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

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