Compliance Monitoring Report for Mines and Quarries - National ...

6.1.10 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 377 Talc Mines ........................................................................................................................... 38Kharipakha (Kharikhola) Talc Mine ............................................................................................ 387.1.1 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 39Kharipakha East ........................................................................................................................... 417.1.2 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 42Lower Kharipakha Talc Mine ...................................................................................................... 437.1.3 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 44Mowater Talc Mine...................................................................................................................... 457.1.4 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 467.1.5 Simanadara Talc Mine ............................................................................................. 477.1.6 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 48Sadhumardhu Talc Mine .............................................................................................................. 497.1.7 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 50Upper Sukrety Talc Mine (Closed) .............................................................................................. 517.1.8 Recommendations .................................................................................................... 52Sukrety Talc Mine (Closed) ......................................................................................................... 537.1.9 Recommendations .................................................................................................... 54Bahundara Talc Mine (Closed) .................................................................................................... 557.1.10 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 56Lower Sukrety Talc Mine (Suspended) ....................................................................................... 577.1.11 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 57Sukreti Phase VIII Talc Mine ...................................................................................................... 597.1.12 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 60Thumkey Talc Mine ..................................................................................................................... 627.1.13 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 63Dipujhora Talc Mine .................................................................................................................... 647.1.14 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 65Soilaykhola Talc Mine (Lease expired) ....................................................................................... 667.1.15 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 67Allaypakha (Closed) .................................................................................................................... 687.1.16 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 69Pitsu Talc Mine ............................................................................................................................ 708 Quarry .................................................................................................................................. 71Lampathey Quartzite Mine .......................................................................................................... 71Gidaphug Marble Mine ................................................................................................................ 738.1.1 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 74Hasilo Marble Mine ..................................................................................................................... 75Khariphu Limestone Mine ........................................................................................................... 768.1.2 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 77Reshore coal mine ........................................................................................................................ 788.1.3 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 79Reshore coal mine no 5. ............................................................................................................... 808.1.4 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 81Khotakpa Gypsum mine .............................................................................................................. 828.1.5 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 832

Cherung Ri Gypsum mine ........................................................................................................... 848.1.6 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 85Ngabephu Stone Quarry ............................................................................................................... 868.1.7 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 87Geerza and Dojim Stone Quarry .................................................................................................. 888.1.8 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 89Tenzin Stone Quarry, Drakarpo ................................................................................................... 918.1.9 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 92TW Stone Quarry ......................................................................................................................... 938.1.10 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 94Langukha Stone Quarry ............................................................................................................... 958.1.11 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 96Lomekha Stone Quarry ................................................................................................................ 978.1.12 Recommendation ..................................................................................................... 98Dalukha Stone Quarry.................................................................................................................. 99Gidaphug Stone Quarry ............................................................................................................. 1008.1.13 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 101Kilikhar Stone Quarry ................................................................................................................ 1028.1.14 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 103Riju Stone Surface Collection .................................................................................................... 1048.1.15 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 105Ghatak Stone Quarry.................................................................................................................. 1068.1.16 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 107Dhur Stone Quarry ..................................................................................................................... 1088.1.17 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 109Lamegonpa Stone Quarry .......................................................................................................... 1108.1.18 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 111Pachhulum Stone Quarry ........................................................................................................... 1128.1.19 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 113Thongtimo Stone Quarry ........................................................................................................... 114Taksha Stone Quarry.................................................................................................................. 1158.1.20 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 116Baychu Stone Quarry ................................................................................................................. 1178.1.21 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 118Lamishawa Stone Quarry ........................................................................................................... 1198.1.22 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 120Tshachugang Quartize Quarry ................................................................................................... 1218.1.23 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 122Jungomlo stone Quarry .............................................................................................................. 1238.1.24 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 124Sha Ngwang Granite Quarry ...................................................................................................... 1258.1.25 Recommendation ................................................................................................... 126Wangchena stone Quarry ........................................................................................................... 1279 The List of Mines and Quarries ......................................................................................... 12910 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................... 13311 Agreed timeframe for implementation of Recommendations ........................................... 1333

Environment Assessment of Existing Mines and Quarries1 IntroductionThe National Environment Commission Secretariat (NECS) conducted environmental monitoringof existing mines and quarries in the country, from March to May 2009. A total of 63 mines andquarries were monitored. The monitoring was carried out as it is required under section 14 of theRegulation for the Environmental Clearance of Projects 2002.It is an accepted fact that mining causes disturbance and damage to the environment. Themagnitude of impact on the environment depends upon the geological formation of the mining areaand the method of mining operation. All mines in the country are of open-cast type, which couldaffect the environment by changing the landscape, Ph medium of soil and water, flora and fauna,and socio- economic aspects.In order to address the environmental issues, many countries have paid attention to restoration ofmines and alternative use of restored areas. However, in Bhutan, most of the mines are still active.Some mines may exhaust their deposits in few years from now, which will have to be restored.Therefore, it is important to start planning from now how to effectively restore the mined outareas.In general, the mines in Bhutan can be grouped into the following categories:Captive MinesTalc MinesQuarry2 Assessment and Monitoring ToolThe NECS has conducted the compliance monitoring using the following general checklists:1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health and SafetyPersonnel Protective GearsWater and Sanitation FacilitiesFirst Aid Kit3. Waste and Overburden ManagementSanitary WasteOverburden/interburden and undersize/rejectTopsoilMechanism of Dumping and ArrestingPit slope Angle, Bench Height and Width5

4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and Progressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. Others3 General Findings of the MonitoringAll the mines in the country are of open-cast type, causing serious visual impact. Most of themineral deposits occur in the southern Dzongkhag in geologically fragile zone. The currentlocations of mines are done on an ad-hoc basis. The mineral development policy undertaken by theDepartment of Geology and Mines (DGM) should revisit the present mining practices and come upwith clear direction for holistic mineral development in the country.3.1 Final Mine Feasibility Study (FMFS) Report and EnvironmentalManagement Plan (EMP)As per the Mines and Mineral Management Act 1995 and its Regulation 2002, the FMFS reportand EMP are prerequisites as they contain details of mining operation. Based on the report, thefollowing are the observation in most mines:Operation of some mines are not in line with the approved Pit PlansNo proper bench height and width length as required by the mine plan is maintained inmost minesTop soil, an important material, that will be required for restoration works were not storedseparately as required under the mine planThe environmental restoration works carried out is limited mostly to construction of checkdamsonly. The check-dams are built only after the operation of the mine, which in-fact hasto be other way round. Also the damaged check-dams during monsoon are not repairedOverburden is disposed directly downhill, which has resulted in the removal of vegetationand widening of the gorge, causing land slide during monsoonThe erection of demarcation pillar, which is crucial in maintaining the mine boundary, isdifferent from one mine to anotherPersonnel Protective Gears provided are limited to safety helmets onlyThere is poor water management in the minesThe copy of FMFS report and EMP were not available at the site6

3.2 Undersize materialsDuring the operation of the mine, substantial quantity of undersized materials and fines aregenerated. These materials are disposed off along with the overburden.3.3 Occupational Safety AspectsIn the mining, overall safety of the workers is very important. Incidences of accidents in the minescan be avoided by following simple safety measures. Awareness both among the workers and themanagers is lacking. For instance, some of the workers did not understand the benefit of wearingprotective gears. The protective gears provided are limited to safety helmet only in most cases.3.4 Environmental Restoration BondCurrently most of the mines are still active and only few are either closed down or not in operation.No restorations have been undertaken for the mines, which are closed and for those mines nearingclosure do not have restoration plan as yet.The amount collected for environmental restoration bond is calculated based on the tonnagesystem, which is predetermined in the FMFS report and EMP. It can be said that the amountcollected as environmental bond and the restoration works that will be required to be carried outmay not match. The amount collected may not be adequate for mine restoration.3.5 Responsibility of Environmental UnitThe Regulation for the Environmental Clearance of Projects 2002 requires establishment ofenvironmental unit or designation of environmental focal person by the proponent. It was seen thatthe above requirement was poorly implemented.3.6 SiltationIn general, mines in Bhutan are located on the hills. During monsoon, improperly managedoverburden is washed down causing siltation. Further, since the mining is open-cast type, most ofthe areas are exposed to soil erosions.3.7 AfforestationFew mines have carried out afforestation at the periphery of the mine, at the overburden dumpyardand mined out areas. Unfortunately, the survival rate of the seedlings planted is poor becauseonce planted is not maintained properly.Specific Finding for Talc MinesMost of the Talc Mines are located at the foothills in Samtse Dzongkhag. The operation ofthe mines is seasonal due to its geological formation. Generally, these mines generate huge7

quantity of waste materials (overburden and other waste). Most of these wastes are washeddownhill during heavy monsoonIn most of these mines, because of the geological formation, maintenance of final Pit slopeof 45 0 , and bench height and width of 5 meters and 2.5 meters each is not possibleGenerally the mines are leased for a maximum period of three years. The environmentalrestoration bond collected is based on reserve, which is predetermined and not on the basisof actual mineral deposit and environmental damage/degradation caused. The amountcollected may be less since mineable reserve estimated is comparatively small compared tothat of captive minesThe majority of the mines are located at the foothill of Sukrety and Kharipakha underSamtse, which may affect the settlements lying at the top of the mines. Some miningoperation have been carried out in private land, which have been bought by the proponentsSamtse Dzongkhag has constructed a farm road to connect the resettlement areas and othervillages. The take-off point of the road is from Sukrety and passes below the Talc mines inKharipakha area. There is a potential risk to the road if the mine is not managed properlyand restoredSpecific findings for coal minesIn case of Rishore coal mines, the demarcation pillars 4, 5, 6 and 7 are just next to the crest of theultimate pit slope maintained at a gradient of 70º, which is too steep and may cause instability ofthe area. The pillars (4,5,6 and 7) located above need to be shifted further by 30 to 80 meteres forformation of benches and to stabilize the slope. The crest of the top bench at piller No. 5 wasobserved to be a thin ridge. On the other side, it was found to be sloping downwards falling in theprivate land which is being acquired by the company. Once acquired, benches can be developed bythe company from top down and the steep dead end can be reduced in height by atleast 15 metersand the slope made more gentle.Rishore Mine No. 5 was abondoned. Though the ultimate pit slope was maintained at a steeperangle, it was observed that there was no sign of instability. The scope of further advancement toform proper benches and reduce the slope to restore the mine was restricted by private landsituated just above it. The management has built a check dam to arrest the overburden rolling downthe hill. However, there were two rows of benches maintained at the top of the mine followed by anumber of benches along the lateral side of the mined area.There are 34 registered households and about 28 thram holders in the village located on thenorthern side of the mine. Out of the above mention registered households, 15 of them are close tothe mine area. However, no immediate threat to the settlement above is observed.6. RecommendationsThe recommendations are further segregated into immediate, medium and long-term approach tocarry out environmentally sound mining operation.8

6.1 Immediate Approach6.1.1 FMFS and EMPThe DGM should ensure that the mining operations are carried out strictly asper the approved FMFS report and EMPThe NECS should ensure that the mining operations are carried out as per theapproved EMP and the terms and conditions of the Environmental Clearance.This requires frequent visits to the mine, which at times is restricted bybudgetary constraintsThe proponents have to ensure that the copy of FMFS report, EMP andenvironmental clearance is kept at the site at all timesThe proponents must be aware of all requirements contained under the approvedFMFS report and EMP, Environmental Clearance, Mines and MineralsManagement Act 1995, National Environmental Protection Act 2007 andEnvironmental Assessment Act 2000The proponents must ensure that the top soil is preserved and used forrestoration works in the futureThe DGM should standardize demarcation pillars for all mines and demarcatethe mine boundaryThe proponents must ensure that there is proper water management system inplace. The objective should be to channel and drain the surface water to thedesired location to prevent soil erosionThe pit plans in the FMFS report should be practical. The proponents shouldtherefore ensure that mining/quarrying activities are done strictly as per the yearwise pit plans including the number and sizes of benches as reflected in theFMFS report and EMP6.1.2 Occupational Safety AspectsThe proponent has to develop an internal safety rules for the workers andimplement it. Conduct awareness programs among the workers on theimportance of safety applications and its benefits. In addition, the managementhas to ensure that other protective gears such as gloves, breathing masks andprotective shoes are provided to the workers, besides safety helmets onlyThe NECS has been informed by the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources onthe General Rules and Regulation on Occupational Health and Safety 2006. As perthe rules and regulation, the Ministry of labour and Human Resources is responsiblefor implementation of occupational health and safety requirements6.1.3 Environmental Restoration BondThe formula used for calculating the amount of environmental restoration bond needs to be reassessed.The assessment should incorporate parameters such as environment damage/degradation,9

cost of the restoration and others. There is a need to institute a proper system of reporting on theamount of environmental restoration bond collected. The amount collected should be high enoughto oblige the miners to restore the exhausted area.6.1.4 Responsibility of Environmental unit/Focal personAll mining companies must nominate an environmental focal person. Once nominated, he/sheshould attend a short-term training conducted by NEC and MOEA etc.6.1.5 Environmental Restoration PlanAll mining companies should be required to prepare and submit Environmental Restoration Planfor approval by the NECS and DGM.6.1.6 Overall Environmental AwarenessThe overall environment awareness amongst the workers is lacking. There is a need for themanagement to introduce a system of environment awareness. This could be done throughorganization of events, such as Celebration of World Environment Day and observation of a SafetyDay, with an objective of emphasizing on the importance of environment and safety aspects.6.1.7 Compliance monitoringThe NECS has to develop its own competence in the mining sector and form a strong monitoringteam to ensure proper compliance. This would directly result in preventing or reducingenvironmental damages and timely rectification.6.1.8 Enforcement of environmental terms and conditionsSince DGM has their mining inspectors at sites, they should ensure strict implementation of FMFSreport and EMP and enforcement of the environmental terms and conditions. This will be furthersupported by NECS.6.1.9 Corporate Social ResponsibilityAs a country known to the outside world as an environmentally conscious nation, every Bhutaneseshould be responsible for maintaining such recognition at all times. In this regard, even thoughcorporate profit motive of companies is indispensable for their business sustainability, they shouldalso realize that ensuring environmental sustainability is their social responsibility. Hence,concerned companies/agencies should instill the sense of corporate social responsibility in theirrespective companies.6.1.10 Operation within the Demarcated areaThe mine operators/proponents have the notion that once the area is demarcated and leased out tothem they have the liberty to cut the area till the exact demarcated boundary. Doing so is likely to10

lead to encroachment and may lead to serious problem during restoration works if /landscapeneeds to be improved by cutting further. Hence there is a need to keep a provision of a standarddistance between the last cutting point and the demarcation boundary to avoid encroachments andland/soil erosion.6.1.11 Standardization of Environmental ClearanceThere is a need to harmonize and standardize the environmental terms and conditions of theenvironmental clearance. For instance, an environmental clearance issued by DGM is a one-pageletter and the other issued by NECS is 1-3 pages. Accordingly, there is likelihood of dilution of theenvironmental terms and conditions. The NECS and DGM are in consultation to work on this forbetter harmonization.6.2 Medium Approach6.2.1 Undersized materialsThe proponent should look for alternative use of undersized materials instead of disposing themdownhill. If an alternative use of undersized materials is found, it has some benefits such asreducing the volume of overburden generated and there is also an opportunity to generate someadditional income by sale of such materials.6.2.2 Progressive restorationOn the progressive restoration of the mine, the management has to explore alternatives other thanjust constructing check-dams. The management has to carry out progressive restoration works inmined areas, simultaneously. Afforestation program must be carried out in consultation with theDepartment of Forest (DoF) instead of leaving it to natural regeneration only. After afforestationprogram has been carried out, the area has to be monitored to ensure that the success rate of theplantation is more than 50 percent.6.2.3 SiltationThe DGM has to include in the Rules regarding ore to waste ratio factor in determining thefeasibility of mining operation which could play a crucial role in reducing the damage to theenvironment and siltation problem.6.2.4 AfforestationA standard methodology needs to be developed to carry out the afforestation activities of themined areas or exhausted mines in consultation with DoF.6.2.5 Environmental award/Certificate of ExcellenceThe NECS strongly feels that in-order to encourage mining companies to adopt the state of arttechnology and best practices, there should be a system of recognition. The government should11

ecognize the initiatives and efforts undertaken by companies to reduce pollution, promote cleanertechnology, practicing scientific mining and improve environmental management by introducing asystem to present environmental award or a certificate of excellence on an annual basis.6.2.6 EmploymentIn order to alleviate unemployment problem in the country, it is advisable to employ nationals asfar as possible and preference be given to the local people. The management has to emphasize inemploying and providing opportunity for national workers instead of non-nationals. Further, inorder to improve productivity and encourage Bhutanese youths to join mining/quarrying jobs,companies should consider mechanizing the operation of mines.6.3 Long-term Approach6.3.1 Environmental Restoration BondRestoration of mined areas is most important not only for environmental consideration but also tomake the area gainfully useable in the future. The DGM has introduced the environmentalrestoration bond since 2002 in consultation with the NECS and as per the requirements under theMines and Minerals Management Regulation 2002. The DGM should make it mandatory for allminers to develop a comprehensive Mine Restoration Plan along with the budget estimate twoyears prior to closure of the mine. For those few mines, which are already closed down, the DGMin consultation with the NECS must take strong action if they do not restore them.6.4 Specific Recommendations6.4.1 Captive MinesMost of the check-dams are constructed of gabion walls without proper foundation. Themanagement has to explore the idea or possibility of constructing the check dam, which couldbe a combination of reinforced cement concrete and gabion walls. This is suggested since thegabion walls have not been able to withstand the monsoon in most cases.6.4.2 Talc MinesConsidering the huge environmental damages being caused by Talc mines vis-a- vis smallrevenue generation, it is vital for the Government to carry out proper environmental cost andbenefit analysis for all Talc mines before they are leased out for operation. Most of these minesare located in geographically fragile area in the southern belt.6.4.3 Coal MinesRegarding Rishore cola mine, in order to provide scope for the company to restore andstabilize the unstable slope, issuance of environment clearance is recommended based on the12

