True nationalist.

16.1 - 16.6 - Not reproducedDELHI VISIT17.1 Before I mention about Bailadila 14, an interestingepisode regarding a group of union leader’s visit to Delhideserves mention. They met my father-in-law Shri RanbirSingh, then Chief Editor Milap Group of papers. My father-in-law was then a highly respected and influential person due tohis very close relations with Late Gyani Zail Singh, Presidentand Smt. Indira Gandhi Prime Minister. Some pride occasions;we on our wedding were blessed by the First President Dr.Rajendra Prasad and Prime Minister of India Pandit JawaharLal Nehru. Smt. Indira Gandhi graced wedding of our daughterSukrita Bajaj in 1980.

17.2 Union Leaders complained that they were not able tofunction fully and properly due to my very rigid attitude andare being considered by the workers as irrelevant. I wasnicknamed as Union Killer. My father-in-law told them that“yes” he is very firm in getting work done but is also very fairto ensure that every one gets his due. He told them that dueto his influence, he wanted better postings for him so that mydaughter having lived in cozy places, can have comfortablelife instead of (i) living in tinshed hutments in heavy monsoonof western ghats in Kudremukh, (ii) Parbelia on Damodar riverbank - approach by hand operated boat during rains or onbuffalow carts on long stretch of sands for 1 ½ /2 mile duringnon-rainy months.... etc. He showed them a letter I had writtento my father-in-law which read as, “I very humbly andrespectfully request you to refrain from interference in myjobs. I will request you for help whenever I need it”. In thesame go, I had declined offer of Director J&K Minerals Ltd.from Bakhshi Ghulam Mohd. the then CM of Jammu &Kashmir.


SENSITIVE BASTAR DISTRICT18.1 - 18.5 - Not reproducedFUNDAMENTALS OF NAXALITE & MAOIST PROBLEMS19.1 - 19.4 - Not reproduced“Aham – Braham Asmi”20 We as human beings use only 2 to 5% of our energy -Einstein is also reported to have used less than 10%. Forthose who may be interested, I will mention a few instancesto indicate how we can do much more if part of our reservepotential is used with our own initiatives.

20.1 As Manager of Chanch-Laikdih (Barakar) highly gassyand geologically disturbed underground coalmine, I had tointroduce sand stowing (sand by aerial ropeway from riverDamodar through bunkers - pipelines all built to the designsby Bengal Coal’s Research department headed by renownedand experienced Dr Sinha and Shri Raja Ram Khana. Due tomy habit of reading relevant literature to keep myself update,I studied their layouts to compare with French stowing-wherefull bore stowing at rates around 500 tonnes per hour wascommon against India’s 60-100 tph. I removed some kinks inthe pipelines already in place and on starting stowing thebunker got emptied within 15/20 mts. As system was designedfor only 80/100 tph. the equipment had to remain idle. Chiefsof Bengal Coal Company came to visit this wonder and tooktheir Research Dept. to task for not having foresight andInternational perspective.

20.2 In Parbelia highly gassy, firey and deep coal mine, our80 year old Foreman expert Kali Majhi detected smell ofspontaneous heatings near the pit bottom coming fromsomewhere inside. Normally the mines are closed for longperiods, lasting years. We in full consultation with DGMSand our Hq. Officials, thought of a novel solution. We installedhigh capacity pumps at river Damodar to draw water and fillthe mine. Next step was to install high capacity-high headpumps at pit bottoms to pump out the water. Making full useof river Damodar, we restarted the mine within 21 days - aworld record.

20.3 To test and experiment an alternative to the dreadedexplosives for blasting of coal - a high air pressure unit(Armstrong make) was planned for company’s highestmechanized Girmint mine. I was shifted from Parbelia forthis job. With the grace of God and co-operation of all, weinstalled and operated this unit within a year, well ahead ofthe targets.

FROM PRIVATE TO PUBLIC SECTOR21. Due to political changes and PSUs getting moreimportance, I decided to leave Bengal Coal Company. Iresigned from Girmint on 3rd July, 1966 and joined NMDC inDelhi on 5th July 1966. I understand the unit remainedinoperative as great discipline and continuous hard effortswere required to operate and maintain the unit.

IMPOSSIBLE NOT IN HIS DICTIONARY22.1 - 22.3 - Not reproducedHAVE FAITH IN HIM - THINK POSITIVE

23.1 As he was keen to know the specifics of my life, I toldhim (i) I was studying in B.Sc. (Geology) in Jammu (J&K) in1947. Country’s partition left us totally in rags. While many inour Miani town, near river Jhelum were killed or injured, Iescaped and had to travel in a truck over 200 miles to Amritsaracross Lahore, newly created border with Pakistan, (ii) Next2 years I lived in dingy slum huts - sleeping on the ground atdifferent places. Took up menial jobs to meet two ends of theday, (iii) when my father re-established again after 2 years inMeerut, I restarted my studies and joined Dhanbad ISM in1951 loosing 3 years in studies, (iv) lost my father in 1955 assoon as I completed ISM Dhanbad exams; my widowedmother burdened with 2 young school going children, (v) Nextone year again had to sleep on ground as Bengal CoalCompany neither gave any accommodation nor any stipend(vi) We had to take field training for 2/3 years after passingfrom ISM Dhanbad. We had to pass 2nd/1st Class MineManagement Exams. from Ministry of Labour, DGMS beforewe became eligible for a reasonably respectable job, (vii) WhenI took over charge of Parbelia after passing these exams in1959/60, lost my young son, another child and mother’sCancer detection. (viii) In PSUs from 1966 I had some bychoice very tough and rough assignments longest beingNeyveli (NLC) 1981-85. As I never compromised to unethicaland whimsical demands of seniors and many Ministers, hadto undergo tough situations, false charges, CBI inquiries butalways won, as I adhered to truth with faith in God. (ix) Out of11 Ministers I had good relations only with S/Shri Biju Patnaik,K.C. Pant and Vasant Sathe who were straight forward andvery helpful.

