The Jharkhand state mines and geology department has blamed central government agencies such as Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) and Mineral Exploration Corporation of India Limited (MECL) for undermining the interests of Jharkhand.
Officials of the department feel that different exploration agencies are not adopting uniform standards for assessing the quality and the quantum of mineral reserves in the state. The officials are not even willing to listen to the justifications offered by the experts.
According to the minutes of the Eighth Jharkhand State Geological Programme board meeting, the IBM representative failed to give satisfactory replies when the then department secretary, K.K. Khandelwal, asked him why the quantum of mineral reserves usually decreased in comparison with the original survey report.
The MECL, too, reportedly failed to justify why the specific density of haematite (iron ore) available in the state is considered as 3.5. The specific density of good quality haematite used in standard steel plants ought to be between 4 and 4.5.
Both these objections are of very serious nature considering the perception that the mafia, in connivance with corrupt officials, purportedly downgrade the quality and quantum of mineral reserves in different areas of the state. Thereafter, they avail of huge mineral reserves at throwaway prices and make money through illegal activities.
Senior geological scientist P. Tiru, who represented IBM at the meeting, however, argued that the quantum of mineral reserves projected in the general survey report and the detailed survey report usually vary. The area of influence, too, is very important.
The detailed surveys are carried out either by the GSI or companies involved in mining operations. The “required qualified person” prepares the mining plan. The IBM, after spot inspection and completing other necessary procedures, grants certificates.
“The total area never becomes the mainland zone. The quantum of reserves also varies from pit to pit. I tried my best to explain these things to the department officials but they were not willing to buy the explanations. Moreover, our organisation is not involved in mining explorations. Our prime responsibility is to ensure execution of the provision of Mineral Conservation Development Rules and Environmental Impact Assessment,” Tiru added.
A senior scientist of MECL argued that the specific density of haematite lumps and fines is bound to vary. The average specific density of iron ore found in a particular area is determined on the basis of sample analysis.
At the meeting, the GSI had complained that the mining explorations being carried out by it were never published in the gazette.
Source: The Telegraph, Calcutta
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