FMFS report submitted by them. However, the management has been instructed to startrestoration of the abandoned pit by carrying out the following works:To level all the overburden and plant fast growing species in consultation with DoFTo carry out plantation on the benches and other possible areasTo build two more checkdams using the depression below the dump site6.4.4 QuarryIt was observed that some of the mineral grade deposits are being extracted for purposes other thanuse by the industries. The DGM may like to ensure that quarrying of mineral grade be discontinuedand reserve for downstream projects, which could have greater socio-economic benefits. Further,the Government should discontinue leasing out quarries for specific projects/institutions at placeswhere there are already quarry operators.7. Conclusion13

8. Observation of the Individual MinesCaptive MinesA captive mines are those mines dedicated for the mineral processing industries. As per the Minesand Mineral Management Regulation 2002, each industry shall have one mine for a particularindustry.8.1 Titi Limestone MineTiti Limestone mine started its operation in 1992 and it is a captive mine for Lhaki Cement Plant.The mine is located at Titi which is about 15 km from Gomtu and falls in the survey of IndianTopo-sheet no. 78F/1. The deposit is across India-Bhutan border and in between Pugli and Titiriver. The mine shares a common border with Pugli Limestone mine.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of mineral minedStripping Ratio 1:4Operation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservationTiti Limestone MinesC/o Lhaki CementGomtu, SamtseTel No. 05-371042/371181Mr. Manoj KumurGeneral Manager (Mines)Limestone.The mine is operated throughout the year, six months for minedevelopment and six months for production. The annualproduction is 65, 000 MT (metric ton). The production capacityis likely to increase to 2, 25, 000 MT per annum.Total mineable reserve is estimated at 1.33 million MT andResidual Reserve at 0.6 million MTThe lease area is 33.46 hectares and the lease period is for tenyears (22/08/06-21/08/2015)1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesThe mine is operated from top-down where the operatingbench pit slope varies in-between 55 to 70 0 .Bench heights are maintained between 3 to 6 meters.Bench widths are maintained between 2.8 to 5 meters.The management has provided the workers with protectivegears which are limited to helmets and breathing masks.Drinking water and first-aid-kit is available at the siteoffice.A pit latrine is available at the mining site.14

First-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The management has provided separate area for storingthe top soil which is estimated to be 10, 000 MT.The overburden inclusive of undersize/rejects and othermaterials are disposed at the pre-determined site.Waste material is displaced downhill by the bulldozer atthe pre-determined site. A check dam is constructed at thebase, made of reinforced concrete cement andembankment. There is a need to extend the check dam.The Pit slope ranges from 60 to 70 0 and bench height morethan 20 meters from the base.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 16 years.Afforestation has been carried out at the periphery of themain mining area within the leased area.Approach road to the mine starts from Gomtu town.Road between Pugli Limestone mine and Titi mine needsto be repaired and maintained, in particular the drainage.The restoration of the mine is primarily focused on theconstruction of check dams and afforestation only.Environmental bond deposited Nu. 24, 00, 000.007. Others A total of 23 people are employed.Water is sprinkled at-least once a day on the access roadto the mining area. There is a natural pond developedwhich could substitute the shortage of water in thevicinity.As per the mine plan, there are four dump-yardsidentified. Check dams are constructed with RCC.Check dams constructed at the base of the dump-yard hasarrested some waste materials and has prevented it fromfalling into Titi Khola.The surface water from the mining area is not channeled.Drinking water is not available at the mining site.There is no electricity at the base office.1.1 RecommendationBased on the estimated reserve and annual requirement for the expanded Cement Plant, themine may last for 1 to 2 years only. In this respect, management has to start preparing MineRestoration Plan.The height of the waste disposed is high. In order to decrease the height, development ofproper benches is necessary.The drainage system of the access road and the mine channeling need to be improved.15

Pugli Limestone Mine1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope Angle.Bench Height andWidth.The mine was operated top-down where the operatingbench pit slope varies in-between 50 to 75 0 .Bench heights were maintained at minimum of 7 meters tomaximum of 20 meters on an average.Bench widths were maintained between 6 to 22 meters.The Pugli Limestone mine is a captive mine for Penden Cement Authority Limited (PCAL) whichstarted its operation from 1977. The mine is located at Pugli, about 9 km from Gomtu and falls onIndian surveyed topo-sheet No. 78F/1 facing SSE of Titikhola.PCAL Plant which was initially designed for 300 TPD latter upgraded to 400 tpd (tons per day) to1, 200 tpd clinker at present.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minesStripping Ratio 1:4Operation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual ReserveLease Area and PeriodPugli Limestone MinesC/o Penden Cement Authority LimitedGomtu, SamtseTel No.05-371010/15Mr. Tshering , Mining SupervisorMr. Tshetup Wangdi, SurveyorMr. Tshering Samdrup, Environmental Focal PersonLimestoneOperated though out the Year (26 days a months) and annualproduction is 2, 90, 000 MT. However, it targets for 2009 is 2,20, 000 MTGeological reserve is estimated at 6.98 million MT andMineable Reserve at 5.13 million MT133.182 hectares (01/11/04-31/12/2022 :18 Yrs)Observation17

2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary Waste.Topsoil.Undersize/rejectsOverburden/interburden&and OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand Arresting.Pit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth.4. Environmental AspectsAir Environment.Water Environment.Noise Environment.Biological Environment.5. Approach/AccessRoad Conditions.Water Drainage System.6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestoration.Environmental Bond.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears limited to helmets and breathing masks.A tank capacity of 1, 500 litres was made available at thesite.First-aid-kit was available at the site office.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The management has not provided separate area forstoring the top soil. The overburden inclusive ofundersize/rejects and other materials were disposed at thepre-determined site.Waste materials were managed in two ways (loaded on atruck and displaced downhill, and displaced directlydownhill from the mining area). The mechanism forarresting the overburden and undersize/rejects were donethrough construction of check-dams made out ofReinforced concrete cement and Gabion walls.The Pit slope was in-between 60 to 70 0 and bench heightwas more than 45 meters.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site, even though it hascontributed to the siltation of Titi Khola and Pugli Khola.The mine had been in operation for about 28 years; novegetative cover was found at the mining site. Even at thesite where natural regeneration was taking place wasdisturbed by the mineral excavation.Approach road to the mine starts from Gomtu town. Thesame road is used by other companies, namely JigmeMining Corporation Ltd. and Bhutan Stone and MineralCompany till they enter into their own mine areas.The restoration of the mine was primarily focused on theconstruction of check dam. As of now, no restoration orplanning has been undertaken for total environmentalrestoration.Environmental bond deposit Nu. 27, 48, 000.007. Others A total of 293 people were employed by themanagement. In addition to above contract was awardedto an Indian which consist of additional 158 numbers ofworkers.Every morning, water is sprayed with the help of tankerof 1, 200 litres capacity pulled by a tractor.There were five dump-yards as per the mine plan.Presently dump-yard two, three and four were in use. The18

dump-yard four is the continuation of two and three.Even though dump-yard one and five were not in used,waste is still disposed down the hill in number one.If there is a flash flood, dump-yard two and three, mayaffect PCAL camp.Dump-yard number five was not in use. If used, it couldaffect the access road to Chunaikhoal Dolomite mine.Waste material from dump-yard one has caused majorsiltation problem.There was no proper channeling of mine water.1.2 RecommendationThe maintenance of pit slope and bench height for both mining area and waste dump-yardneed to be improved.The management has to start planning and developing environmental restoration plan, sincethe mine may last for another 3 to 5 years. With good environmental practice andrestoration program, it will have a positive impact of the Company for future miningactivities.Benches were not need to be formed in the waste disposal site to decrease the height andwidth of the area.The management needs to store the overburden at top of the mine rather than disposingdown hill as there is adequate space. The management must construct series of check damsin the overburden dump-yards 2, 3, and 4 and retaining wall where PCAL camp is located.In-order to minimize generation of undersize material, the management should carry out astudy to find an alternative use.Since water is quite scarce, the management has to make wise use of the available water.The management should not use dump yard number one.19

Chuniakhola Dolomite MineThe Chuniakhola Dolomite was earlier operated by the Chundu Dolomite Mines. The mine waslater auctioned and Jigme Mining Corporation Pvt. Ltd won the bid and was leased to thecompany. The company started the operation after signing the lease agreement in the year 2004.The mine is located at Pugli, about 10 km from Gomtu and falls on survey of Indian topo-sheetNo. 78F/1.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodChunaikhola Dolomite MineC/o Jigme Mining CorporationGomtu, SamtseTel No. 5-240158/240164Mr. Manoj KumurGeneral Manager (Mines)DolomiteGeneration of waste is negligible.Operated though out the year and annual production is 6, 00, 000MTTotal mineable reserve is 22.47 Million MT.70.47 hectares (04/07/2004/-14/05/2010, 15 Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst Aid Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteUndersize/reject,The mine was operated top-down approach where theoperating benches pit slope varies in-between 50 to 60 0 .Bench heights were maintained at minimum of 5 to 10meters.Bench widths were maintained between 6 to 15 meters.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears limited to helmets and breaking masks.Drinking water and first-aid-kit were made available atthe site office.A pit type toilet was made available at the mining siteThe management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The undersize materials generated were all consumed.Overburden generation was negligible because of which20

Overburden/inter-burden& Other materialsTopsoilMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentLand Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondcheck dam was not constructed.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.There is no vegetative cover at the mining site.Approach road to the mine starts from Gomtu town. Thesame road is commonly used by other companies namelyPCAL and Bhutan Stone and Mineral Company untilthey enter into their own mining areas.The mine is still active. However, the management hasplanted some seedling and grasses where earliermanagement had disposed some overburden.Environmental bond deposit is still not updated7. Others A total of 31 people are employed by the management.A 5,000 litre tank was used to suppress dust generated onthe approach road to the mining area. The sprinkler waspulled by a Tipper.The mining operation was of box type.Even though the waste generation was nil, there are stillsome stretches where greenish talc, phylite and quartziteare found.The management has already started touching the terracewhich was left untouched in the past.Drinking water was not available at the mining area.1.3 RecommendationSince the waste generation is negligible, whatever little amount is generated themanagement could keep it within the mining area.Even though, the mining is within the lease area, it is advisable to prevent some areas frommining. This is in particular to area where regeneration has already taken place (Mountainterrace).The management should maintain the afforestation carried out.Since water is quite scarce, the management has to make prudent use of it.21

Uttarey Limestone MineThe Uttarey Limestone Mine started its operation from 2002 as a second captive mine for PCALplant at Gomtu. This was done to meet the raw material grade, by blending with limestone fromPugli mine. The mine is about 10 km from Gomtu town.The Uttarey mine is divided into three different blocks, Quarry 1, 2 and 3.General DetailsAddressUttarey Limestone MineC/o Penden Cement Authority LimitedGomtu, SamtseTel No.05-371010/15Contact PersonMr. Pema TenzinGeneral Manager (Mines)Type of minerals mines LimestoneStripping Ratio 1: 5Operation and Annual Operated though out the year and annual production increasedProductionfrom 15, 656.75 to 1, 29, 448.00 MT as of 2008Geological/Residual Reserve Geological reserve is estimated at 5.4 million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 75.009 hectares (01/04/1999-31/03/2009, 10 Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst Aid Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/Rejects/,Overburden/InterburdenThe mine was operated top-down approach where theoperating benches pit slope varies in-between 50 to 75 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 4 to 20 meters.Bench widths were kept between 8 – 30 meters.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears limited to helmets and breathing masks.Drinking water and first-aid-kit were made available atthe site office.A pit type toilet was made available at the mining site.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The management has not provided any separate area forstoring the top soil.The overburden and inter-burden including theundersize/rejects and other materials were disposed at thepre-determined site.22

Mechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe mechanisms applied were of two ways: disposingdownhill with the help of a bulldozer and, loaded, hauledby tippers and dumped at the pre-determined site.There was no benching and pit slope was more than 45 owhere waste materials were disposed.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 8 years and therewas no vegetative cover at the mining site. Themanagement has however carried out some afforestationprogram at the waste dump-yard and mine out areas.Approach road to the mine starts from Gomtu town.The restoration of the mine was primary focused on theconstruction of check dams and afforestation.Environmental bond deposit is still not updated.7. Others A total of 669 people were employed by themanagement.A tanker was provided to sprinkle water to suppress dustalong the approach road to the mine.The channeling of water at the mine site was notdeveloped.Some of the check dam need immediate repairs and newcheck dam will be required to be constructed.1.4 RecommendationThe management has to maintain the afforestation carried out.The management has to start planning and developing environmental restoration programsince the residual reserve may last for 3 to 5 years. With good environmental practice andrestoration program, it will have a positive impact of the Company for future miningactivities.The management has to construct new check dams and repairs the damaged one. Some ofthe waste dump-yards need to be discontinued.Since water was quite scarce, the management has to make effective utilization of water.23

Kalapani Calc Tufa MineThe Kalapnai Calc Tufa mine is an old mine located at Kalapni about 100 meter aerial distancefrom India. The mine was in operation since 1979. The fist lease was executed in April 24, 1998for 10 years period. Of the total area of 58.34 hectares only 24.88 is active and deposit is workedout for 5 years of operation. The approach road to the mine passes through India at some stretches.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodKalapani Calc Tufa MineC/o Penden Cement Authority LimitedGomtu, SamtseTel No. 05-371010/15Mr. Tshering , Mining SupervisorMr. Tshetup Wangdi, SurveyorMr. Tshering Samdrup, Environmental Focal Person)Sweetener – Calc TufaNo overburden8 months in a year and 30,894 MT spread over 5 years.Of the Geological reserve 5, 28, 891 MT the Residual Reserve isabout 30, 894 MT which is expected to be exhausted by 200958.34 hectares (23/01/09-22/01/2014- 5 Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst Aid Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/Rejects/Overburden/Inter-The mine was operated from top-down approach wherethe operating benches pit slope varies in-between 45 to50 oBench heights and width are maintained as per the PitPlan.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears limited to helmets and breathing masks.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom facilities werenot available. There is a stream flowing right next to themine.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The deposits were mostly outcrop and there was hardlyany top soil and waste materials. All the waste materialswere left where mining was done.24

urden and OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation since 1979 and there wasno vegetative cover at the active mining site. Those mineswhere materials were exhausted or mine-out areas,vegetation were thick and consisted of mostly shrubs. Itwas difficult to say, whether the area was natural or wasplanted.Approach road was already inexistence to the mine withno side drain and cross drain to channel the surface water.There was no restoration being undertaken, except thatmining benches and width were maintained within 5meters and pit slope 45 to 50 0 .Environmental bond deposit is still not updated.7. Others The mine will be exhausted within 2009.There was a huge outcrop worshiped by the local peopleacross the boundary.A total of 20 people were employed by the management.Mine water was not channeled.1.5 RecommendationBased on the remaining deposit the mine may last till 2009. Therefore, the management hasdeveloped Mine Restoration Plan. The restoration activities should include those mine-outareas if it was not restored earlier.The management has to ensure that the outcrop of calc tufa worshiped by the local peopleacross the border to be kept as it.If the mining activities are carried out as it was observed, the need for construction ofcheck dam is not necessary.25