23.2 During my handing overcharge of Neyveli and take overof Coal India as Chairman in 1985-86, I lost my elder andyounger brothers due to heart failures. I also lost my wifewho was my backbone and shakti and I had to undergo amajor open-heart operation lasting over 11 hours at St. Mary’sHospital Milwakee, USA. Later we lost a 12 year old brightgrandson - the only child of my younger daughter.

23.3 Two years back I had total heart failure - EF down under16%, 11 days in ICU in Ganga Ram Hospital, my bothdaughters beside me day and night. Even today I live under25% EF. I have serious dental and eating problems.

23.4 Even today I am facing consequences of betrayal oftrust placed in a bright-well to do person (ISM Dhanbad) -whom I treated like a son 5 years back.

24. I can continue but I will end here as important incidents/experiences of my life, I have put in the book I am writing,almost complete, except editing and publishing. Life is neversmooth. Face it with courage as it comes. Out of 84 lacspecies - only we as human beings are privileged to decide,analyse and act the way we like. Be grateful to the God alwaysfor this privilege and Mercy.

Jai Hind / Bharat Mata Ki Jai


I – JODHPUR CHAPTERMEAI, Jodhpur Chapter organized a workshop on ‘Small ScaleMining’ on 01-12-2009 at the conference hall of RSMML. Atthe outset, Shri V.S. Mathur, Chairman welcomed thegathering. Dr. R.V. Ramani, Emeritus Professor of MiningEngineering, The Penn State, USA, during his key noteaddress highlighted the issue of livelihood associated withsmall scale mining abroad as well as in Indian continent.Dr. D.M. Surana emphasized on the short comings of smallscale mining and stressed upon to form a joint forum at arealevel to combat problems arising out of statutory frame workand for systematic mining. The workshop ended with vote ofthanks proposed by Shri Y.S. Sankhla, Jt. Secretary.

II – RAJASTHAN CHAPTER(A) MEAI, Rajasthan Chapter organized its 11th ExecutiveCommittee Meeting on 09-01-2010 at 11.00 hrs. at thechapters office at 109-110 Indraprasth Complex, Delhi Gate,Shastri Circle Road, Udaipur. At the outset Er. A.K. Kothariwelcomed the members and guests and extended New Yeargreetings. The main points of the meeting are as under.

(i) The total expenditure on renovation the new office buildingwas Rs. 2.88 lakhs, for which R.K. Marbles donatedRs. 2.00 lakh, Shri S.P. Khaitan, Jyothi Minerals (P)Ltd. donated Rs. 1.00 lakh and Shri Narayan Bhai Patel,Tirupati Impex donated 50 chairs. The ExecutiveCommittee passed a resolution of appreciation to all thethree doners.

(ii) It was resolved to organize training courses for First-Aid Certificate, Blaster’s Certificate and Mining MateExaminations. The First-Aid Certificate course will beheld on 31-01-2010. It was also decided to arrangetechnical talks in the last week of every month preferablyon Saturdays.

(iii) Executive Committee members congratulated Shri S.C.Jain, Asst. Professor (Mining) CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipurand Chairman of the Student Chapter for getting hisPh.D. Degree

The meeting ended with vote of thanks to the chair.

(B) Shri S.C. Jain gets Ph.D. DegreeMPUAT, Udaipur awarded Ph.D. Degreeto Shri S.C. Jain for his work on ‘Detailedinvestigations to evaluate and improve thecutting performance of diamond wire sawin dolomite marble stones’ under thesupervision of Dr. S.S. Rathore,Associate Professor, Dept. of MiningEngineering, MPUAT Udaipur. Shri Jainwho is Life Member of MEAI (LM-2417) is presently workingas Assistant Professor in CTAE, MPUAT, Udaipur.

MEJ extends congratulations to him

MEAI NEWSII - GOA CHAPTERMEAI, Goa Chapter conducted a Technical Meeting on 18-12-2009 at Hotel Venkatesh Leela, Ponda (Goa) on ‘Sea floormineral resources – bright future for exploration andexploitation’. At the outset Shri K.D. Kulkarni, Chairman MEAI,Goa Chapter welcomed the gathering. Shri T. Victor, Vice-President-III, MEAI introduced Prof. G.S. Roonwal and briefedhis achievements. Prof. G.S. Roonwal, (Delhi University)presented a lecture on the subject, which was very informativeand educative. The session ended with vote of thanksproposed by Shri G. Shirish and was followed by high tea.

Session in progress (L-R) S/Shri T. Victor,Prof. G.S. Roonwal, K.D. Kulkarni,

C.S. Dhaveji and P. Nateshan.

IV – BANGALORE CHAPTERMEAI, Bangalore chapter organized Annual General Meetingon 20-01-2010 at 18.00 hrs. at Khanija Bhavan, Bangalore.At the outset Shri R.H. Sawkar, Chairman of the chapterwelcomed the gathering and briefed about the activities ofthe chapter. First all the members observed few minutessilence to pay homage to Late Earnest Abraham who passedaway on 08-11-2009.

