Mining and Environmental Sustainability

Contents: 1. Mineral industry, environment and development. 2. Regional mineral endowment and the mineral industry in India. 3. Coal resources of India. 4. Iron ores resources of India. 5. Bauxite deposits and Aluminium industry. 6. Limestone deposits and Cement industry. 7. Building stones. 8. Heavy mineral sand and placer deposits. 9. Indian reserves and resources classification with un-framework classification (UNFC). 10. Water resources and water management in mining. 11. Site selection criteria for tailing impoundments. 12. Preparation of final mining closure plan. 13. Distinctive nature of mineral resources, mining and environment. 14. Need for reforms in mining sector. Annexures. References.

Minerals are important source of raw material to meet the need of society and industry. Present day society and industry fabric depends on supply of all raw materials from mining of minerals and subsequent processing and refining and ore smelting. While, we all agree, that mining and supply of raw materials for need of society is essential, it is also necessary to do this with responsibility for sustainable basis. This book attempts to focus on this aspects. The book comprising 14 chapters begins with and overview, then formation and geology of India, the major metallic and industrial minerals, the UNFC for minerals, ground and surface water management , site selection for tailing pond, closure of mine, the distinctive nature of mineral deposits in relation to environment. The book concludes by making some pragmatic suggestions for better investment in mining sector.