Tintalley Quartzite MineTintalley quartzite mine is a captive mine leased in 1993 to Bhutan Ferro Alloys Limited, whosePlant is located at Pasakha, under Chukha Dzongkhag. The mine is located about 1 km north ofTintalley village which falls under survey toposheet no 78 A/16 on the left bank of Jiti Khola andKali Khola Confluence under Samtse Dzongkahg. The approach road measuring about 5 kmtakes–off from Samtse –Sibsoo highway towards Jiti village and to the mining area. The miningoperation started in 1994 with an annual production of 13, 516 MT of quartzite. However, theproduction was subsequently decreased in the late nineties and early twenties. In 2008, theproduction was limited to 8, 000 MT. The mine is seasonal in operation.Starting from 1994 onward till 2008, the management has excavated about 1, 81, 746.9 MT ofquartzite and is used as the main raw material for production Ferro Silicon.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:0.73 (1:0.4)Number of working days andAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodTintalley Quartzite MineC/o Bhutan Ferro Alloys Ltd.Phuentsholing, ChukhaTel No. 05-252246/252420/252109Mr. S. K. Giri, General Manager (Mines)Mr. B.P. Sharma, Manager (DTL)Quartzite200 days year (November-April). Production target is fixed onaverage 20, 000 MT per annum. As of now the production hasranged between 5, 437.9 to 24, 108.6 MTTotal mineable reserve is estimated at 0.89 million MT. Basedon residual reserve, the mine might last for 36 years startingfrom 2009.4.56 hectares (01/01/05-31/12/2009; 5Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater and sanitationfacilitiesFirst-Aid- KitThe mine was operated top-down where the operatingbenches pit slope varies in-between 55 to 75 0 .Bench heights were maintained at minimum of 2.5meters to maximum of 25 meters on an average.Bench widths were kept at 5 to 14 meters.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears limited to helmets and breathingmasks.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom wereavailable at the site office.26

3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsOverburden/Inter-burdenMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of WidthThe management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.The management has not provided any separate areafor storing the top soil.The overburden including undersize/rejects and othermaterials were disposed at the pre-determined site.There was hardly any waste generation. The littlewaste generated mostly consisted of undersizematerials.Waste material was displaced downhill at the predeterminesite. A check dam was under construction,which is expected to be completed before the onset ofmonsoon.The Pit slope was in between 65 to 75 0 and benchheight about 15 meters from the base.4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 15 years andthere was no vegetative cover at the mining site.The management has not carried out any afforestationprogram.Approach road to the mine starts from Jiti villagewhich is about 5 km. The access road was pitchedwithout side and cross drain to channel the surfacewater.The restoration of the mine was primary focused on theconstruction of check dam.Environmental bond deposit Nu.12,24,212.7. Others The undersize material generation constituted about 30to 40% of the total production. The undersize materialsgenerated were sold to exporters who supply them toBangladesh and India. However the market has beenerratic in nature. As of 2008, only 20, 500.86 MT hasbeen exported.Top of the mine was a plateau type and it belongs to aprivate individual. In-order to mine further, themanagement has to procure the land to mine moresystematically.On an average 25 workers were employed and duringthe season the number increases to 60.Drinking water was available at the base camp and alsothere is a Kalikhola River at the base of the mine.There was no channel to drain the mine water.27

There was no electricity at the base office.1.6 RecommendationThe Pit slope of the mining area and waste disposal site were in-between 55 to 75 0 . Themanagement has to operate the mine and dispose the waste in such a way, that it is easier toattend the final pit slope of 45 0 .The management has to strictly follow FMFS and EMP and maintain uniform bench heightand width as mentioned in the report, based on which environmental clearance was issued.The height of the waste disposal site was high and there were no proper benches. Themanagement has to decrease the height and form proper benches.In-order to carry out further mining, the private land which lies on the top of the mine hasto be procured.Starting from 1994 to 2008, the management has excavated about 1, 81, 746.9 MT withundersize material of 72, 698.76 MT. The management could sell only 28% of theundersize materials and the rest was disposed as waste materials. Instead of disposing aswaste, the management has to find an alternative use of the undersize materials.In-order to reduce generation of undersize materials, the management should carry out astudy to find an alternative use.28

Hourikhola Limestone MineHourikhola Limestone mine falls on toposheet no. 78 F/5 which lie just across the border withIndia. The mine started its operation since 1987 and the area allocated was 23.59 hectares. Laterpart of the year some of the mining areas were closed due to erection of 400 kV line which passedright across the mining area. The new area of 9.55 hectares was then leased and started itsoperation in 2003.The mining operation is divided the following phases:Phase 1- 1986-87;Phase 6 &10-1988-1992;Phase 40 & 33, 1992-203, closed due to tower erection;Phase 13, 19 &28, 1994-2004, closed due to tower erection; andPhase 2 & 7 measuring 9.65 hectares are under operation.Contact DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping Ratio 1:2.85 (1:4)Operation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodHourikhola Limestone MineC/o Bhutan Carbide & Chemicals LimitedPhuentsholing, ChukhaTel No. 05-252246/252420Mr. Golong TsheringGeneral Manager (Mines)LimestoneOperated though out the year and annual production is 20, 000MT.Production target is 15, 000 MT per annum and the highestproduction was 24, 000 MT.Total mineable reserve is estimated at 1, 22, 430 MT9.65 hectares (01/04/05-31/03/2010; 5Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetyThe mine was operated top-down approach where theoperating benches pit slope varies in-between 80 to 85 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 15 to 50 meters.A slide had occurred on top of the mine which hasresulted in extension of bench height above 50 meters.Bench widths were maintained between 4.2 to 21 meters.The management has provided the workers with protectivegears such as helmets and dust masks only.29

Safety and ProtectiveGearsDrinking Water,Sanitation and First-Aid-Kit facilities3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/Rejects,Overburden/Interburden&other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondDrinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom were availableat the site office.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The management has not provided any separate area forstoring the top soil.The overburden and inter-burden includingundersize/rejects and other materials were disposed at thepre-determined site.The mechanism applied for disposing the waste was bydisposing downhill at the pre-determined site. A series ofcheck dam were constructed, which were washed awaycompletely during 2007 monsoon.The Pit slope, bench height and width were maintainedwith a help of series of check dams constructed at thedump-yard.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 5 years and therewas no vegetative cover at the mining site. Themanagement has carried out some afforestation program atthe old mining site.Approach road to the mine starts from Totapora, India.The drain needs to be improved.The restoration of the mine was primary focused on theconstruction of check dams and some afforestationprogram at the old mining area.Environmental bond deposit Nu. 10,10979.007. Others The mine was located just below a private land. Therewere two houses, about 100 meters aerial distance fromthe mine. One house was lying right above the miningarea.A total of 55 people were employed.Drinking water was not available at the site.Channel to drain mine water is claimed to have washedaway.The entire check dam constructed needs immediate repairand new check dam has to be constructed simultaneously.There was no electricity at the base office.30

1.7 RecommendationThe management has to prevent mining at the top of the mine where slide has occurred andthe corresponding side towards power transmission line.The management has take precaution to ensure that the mining does not affect the privateland and house above. Also, the management should ensure that waste disposed is arrestedto the extent possible to prevent widening of base/mouth of the gorge.The management has to start planning and developing environmental restoration plan sincethe residual reserve may last for another 2 years. With good environmental practice andrestoration program, it will have a positive impact of the Company for future miningactivities.The management has to construct a new check dam and repair the damaged one. Themanagement should explore the idea of constructing the check dam with combination ofgabion walls and RCC.The undersize/reject material generation is comparatively high (40%). In-order to reducegeneration of undersize materials, the management has to carry out a study to find analternate use.31

Tinpawa Qaurtzite MineTinpawa quartzite mine is a captive mine leased in 2007 to Druk Wang Alloys Limited (DWAL),whose Plant is located at Singyegoan Industrial Estate, under Chukha Dzongkhag. The mine islocated on the left bank of Diana Khola Tinpawa Quarzite which is an extension of DhapparQuartzite band and forms part of Toposheet No. 78F/1 from the nearest Samtse-Sibsoo highwayunder Samtse Dzongkhag. The approach road to the mine takes–off from Samtse–Sibsoo highwayunder the Diana Bridge and is about 6 km to the mining area. Tinpawa stream flows through themine site which joins Daina Khola.The mine was not in operation but development works had started. Quartzite will be used as themain raw material for the production Ferro Silicon.Contact DetailsAddressContact PersonTinpawa Quartzite MineC/o Druk Wang Alloys Ltd.Phuentsholing, ChukhaTel No. 05-254184/254192Type of minerals mines QuartziteStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:0.42Number of working days andAnnual ProductionThroughout year (300 days) and the estimated annual averageproduction is 20, 000 MT.Geological/Residual Reserve Total mineable reserve is estimated at 0.89 million MT.Lease Area and Period14.65 hectares (04/06/07-03/06/2017; 10Yrs)ObservationThe mine was not in operation and it seems that the development work was stopped for than amonth. However, the observations were noted even though it was not in operation.1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetyDevelopment work was carried out from top–downapproach where pit slope varies in-between 55 to 80 0 .Bench heights were maintained at minimum of 5 metersto maximum of 10 meters.Bench widths were about 5 meters.Mine was not in full operation.3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/Rejects/,Waste materials were disposed downhill which has agentle gradient identified as waste dump-yard in the Pitplan.The management has not provided any separate area forstoring the top soil.32

Overburden/Interburden& OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondNo check dam was constructed.Mine was not in full operation.Approach road to the mine takes-off from Samtse-Sibsoohighway from the Diana Bridge and is about 6 km to themine area. The approach road was seasonal in nature.Mine was not in full operation.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 4,09,000.007. Others There was huge outcrop at the top of the mine about 700meters in height and facing opposite side on same hilllock, there was a settlement.Boundary pillar might have pass through the private landon the opposite site.On the right hand side of the mine, a landslide hasoccurred, which has more or less stabilized. The sameslide has continued to the base of the mine.There was no electricity.1.8 RecommendationOn the same hillock facing opposite site, there is settlement. Also the boundary pillarpasses through their land. In-order to ensure that mining operation does not affect thesettlement, continuous monitoring is necessary.Pit slope mining area and waste disposal site is in-between 55 to 80 0 . The management hasto operate the mine and dispose the waste in such a way, that it is easier to attend the finalpit slope of 45 0 .As per the environmental clearance, the check dam has to constructed, prior to theoperation of the mine. So-far there is no sign of check dam being constructed as mentionedin the pit plan. The management has to construct the check-dam first.The management should ensure that top soil is preserved for future restoration works.By looking at the nature of the deposit, generation of undersize materials may be quitesubstantial. The management may have to blasting charge to minimize generation ofundersize materials.33

Pakchina Quartzite MinePakchina quartzite mine is a captive mine leased in 2004 to Bhutan Ferro Alloys Limited, whosePlant is located at Pasakha, under Chukha Dzongkhag. The mine is located at Pakchina underChukha Dzongkhag and the area falls under survey of India Toposheet No. 78F/5 and F/9. Theapproach road to the mine is from Pasakha-Manitar-Gedu highway at 22 km point and takesadditional 6 km to reach the mining area. The initial mining area was 47.15 hectares which waslater reduced to 30.04 hectares prior to the operation.The mining operation started from 2006 with annual production of 15, 000 MT of quartzite. Theproduction was enhanced during the later years to 39, 000 MT. The mine is operated throughoutyear and the quartzite is used as the main raw material for the production Ferro Silicon.Contact DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:0.35 (1:0.12)Number of working days andAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodPakchina Quartzite MineC/o Bhutan Ferro Alloys Ltd.Phuentsholing, ChukhaTel No. 05-252246/252420/252109Mr. S. K. Giri, General Manager (Mines)Mr. Sangay Tshering, ManagerQuartziteThrough out the year. The target fixed by the management on anannual average is 60, 000 MT. As of now the production hasrange between 15, 000 to 39, 000 MT and the target for 2009 is45, 000 MT.Total mineable reserve is estimated at 3.15 million MT. Basedon the residual reserve, the mine may last for 51 years from2009.30.04 hectares (20/08/04-19/08/2024; 20Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater, sanitation andFirst –Aid-Kit facilities3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteThe mine was operated top-down approach where theoperating benches pit slope varies in between 45 to 55 0 .Bench heights were maintained at 5 meters and Benchwidth between 5 to 39 meters.The management has provided the workers with protectivegears which were limited to helmets.First-aid-kit was available at the site office. However,drinking water and bathroom facilities were not available.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The management has not provided any separate area for34

TopsoilUndersize/Rejects,Overburden/Interburden&Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondstoring the top soil. Some of the top soil generated wasused to level the road.Overburden generation was minimal and consisted mostlyof undersize materials.Waste material was loaded on the truck and disposed atthe pre-determined site. The disposal site was located justabove the road. A retaining wall was constructed to arrestthe waste materials.Pit slope was in-between 50 to 60 0 and bench height about10 meters from the base.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 3 years and therewas no vegetative cover at the mining site.The management has not carried out any afforestationprogram.Approach road to the mine area is about 5 km which takesoff from 22 km of Pasakha - Manitar roads. The accessroad was pitched with side and cross drain to channel thesurface water. The drain needs further improvements.The restoration of the mine was primary focused on theconstruction of check dam.Environmental bond deposit Nu. 13,50,000.007. Others The undersize material generation was about 10% of thetotal production. Some of the undersize materialsgenerated were used on the road and rests were disposedoff as water material.Worker employed were about of 60.Safety boot was made available only to the regular staff.Channeling of mine water was not developed and therewas no electricity at the base office.1.9 RecommendationThe height of the waste disposed was kept high. The management has to reduce andmaintain as specified in the FMFS and EMP.The retaining wall constructed along the approach road which also serves as the check damfor arresting the waste has to be lengthened and also construct additional check dam justabove the retaining wall.The management has to continue to apply control blasting technique and break manuallywhich has not only helped in reduction of undersize but also noise level.35

Omchina Quartzite MineOmchina quartzite mine was operated earlier in the name of Druk Stones & Minerals Export Co.Ltd. as a quarry. Later, the name was changed to Druk Mining Ltd. and served as a captive minefor Druk Ferro Alloy Limited Plant located at Singyegoan Industrial Estate, under ChukhaDzongkhag. Omchina quartzite mine is located at Omchina which falls under survey of IndiaToposheet no. 78F/8 under Chukha Dzongkhag. The approach road to the mine takes-off at 28 kmpoint from Phuentsholing -Thimphu highway and it is about 7 km.The mine was in operation since 1995 and as of 2004 the material mined and produced is about 1,74, 210 MT. The mine is in operation through out year where quartzite is used as the main rawmaterial for the production Ferro Silicon.Contact DetailsAddressContact PersonOmchina Quartzite MineC/o Druk Mining Ltd. (Druk Stones & Minerals Export Co.Ltd.)Phuentsholing, ChukhaTel No. 05-252469/253325Mr. Sangay DorjiGeneral Manager (Administration)QuartziteType of minerals minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:0.34Number of working days and Through out the year (300 days). The target is fixed at 30, 000Annual ProductionMT per annum on an average.Geological/Residual Reserve Geological reserve is 2.3 million MT and total mineable reserveand projected year to last is estimated at 1.8 million MT.Lease Area and Period 49.9 hectares (14/02/05-13/02/2010; 5Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater, Toilet and FirstAid Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/Rejects,The mine was operated top-down where the operatingbenches pit slope varies in-between 55 to 70 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 11 to 18 meters.Bench widths were maintained between 10 to 30 meters.The management has provided the workers with protectivegears limited to helmets only.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom were madeavailable.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.The management has not provided any separate area forstoring the top soil.Waste material were loaded on the truck and disposed at36

