A Prognostic Assessment of the Environmental Impact due to Open Cast Mechanised Mining of the East Coast Bauxite Deposits in Andhra Pradesh

The East Coast Bauxite (ECB) Province of India, extending into the neighbouring States of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa, has contributed to a substantial rise in the total bauxite resource of the Indian sub-continent. