Article:
About Coal India Limited’s Solution to Sand Shortage
Coal India Limited (CIL) has come up with an innovative solution to the current sand shortage. The company is transforming crushed rock fines, sand from Overburden (OB) of coal mines, and soil disposed during opencast coal mining into Manufactured Sand (M-Sand). This method not only repurposes waste materials but also minimizes the necessity for natural sand mining. Additionally, it provides an extra revenue source for CIL.
Benefits of Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)
– Cost-effectiveness: M-Sand can be a more affordable alternative to natural sand as it can be mass-produced at a lower cost.
– Consistency: M-Sand can maintain uniform grain size and shape, a significant advantage for construction projects requiring a particular kind of sand.
– Environmental Benefits: Utilizing M-Sand helps decrease mining natural sand, which can have detrimental environmental effects. Using overburden from coal mines repurposes materials, which might otherwise be considered waste.
– Reduced Water Consumption: M-Sand can curtail water consumption in construction projects as it does not need washing before use.
– Other Benefits: Besides commercial use, the produced sand will also be consumed for sand stowing in Underground Mines to enhance safety and conservation. Furthermore, reducing sand extraction from rivers will mitigate erosion of channel bed and banks, protecting water habitat.
The Status of Sand Mining in India
Sand, defined as a “minor mineral” under The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act, 1957 (MMDR Act), is primarily sourced from rivers and coastal areas. With the increasing demand due to the construction boom, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued the “Sustainable Sand Mining Management Guidelines 2016” to encourage scientific sand mining and eco-friendly practices.
Issues Related to Sand Mining in India
– Environmental Degradation: Sand mining can lead to the destruction of habitats and ecosystems, along with the erosion of river banks and coastal areas.
– Water Scarcity: Sand mining can drain the water table, leading to reduced water availability for drinking and irrigation. For instance, in Rajasthan, sand mining has resulted in a decline in the Luni River’s water level, affecting the drinking water supply of surrounding villages.
– Floods: Over sand mining can make the riverbeds shallow, leading to an increased risk of floods. In Bihar, excessive sand mining led to heightened flooding in the Kosi River, damaging crops and property.
– Corruption: The lucrative nature of sand mining has led to instances of corruption and bribery in the allocation of mining leases and regulations enforcement.
Way Forward for Sustainable Mining Practices in India
Sand mining can be conducted sustainably by employing scientific methods and equipment that minimize environmental damage. This includes the use of dredging or mining techniques that do not disturb the riverbeds, or M-Sand as an alternative to river sand. Strict regulation and enforcement, community participation in decision-making, and innovative solutions like drones and satellite imagery for monitoring mining activities can act as effective deterrents against illegal sand mining.