Overburden/Interburden& OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondthe pre-determined site. A check dam was underconstruction to arrest the waste materials.The Pit slope was in-between 55 to 70 0 and bench heightabout 20meters from the base.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 14 years andthere was no vegetative cover at the mining area.The management has not carried out afforestationprogram.Approach road to the mine area was about 6 km whichtakes-off from 28 km point from Phuentsholing-Thimphuhighway. The access road is pitched with side and crossdrain to channel the surface water.The restoration of the mine was primary focused on theconstruction of check dam.Environmental bond deposit Nu.15,45,840.007. Others The management has employed 55 workers.The undersize/rejects materials generation was about 20 to30%.Gumboot was supplied to the regular staff only.Channeling of mine water was not developed.1.10 RecommendationThe Pit slope of the mining area and waste disposal site is in-between 55 to 70 0 . Themanagement has to operate the mine and dispose the waste in such a way, that it is easier toattend the final pit slope of 45 0 .The height of the waste disposal site maintained very high without proper benching. Themanagement has to decrease the height with proper benching.37

Talc MinesTalc is chemically known as Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide and its empirical formula is Mg 3 Si4O 10 (OH) 2 . It is generally white, greenish, and yellowish, brownish and grayish white in nature,and synonym to Steatite, Soapstone and Kerolite. The properties of Talc are soft and smooth,slippery and lubricating, chemical inertness, low conductivity to heat and electricity, and lustrous.It is used in various industrial applications because of it properties, such as cosmetic, paints,rubbers, paper, lining the furnaces, electrical switch boards and insulation, and ceramics.(Mine more than 3 hectares)Kharipakha (Kharikhola) Talc MineKharipakha Talc mine is located at Kharipakha which falls under survey of Indian Toposheetnumber 78F/1under Samtse Dzongkhag. The approach road to the mine is about 4 km fromDaurpani Industrial area which passes from the base of the Kharikhola stream. Initially mininglease was granted for 8.8 hectares which was later extended to 14.8 hectares. The operation wascarried out temporarily since 1994 without proper mine plan. From 1994 - 2000 about 30, 000 MTwas excavated and exported. Since 2004, proper mine plan was developed for the mining operationand exported about 45, 000 MT as of April 2009.The lumps from the mine are powdered before exporting it to India and Bangladesh.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of mineral minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:5Number of working days andAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual ReserveLeased Area and PeriodKharipakha Talc MineM/s Tsherim Mineral ExportDaurpani, SamtseTel No. 05-365350Jigme DorjiPromoterTalc lumpsSeasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production averages 5,000 MT. Actually, they have excavated about 16, 500 MT in2008.Estimated geological reserve 31,315 MT) and mineable reserveis 28, 183 MT14.8 hectares (02/11/06-01/11/2009; 3Yrs)ObservationThe Kharipakha Talc mine is divided into two phases, namely east and west. Kharipakha west wasclosed. However observations were noted for both mines.Kharipakha West: The mine was closed. However, restoration work was being carried out withconstruction of a massive check dam. The length of the check dam at the base was approximately52 meters.1. Mining Operation Design Development work was carried out from top–down and38

Pit slope AngleBench Height and Width3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondpit slope varies in-between 70 to 85 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 9 to 32meters.Some bench widths were maintained at 2.5meterswhereas others were missing.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Overburdens were washed down causing siltationproblem of Khanarbarti-Kharikhola basin and rise inriver bed.Pit slope was between 65 to 80 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 30 meters.The progressive restoration was focused only onconstruction of check dam.There is no afforestation carried out in the mine.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 3,00,000.07. Others A slide has occurred on the top of the ridge. A villagelies just below the ridge and the nearest house wasabout 35meters.In-order to prevent further sliding of ridge from thetop, the check dam (gabion wall) measuring 72 meterin length and breadth of 5.4 was under construction.A newly constructed farm road passes below the mine.Waste dump-yard was located above the farm road.Overburden spills into Kharikhola basin, which passesthrough the mine.1.11 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to continue the construction of the check dam till the top of the ridgeto ensure the safety of the village on the top.Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining area beforethe onset of monsoon.The management has to provide drinking water, sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit forthe workers at the site.39

The management has to ensure that because of the mine activities, the farm road whichpasses below the mine should not be disturbed and damaged.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan which is submitted to DGM and NECS forapproval and execute the same as approved.40

Kharipakha East1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater, sanitation and First-Aid-Kit facilities3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slope varies in-between 65-80 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 7 to 9meters.Bench widths were kept between 2 to 3meters.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears which were limited to helmets only.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom facilitieswere not available at the site.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Overburdens were washed down causing siltationproblem of Khanarbarti-Kharikhola basin and rise inriver bed.Pit slope was between 65 to 80 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 30 meters.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about six years andno afforestation activity was carry out in the mined outarea.A seasonal approach road measuring about 4 kmstakes-off from Daurpani industrial area.There was no side and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was focused only onconstruction of check dams.7. Others A newly constructed farm road passes right below themine.About 200 hundred workers employed.Waste dump-yard was located above the farm road.Overburden from upper Kharipakha spills into41

Kharikhola basin, which passes through the mine.There was no channeling of mine water.1.12 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to continue the construction of the check dam till the top of the ridgeto ensure the safety of the village on the top.Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining area beforethe onset of monsoon.The management has to provide drinking water, sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit forthe workers at the site.The management has to ensure that because of the mine activities, the farm road whichpasses below the mine should not be disturbed and damaged.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan which is submitted to DGM and NECS forapproval and execute the same as approved.42

Lower Kharipakha Talc MineLower Kharipakha Talc mine is located below the Kharipakha west. The approach road to themine is about 2 km from Daurpani Industrial area which passes from the base of the Kharikholastream. The waste dump-yard of Kharipakha mine is situated above the mine.General DetailsAddressContact PersonLower Kharipakha Talc MineM/s Eastern T.P. MinesSamtseTel No.17626090Tashi PhuntshoPromoter (17626090)Talc lumpsType of Mineral MinedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:3Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production 1000 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineable Reserve Estimated geological reserve 2990 MT and mineable reserve2540 MTLeased Area and Period 4.73 hectaresObservationDuring the time of monitoring, it was found that mine was not in operation.1. Mining Operation DesignDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andPit slope Anglepit slope was ≤50 0 .Bench Height and Width Bench heights were maintained between 3.4 to 30.6meters.2. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of WidthBench width were at 40.6 metersThe management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Overburdens were washed down causing siltationproblem of Khanarbarti-Kharikhola basin and rise inriver bed.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage SystemA seasonal approach road measuring about 3 km,takes-off from Daurpani industrial area.There is no side drain and cross drain to channel thesurface water.43

6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe progressive restoration was focused only onconstruction of check dam.Environmental still to be updated.7. Others A newly constructed farm road passes right below themine.There was no channeling of mine water.Waste dump-yard was located above the farm road.Overburden from upper Kharipakha and LowerKharipakha spills into Kharikhola basin, which passesthrough the mine.1.13 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to continue the construction of the check dam till the top of the ridgeto ensure the safety of the village on the top.Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining area beforethe onset of monsoon.The management has to provide drinking water, sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit forthe workers at the site.The management has to ensure that because of the mine activities, the farm road whichpasses below the mine should not be disturbed and damaged.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan which is submitted to DGM and NECS forapproval and execute the same as approved.44

Mowater Talc MineGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonMowater Talc MineM/s Puenzhi Export HouseSamtseTel No.: 17601345/05-365283Tshering DorjiPromoterTalc lumpsType of mineral minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:17Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production 1019 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineable Reserve Estimated geological reserve 4130 MT and mineable reserve3300MTLeased Area and Period 7.6 hectares (2008 for 3 yrs)ObservationFor easier understanding, Mowater talc mine is divided into east and west side even though thearea fall within the same leased area.1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater, sanitation and First–Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of WidthDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slop varies in-between 45 to 55 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 7 to 15meters.Bench widths were kept between 1.7 to 7.5meters.The eastern part of the mine lies at the base of the gullywhich is almost flat.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears which were limited to helmets only.First-aid-kit and bathroom facilities were not availableat the site.Natural spring was available at the eastern side of themine which was used for drinking purposes.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Pit slope was between 50 to 55 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 20 meters.45

4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation about a year and noafforestation activity was carry out in the mine–outarea.A seasonal approach road measuring about 9kms takesofffrom Daurpani industrial area. A part of the farmroad is the approach road to the mine.There was no side and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was mostly focused onlyon construction of check dams.Environmental bond still to be updated.7. Others About 11 workers were employed.A newly constructed farm road passes right below themine and waste dump-yard lies right above the farmroad.An artificial pond had developed below the wastedump-yard of the east side of the mine.A natural stream flows through the eastern side of themine and over the farm road.1.14 RecommendationSince, the mine located at the base of the gully (east side), any loose materials could beeasily washed away if there is a flash flood. This could affect the farm road whichpassed below the mine. To prevent and avoid such incident, the management has toconstruct proper channeling of surface water and complete before the onset ofmonsoon.The management has to prevent development of pond at the base of the waste dumpyardwhich could trigger flash flood.The management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in theFMFS and EMP including waste dump-yard.Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has tocarry out restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to thenature for regeneration.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining areabefore the onset of monsoon.The management has to provide sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit for the workers atthe site.The management has to ensure that because of the mine activities, the farm road whichpasses below the mine should not be disturbed and damaged.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan which is submitted to DGM and NECS forapproval and execute the same as approved.46

1.15 Simanadara Talc MineSimanadara Talc mine is located at Simanadara under Chengmari gewog, Samtse Dzongkhag. Themine fall as a part of the Toposheet no. 78F/1 which is about 18-20 KMs from Samtse. From thenearest highway, it is about 6-8KMs rough road along the Buduni Khola till the mining area.General DetailsAddressContact PersonSimanadara Talc MineNindah Export HouseSamtseTel. No.: 05-371042/371181Tsewang RinzinSite ManagerTalc lumpsType of mineral minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:5Number of working days and Seasonal (150 days) and estimated annual production 3600 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineablel Reserve Estimated geological reserve 20, 000 MT and mineable reserve12, 000 MTLeased Area and Period 3.77 hectares (02/07/07-01/07/2010; 3Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater, sanitation and First-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of WidthDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slop varies in-between 45 to 55 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 5 to 7meters.Some bench widths were maintained between 2.2 to7.2meters whereas others are missing.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears which were limited to helmets only.Drinking water was available at the base camp butfirst-aid-kit and bathroom facilities were absent.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Pit slope was between 55 to 60 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 10 meters.47

4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine had been in operation for about 5months.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondA seasonal approach road to the mining area takes-offfrom Samtse-Sibsoo highway at Diana Bridge, whichis about 19 km.The approach road passes though the private landbefore reaching the mining area.There is no side drain and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was mostly focused onconstruction of check dam only.Environmental bond still to be updated.7. Others About 44 workers were employed.Diphujora village lies below the mine which was about100 meters aerial distance.A water supply pipeline passes from top of mine.1.16 RecommendationSince, the mine is located at the gully; any loose material could be easily washed away ifthere is a heavy down pour. This could also affect the village which lies at an aerialdistance of about 100 meters downstream. To prevent and avoid such incident, themanagement has to continue the construction of proper channeling of surface water andcomplete before the onset of monsoon.As maintained, the management should prevent from touching top portion of the minewhere drinking water supply line is connected.The management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to provide sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit for the workers at thesite.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan which is submitted to DGM and NECS forapproval and execute the same as approved.48

Sadhumardhu Talc MineSaddumardu Talc Mine is located Saddumardu on the left bank of the Pachu River which is about9 KMs from the Toorsa under Samtse Dzongkhag. The mine fall on the survey of BhutanToposahet No. 78 F/5.General DetailsAddressContact PersonSadhumardhu Talc MineM/s Singye Group of CompaniesPhuntsholingTel. No. 324152/324153/05251059TenzinSite ManagerTalc lumpsType of mineral minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:9Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production 2, 000 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineable Reserve Estimated geological reserve 11,700 MT and mineable reserve 9,900 MTLeased Area and Period 3.58 hectares (08/10/07-07/10/2010; 3Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater sanitation and First-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of WidthDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slope varies in-between 60 to 75 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 11 to 30meters.Bench widths were kept at 4 meters on an average.However, in some areas benches were missing.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears which were limited to helmets only.Bathroom facilities and first-aid-kit were not availableat the mining site but drinking water was available.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was underconstruction at the base of the dump-yard.49

4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 5 months.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondA seasonal approach road to the mining area takes-offfrom embankment of Toorsa Khola which is about 9km.The approach road passes though the private landbefore reaching the mining area.There is no side drain and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was mostly focused onlyon construction of check dam.Environmental bond still to be updated.7. Others About 100 workers were employedPachu flows at the base of the mine where dump-yardtwo was located.1.17 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to provide sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit for the workers at thesite.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining area beforethe onset of monsoon.The management may have to develop an embankment to divert the river from hitting thedump-yard directly.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan and submit it to DGM and NECS for approvaland execute the same as approved.50

Upper Sukrety Talc Mine (Closed)Upper Sukrety Talc mine is located at Sukrety which falls under survey of Indian Toposheetnumner 78F/1 under Samtse Dzongkhag. It is accessible from Samtse main gate which is about4KMs till the base of the mine. After that we have to track upward for about 30 minutes to themine site. The mine is on the right bank of Sukrety River.General DetailsAddressUpper Sukrety Talc MineC/o Dochu ExportSamtseTel No. 323821Contact Person Pema Wangdi, Site in-charge (17658047)Type of Mineral MineTalc lumpsStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:10.2Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production 1, 500 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual Reserve Estimated geological reserve 5298 MT and mineable reserve 4,500 MTLeased Area and Period 4.91 hectares, ClosedObservations1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slope varies in-between 70 to 85 0 .No benching.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.No check dam was seen at the site.Waste materials were washed down which hadcontributed to the siltation of the Sukrety River basin.The mine was left without any restoration.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 1,80,000.07. Others Natural regeneration was visible at the site which waslimited to shrubs.Sukrety River flows below the mine.51

1.18 RecommendationsThe management has to construct uniform bench and width height as mentioned in theFMFS and EMP including waste dump-yard to attain final pit slope of 45 0 .Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management should develop a project proposal on environment restoration plan andsubmit it to DGM and NECS for approval and execute the same as approved.52

Sukrety Talc Mine (Closed)Sukrety Talc mine is located at Sukrety village on the left bank of Sukrety River and falls undersurvey of Indian Toposheet numner 78F/1 under Samtse Dzongkhag. It is accessible from Samtsemain gate which is about 4KMs till the base of the mine.General DetailsAddressContact PersonSukrety Talc MineM/s Druk Wangden ExportPhuntsholingTel No. 05252902252755Phurba TsheringPromoterTalc lumps and finesRaw Material and Final ProductStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:6Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production averages 4,Annual Production000 MTGeological/Residual Reserve Estimated geological reserve 8, 700 MT and mineable reserve 8,500 MTLeased Area and Period 5.85 hectares, ClosedObservations1.Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2.Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slope varies in-between 65 to 80 0 .No benching.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.No check dam was seen at the site.Waste materials were washed down which hadcontributed to the siltation of the Sukrety River basin.The mine was left without any restoration.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 4,14,240.007. Others Natural regeneration was visible at the site which waslimited to shrubs.Sukrety River flows below the mine.53