The Secretary presented the brief note on the activities ofthe chapter for the period 2008-09 and 2009-10. The membersunanimously approved the audited accounts.

As recommended by the committee consisting of S/Shri R.H.Sawkar, D.V. Pichamuthu, Dr. T.N. Venugopal and Dr.Basappa Reddy the following executive committee wasunanimously agreed and accepted by all members for theperiod 2010-11 and 2011-12.

Chairman - Shri D.V. PichamuthuVice-Chairman - Shri H.M. Khyum Ali

Immediatepast chairman - Shri R.H. Sawkar


Secretary - Shri D.H.M.V. Swamy

Jt. Secretary-cum-Treasurer - Dr. B.N. Shankar

Members - S/Shri D.R. Veeranna,D.V. Srinivas, R. Vardaraj,K.S. Parameshwaraiah andSmt. Sannaboramma Subramany.

Co-opted Members - S/Shri M.S. Rathore,S.R. Ramachandranand V.M. Prabhu Shettar

Ex-Officio/ Shri M.S. Manjrekar,Nominated - Dr. M. Basappa Reddy,members Dr. T.N. Venugopal

and Shri R.H. Sawkar

The above committee took over on the same day.

V – BELLARY – HOSPETMEAI, B-H Chapter organized the bi-monthly meeting on09-10-2010 at the Business Centre, Sports Complex, JSW,Bellary at 18.30 hrs.

At the outset Shri Nagesh Shenoy, Chapter Secretary informedthat Bellary has been upgraded as region of Directorate ofMines Safety with Shri V. Lakshmi Narayana as the Directorof Mines Safety. He requested members to contributetechnical papers for presentation and provide personal detailsat the earliest for including in the chapter's directory. Thenext meeting is scheduled to be held on 27-02-2010.

Shri Y.L. Patil of M/s. Nadeem Minerals in his presentationhighlighted the depletion of high grade ores and necessity ofbeneficiating lowgrade ores like BHJ/BHQ/BMQ.

Shri Y.L. Patil presenting his talk

Shri D.C. Upadhyay, Dy. G.M. Hino Motors described ‘HinoMining Tipper’ from Hino Motors (A Toyota Group Company).The presentation highlighted the various features of the tipper,including safety, strength, fuel consumption capacity etc.

Shri D.C. Upathyay making his presentation

Both the presentations were well received and there wasfruitful interaction from the audience.

Shri B.P. Pandey, GM Mines, SWML announced that aworkshop on Environment would be organized at JSW infuture.

The meeting ended with vote of thanks proposed by ShriNagesh Shenoy and dinner was hosted by Hino Motors.

VI – HYDERABAD CHAPTERMEAI, Hyderabad chapter organized a one day workshop on‘Climate change and the Proceedings of Copenhagen summit’jointly with M/s. Singareni Collieries Company Ltd. and CoalMines Officer’s Association of India (CMOAI), SingareniBranch on 27-01-2010 at Yellendu Club, Kothagudem. Theworkshop was inaugurated by Shri S. Narasing Rao, IAS,CMD of SCCL, the Chief Guest with by Jyothi Prajwalana(lamp lighting). Shri V.D. Rajagopal, MEAI, President presidedover the function. 150 delegates from SCCL and MEAIattended the workshop.

At the outset Shri W. Vijay Babu of SCCL welcomed thedignitaries on the dais. Shri A. Siva Sankar, Chairman,Hyderabad Chapter presented a brief note on the objectivesof the workshop and invited the officers of SCCI/CMOAImembers to strengthen MEAI by becoming membes. ShriV.D. Rajagopal stressed the dire need for mitigation of illeffects of the green house gases by following theenvironmental regulations. The Directors of SCCL alsoaddressed the gathering. The Chief Guest, Shri S. NarasingRao, IAS emphasized the need for the interaction amongstthe officers in organizing such workshops at all divisions ofthe SCCL for the benefit of the members and SCCL personnel.He promised all the possible help from SCCL for this cause.He advised MEAI to organize such workshops jointly withSCCL.


The General Secretary of CMOAI assured MEAI thatmembership drive will be taken up at various divisions ofSCCL to eventually start a new chapter of MEAI. He requestedthe Chief Guest to present a cheque of Rs. 100,000/- towardsadvance payment for enrollement of new members to thePresident of MEAI from the Co-operative Society of CMOAI,SCCL. The Chief Guest presented the cheque to thePresident, MEAI.

Prof. L. Ajay Kumar, Chairman Tamil Nadu Chapter presenteda paper on Copenhagen Summit and its relevance to coalmining. Prof. K. Kameswara Rao, Centre for EnvironmentalStudies presented a paper on Copenhagen Summit – ForestLand. Both the papers were well received.

MEAI, Hyderabad chapter expressed gratitude to Dr. M.S.Venkata Ramayya, President CMOAI, SCCL and officebearers of CMOAI for the cooperation and making all thearrangements and also to the management of SCCL forsponsoring and hosting the workshop.

The recommandations are as follows.

Recommendations of the workshop on "Climate Change"conducted at Yellandu Club, Kothagudem on 27-01-2010.1. Afforestation of all barren areas, spoil heaps and colonies

etc to be taken up aggressively to catalyst theconsumption of CO2.

2. Capturing and storing of the green house gases at source- The task may be taken up on priority by the R&D Wingof SCCL to find out a commercially viable practice tomitigate the ill effects.

3. To develop an effective monitoring, measuring andrecording system to compare the carbon emissions togain carbon credits.

4. Record carbon credits to approach the appropriate Wingof the World Bank to access and utilise the Bio-climateand Green Climate funds which are being created as perthe recommendations of the Copenhagen Summit.

5. Involvement of stake holders and bringing awareness ofthe effects of pollutants among the public. Arresting thepollutants at source.

6. Periodical assessment and review of the status ofawareness brought in regarding the technologicaldevelopments.

7. The cost accounting system of the company shall includea new cost head "Protection of environment" andappropriate all the expenses that are likely to be spenton the mitigation of carbon emissions.

8. Conversion of unwanted CH4 and CO2 gases to otheruseful gasses.

9. Any improvement in the thermal efficiency of the boilerswill save lot of carbon emission:

10. Utilization of solar energy where ever possible.11. Transportation of coal to be avoided as far as practicable

by establishing pit-head power plants.

VII – MEAI, 3RD COUNCIL MEETING (2009-11)The 3rd Council Meeting of Mining Engineers’ Association ofIndia was held on 13-02-2010 at 15.00 hrs. at B.S. MehtaAuditorium HCM, IRPA, JLM Marg, Jaipur (Rajasthan). ShriV.D. Rajagopal, President, MEAI was in the chair.

Shri V.D. Rajagopal welcomed the members and guests andthe council meeting started with the reviewing the minutes ofthe second council meeting which were confirmed.

A proposal to open a new MEAI chapter at Jaipur wasapproved.

The donation of Rs. 100,000/- given to the Rajasthan Chapterfor acquiring office accommodation was approved. Furtherdetails of the meeting will be given in the next issue.

VIII – KSM ALUMNI MEETA meeting of the Alumni Assocaition of Mining of Engineersof University College of Engineering, Kakatiya University(Formerly Kothagudem School of Mines, Osmania University)was conducted at the University College of Engineering.Osmania University, Hyderabad on January 31, 2010 inconnection with the Foundation Day (January 31, 1978)Celebrations of Mining Engineering Complex, OsmaniaUniversity, Kothagudem.

Meeting in Progress

The entire first batch (1960) of Mining Engineers in OsmaniaUniversity was felicitated on this occasion. All the eightmembers unequivocally lauded the services rendered by Prof.H.S. Seshagiri Rao, who founded Mining Engineering inOsmania Universityz. As many as 50 members participantedin this event.

Shri Siva Sankar, Chairman, Mining Engineers Associationof India, Hyderabad Chapter, presided over the function, whileDr. V.S.S. Kumar, Professor & Head, Dept. of CivilEngineering, University College of Engineering, OsmaniaUniversity, Hyderabad was the Chief Guest.


The final year students of Mining Engineering expressed theneed to strengthen the theoretical and practical knowledgeparameters so as to enable them to meet the presentchallenges of mining engineering profession.

Shri Shivaji, GM (IT), AP Transco and member of alumnideclared a contribution of Rupees One Lakh for the sustainabledevelopment of Mining Engineering Education.

Shri T.V. Choudary, Former President, MEAI and Shri A.Sivasankar, Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter assured theAlumni to cover their news in MEAI monthly journal 'MiningEngineers' Journal'. They also requested all the miningenginers pursuing the I.T. career to take up life membershipof MEAI. Also the members of MEAI from Osmania, KSMand KU are requested to join Alumni.

Shri Bhaskar Rao, GM(IT), SCCL proposed vote of thanks.

IX - CHANGE OF ADDRESS :The latest addresses of MEAI members who have changedtheir jobs or residences are given below :

1. Shri Birendra Kumar (LM - 3376)C/o. M. Prabhakar KunkolienkarCarrieamodi, Curchorem Post,South Goa (Dist.) Goa

2. Shri Gupta Saibal Prasad (LM – 254)General Manager (Mines)Bolani Iron Mine, Bolani – 758 037.Keonjhar (Dist.,) Orissa.

3. Shri Mulam Ramachandraiah (LM – 1817)H.No. 27-2-128,Siva Sai Residency,Thyagaraya Kalyana Mandapam Street,Balaji Nagar, Nellore – 524 002.

4. Shri Saligram Singh (LM – 26)403, Vibhavwari Towers,Lingampalli, Hyderabad – 500 019.

5. Shri Om Prakash (LM – 3274)Q.No. NC 40, Writer Basthi,Kothagudem – 507 101.Khammam Dist., A.P.

6. Shri Mritunjai Kumar Singh (LM – 3218)SF-8, II Floor, Ismail Aprts.,Pontenol (Near Foot Ball Ground)Curchorem – 403 706. Goa.

7. Shri Ajay Alias Kadappa (LM – 3056)S/o. S.S. balolamatti,Mallikarjuna KrupaH.No. 48/2, M.G. Road,XI Cross Vidhyagiri, Dist. & Post,Bagalkot – 587 102. Karnataka.

8. Dr. Manish Kumar Jain (LM – 2449)Flot No. 2B, Akash Ganga Aprts.,Infront of Geetha Clinic,Near Combined Building,Dhanbad – 826 004.

Shri V.D. Rajagopal presentinga Medal to Shri V.C.S. Shreemal

Shri V.D. Rajagopal presentinga Medal to Shri Anil Mathur

X - JAIPUR CHAPTERWe are pleased to inform that 23rd Chapter of MEAI has beenopened. It was launched on February 13, 2010 at B.S. MehtaAuditorium of HCM, RIPA, Jaipur by Shri V.D. Rajagopal,President, MEAI by lighting the lamp and presenting Medalsto the Chapter Chairman Shri V.C.S. Shreemal and SecretaryShri Anil Mathur and Medallians to the new members.

