A guide to leading practice sustainable development in mining

Figure 5.29 – Spreading topsoil at an Alcoa operation
India’s mining industry is diverse and numerous minerals are mined in various
terrains and climatic regimes. Iron ore mining takes place in a number of areas
including the island of Goa. Despite considerable research into rehabilitation, mining
companies have been slow to implement leading practices.
MINE: Goa Iron Ore Mines
LOCATION: Goa, India
BRIEF DESCRIPTION: Surface iron ore mining
AREA OF LEADING PRACTICE: Rehabilitation; closure and completion
HANDBOOK(S) REFERENCE: Mine rehabilitation; mine closure and completion
DESCRIPTION OF INNOVATION:
The iron ore mines of Goa are the most significant in India and have been mined
for many decades. Until recently, little attention was paid to environmental
management and mine closures. An area of around 5 ha was trialled under
plantation, adopting a horti-silvicultural approach by planting fast growing species
such as acacia, eucalyptus, casuarina, and cashews. Apart from these, a number
of gardens have been developed by plantation of trees having high medicinal
values. Irrigation is provided from rain water harvested in the existing mine pit.
The entire area was stabilized in 4 years. The results have been very successful
and appreciated by experts at various forums. Apart from above in collaboration
with National Institute of Oceanography the company have converted one of its
exhausted mine pits into a pisciculture pond in 1990. Over the years, edible fish
such as Rohu, Catla & Common Carp have been cultivated in the pond. This pond
has become a model of mine pit reclamation for all mining companies operating
in India.
A GUIDE TO LEADING PRACTICE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MINING 167