1.19 RecommendationsThe management has to construct uniform bench and width height as mentioned in theFMFS and EMP including waste dump-yard to attain final pit slope of 45 0 .Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management should develop a project proposal on environment restoration plan andsubmit it to DGM and NECS for approval and execute the same as approved.54

Bahundara Talc Mine (Closed)Bahndara Talc mine is located Bahundara village on the left bank of Sukrety River under SamtseDzongkhag. There is no approach road to the mine and is accessible by foot which is about 1/2KMfrom the nearest road head.General DetailsAddressContact PersonBahundara Tacl MineC/o Choling Mineral Export CompanySamtseTel No. 05-365494Pema KhanduPromoterTalc lumpsType of Mineral MinedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:11Number of working days and Seasonal (150 days) and estimated annual production 1000 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineable Reserve Estimated geological reserve 4309MT and mineable reserve 3,663 MTLeased Area and Period 6.85 hectares (06/03/2006-05/03/2009; 3Yrs), CloseObservationDuring the time of monitoring, it was found that mine was not in operation. As per the informationreceived, the operation of the mine was closed even though the lease period was still valid.1.Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2.Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width3.Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondOthersDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slope maintained in-between 65 to 80 0 .No benching.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill.No check dam was seen at the site.Waste materials were washed down which hadcontributed to the siltation of the Sukrety River basinin some ways.The mine was left without any restoration.Environmental bond still to be updated.Natural regeneration was visible at the site which waslimited to shrubs.Sukrety River flows below the mine.55

1.20 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform bench and width height as mentioned in theFMFS and EMP including waste dump-yard to attain final pit slope of 45 0 .Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management should develop a project proposal on environment restoration plan andsubmit it to DGM and NECS for approval and execute the same as approved.56

Lower Sukrety Talc Mine (Suspended)General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of Mineral MinedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste)Number of working days andAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual ReserveLeased Area and PeriodLower Sukrety Talc MineM/s Lam MiningSamtseMr. Sonam TobgayPromoterTalc lumpsSeasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production averages9.33 hectares (05/06/08-04/06/2009), SuspendedObservations1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondDevelopment work was carried out from top–downwhere pit slope varies in-between 70 to 85 0 .No benching.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.Overburden was disposed downhill.No check dam was seen at the site.Waste materials were washed down which hadcontributed to the siltation of the Sukrety River basinThe mine was left as it without any restoration.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 60,000.07. Others Water pipeline passes adjacent to the waste dump-yardand is connected to the Indian side.Sukrety River flow below the mine.At the adjacent side of the mine, huge landslide hasoccurred measuring more than 100meters in height.A seasonal approach road passes though the base of theslide.1.21 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform bench and width height as mentioned in theFMFS and EMP including waste dump-yard to attain final pit slope of 45 0 .57

Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mined out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.The management should develop a project proposal on environment restoration plan andsubmit it to DGM and NECS for approval and execute the same as approved.58

Mine less than 3 hectaresSukreti Phase VIII Talc MineSukreti Phase VIII Talc mine falls under toposheet no. 78F/1, situated on the southern part ofBahundara. The mine is adjacent to the Kharipakha Talc mine, in-fact it is the starting point of allTalc mines in the Kharipakha area. The mine is about 3 km from Daurpani industrial area and itsoperation is seasonal nature.The environmental clearance was issued by DGM since the competency rest with them for arealess than three (03) hectares.General DetailsAddressSukreti Phase VIII Talc MineDochu Export Company.SamtseTel No. 323821Contact Person Pema Wangdi, Site in-charge (17658047)Raw Material and Final Product Talc lumps and finesStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:15Number of working days andAnnual ProductionSeasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production averagesto 770 MTGeological/Residual Reserve Estimated geological reserve is 3037 MT and mineable reserveis 2,400 MTLeased Area and Period 2.38 hectares (16/11/07-15/11/2010; 3Yrs)ObservationDuring the time of monitoring, it was found that mine was under development and there were onlythree workers including the machine operator. Of the three one was non national.1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater, sanitation and First-Aid-Kit facilities3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Development work was carried out from top–downand pit slope varies in-between 50 to 60 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 1.5 to 14meters.Bench widths were between 2.5 to 21 meters.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears limited to helmets only.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom facilitieswere not available at the site.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburden59

Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Overburdens were washed down causing siltationproblem of Khanarbarti-Kharikhola basin and rise inriver bed.Pit slope was between 55 to 75 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 20 meters.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise.The mine has been in operation for about 17 monthsand no afforestation is carried out in the mine–out area.A seasonal approach road measuring about 3 km takesofffrom Daurpani industrial area.There was no side and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was focused only onconstruction of check dams.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 1,44,000.07. Others On either side of the mine there were settlements;resettlement on the left and Bahundara village on theright. The aerial distance was about 50 to 70 meters.A newly constructed farm road passes right below themine.There were some stretches where pocket mining wasdone.The mine-out area had not been restored and was leftto the nature for regeneration.Waste dump-yard was located above the farm road.Overburden spills into Kharikhola basin, which passesthrough the mine.There was no channeling of mine water.1.22 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.Restoration work was not carried out at the mine-out area. The management has to carryout restoration activities for those mine-out areas, instead of letting up to the nature forregeneration.60

The management has to develop channeling of mine water in the mining area before theonset of monsoon.The management has to provide drinking water, sanitation facilities and first aid kit for theworkers at the site.The management has to ensure that because of mine activities, the farm road which passesbelow the mine should not be disturbed and damaged.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan and submit it to DGM and NECS for approvaland execute the same as approved.61

Thumkey Talc MineContact DetailsAddressThumkey Talc MineLamo ExportTel. No. 17710227Contact PersonKinley Dorji, ManagerMr. Muhammed Muna, Site ManagerRaw Material and Final Product Talc lumps and finesStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:16Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production between --Annual Production-Geological/Mineable Reserve Estimated geological reserve3,888 MT and mineable reserve 3,110 MTLeased Area and Period 2.98 hectares (2009-2012, 3yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andPit slope Anglepit slope varies in-between 45 to 55 0 .Bench Height and Width Bench heights were maintained between 7 to 30meters.2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater, sanitation and First-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBench widths were mostly missing.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears which were limited to helmets only.Bathroom facilities and first-aid-kit were not availableat the mining site but drinking water was available.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Pit slope was between 55 to 60 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 10 meters.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine had been in operation since 1996 and noafforesation activity was carried out.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsA seasonal approach road to the mining area takes-offfrom Samtse-Sibsoo highway at Diana Bridge, which62

Water Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondis about 19 km.The approach road passes though the private landbefore reaching the mining area.There is no side drain and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was mostly focused onconstruction of check dam only.Environmental bond still to be updated.7. Others About 30 workers were employed.A rural water supply pipeline passes from top of themine.1.23 RecommendationAs maintained, the management should prevent from touching top portion of the minewhere drinking water supply line is connected.The management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to provide sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit for the workers at thesite.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining area beforethe onset of monsoon.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan and submit it to DGM and NECS for approvaland execute the same as approved.63

Dipujhora Talc MineThe environmental clearance was issued by DGM since the competency rest with them for arealess than three (03) hectares.General DetailsAddressContact PersonDipujhora Talc MinePhuntsho Duter Yangphel Tshogley ChirtshogSamtseTel. No. 17601086PhuntshoPromoterTalc lumpsType on mineral minedStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:8Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production 1,000 MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineable Reserve Estimated Geological reserve 3,400 MT and minable reserve3,000 MTLeased Area and Period 1.52 hectares (11/10/06-10/10/2009; 3Yrs)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and Protective GearsWater, Toilet and First AidKit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of WidthDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andpit slope varies in-between 50 to 65 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 3 to 19meters.Some bench widths were maintained between 5 to14meters whereas others are missing.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears which were limited to helmets only.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and bathroom facilitieswere not available at the mining site.The management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dumpyardin the pit plan.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.Pit slope was between 55 to 60 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 15 meters.64

4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for more than 2 yearsand no afforestation activity was carried out.A seasonal approach road to the mining area takes-offfrom Samtse-Sibsoo highway at Diana Bridge, whichis about 21 km.The approach road passes though the private landbefore reaching the mining area.There is no side drain and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was mostly focused onconstruction of check dams only.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 61,980.007. Others About 30 workers were employed.A rural water supply pipeline passes from top of themine.1.24 RecommendationWater supply line passes through the top of the mine, where some excavation was carriedout. Even though the area falls within the leased area, the management should prevent fromtouching top portion, restored it and maintained adequate distance of 20 to 25 meters fromthe water pipeline.The management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.The management has to provide drinking water, sanitation facilities and first-aid –kit forthe workers at the site.The management has to develop proper channeling of mine water in the mining area beforethe onset of monsoon.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan and submit it to DGM and NECS for approvaland execute the same as approved.65

Soilaykhola Talc Mine (Lease expired)General DetailsAddressContact PersonSoilaykhola Talc MineNob Export HouseDaurpani, SamtseTel. No. 05-340306BikramOffice AssistanceTalc lumps and finesRaw Material and Final ProductStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:5Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production 900MTAnnual ProductionGeological/Mineable Reserve Estimated mineable reserve 1800MTLeased Area and Period 1.65 hectares(21/02/06-20/02/2009); 3Yrs. lease expiredObservation1. Mining Operation DesignDevelopment work was carried out from top–down andPit slope Anglepit slope varies in-between 60 to 80 0 .Bench Height and Width No benching.3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not provided disposal facilitatesfor sanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill.Check dam made out of gabion wall was underconstruction at the base of the dump-yard.Pit slope was between 60 to 70 0 and there was nobenching. The height of the overburden dumped wasabout 20 meters.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for more than 2 yearsand no afforestation activity was carried out.A seasonal approach road measuring about 5KMstakes-off from Daurpani industrial area.There was no side and cross drain to channel thesurface water.The progressive restoration was focused only onconstruction of check dams.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 1,50,000.07. Others A newly constructed farm road passes right below themine.There was no channeling of mine water.66

Waste dump-yard was located above the farm road.Overburden spills into Khanarbati basin, which passesbelow the mine.1.25 RecommendationThe management has to construct uniform benches and widths as mentioned in the FMFSand EMP including waste dump-yard.Prior to the ceasing of the mining operation, the management should develop a projectproposal on environment restoration plan and submit it to DGM and NECS for approvaland execute the same as approved.Kusumtara Talc Mine (Suspended)Budheney Talc Mine(Suspended)67

Allaypakha (Closed)General DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste)Number of working days andAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual ReserveLeased Area and PeriodClosedObservationThe mine had been closed for about two years. The environmental clearance was issued by DGMsince the competency rest with them for area less than three (03) hectares.We noticed the following points:Benches developed have started rolling down;No affroestation was carried out and was left to natural regeneration;Proper leveling of the base was not done;OB was all displace downhill and cannot confirm where check dam were built.1.Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2.Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilOverburden/Inter-burden,Undersize/Rejects/OthermaterialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length of Width3.Environment and ProgressiveRestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondOthersDevelopment work was carried out from top–downapproach and pit slop varies in-between 60 to 70 0 .Benching singed was visible but it has started rollingdown.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.Overburden was disposed downhill which hascontributed to the siltation of the Kharikhola riverbasin.No check dam was seen at the site.Waste materials were washed down which hadcontributedSome benches were still visible and no afforestationwas done.Environmental bond still to be updated.Natural regeneration was visible but limited to shrubs.68

1.26 RecommendationThe NECS and DGM have to revisit the area and decide on the development of theenvironment restoration plan by the applicant.69

Pitsu Talc MineThe mine could not be monitored as there was not access to the mining area.General DetailsAddressContact PersonPitsu Talc MineM/s Chukha ExportSamtseTel. No.: 17611325Chimi NidupPromoterTalc lumps and finesRaw Material and Final ProductStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste) 1:9.7Number of working days and Seasonal (180 days) and estimated annual production averagesAnnual Production820 MTGeological/Residual Reserve Estimated geological reserve 5, 637 MT and mineable reserve 3,155 MTLeased Area and Period 4.23, watershed70

QuarryLampathey Quartzite MineAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping Ratio (Ore to Waste)Number of working days andAnnual ProductionGeological/Residual ReserveLeased Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation Design:Pit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentAforestationDevelopment work was carried top-down and pit slopevaries in-between 55 to 70 0 .Bench heights were maintained in between 3 to 6 meters.Bench widths were maintained between 2.8 to 5 meters.The management has provided the workers with protectivegears which were limited to helmets and breathing masksonly.Drinking water, first-aid-kit and pit latrine were availableat the mining site.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.Top soil was not stored separately but it was disposedalong with the overburden.The overburden generation was very high. Overburdenwas disposed downhill in an identified waste dump-yardin the pit plan.Pit slope was between 60-65 0 , no benching.The overburden inclusive of undersize and rejects weredisposed-off at the pre-determine site.Check dam made out of gabion wall was constructed atthe base of the dump-yard.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 5years and noafforestation is done.5. Approach/AccessRoad Conditions71

Water Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersEnvironment Bond deposited Nu. 3,00,000.072

Gidaphug Marble MineGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonBhutan Marble & Minerals Pvt. LtdGidakom, ThimphuMr. D.B. GurungGeneral ManagerMarbleType of mineral minedStripping RatioOperation and Annual Throughout the year and 80,000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 21.6 hectares, 1/04/2008 to 31/3/2013Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit Slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentDevelopment works was carried top-down and pit slopevaries in-between 50 to 80 o .Bench heights were in-between 8 to 12 meters.Bench widths were kept between 6 to 19 meters.The management has provided the workers with protectivegears such as helmets breathing masks, earmuffs andsafety boots.Drinking water and first-aid-kit were available at themining site.Toilet facilities were not provided.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary waste.Top soil was not store separately.Overburden was loaded, hauled and disposed in anidentified waste dump-yard.The overburden inclusive of undersize and rejects weredisposed-off at the pre-determine site.Check dam made out of gabion wall was already filled-up.Over burden is spilled over, thereby affecting theapproach road to mine.The management has to expedite the construction of newcheck dam as planned in-order to prevent or avoid damageto approach road and vegetation below the existing wastedumpyard.The height and top width of the overburden weremeasured at 67.4 meters and 71 meters respectively.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.73

Water EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentAt the periphery of the mining area there is naturalvegetation.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThere is need to improve the road side drainage system.There is channeling of mine water.The restoration of the mine is primary focused on theconstruction of check dams and afforestation.Environmental bond still to be updated.7. Others About 80 workers were employed.The management has used explosives for secondary blastmaterials thereby violating the terms and conditions of theenvironmental clearance.1.27 RecommendationThe explosive is used only for primary blasting.The management has to construct uniform bench and width height as mentioned in theFMFS and EMP including waste dump-yard to attain final pit slope of 45 0 .The management has to construct a new check dam in-order to avoid damage to approachroad and vegetation.74

Hasilo Marble MineOperation suspended.General DetailsAddressContact PersonC.G Industries Pvt LtdNephu, Shaba GewogParoChencho GyabType of mineral mined MarbleStripping Ratio 0.8:1Operation and Annual Throughout the year, 10,000MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 3, 52,080 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 9.48 hectares (1/10/2007 to 30/9/2017)75

Khariphu Limestone MineGeneral DetailsAddressKuenphen Norden MiningKhasadrapchu, ThimphuContact PersonKuenzang GyeltshenManaging DirectorType of minerals mined. LimestoneStripping Ratio 0.11:1Operation and Annual Throughout the yearProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 2 Million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 23.8 hectares (1/4/2004 – 31/3/2014)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit Slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentThe mine is still under development stageThe safety and personal protective gears provided to theworkers are inadequate. Since the work environment is verydusty, there is a need to enhance the provision of safety andpersonal protective gears.First-aid-kit is made available at the site office.Water and sanitation facilities provided. However, there areno proper toilets and sanitation facilities at the mining siteand using the toilet at the base camp is very far.The management has not provided disposal facilitates forsanitary wastes.Top soils are not kept separately.The overburden inclusive of undersize/rejects and othermaterials are transported and disposed at approved dumpsite. However, some of the overburdens are found directlyrolled down into a gully which is not an approved dumpsite.Some of the overburdens/interburdens have rolled downwhile development of access road.89 meter length of dry wall has been constructed as checkdam at the overburden dump site.Since the work is still at the development stage, there are noproper mining benches and pit slopes maintained.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.A stream at the base of the mine has been affected byboulders rolled down during the development works.The mine area has thin vegetation comprising of grasses and76