The following is the Executive Committee of MEAI, JaipurChapter :-

Chairman - Shri V.C.S. Shreemal,

Vice-Chairman - Shri Om Prakash Gupta,

Secretary - Shri Anil Mathur,

Jt. Secretary-cum-Treasurer - Shri Narendra Garg.

Members : Dr. N.K. Khandelwal, Shri P.C. Bakliwal and ShriM.P.Meena.

On 14-02-2010 a seminar was also organised on 'Present andEmerging Trends in Mining". The seminar was inauguratedby Shri V.D. Rajagopal, President, MEAI. A souvenir on theevent was released by Shri T.V. Choudary, Former President,MEAI.


MEAI AWARDS(2009 - 10)

Mining Engineers' Association of India presents some awardssponsored by Industry and Individuals to the selected individualsduring Annual General Meeting. Hence nominations are invitedfor the following awards, which must reach the SecretaryGeneral by 30-04-2010. Applicants may please note that oncea certain award has been given to an individual he will not beconsidered again for the same award.The nominations may be sent in the prescribed proforma whichis included in this issue.The nominations are invited for the following awards for

2009-10.(I) Sitaram Rungta Memorial Award

(Calendar year)(II) NMDC Award (Financial Year)(III) South Indian Mines and Mineral Award (SIMMINDS)

(Financial Year)(IV) Smt. Bala Tandon Award (Financial Year)(V) Abheraj Baldota Gold Medal for Mining Engineer of the Year

(Financial Year)(VI) Abheraj Baldota Gold Medal for Young Mining Engineer of

the Year (Financial Year).(VII) SRG Award for Information Technology (Financial Year).(VIII)Gullapalli Sarladevi Memorial Award (Financial Year).(IX) Tanay Chadhar Young Geologist Award (Financial Year).(X) Smt. Veena Roonwal Memorial Award (Financial Year)

For NMDC, (ii), Abheraj Baldota Gold Medal for Young MiningEngineer, (vi) and SRG (vii) awards nominations may be sentfor 2 years i.e. 2007-08 & 2008-09.

Candidates are advised to forward their nominations through theirrespective chapter Chairmen/Secretaries or MEAI CouncilMembers. For any further clarification please contact the SecretaryGeneral.

The following are general laws applicable to all the awards :

1. The Award Selection Committee consisting of four expertswill be headed by the President, MEAI.

2. Opinion of the majority members will be taken for finalisationof the award.

3. The Selction Committee may co-opt any other member forassistance.

4. The Selection Committee may decide the award in favourof one or more authors.

5. The selection committee will be constituted every year bythe Council.

I. BYE-LAWS FOR SITARAM RUNGTA MEMORIALAWARD

1. The Award will be known as SITARAM RUNGTAMEMORIAL Award.

2. A sum of Rs. 8000/- shall be paid by Cash or Draft or Chequeas award and the same is shared among winner/s of theaward. A merit certificate(s) is/are also will be presented tothe awardee(s).

3. The award will be for the Calender Year.

4. Any paper presented in any of the paper meetings,seminars or workshops organized by MEAI and Chaptersof the association during the Calendar year are eligible forthe award subject to :

i. The paper should not have been published earlier in any ofthe journals/magazines in India/abroad.

ii. The author (s) should not have delivered any lecture/talkpertaining to this paper under other forum.

5. Any paper to be considered for the award will be for theperiod of 3 months of the previous financial year and 9months of the current financial year" so that the AwardSelection Committee will have 3 months time for decidingthe awardee (s) before holding AGM.

6. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward to the Presidentof the Association such papers, he/she feels suitable forconsideration of the Award. No other paper (s) forwardedbeyond the date to the President will be considered for theaward for that year.

7. The President will decide and send the copies of thepaper(s) to be considered for the award to each member ofthe Selection Committee and fix up a date to finalize theaward. The members of the selection committee will notspare any effort to be present on the date fixed for thefinalisation of the award. In case it is not possible for themember(s) to do so, they will forward their comments to thePresident.

8. In case the Selection Committee feels that the standard ofthe papers forwarded to them is not up to the mark, theaward will not be given for that year and the same is carriedover to the next year. When the award is carried over to thenext year, the Selection Committee may decide to give theaward for 2 or more persons if the standard of the papersconsidered is high in that year.

9. The Selection Committee will be formed each year by theCouncil atleast 4 months before holding the AGM.

II BYE-LAWS FOR NMDC AWARD :

1. The award will be known as NMDC Award.

2. The award will be given to a person for the meritoriousservices rendered by him/her to the Iron ore Mining Industry.

3. Normally the award should be given to a member of theAssociation but any outsider can also be considered if foundsuitable by the Selection Committee.

4. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward thenomination(s) for the award along with a write-up and copyof supporting documents, justifying the services renderedby him/her to the iron ore mining industry to the Presidenton or before the date fixed by him for consideration ofnominations for the award. No other nominations(s)forwarded beyond the date fixed by the President will beconsidered for the award for that year.

The Selection Committee shall submit its recommendationof awardee in writing to the Secretary Genral for putting upto the Council to obtain its confirmation.

5. While considering any nomination for the award, theSelection Committee will take into consideration theservices rendered by the nominee during his/her life timefor bettering the cause of Iron Ore mining industry.

6. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with aCertificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of theaward will be met from the interest received from thedonation of Rs. 100,000/- made by the NMDC.

7. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAI


as well as the entire mining community should be givendue consideration.

