Posted by One of the critical factors in the development and maintenance of human civilisation is mining. Coal has been a significant source of energy for the growth of society since ancient times, and coal mines have played a specific role in this process. 12.5% of the world’s coal is consumed in India, which generates over 70% of the nation’s electricity. Although the country relies on coal for 44% of its critical commercial energy requirements, it has promised to cut its carbon intensity by 45% over 2005 levels by 2030. Technological advancements are being made to attain net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, resulting in increased productivity.
Several recent events that are or have helped the Indian coal mining industry implement sustainable programmes include:
Pollution Prevention Methods
- In mines and other industrial settings, long-throw fog cannons have been used. In large coal handling plants, the mist-type water spraying system has been installed beside the conveyor belts and bunkers. To stop pollution at its source, CHPs have side cladding made of GI Sheet installed on their sides.
- The installation of fixed sprinklers at CHPs, coal stockyards, weighbridges, and along transportation highways prevents the creation and spread of dust at the source.
- Using Portable water sprinklers along the haul routes and road transport roads helps reduce the dust particles in the air.
- During blasting activities, dust generation and ground vibration are minimised by using control blasting techniques and the appropriate delay detonators and explosives. Surface Miners’ drilling, blasting, and crushing activities are monitored, which removes pollutants generated by these operations.
- Coal companies are installing modern equipment with environmentally beneficial features.
- All loaded coal transport vehicles are covered with a tarp, and the overloading of trucks is not permitted to prevent coal from spilling from trucks onto the road.
- Creating concrete/blacktopped roads to improve stability and longevity for transport haul roads and deploying mechanical sweepers are other techniques for dry sweeping roads.
- First Mile Connectivity (FMC) initiatives are being conducted to significantly slow down the spread and dispersion of dust to substitute road transportation with mechanical loading and conveying systems Avenue and peripheral planting.
- installing wind barriers to capture dust and reduce soil erosion, planting vegetation on inactive OB dumps;
The current legal, environmental framework offers protections to reduce the unfavourable environmental effects of mining on the natural environment. KCT Group, run and managed by Varun Thapar, is one of the examples of people who take all mitigation measures to safeguard the environment from the harmful effects of coal mining.