5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondshrubs. However, periphery of the mining area has richvegetation.The access to the mine takes off from a logging roadconstructed by NRDCL.There is a need to improve the road in particular, sidedrains.The management has deposited Nu. 400, 000.00 on anannual basis as an environmental restoration bond.Environmental bond deposited Nu. 12, 00, 000.00.However, there is no record of progressive environmentalrestoration works being carried out.7. Others The mine has employed a total of 39 people out of which 25of them are non-national.1.28 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the mine is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The only check dam constructed of dry wall is found filled up. The management shouldimmediately plan for construction of another check dam.It is recommended to spray water at least twice a day in the mine and along the approachroad.The management should construct appropriate toilet and provide water supply for thelabourers at the mine.77

Reshore coal mineThe Rishore coal mine is located near Rishore and Phomrang village, and about 5 km to the westof Deothang town. The advancement of the working face is towards the slope of three small ridgesclosed to each other facing south. No proper benches were made on those slopes and the team wastold that it was due to the limit in scope by the demarcation pillars being exactly at the crest ofthose slopes.General DetailsAddressContact PersonRehore Coal minesEastern Bhutan Coal CompanyS/JongkharTele No. 07-260281Mr. B.B.TamangGeneral Manager (Mines)CoalType of minerals minedStripping Ratio 1: 3 (1:4)Operation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and Period It was auction for 15 years in June 2004Operated though out the year, six month development and sixmonths productionObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofDue to the nature of the deposition of the coal the mine isnot carry out as per the FMFS report.Benches are maintained but are temporary in natureThe management has provided the workers withprotective gears such as helmets, boot and dust mask.Drinking water and first-aid-kit is made available at thesite office.A pit type toilet is made available at the mining site.The management has not stored the top soilThe OB is displaced downhill by the bulldozer at the predeterminesite. A check dams was constructed to arrest theOB.Pit slope was about 60 0 and bench height about 6 metersfrom the base.78

Width4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 5 years; there isno vegetative cover at the mining site.The approach road which passes through Reshore villagehas been maintained by the company. The local peopleare emensely benifited by the access road to the mine andthe transportaion by the coal trucks. Where necessary,retaining walls as desired by the locality were also foundbuilt by the company.Water tanker was used to sprinkle water to supress coaldust emission along the road.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 20,00,000.07. Others The management has given employment opportunity tolocal villagers as well as there are permanent staffsworking in the mine area and in the office too.Water is sprinkled at-least once a day on the access roadto the mining area.Drainage system is not maintained in the mine area.1.29 RecommendationThe team recommends the issuance of environment clearance (EC) since it provides thescope for the company to restore and stabilize the unstable s. Further, the mine restorationplan and the proper mining method proposed in the FMFS report prepared needs theissuance of the clearance to put it in practice. However, the issuance of EC for the extendedarea will have to be subject to the submission of the acquired land transaction documents,other relevent clearances and the detailed resurvey map for referenceManagement has to start developing the mined out and waste dump-yard areas to ensurethat the ultimate pit slope is maintained at 45 0 with bench height and width at 5 metersinterval.79

Reshore coal mine no 5.Rishore Mine No. 5 was an abondoned mine. Though the ultimate pit was maintained at a steeperangle, it was observed that there was no sign of instability. DGM officials confirmed that the rockstrata was stable and inclination of the dip is inwards. The scope of further advancement to have aproper bench formation and reducing the slope to restore the mine was restricted by private landsituated just above it. The management has build a check dam to arrest the O/B waste from rollingdown hill. However, there exists two rows of benches maintained at the top of the mine followedby a number of benches along the lateral side of the mined area.General DetailsAddressContact PersonRehore Coal minesEastern Bhutan Coal CompanyS/JongkharTele No. 07-260281Mr. B.B.TamangGeneral Manager (Mines)CoalType of minerals minedStripping Ratio 1:3 (1:4)Operation and Annual Abandon mine areaProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and Period It was auction for 15 years in June 2004Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafety:Safety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of DumpingIt was abandoned mine areaThe management has not stored the top soilThe OB is dumped in one area without out properleveling.A check dams was constructed to arrest the OB.Pit slope was maintained in-between 60 to 70 080

and ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/Access:Road ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe approach road which passes through Reshore villagehas been maintained by the company. The local peopleare emensely benifited by the access road to the mine andthe transportaion by the coal trucks. Where necessary,retaining walls as desired by the locality were also foundbuilt by the company.Water tanker was used to sprinkle water to supress coaldust emission along the road.The environmental restoration bond is been deposited bythe company but restoration work has not started as theoperation is still ongoing.7. Others The management has given employment opportunity tolocal villagers as well as there are permanent staffsworking in the mine area and in the office too.Water is sprinkled at-least once a day on the access roadto the mining area.Drainage system is not maintained in the mine area.1.30 RecommendationThe management needs to prepare the mine restoration plan and restore the areaaccordingly.81

Khotakpa Gypsum mineGypsum mining was started in the year 1983 after the establishment of Shumar Gypsum Mineswith the objective of utilising the reserve for economic development of the area and optimisationof revenue to the government. The management of the project was taken over by Penden CementAuthority Ltd in the first quarters of 1986 and remained with them till August 1993.In keeping with the government policy of privatization of business and industrial venture, an areaof 26.77 hectares in Khothapa Gypsum mine, P/Gatshel was auction in September 1993. Thegypsum mining right was awarded to Druk Satair Corporation Ltd, for a bid value of Nu. 26.70million and given a lease period 10 years starting from 18 th Nov 1993.The mining rights of the mine were auction again on 21 st August 2003 and the same was own bythe company again for a further period of 15 years for a bid value Nu. 413.50 million. The nextlease period of the company will expire on 31 st Dec 2018.Druk Satair Corporation ltd is a limited company promoted by local investors comprising of sevenpromoters holding 35% of the equity in Oct 1993. The balance 65% equity is being held by thepublic of six eastern Dzongkhags and Central Monk Body.General DetailsAddressContact PersonKhotakpa Gypsum MineDruk Sater Corporation ltdP/GatshelTele No. 07-471114/471280General Manager (Mines)Type of minerals mined. GypsumStripping Ratio 1.10:1Operation and Annual Operated though out the yearProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 8 million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period Total leased area is 26.77 hectares and it was auction for 15yearsObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsSemi- mechanised opencast mining with rock breakerand limited blasting, with altimate bench maintaining(pit slope angle) to 40 degree horizontaly. The benchheight is maintained at 10.00 meters and width is 8m(max) and minimum height at 5.70 m and width at 5 m.The management has provided the workers withprotective gears such as helmets, boot and dust mask.Drinking water and first-aid-kit are made available at thesite office.82

Water and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentA pit type toilet is made available at the mining site.The management has stored the top soil below the roadnear to their factory and planted trees and grasses.The OB is disposed downhill by the bulldozer. A checkdams was constructed to arrest the OB.Pit slope was about 40 0 and bench height about 10 metersfrom the base.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.The mine has been in operation for about 6 years; there isno vegetative cover at the mining site.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe management has constructed an approach road to themine area. The local people are emensely benifited bythe access road to the mine and the transportaion by thegypsum trucks.The environmental restoration bond is been deposited bythe company and in some part the company has startedrestoration work. The operation is still ongoing.7. Others The management has given employment opportunity tolocal villagers as well as there are permanent staffsworking in the mine area and in the office too.Water is sprinkled at-least once a day on the access roadto the mining area.Drainage system is maintained in the mine area.1.31 RecommendationConstruct the proposed check dam within the given dateStop dumping the OB down hill but use the pre-identified dump yardThe water management needs to be further strengthenedNeed to spray water to suppress the dust generated from the mining area83

Cherung Ri Gypsum mineThe Cherung Ri Gypsum deposit is located adjacent to the Khothapa village in P/GatshelDzongkhag. It is located at distance of 110 km from S/Jongkhar, which is a prominent broder townin eastern Bhutan. Khothapa can be accessed via Tshelingor on the S/Jongkhar- Trashiganghighway.General DetailsAddressContact PersonCherung Ri Gypsum MineDruk Sater Corporation ltdP/GatshelTele No. 07-471114/471280General Manager (Mines)Type of minerals mined GypsumStripping Ratio 1.10:1Operation and Annual Operated though out the yearProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 8 million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period Total leased area is 10.54 hectaresObservation:1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingSemi-mechanised opencast mining with rock breaker andlimited blasting, with altimate bench maintaining (pitslope angle) to 40 degree horizontaly. The bench heightis maintained at 5.10 meters and width is 4.40 meters(max) and minimum height at 4.50 m and width at 4.20m.The mine is under development stage and it is fullymechanized and no workers were observed during thesite visit.The management has not stored the top soilThe OB is disposed downhill by a bulldozer. A checkdams will be constructed soon.84

Pit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThe management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.Environment Bond deposited Nu. 6,00,000.0The management has constructed an approach road to themine area. The local people are emensely benifited bythe access road to the mine and the transportaion by thegypsum trucks.Environmental bond deposited Nu. 600,000.00No record shown for the deposition of the environmentalrestoration bond1.32 RecommendationConstruct check dam to arrest the OB at the present siteWater management program needs to be in placePushing of OB downhill has to be stopped and use the designated areaNeed to maintained the bench height & width as per the requirements85

Ngabephu Stone QuarryThe quarry was specifically meant for the construction of Royal Thimphu College. Themanagement however reported that about 300 truck loads of material could have also been sold.The management had stopped operating the quarry since October 2008.General DetailsAddressContact PersonC/O Royal Thimphu College Construction OfficeNgabephu, ThimphuType of minerals mined. Construction stones (Quartzite)Stripping Ratio1:1 (as per FMFS Report)Operation and Annual 10, 000 MT (as per FMFS Report)ProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 145, 000 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 6.71 (2007-2017)Observation:1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidthThe quarrying seemed to have not followed the FMFSReport adequately.Attempts were made to operate the quarry from top down.Materials were extracted mainly by undercutting.The only bench used for extraction of materials measuredabout 21 meters high and 18 meters wide.Operation stopped.Top soil was not stored separately.The overburden was found to have been pushed downhillwhere natural regrowth of chrysanthemums and other shrubshave begun.The height of the dumped overburden was measured to be28 metersThe approved dump site for overburden was not utilized.86

4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationApproach road to the quarry have been constructed.However, no drainage was seen.The management reported that an environmental bond ofNu. 1, 06, 500.00 have been deposited.Environment Bond still to be updated.Environmental Bond7. Others The side drain of the main road was blocked at the take offpoint of the quarry’s approach road.Operation of the quarry had been stopped since October2008.1.33 RecommendationSince the management reported that the quarry will not be operated any further, themanagement will have to prepare mine restoration plan and start necessary restorationworks.87

Geerza and Dojim Stone QuarryGeerza and Dojim stone quarries measuring 40.02 hectares had been leased out to M/s BhutanStone and Aggregate Factory. Dojim stone quarry is currently not operating. Therefore unlessspecified, the following observations are mostly for the Geerza stone quarry.General DetailsAddressContact PersonC/o Bhutan Stone and Aggregate FactoryNamselling, ThimphuDawa Norbu, ManagerType of mineral mined Construction materials (quartzite)Stripping Ratio 1:1Operation and Annual 8 months in a year, 180,000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 54.18 Million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 40.02 hectares (2007 – 2026)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchA complete copy of FMFS report and EMP were kept at thesite office.Both quarries were not in operation.Geerza quarry is operated from top to bottom where theoperating pit slopes vary between 60 to 70 0 .Bench heights were maintained between 11 to 15 meters.Bench widths are maintained between 3.8 to 4 meters.The main working bench is about 100 meters.Personal protective gears such as safety helmets, breathingmasks, earmuffs and safety boots were provided to workers.Drinking water and first-aid-kit is made available at the siteoffice.Toilet is available at the mining site office. However, thereis no water supply and toilet at the quarry.Overburdens and interburdens were pushed downhill butinto the area below the quarry which the managementreported as the approved waste dump. However, in theabsence of a complete FMFS report, it could not be verified.A small concrete check dam has been constructed. Themanager, mines reported that as per the FMFS report, theyare required to construct a major check dam, 2440 metershigh and has been planned accordingly.Some overburdens were pushed downhill at areas other thanthe approved dump site.88

Height and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondTop soils are not stored separately.Monitoring of air, water and noise at the quarry site has notbeen done so far.The quarry area has rich vegetation.The quarry is visible from the national highway and thus hasvisual impactPushing of overburdens downhill has affected the vegetationdownhill.Approach road to the quarry starts from the NationalHighway passing through Namselling.All existing drains need proper repair and maintenance.There is a need to construct appropriate drainage system inthe quarry for channeling of surface water for the quarry.Besides the construction of a small check dam mentionedabove, no other restoration works have been carried out.The management reported that Nu. 562,500.00 has beendeposited as environmental bond as of August 2008.Environment bond still to be updated.7. Others About 39 people are employed including the workers at thecrushing plant from which 9 are non-national workers.Water tanker is used for spraying water in the quarry whichis done at-least once a day.Channeling system for mine water is missing at thequarry/mining area.Drinking water is not available at the quarry.Since the approach road to the quarry and factory passesacross the stream which is just below the crushing plant it isaffected by vehicles passing across it.The stream is also affected by waste materials (soil/crushingdusts) from the crushing plant which are dumped downhill.The check dam constructed is filled up and the wastes havespilled over into the stream.1.34 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The management should expedite the construction and repair of drains along the approachroad.The management should expedite construction of check dam at the waste disposal site.There is a need to minimize the impact on the downhill vegetation at the waste disposal sitewhich can be done by following load-haul-dump method for overburden managementinstead of pushing the wastes downhill.89

There is an urgent need to construct a culvert across the stream near the site office (belowthe crushing plant) since the stream is being adversely affected by vehicles lifting thematerials from the quarry and factory.Since the stream is also affected by the waste materials (soil/crushing dusts) from thecrushing plant, there is an urgent need for river protection program, by constructing a checkdam along the stream or identify alternative disposal site.There is a need to minimize the visual impact of the quarry since it is visible from thehighway.90

Tenzin Stone Quarry, DrakarpoThis quarry is being operated based on the environmental clearance issued by the DGM.General DetailsAddressContact PersonTenzin Mining CompanyDawakhaTenzinType of mineral mined Slabs and bouldersStripping Ratio 0.06:1Operation and Annual 10 months in a year, 7,800 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 0.195 Million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 0.85 hectaresObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafety:Safety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentOperation of the quarry has not followed the FMFS Reportstrictly. Hence the quarry phases were seen almost vertical.A few benches under development ranged from 6 to 18meters high and 3 to 6 meters wide.Other than helmets, the management had not provided anyother personal protective gears.Sanitation and water supply facilities were not provided atthe site.No first aid kit available at site. The management reportedthat in case of any workplace injury, people are being takento the nearby Basic Health Unit (BHU).The management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary wastes.Top soil is not stored separately.The overburden and inter-burden have occupiedconsiderable area of the quarry though it is dumped at theapproved site. Moreover, the management has startedpushing the overburden down towards the highway.The height of overburden dumped above the highway is30.5 meters.Overburdens dumped above the highway have blocked thedrain and culvert.The only check dam which was under construction abovethe highway was dry wall.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the quarry site.There is a good vegetation cover around the mine.91

Noise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe approach road has no side drains.There are no drains for channeling of surface water from thequarry.The take-off point of the quarry’s approach road from thehighway needs improvement.No proper check dams are constructed.Environmental bond of Nu. 200,000.00 has been depositedso far.7. Others A total of 13 people are employed at the quarry who are allBhutanese.The quarry has affected the visual impact of the area since itis just above the highway.The highway is at risk from materials slipping down to theroad.1.35 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The management should ensure that cross drain is made at the approach road take off pointto avoid blockage of highway.The management has to construct drains along the approach road and should ensure properwater channeling system for the quarry.The management should ensure protection of the highway by construction appropriateretaining wall cum check dam. It is desirable that a concrete wall be constructed in order toimprove the visual impact of the area and to effectively protect the highway and improvethe safety of travelers along the highway.92