III BYE-LAWS FOR SOUTH INDIAN MINES AND MINERALSAWARD : (SIMMINDS)

1. The award will be known as SIMMINDS Award.

2. The award will be given to a person for the meritoriousservices rendered by him/her to the Limestone Industry.

3. Normally the award should be given to a member of theAssociation but any outsider can also be considered, if foundsuitable, by the Selection Committee.

4. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward thenomination(s) for the award along with a write-up and copiesof supporting documents, justifying the services renderedby him/her to the limestone mining industry, to the Presidenton or before the date fixed by him for consideration ofnominations for the award. No other nomination(s)forwarded beyond the date fixed by the President will beconsidered for the award for that year.

The Selection Committee shall submit its recommendationof awardee in writing to the Secretary General for puttingup to the Council to obtain its confirmation.

5. While considering any nomination for the award theSelection Committee will take into consideration theservices rendered by the nominee during his/her life timefor bettering the cause of Limestone Mining Industry.

6. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with aCertificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of theaward will be met from the interest received on the donationof Rs. 10,000/- made by the SOUTH INDIAN MINES ANDMINERAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED.

7. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAIas well as in the entire mining community should be givendue consideration.

IV BYE-LAWS FOR SMT. BALA TANDON AWARD :

1. The award will be known as Bala Tandon Award.

2. The award will be given to a person in recognition ofmeritorious services rendered by him/her to improveEcology, Environment or Afforestation in the Mining orMineral Industry.

3. Normally the award should be given to a member of theAssociation but any outsider can also be considered, if foundsuitable, by the selection committee.

4. The Chairman of each Chapter will forward thenomination(s) for the award along with a write-up and copiesof supporting documents justifying the services renderedby him/her to the mining industry, to the President on orbefore the date fixed by him for consideration of nominationsfor the Award. No other nomination(s) forwarded beyondthe date fixed by the President will be considered for theaward for that year.

The Selection Committee shall submit its recommendationof awardee in writing to the Secretary General for puttingup to Council to obtain its confirmation.

5. While considering any nomination for the award, theSelection Committee will take into consideration theservices rendered by the nominee during his/her life timefor improving ecology and environment in mining or mineralbased industries.

6. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with a

Certificate of Merit from the Association. The cost of theaward will be met from the interest received on the donationof Rs. 20,000/- made by Padmabhushan G.L. Tandon.

7. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAIas well as in the entire mining community should be givendue consideration.

V. BYE – LAWS FOR ABHERAJ BALDOTA GOLD MEDALAWARD FOR ‘MINING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR’ :The award has been instituted by MSPL in memory of theirfounder Late Abheraj Hirachand Baldota.

1. The award will be known as ‘Mining Engineer of the Year’.

2. The award will be given to a person who fulfils the followingcriteria.i. He should possess a Degree or Diploma in MiningEngineering or Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competencywith 20 years of experience in mining and allied aspects.

ii.He should have completed 30 years of age.

iii. He should have contributed substantially to the miningor mineral industries in the areas of managementperformance, production / productivity, mining technology,human resource development, protection of environment,mineral conservation and beneficiation.

3. The award will be in the form of a GOLD MEDAL along witha certificate of merit from the association. The medal will bemade available by MSPL.

4. All entries for the award should be forwarded throughchapters of MEAI or any One National Council Member inthe prescribed form.

5. All eligible entries in the year will be considered by theSelection Committee. The President may co-opt any othermember/s to be in the Selection Committee to render expertadvice, if needed. A panel of three names shall berecommended by the committee giving the order of rankingand shall be submitted to the Secretary General.

6. The winner shall be declared after approval in the councilmeeting and the award shall be presented during the AnnualGeneral Meeting.

VI. BYE – LAWS FOR ABHERAJ BALDOTA GOLD MEDALAWARD FOR ‘YOUNG MINING ENGINEER OF THEYEAR’

The award has been instituted by MSPL in memory of theirfounder Late Abheraj Hirachand Baldota.

1. The award will be known as ‘Young Mining Engineer ofthe year’

2. The award will be given to a person who fulfils the followingcriteria.i. He should posses a Degree or Diploma in MiningEngineering or Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competencywith 5 years of experience in Mining Industry

ii. He should not have completed 30 years of age.

iii. He should have contributed substantially in the areasof Mining Technology, Innovation, SafetyConsciousness, Team building and Protection ofEnvironment in mines.

3. The award will be in the form of a Gold Medal along with aCertificate of Merit from the association. The medal will bemade available by MSPL.

4. All entries for the award should be forwarded through


chapters of MEAI or any National Council Member in theprescribed form.

5. All eligible entries in the year will be considered by theSelection Committee. The President may co-opt any othermember/s to be in the Selection Committee to render expertadvice if needed. A panel of three names shall berecommended by the Committee giving the order of rankingand shall be submitted to the Secretary General.

6. The winner shall be declared after approval in the CouncilMeeting and the award shall be presented during the AnnualGeneral Meeting.

VII. BYE LAWS FOR "SRG AWARD FOR INFORMATIONTECHNOLOGY"

The award has been instituted by SRG Consultants (P)Ltd. in memory of Late Sriram Srinivasan and Late PradeepKumar Bhattacharya both founder-directors of SRGConsulting Mining Engineers who lost their lives in a train(Rajdhani Express) accident in 2002 while travelling fromKolkata to Delhi.

1. The award shall be known and presented as "SRG Awardfor Information Technology" to a person/s for his / thiersignificant contribution/s in Information Technology tomining industry.

