Chhattisgarh may opt or manual mining in Naxal infested areas

Cost of manual mining is three times the cost of mechanised mining

Nagpur-based Jayaswal Neco Industries Limited (JNIL) has been granted clearances for mining in restive Kanker district of Chhattisgarh but on the condition of manual mining.

JNIL will produce 1 million tonne of iron ore per annum. The iron ore mined will be used as a captive source of raw material for the integrated iron plant at Raipur — about 200 kms.

The cost in manual mining is about three times the cost of using mechanised explosives. But for the sensitive areas of Chhattisgarh, it is likely to be the way forward.

"In the sensitive areas where there were possibilities of looting explosive, manual mining will be preferred," Devendra Singh, Member Secretary of Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB), said.

Naxalites are known for their expertise in explosion. Maximum casualties inflicted on security personnel earlier were in landmine blasts. The explosions used for mining in deposits located in Naxal-infested pockets had been the soft target of rebels.

Explosives stocked by the miners is an important source for Naxals. Besides storming the magazine, rebels had been intercepting the explosive-laden vehicles and looting materials that they later use for making landmine and bombs. The rebels also demand explosives from the company and a denial would only invite wrath.

The fear of Left Wing Extremists (LWEs) looting explosives has propelled authorities in Chhattisgarh to opt for manual mining without blast in the red zone.

Public hearing for environment clearance was held on October 5 amidst heavy security arrangement as the pocket is considered as a stronghold of rebels.

According to the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) report, considering the scale of operation, geological setting and the nature of deposit, it is proposed to adopt manual to semi-mechanised method of opencast mining.

"The company will not use explosive for blast as it has not been permitted," S K Moitra, Director of JNIL, said. The mining would be done manually, he added.

The group, primarily engaged in Iron and Steel Industry since 1972, had applied for the mining lease in Metabodeli Iron Ore Deposit spread across 25 hectares in Pakhanjur block of Kanker district.

Even though the cost in manual mining is much higher, it would still make economic sense for the company to agree to the condition.

The cost of production in manual mining is Rs 350 a tonne. But the price of iron ore fines is around Rs 1,700 a tonne.

For the government too, it's a strategy that could help combat Naxalism. "It would help engage more and more villagers from local area in mining activities that would result in the socio-economic development," Singh said.

Villagers getting employment would get distanced from the rebels and the backing of villagers is the spine of the Naxal movement.

MENACE IN MINES:

** In February 2006 Naxalites raided the magazine of state-own mining company NMDC in Dantewada district and walked away with 20 tonnes of explosives after killing eight Central Industrial Security Forces (CISF) personnel.

** In March, 2008 Naxal guerillas raided Mahamaya mining facility of Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in Dallirajhara of Chhattisgarh's Durg district and looted about two tonnes of explosives.

** In May, 2010 Naxals hijacked a truck carrying 16.5 tonnes of high-grade ammonium nitrate explosive near Bhanpuri in Bastar. The consignment was on its way here from Visakhapatnam for mining operation.

** In March 2016 Naxals struck at the mine of Sharda Energy and Minerals Limited in Rajnandgaon district and shot dead its Manager. The incident resulted in the closure of about 12 iron-ore mines in the area.