TW Stone QuarryThis quarry is being operated based on the environmental clearance issued by the DGM.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentTW Stone QuarryDawakhaGup TsheringSlabs & boulders3.29 acres (1.29 acres in the East and 2 acres in the West)Operation of the quarry has not followed the FMFS Reportadequately. Hence the quarry phases were seen almostvertical.Other that helmets, the management not provided any otherpersonal protective gears.Sanitation and water supply facilities were not provided atthe quarry.The supervisor present during the monitoring reported thatfirst aid kit was available at the site office but it could not beverified since the office was locked and the proprietor wasaway.The management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary wastes.Top soil is not stored separately.Overburden and inter-burden were not dumped properly;some overburdens were dumped in the open quarry area.The height of overburden dumped at the approved dump sitewas 30 meters.Overburdens dumped in the quarry was about 8 meters, 7.5meters, and 48.9 meters in width, height and lengthrespectively which is about 2,934 m 3 .One check dam of dry wall measuring 2m x 0.7m x 9.4mwas constructed at the overburden dump site.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the quarry site.The periphery of the quarry has good vegetation.93

Noise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentThere is a stream above the quarry which has seepedthrough the quarry area5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe approach road has no side drains.There is no drainage for channeling of surface water fromthe quarry.The current check dam will not be adequate if the operationof the quarry is to be continued.Environmental bond of Nu. 300,000.00 (100,000.00) hasbeen deposited.7. Others The quarry has affected the visual impact of the area since itis near the historic Dobji DzongThere were undercutting of the road leading to DobjiDzong.1.36 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The management has to construct drains along the approach road and should ensure properwater channeling system for the quarry.The management should ensure protection of the road leading to Dobji Dzong.The management should initiate restoration works on the exhausted area below the roadleading to Dobji Dzong.The management should minimize visual impact.94

Langukha Stone QuarryThe quarry was operated by Kuenga Construction.since the year 2004. From January, 2009, thecurrent management has taken over the quarry and is now being operated independently fromKuenga Construction.General DetailsAddressContact PersonLangukha Stone Quarry, DawakhaJampel NorbuType of minerals mined Quartzite construction materialStripping Ratio 0.1:1Operation and Annual 10 months, 10,000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 5, 87,250 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 4.9 hectaresObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentInitial operation of the quarry has not followed the FMFSReport.Operation of the quarry by the current management has juststarted and is under development.Safety helmets and breathing masks are provided to theworkers.Sanitation and water supply facilities are available at the siteoffice which is near the quarry.First aid kit was available at the site office.The management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.There are no top soils to be kept separately.No check dams are constructed.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the quarry site.95

Noise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThere are no drains along the approach road.There is a need to construct drains for channeling of surfacewater from the quarry.Currently no restoration works are done.Environmental Bond still to be updated..1.37 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The management should ensure that cross drain is made at the approach road take off pointto avoid blockage of highway.The management has to construct drains along the approach road and ensure proper waterchanneling system for the quarry.96

Lomekha Stone QuarryThe quarry is being operated based on the environmental clearance issued by the DGM.General DetailsAddressContact PersonLomekha Stone Quarry, DawakhaPenjoreType of minerals mined Slabs & bouldersStripping Ratio 0.56:1Operation and Annual Throughout the year, 5, 000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 78, 975 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 1.95 hectaresObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentQuarrying not done as per FMFS Report.There were only two benches measuring 13 m x 14.8 m and14 m x 13.6 m (Height x Width) respectively.The pit slope angles not maintainedThe quarry was not operational at the time of monitoringand there was no mines officeThe management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.Top soil is not stored separately.No check dam is constructedOverburden and inter-burdens are not dumped at theapproved site. They are pushed downhill from the respectivebenches.The dumped overburden heights are 23.5 meters and 31.5meters for the first and second benches respectively.The management has not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the quarry site.97

5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThere are no drains along the approach road.There is a need for drains to channel out surface water fromthe quarry.Currently no restoration works are done.Environment bond still to be updated.7. Others Approach road to the quarry was not constructed as per theFMFS report.The monitoring team felt that there was deviation in themining face.1.38 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The management has to construct drains along the approach road and ensure proper waterchanneling system for the quarry.The management should clarify the deviation of the operation of quarry from the FMFSreport and update the FMFS report accordingly.98

Dalukha Stone QuarryOperation suspended.General DetailsAddressContact PersonDalukha Stone IndustriesThimphuThendup GyaltshenType of minerals mined Construction material QuartziteStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 6.81 (2004-2013)99

Gidaphug Stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonGidaphug Stone QuarryC/O Hotel Taktshang, ThimphuTenzing Thinley, ProprietorType of minerals mined Quartzite (construction materials)Stripping Ratio 0.05:1Operation and Annual Throughout the year, 10,000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 1, 13,400 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 13.76 hectaresObservation1. Mining Operation Design:Pit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentQuarrying had not followed FMFS Report adequately..Benches were are under developmentThe copy of FMFS report available at site was incomplete.Safety helmets and breathing masks were provided to theworkers.First aid kit was not available at site. It was reported that theinjured workers are being taken to hospital by the company.The management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.Top soil is not stored separately.Poor overburden management was observed.There is good vegetation around the quarry.Environmental Bond still to be updated..5. Approach/Access There are no drains along the approach road.100

Road ConditionsThere is a need for drains for channeling of surface waterWater Drainage System from the quarry.6. Environment andCurrently no restoration works are done.Progressive RestorationRecord of environmental restoration bond deposited by theRestorationmanagement could not be confirmed since the responsibleEnvironmental Bond people was not present during monitoring..7. Others Boulders were extracted and rolled down over a height of 29meters and collected from the bottom of the rock.1.39 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.There is a need to expedite the development of proper benches at the quarry101

Kilikhar Stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonQuarry and Sealing Operation, Construction DevelopmentCorporation, MongarSonam DargayType of minerals mined Construction materials (Quartzite)Stripping Ratio 1:0.62Operation and Annual Throughout the year, 40,000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 775,320.00 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 5.9 hectaresObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentMining benches are at the development stageOriginal copy of the FMFS report and EMP was notavailable at site during monitoring.The workers at the mine are provided with adequatepersonal protective gears such as safety helmets, safetyboots, breathing masks and earmuffs.Water and sanitation facilities are available at the crushingplant and not at the quarry.First aid kit was available at the site office at the CrushingPlant.The management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.Top soil is not stored separately.Overburdens were dumped at the approved dump site.However, some of the overburdens were pushed downhillusing bulldozer.Three check dams were constructed. However, they are allfilled up and overburdens have started to spill over whiledumping.The management had not carried out monitoring of air,water and noise at the mining site.There is good vegetation around the quarry.There is a stream in the quarry which is being used as thepublic drinking water source.Since the quarry is just above the highway, it has the visualimpact.102

5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe side drains along the approach road are all blocked.Mine channeling to drain off surface water from thequarry/mine was not in existence.The major restoration works carried out by the managementwere the construction of three check dams.The management has deposited Nu. 800,000.00 on anannual basis as an environmental restoration bond. Themanagement has deposited Nu. 2,400,000.00 so far andshall be depositing another installment of Nu. 800,000.00 byAugust 2009.7. Others The quarry has provided employment to 17 people out ofwhich 12 are muster roll workers and 5 are regularemployees of CDCL.The management does not have the practice of sprayingwater in the quarry and the approach road.The management has already planned for three more checkdams to be constructed at the waste dump.1.40 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.There is a need to expedite the development of proper benches at the quarry using adequatenumber of equipment failing which the business sustainability will be in question.The management should ensure to spray water at the quarry and the approach road tosuppress dusts.Visual impact must be minimized.Provide toilet and drinking water supply at the quarry.Restore the environmental destructions caused by the construction of approach roadwherever quarrying is not to be done. This in turn would also reduce the visual impact ofthe area.103

Riju Stone Surface CollectionM/s Wangdi Construction Co., Trashigang has been given the permission for surface collection ofboulders from a site at Riju by DGM.General DetailsAddressContact PersonWangdi Construction CO., TrashigangWangdiTypes of minerals collected Construction stonesStripping RatioNot ApplicableOperation and Annual Not ApplicableProductionGeological/Residual Reserve Not Applicableand projected year to lastLease Area and Period Valid till 31/12/2009Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentNot ApplicableNot in operation during the monitoring time.No water and sanitation facilities were constructed.The management has not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.Other conditions are not applicable.There is good vegetation around the surface collection site.Clause No. 2 of the surface collection permission extensionissued by the DGM vide letter No. X-33/DGM/2007/789dated December 21, 2007 states that sensitive areasespecially the steep areas should not be touched. However,104

5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage Systemthe area from where surface collection is being done is asteep area.Boulders were being rolled down which left scars andaffected the visual impact of the areaThere are no drains along the approach road.6. Environment andNot applicableProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. Others There was no specific environmental clearance. However,the surface collection permission issued by DGM vide letterNo. X-33/DGM/2007/789 dated December 21, 2007 statessome environmental terms and conditions which has beenextended till 31/12/2009 vide letter No. X-33/DGM/2008/4391 dated December 29, 2009.1.41 RecommendationThe management should ensure compliance to the environmental terms and conditions ofthe surface collection permission.The management should provide drains along the approach road.Collection of boulders above the road should not be allowed since the area is steep androlling down of boulders would damage the environment.The management should re-vegetate the area damaged by rolled down boulders.The surface collection permission for the area should not be extended further since the areais steep. Moreover, there is visual impact issue.105

Ghatak Stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonBangpa Stone Quarry, Ura, BumthangDorji WangchukTypes of minerals mined Construction material (Quartzite)Stripping Ratio 0.66:1Operation and Annual Throughout the year, 20,000MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 413,400 MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 12.28 hectares, (September 2006-2016)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentQuarrying had not followed the FMFS Report adequately.There were no benches.There were traces of material extraction by undercutting ofrocks.Currently initiatives are being taken to extract the materialfrom the top. However, the blast materials from the top arerolled down and collected from the bottom instead ofconstructing approach road, developing benches andtransporting the material from the top.The management has not given due importance tooccupational safety and health aspects. People were allowedto work without even wearing helmets.No first aid kit was seen.The management had not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.Top soils were not stored separately.No check dam was seenOverburden and inter-burdens were not dumped at theapproved dump site. Therefore, poor overburdenmanagement was observed. However, the proprietorreported that the waste materials were being lifted bycontractors for road filling works.There is good vegetation around the quarry.106

Water EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThere are no drains along the approach road.Cross drains need to be constructed at the approach roadtake off point from the highway.There is a need for drains for channeling of surface waterfrom the quarry.The gully at the quarry where there is possibility of seasonalsurface water is filled up with the overburdens andinterburdens. Thus, there is possibility of those materialsgetting washed out by seasonal water flow and blocking thenational highway.No restoration works were done so far.No check dams were constructed.The management is required to deposit Nu. 100,000.00 perannum towards the environmental restoration bond.Environmental bond deposited Nu. 200,000.007. Others Environmental clearance expired on 20/8/2008 and is yet tobe renewed. However, the quarry is in operation without therenewed environmental clearance.The national highway is affected by the quarry.There is an adverse visual impact.The culvert along the highway was found blocked by thewaste material from the quarry.The approved waste dump was not utilized.Materials were extracted from areas which were notdesignated in the FMFS Report.Stone crusher was installed and operated withoutenvironmental clearance.1.42 RecommendationThe management has to expedite the renewal of the environmental clearance.The management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.There is a need to expedite the development of proper benches.The management should ensure that the highway is not affected by the quarry at all times.In order to do so, there is a need to construct appropriate size of retaining/breast wall abovethe highway to avoid waste materials getting into the highway and blocking the culvert.The management should obtain separate environmental clearance for the operation of stonequarry.The management should ensure minimizing the visual impact since the quarry is justabove/adjacent to the highway.107

Dhur Stone QuarryDhur Stone Quarry is leased out in the name of Aum Tshering Pem, Bumthang. However, it isbeing operated by Yugharling construction, Bumthang. Environmental clearance for the quarry hasbeen issued by the DGM. However, due to non-availability of FMFS Report at site, the area of thequarry could not be verified.General DetailsAddressContact PersonType of minerals minedStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchDhur Stone QuarryC/O Yugharling Construction, BumthangTempa ChophelConstruction materials (Quartzite)No FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.The quarry was not operated as per the requirements of theenvironmental terms and conditions.No benches were developed.So far materials had been extracted by undercutting ofrocks.The height of the undercut rock was found to be about 20meters high and pit slope was vertical.Safety boots and helmets were provided to workers.Water and sanitation facilities were provided at the site.Adequate first aid kit was maintained at the quarry site.The management had not provided disposal facilities forsanitary waste.Top soils were not stored separately.No check dam had been constructed at the waste disposalsite since overburden and wastes were not dumped at thedesignated dump site.Overburden and inter-burdens were kept at the quarry andwere being transported to the Yugharling Hotel constructionsite to be used for construction works and not dumped at thedesignated dump site.108

Height and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentThere is good vegetation around the quarry.There are two streams above the quarry which thereforeneeded proper protection and preservation.5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThe quarry had used the access road constructed by theNRDCL.There is a need for proper drains for channeling of surfacewater from the quarry.Currently no restoration works are done.Environment Bond still to be updated. (Record ofenvironmental restoration bond deposited by themanagement could not be confirmed since the responsiblepeople were not present during monitoring).7. Others There were no FMFS report and EnvironmentalManagement (EMP) at the site.Stone crusher was installed outside the demarcated area.Labour camps are constructed outside the demarcated area.Stone crusher was set up and operated withoutenvironmental clearance.1.43 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The management should obtain separate environmental clearance for the operation of stonecrusher.The management should provide proper drains to channel out the water from the twonatural streams above the quarry.The overburden kept at the quarry is huge in volume. The management should thereforeplan the management of the same if all of the accumulated overburdens can not be utilizedfor the hotel construction.Since the quarry will be used only for the duration of the hotel construction, themanagement should plan for the environmental restoration works.109

Lamegonpa Stone QuarryLamegonpa Stone Quarry was leased out to Ugyen Wangchuk Environment and Forestry Instituteto be used for the extraction of construction materials to meet the requirements of variousconstruction activities of the Institute.General DetailsAddressContact PersonUgyen Wangchuk Environment and Forestry Institute(UWEFI)Lamegonpa, BumthangDirector, UWEFIRaw Material and Final Product Quartzite (Construction materials)Stripping Ratio 0.2:1Operation and Annual 10,000 MTProductionGeological/Residual Reserve 1.66 Million MTand projected year to lastLease Area and Period 5.08 hectares (1/12/2007 – 30/11/2017)Observation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentThe quarry was yet to be operated on full scale.There were traces of materials extraction at two places byundercutting of rocks.The quarry was not in operation at the time of monitoringand occupational safety and health issues could not beverified.Operation of the quarry is yet to start.There is good vegetation around the quarry.There is natural stream source at the quarry which needs to110

Water EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bondbe managed appropriately during the operation of quarry.There are no drains along the approach road.The management is required to pay Nu. 213,200.00 per yearas an environmental restoration bond. No amount has beendeposited for the said purpose so far.7. Others The management reported that contractors who undertookthe construction works for the Institute were made toextract materials from the quarry.1.44 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times.The approach road needs major rehabilitation including the provision of side drains.The management should work out the modalities of operating the quarry and get itapproved from the appropriate authority since the Institute is not going to operate thequarry on it own.111