2. The award shall be presented in the form of a GOLD MEDALalong with a Certificate of Merit from the Association. Thecost of the award shall be met from the interest accruedfrom the donation.

3. The award shall be presented EVERY YEAR to aprofessional with the following criteria:

(i) Should be a life member of Mining Engineers'Association of India.

(ii) Should possess at least five years of relevant practicalexperience in the application of InformationTechnology to the issues in mining and mineral basedindustries.

(iii) Should have contributed immensely in the field ofInformation Technology applied to mineral basedindustries either in the development or application ofsoftware hardware.

4. All entries for the award shall be forwarded through eitherthe Chairman/Secretary of the chapter or a National CouncilMember of the Association to the Secretary General in theprescribed Proforma published in the Mining Engineers'Journal for the purpose.

5. The Selection Committee shall recommend a panel of threenames to the Secretary General of the Association byindicating the order of their ranking.

6. The council shall approve of the awardee's name in itsmeeting before communicating the same to all concerned.The award shall be presented to the awardees in theensuing Annual General meeting of the Association.

VIII BYE - LAWS OF GULLAPALLI SARLADEVI MEMORIALAWARD

The award has been instituted by Shri G. Jagdeesh (LM-149), former Chairman, Hyderabad Chapter of MEAI inmemory of his late wife.

1. The award will be known as GULLAPALLI SARLADEVIMEMORIAL AWARD.

2. The award will be in the form of a medallion/plaque and acertificate.

3. The award will be given for the financial year.

4. The award will be given to a Mining Engineer and his wifebecause there is a woman behind every successful man.

5. The Mining Engineer should have served in reputed minesfor a period of not less than 30 years.

6. The award will be given to a Mining Engineer for his lifetime achievement in the field of mining.

(IX) BYE - LAWS FOR TANAY CHADHA YOUNG GEOLOGISTAWARD

The award has been instituted by PadmabhushanG.L. Tandon in memory of his late grandson Tanay Chadha(S/o. Shri Sudhanshu Chadha and Smt. Sunita Chadha)whom they lost on 07-03-2002, when he just crossed 12years of age.

1. The award will be known as Tanay Chadha YoungGeologist Award.

2. The award will be in the form of a plaque/medallion and acertificate of merit. The cost of the award will be met fromannual interest received on the contribution of Rs. 1,00,000/- from Padmabhushan G.L. Tandon.

3. The award will be for the financial year.

4. (a) The nominee should posses a Master's degree ingeology/applied geology/geophysics with five years ofexperience in mining geology and allied aspects (as on31st December for the year under consideration of theaward)

(b) He should not have completed 30 years of age.

(c) He should have contributed well in the areas to themineral and mining industry, mineral exploration, qualitycontrol and production, mine planning, specific mineralresources identification / upgradation / research / innovationetc.

5. The general reputation of the nominee in the eyes of MEAIas well as in the entire mining community will also receivedue consideration.

(X) SMT. VEENA ROONWAL MEMORIAL AWARDThe Award is instituted by Prof. G.S. Roonwal in memory of his latewife.

1. The award will be known as Smt. Veena Roonwal MemorialAward.

2. The award will be in the form of a medal/memento with avalue of Rs. 6500/- and a certificate.

3. The award will be given to a Mining Engineer / EarthScientist / Any other qualified person associated with miningfor the past 10 years.

4. The award will be for the financial year.

5. The nomination should be for presenting a paper duringthe seminar / symposium / workshop / technical papermeeting, organised by MEAI / MEAI Chapter on "Watermanagement in and around a working mine orImplementation of New / Latest Technology in mining.


PROFORMA FOR MEAI AWARD

1. Name :

2. Date of Birth :

3. Academic Qualification :

4. Professional Qualification :

5. Whether a Member / Life Member of MEAI :

6. Applying for which award :

7. Specific details for the award applied as per requirements of bye-laws :

(Enclose the relevant documents)

Date : Signature

Certified that I know Shri

personally and his application is being forwarded for consideration.

Chapter Chairman / Secretary/ National Council member

P.S. One additional latest photograph should be enclosed apart from affixing at the top.


CONFERENCES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS ETC.,

Printed by A.S. Rao, Secretary General, Mining Engineers' Association of India, Published by A.S. Rao, Secretary General,on behalf of Mining Engineers' Association of India and printed at Deepu Printers at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor),

Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. and published at 5-8-352, Raghav Ratna Towers (Ground Floor),Chirag Ali Lane, Abids, Hyderabad - 500 001. Editor : Dr. K.K. Sharma

INDIA2010

6 March 2010 : One day colloquium on "Modern Trends in MineralExploration and Survey" at Kudal Hall, College of Engineering, Guindy,Anna University, Chennai - 600 025. Organised by MEAI, Tamil NaduChapter. Contact : Shri R. Natarajan, GM (Geology), Madras CementsLtd., IV Floor, Auras Corporate Centre, 98A, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai,Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004. Tel.: 044-28477550, Mobile : 09444395795

7 - 8 May 2010 : Bhubaneswar, India Mine TECH' 10 Seminar on "MiningTechnology - Extraction, Beneficiation for Safe and SustainableDevelopment" contact : IMEJ Convener Prof. S. Jayanthu, Head, Dept.Mining Engineering, N.I.T. [email protected] [email protected]

ABROAD2010

7 - 10 March 2010 : PDAC 2010, Toronto, Canada, www.pdac.ca/padac/conv/index.html

