The Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana is a welcome step towards ensuring the welfare of local communities in mining zones. It will be even more effective if combined with green mining concepts
The global economy owes its prosperity to relentless mining that has supplied precious natural resources to fuel its growth. But large-scale mining has led to deforestation, air pollution and degradation of agricultural lands. Probably, the most damaging impact has been on the water resources.
According to estimates, mining industries are consuming almost 20 per cent of the world’s water supplies. Disturbing conditions like these are making mining seem synonymous with exploitation. This is unfortunate, since eco-friendly mining practices are not only available, but are also being followed in many parts of the world.
Keeping in mind the worsening condition of the mining sector, the NDA Government has taken a commendable move to launch the Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana. The scheme aims to minimise and mitigate the adverse impacts, during and after mining, on the environment, health and socio-economics of the tribal people in mining areas. The Government is planning to spend Rs6,000 crore each year, for the development of these regions, through the newly-formed District Mineral Foundations.
The NDA Government has successfully launched initiatives like Make in India and Digital India, both of which have received immense popularity. Similarly, the PMKKKY scheme can prove to be a robust endeavor for environmental conservation in the mining sector, if the Government ensures it’s meticulous implementation, in confirmation with concepts of green mining. Green mining entails a careful balance of resources, adapting new equipment and altering the supply chain, to accommodate more sustainable mining processes.
The Government can take cue from instances across the world, where the implementation of green mining process has helped re-define the mining sector. The Greater Sudbury mine in Ontario, Canada is an apt example, wherein the installation of an automated mine ventilation system, as a part of the green mining processes has reduced up to 40 per cent of energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and has ensured savings in costs of up to four million dollars per year.
The fusion of PMKKKY scheme with green mining concepts and processes can help reduce environmental impacts that are associated with the extraction and processing of metals and minerals. Green mining can also help in the reduction of greenhouse gases, reduce ecological footprint, and bring down chemical use.
Globally, green mining processes have improved energy efficiency, reduced operating costs for the mining industry, besides improving its competitiveness. But the main barrier for the implementation of green mining processes is the fear of risks associated with unknown practices and technologies. Here, the Government must intervene and instill confidence in the mining industry, by increasing awareness through global examples and offering expert assistance in green mining technology deployment.
Biodiversity is the first casualty of mining operations. The authorities must ensure that programmes such as PMKKKY provides for a mandatory biodiversity impact assessment in order to ensure that the biodiversity of the identified project area is protected.
The diversity of species or richness of the ecosystems present at the future project site should be considered, alongside related cultural and social aspects. The companies involved in mining should demonstrate a high-level commitment to integrate biodiversity aspects into the decision-making processes. This will help protect the habitats and wildlife species of the identified project area.
Furthermore, as a part of rejuvenating the mining sector and improving its responsibility towards the environment, the Government must ensure that mines that have reached closure, are immediately restored to their previous state. This is possible by ensuring removal of hazardous materials, re-shaping the land, restoring topsoil, and planting native grasses, trees, or ground cover.
It is also essential to utilise the mine areas for diverse purposes in order to speed up the recovery of the area. Globally, closed mines have been deployed for a variety of uses such as museums or education centers. The Britannia Mine Museum in British Columbia is one such example. Similarly, the Wieliczka Salt Mine in Krakow, Poland has been turned into an art gallery with works of art carved in salt. The salt mine has been designated a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization world heritage site.
Reducing environmental impact of mining and related activities continues to be one of the most significant and important challenges. Government efforts, supported by public awareness can put positive pressure on the companies to adapt sustainable processes within and beyond the mining industry.
Initiatives like the PMKKKY, combined with green mining concepts can make the sector competitive and productive, besides improving its image and environmental performance.