Pachhulum Stone QuarryThe quarry was not in operation during the time of monitoring.General DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentPachulum Stone Quarry, ThimphuTashi PhuntshoQuartzite (Construction materials)No FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.3.66 hectaresQuarrying was not done as per the FMFS report.Vegetation on the approach road to the quarry whichindicated that the quarry was not in operation for quite sometime.The quarry had two benches at the top measuring 19 m x8.25 m and 7.7 m x 6.6m (height x width).The pit slope angles of the benches were not maintained.Since the quarry was not in operation at the time ofmonitoring, occupational safety and health issues could notbe assessed and verified.Top soils were not stored separately.No check dam was foundOverburden and inter-burdens were pushed down and sincethe quarry was not operational the proper dump site couldnot be verified.There is good vegetation around the quarry.No local stream sources in the quarry area.112

Water EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersApproach road had become bushy due to re-growth ofnatural vegetation (Bushes and shrubs).There were no traces of restoration works being done duringthe operational period.Environmental bond still to be updated..1.45 RecommendationThe management should ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFS report,EMP and environmental clearance at all times it the quarry is to be operated again.113

Thongtimo Stone QuarryThe quarry was not in operation at the time monitoring.General DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodThongtimo Stone Quarry, DawakhaPema KhanduConstruction material boulders & slabsNo FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.No FMFS Report to ascertain.No Lease Agreement to ascertain.114

Taksha Stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentTaksha Stone Quarry,Mr. Tashi GyeltshenStoneNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo document found during the site visitQuarrying was not done strictly as per the FMFS report.The approach road to the quarry had no proper drains.Quarrying was found to have done in pockets. Since thequarry was not operational during the monitoring, actual pitplans of the quarry could not be verifiedThe quarry was not operation at the time of monitoring.Therefore occupational safety and health issues could not beassesses and verified.Top soils were not kept separately.No check dam was seenOverburden was pushed down and since the quarry was notoperational the proper dump site could not be verified.There is good vegetation around the quarry.A stream passes just below the quarry area.115

5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThe approach road was bad and not maintained properly asthe quarry was not in operation and no proper drains alongthe approach road.There were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.1.46 RecommendationIf the quarry is to be operation further, the management should ensure that the quarry isoperated strictly as per the FMFS report, EMP and environmental clearance at all times.116

Baychu Stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWater Drainage SystemBaychu Stone Quarry,M.P.Sharma, GMStoneNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo document found during the site visitQuarrying was not done strictly as per the FMFS report.Quarrying was found to have done in pockets.The quarry was not under operation at the time ofmonitoring. Therefore occupational safety and health issuescould not be assesses and verified.Top soil is not stored separately.No check dam was seenOverburden was pushed down and dumped above thenational highway to Tsirang.There is good vegetation around the quarry.The Puna Tsangchu passes below the quarry and themanagement should operate the quarry as per the FMFSreport.The water management is not maintained.There is no need of approach road as the quarry just abovethe highway.117

6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThere were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.1.47 RecommendationIf the quarry is to be operation further, the management should ensure that the quarry isoperated strictly as per the FMFS report, EMP and environmental clearance at all times.118

Lamishawa Stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsLamichawa Stone Quarry,stoneNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo document found during the site visitQuarrying was not done strictly as per the FMFS report.Quarrying was found to have done in pockets.The quarry was not operation at the time of monitoring.Therefore occupational safety and health issues could not beassessed and verified.Top soils were not kept separately.No check dam was seenOverburden was pushed down and all the loose stone werekept without any protection.There is good vegetation around the quarry.The Puna Tsangchu passes below the quarry and themanagement should operate the quarry as per the FMFSreport.The water management is not maintained.The approach road to the quarry is rough and no drainagemaintained119

Water Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThere were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.Environmental bond deposited Nu. 2,97,676.001.48 RecommendationIf the quarry is to be operation further, the management should ensure that the quarry isoperated strictly as per the FMFS report, EMP and environmental clearance at all times.120

Tshachugang Quartize QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsTshachugang quartize Quarry,Ugyen Tenzin MDM/s Lhojong Construction CompanyquartizeNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the site10 years from 25 th Feb 2003 to 25 th Feb 2013, (4.27 hac)Quarrying was not done strictly as per the FMFS report.Quarrying was found operating from the top but no benchesmaintained.The occupational safety and health issues could not beassessed and verified as there is no worker, only a machineoperator and a supervisor were there.Top soils were not kept separately.No check dam was seenOverburden was pushed down near to the stream withoutany protection.There is good vegetation around the quarry.The stream just below the quarry and the managementshould operate the quarry as per the FMFS report.The water management is not maintained.The national highway to Trongsa passes along the quarryarea121

Water Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThere were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.Environment bond still to be updated.1.49 RecommendationThe management are asked to ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFSreport, EMP and environmental clearance at all times.122

Jungomlo stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsJungom lo Stone Quarry,Kunga DorjiSite managerStoneNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo document during the site visitQuarrying was not done strictly as per the FMFS report.Quarrying was found operating on pocket basis and nobenches maintained.The occupational safety and health issues were notmaintained during the site visitTop soils were not kept separately.No check dam was seenOverburden was dump below the national highway toWangdue to Trongsa which was identified and approved byDGM.There is good vegetation around the quarry.The water management is not maintained.The national highway to Trongsa passes below the quarryarea123

Water Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersThere were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.Environmental bond deposited Nu. 3,21,000.001.50 RecommendationThe management is asked to ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFSreport, EMP and environmental clearance at all times.124

Sha Ngwang Granite QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological EnvironmentSha Ngawang grinte quarrygrinteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo document during the site visitQuarrying was under development stage operating is foundnot as per the FMFS report.Quarrying was found operating on pocket basis and nobenches maintained.The occupational safety and health issues were notmaintained during the site visitTop soils were not kept separately.No check dam was seenThere is not much problem of Overburden as the quarryunder development stage and lot of surface collection can bedoneThere is good vegetation around the quarry.The water management is not maintained.5. Approach/Access The national highway to Trongsa passes below the quarry125

Road ConditionsWater Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental Bond7. OthersareaThere were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.Environmental bond still to be updated..1.51 RecommendationThe management is asked to ensure that the quarry is operated strictly as per the FMFSreport, EMP and environmental clearance at all times.126

Wangchena stone QuarryGeneral DetailsAddressContact PersonRaw Material and Final ProductStripping RatioOperation and AnnualProductionGeological/Residual Reserveand projected year to lastLease Area and PeriodObservation1. Mining Operation DesignPit slope AngleBench Height and Width2. Occupational Health andSafetySafety and ProtectiveGearsWater and SanitationFacilitiesFirst-Aid-Kit3. Waste and OverburdenManagementSanitary WasteTopsoilUndersize/reject,Overburden/inter-burdenand Other materialsMechanism of Dumpingand ArrestingPit slope Angle, BenchHeight and Length ofWidth4. Environmental AspectsAir EnvironmentWater EnvironmentNoise EnvironmentBiological Environment5. Approach/AccessRoad ConditionsWangchana stone quarryStoneNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo FMFS Report at the siteNo document during the site visitQuarrying was under development stage and no operationduring the site visitThe occupational safety and health issues could not beassesses and verified as there is no worker.Top soils were not kept separately.No check dam was seenThere is not much problem of overburden as the quarry wasunder development stageThere is good vegetation around the quarry.The water management is not maintained.The approach to Baylandra Nye passes just below the quarryarea.127

Water Drainage System6. Environment andProgressive RestorationRestorationEnvironmental BondThere were no traces of restoration works done during theoperational period.Environment bond still to be updated.128

The List of Mines and QuarriesTypes Name of Mines Lease Area (Hectares and Location RemarksValidity)A. CaptiveMinesTiti LimestoneMine33.45 (22/08/06-21/08/2015) Pugli, Samtse Reserve (R):2 yearsPugli Limestone 133.182(01/11/04-31/12/2022 -do- R: 3-5 YrsMineChuniakhola 70.47 (15/05/06-14/05/2020) -do-Dolomite MineUtttarey 41.4 (01/04/99-31/03/2009) Uttarey R: 3-5 YrsLimestone MineSamtseKalapani Calc 44.47 (23/01/09-22/01/14) Kalapani R: 1 YrTufaSamtseTintaley 4.56 ( 01/01/05-31/12/2009) TintalleyQuartzite MineSamtseHaurikhola 9.65 (01/04/05-31/03/2010) Haurikhola R: 2YrsLimestone MineSamtseTinpawaQuartzite Mine14.65 (04/06/07-03/06/2017) TinpawaSamtsePakchinaQuartzite Mine30.04 (20/08/04-19/08/2024) PakchinaChukhaOmchinaQuartzite Mine49.9 (14/02/05-13/02/2010) KamjeeChukhaGidaphugMarble Mine21.6 (1/4/2008-31/3/2013) Gidaphug,ThimphuKhariphuLimestone MineKhariphu,ThimphuReshore coalmine27.00hacReshore,DewathangKhotakpa 26.77 hac P/GatshelGypsum mineCherung RiGypsum Mine10.54 hac P/GatshelB. TalcMinesSukrety phase 2.38 (16/11/07-15/11/2010) Kharipakhaviii Talc MineSamtseKharipakha 14.8 (02/11/06-01/11/2009) -do-Talc MineMowater Talc 7.6 (2008 for 3 yrs) -do-MineSimanadar TalcMine3.68 (02/07/07-01/07/2010) SimanadaraSamtseThumkey Talc Thumkey129

MineDipujhora TalcMineSadhu MadhuTalc MineSoilaykholaTalc MineSamste1.52 (11/10/06-10/10/2009) DipujhoraSamtse3.58 (08/10/07-07/10/2010) Sadhu MadhuSamtse2.65(21/02/06-20/02/2009), -do- LeaseExpiredC. Quarry LampatheyQuartzite Mine3.93 (15/10/04-14/10/2014) LampatheySamtseDabar QuartziteMine8.04 (08/12/07-15/12/2012) DabarSamtsePugli Stone 13.35 (20/07/06-19/07/2011) PugliQuarrySamtseOmchina 49.9 (14/02/05-13/02/2010) KamjeeQuartzite MineChukhaNgabephu StoneNgabephu,6.71 (2007-2017)QuarryThimphuGeerza andNamselling,Dojim Stone 40.02 (2007 – 2026)ThimphuQuarryTenzin StoneDawakha,0.85QuarryParoTW StoneDawakha,Quarry 2.29 Acres (2004-ParoCurrently notin operationCurrently notin operationLangukha StoneDawakha,4.9 (2004-2013)QuarryParoLomekha StoneDawakha,1.95QuarryParoDalukha StoneDalukha, Currently not6.81 (2004-2013)QuarryThimphu in operationGidaphug StoneGidaphug,5.57 (2004-2013)QuarryParoKilikhar StoneKilikhar,5.9 (2005-2014)QuarryMongarRiju StoneRiju,SurfaceTrashigangCollectionGhatak StoneQuarry12.28 (September 2006-August2016)Ghatak,BumthangDhur StoneQuarryDhur,BumthangLamegonpaLamegonpa, Currently not5.08 (1/12/2007 – 30/11/2017)Stone QuarryBumthang in operationPachhulum 3.66 (2004-2013) Dawakha, Currently not130

Stone Quarry Paro in operationThongtimoDawakha, Currently not6.36 (2004-2013)Stone QuarryParo in operationTaksha stonequarryBaychu stonequarryLamichawastone quarryTshchugangquartzite quarryJungom loostone quarrySha Ngwanggranite quarryWangchenastone quarryD. Mine notinoperationKaleshoreLimestone Mine12.92 (01/01/02-31/02/2011) KaleshoreChukhaNotOperationHasilo Marble 9.48 (1/10/20070.Hasilo, Paro Not inMine3operationLower 4.7 -do- Not inKharipakhaOperationTalc MinePitsu Talc Mine 4.23 (Watershed) Pitsu Not inSamtse OperationLower 9.33(05/06/08-04/06/2009) -do- SuspendedSukrety/SauriniTalc MineSamrang coalSamrang suspendedmineKusumtara Talc 2.81 (11/02/08-12/02/2009) -do- SuspendedMineSuspendedBhuduney Talc 2.95(01/02/06-01/02/2009) Bhuduney SuspendedMineSuspendedSamtseAllaypakha Talc ClosedKharipakha ClosedMineSamtseUpper Sukrety 4.9, Closed Sukrety ClosedTalc MineSamtseSukrety Talc 5.85, Closed -do- ClosedMineBahundara Talc 6.85(06/03/06-05/03/2009) -do- ClosedMineClosedSoilaykhola 2.65(21/02/06-20/02/2009), -do- Leasein131

Talc MineExpired132

ConclusionThe NECS in coordination with the DGM, Ministry of Economic Affairs conducted a meeting withthe mining companies on May 12, 2009 in Phuntsholing. The meeting informed the miningcompanies on the findings of the monitoring team and recommendations to be carried out. It wasencouraging to note that mining companies were committed to carry out the recommendation, butrequested for timeline to implement the recommendation. Based on the discussion, the timelineagreed are as follow:Agreed timeframe for implementation of RecommendationsSl.no Findings and recommendations Agreed timeframe for1 FMFS and EMP• FMFS (Mine plan and EMP) was notavailable at the mining site.• The management has to follow Mine plan andEMP2 Progressive Restoration• The progressive restoration was mostlyfocussed on construction of check dams only.The management must carry out progressiverestoration works as per the approved FMFSand EMP3 Top soil management• Almost all the mines have not stored the topsoil which will be required for restoration.The top soil must be stored separately andprotected from wind and rain. The top soilmust be spread over the mined out area for revegetationpurpose.4 Personal Protective Gears• The protective gears provided to the workerswere limited to helmets only. Themanagement must consider providing otheressential protective gears such as gloves, facemasks and protective shoes, where required.5 Demarcation Pillars and• Erection of proper demarcation pillars werenot uniform6 Channelling of surface waterSurface runoff from mines was not managed.The management must ensure that there isproper management of surface water in theminesimplementation• Copies of the mine plan andEMP will be made available atsite immediately• 80% of the mine plan and EMPwill be implemented within sixmonths i.e. by November 2009• Progressive restoration workswill be carried out immediatelyin line with the approved mineplan.• Top soil will be storedimmediately as required underthe approved FMFS, EMP andthe environmental clearance.• Occupational health and safetyrequirements will beimplemented immediately.• Standardized pillars will beinstalled within three months,i.e. by August 2009 by DGMWater management program inthe mines will be doneimmediately133

7 Undersize and rejects• It was found that undersize and rejectsmaterials were generated during excavation ofmineral rock. It would be useful if theCompanies collected the undersize/rejects andstored it separately rather than disposingdownhill as overburden• Some of the undersize and reject can be usedfor other industries as their primary rawmaterialExplore markets for undersizematerialsRoyalty issues will be lookedinto by the DGM8 Responsibility of Environmental unit/Focalperson• Those industries, which have captive mines, itwas found that the responsibility ofenvironmental unit was limited to monitoringof industries only. Either the environmentalunit should look after the mining aspect aswell or nominate environmental focalpersons. The mining companies mustnominate environmental focal persons to theNECS.8 Environmental Awareness• The overall environmental awarenessamongst workers was lacking. Themanagement has to introduce a system ofenvironment awareness by celebrating worldenvironment day and safety day to developthe understanding and importance ofenvironment and safety aspects9 Check dam combination with RCCMost of the check dams were constructed ofGabion Wall. The management has to explorepossibility of constructing the check dam,which could be a combination of RCC andgabion wall. This is suggested since gabionwall has not been very effective during themonsoon10 Air and water quality monitoring in mineareas11 Terms and conditions under theEnvironmental ClearanceSome general terms and conditions under theenvironmental clearance were notimplemented• Companies will nominateenvironmental focal persons toNECS within two weeks, i.e.end of May 2009• Creation of awareness amongstthe workers will be initiatedimmediatelyExplore the possibilities ofconstructing check-dam asrecommended, immediatelyNECS to work out the strategyto conduct monitoringWill be implementedimmediately12 Maintenance of access road including the side Will be carried out immediately134

drainage was poor. The management mustensure that the required maintenance iscarried out.The NECS in coordination with DGM will soon conduct a site visit to ensure thatrecommendations made are implemented by the mining/quarry Companies.135

Kaleshore Limestone MineA mine was not in operation. Even though mine was not in operation, the team tried to assess butcould not cross Toorsa River.136