22 - 24 March 2010 : Phosphates 2010, Brussels, Belgium.www.phosphates2010.com

22-26 March 2010 : The 6th Annual ASIA Mining Congress 2010 atRaffles City Convention Centre, Singapore. Website : www.terrapin.com/2010/asiamining

6 - 8 April to 20 - 22 April : World Copper Conference, Santiago, Chile.www.crugroup.com

12 - 16 April : EXPOMIN 2010, Santiago, Chile, www.expomin.cl

13 - 16 April : Comminution 2010, Cape Town, South Africa. www.min-eng.com/conferences

14 - 16 April : Mining World Russia 2010, Moscow, Russia.www.eventseye.com/fairs

19 - 25 April : Bauma 2010, Munich, Germany, www.bauma.de

20 - 22 April : Second International Symposium on Block and SublevelCaving, Perth, Australia. www.caving2010.com

21 - 23 April 2010 : VIII Conferencia International de Mineria - Chihuahua2010, Chihuahua, Mexico. [email protected]

26 - 28 April 2010 : International minor Metals Conference 2010, London,England. www.mmta.co.uk

27 - 29 April 2010 : LatAm Mining Congress 2010, Florida, USA.www.terrapinn.com

3 - 6 May 2010 : 13th International Seminar on Paste and ThickenedTailings, Toronto, Canada. www.paste2010.com

9 - 12 May 2010 : CIM Conference and Exhibition, Vancouver, BCCANADA, www.cimorg

11 - 12 May 2010 : Sampling 2010, Perth, WA Contact : The AusIMMEvents; Telephone: +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662

23 - 24 June 2010 : AusIMM International Uranium Conference 2010,Adelaide, SA Contact : The AusIMM Events Department; Telephone : +613 9662 3166; Facsimile: +61 3 9662 3662

24-26 May 2010 : 12th International Symposium on EnvironmentalIssues and Waste Management in Energy and Mineral Production :SWEMP 2010 at Pragne. Contact : Ivana Kasparova, KEK FZP CZU,Nam. Smirickyeh 1, CZ-28163 Kostelec n. C.1, Czech Republic. Fax :+420-321-697-500. Email : [email protected].

24 - 27 May 2010 : Alta Nickel-Cobalt-Copper, Uranium & GoldConference, Perth, Australia, www.altamet.com.au

26 - 29 May 2020 : AIMS 2010 - Third International Symposium onMineral Resources and Mine Development, Aachen, Germany,www.aims.rwth-aachen.de

1 - 3 June 2010 : World Mining Investment Congress 2010, London,UK. www.terrapinn.com/2010/mining

2 - 4 June 2010 : III International Exposition, Key Factor for ArgentineMining Development, San Juan, Argentina. www.sanjuanminera.com.ar

3 - 5 June 2010 : 6th China International Coal Equipment and MineTechnical Equipment Exhibition 2010 (CICEME 2010), Beijing, China.www.ciceme.com/en/index.asp

8 - 10 June 2010 : Euro Mine Expo 2010, Skelleftea, Sweden.www.eurominexpo.com

9 - 11 June 2010 : WIM 2010 - II International Congress on WaterManagement in the Mining Industry (Water in Mining 2010), Santiago,Chile, www.gecamin.cl

15 - 16 June 2010 : Precious Metals 2010, Falmouth, UK, www.mining.com/conferences

17 - 18 June 2010 : Nickel Processing 2010, Falmouth, UK.www.mining.com/conferences

21 - 23 June 2010 : Central Asia Mining Congress 2010, Almaty,Kazakhstan. www.terrapinn.com

22 - 24 June 2010 : Hillhead 2010, Buxton, UK. www.hillhead.com

2 - 4 August 2010 : Diggers & Dealers Mining Forum 2010, Kalgoorlie,Australia www.diggersndealers.com.au

15 - 18 August 2010 : Uranium 2010, 3rd International Conference onUranium, Saskatoon, Canada. www.cim.org

25 - 28 August 2010 : I Expominerals, Curitiba, PR,[email protected]

06 - 10 September 2010 : XXV International Mineral Processing Congress2010, Brisbane, QLD. Contact : Alison McKenzie; Telephone : +61 3 96586123; Facsimile : +61 3 9662 3662. Conference website : http://www.impc2010.org/

12 - 15 September 2010 : International Conference on Hoisting andHaulage, Las Vegas, USA. www.smenet.org

15 - 17 September 2010 : MiningWorld Central Aisa - 16th InternationalExhibition for the Mining and Processing of Metals and Minerals,Almaty, Kazakhstan. www.ite-exhibitions.com

21 - 22 September 2010 : Gravity Gold 2010, Ballarat, Australia.www.ausimm.com.au/gravitygold2010

27 October 2010 : First International Seminar on the Reduction ofRisk in the Management of Tailings and Mine Waste. Perth, Australia.www.minewaste2010.com

01 December 2010 : MPES 2010 - Mine Planning and EquipmentSelection Perth, WA Contact : The AusIMM Events Department;Telephone : +61 3 9662 3166; Facsimile : +61 3 9662 3662

6 - 9 February 2011 : ISEE's 37th Annual Conference on Explosives &Blasting Technique, San Diego, CA USA, Lynn Mangol, [email protected]

22 - 26 March 2011 : ConExpo-Con/Agg, Las Vegas, NV USA,www.conexpoconagg.com

27 - 29 April 2011 : 24th Annual Best in the West Drill & BlastConference Spearfish, SD USA, Ron Eastman, (307) 680-8805

18 - 20 September 2011 : 6th EFEE World Conference, Lisbon, Portugalwww.efee.eu

Documents

MEAI MAR 2010