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

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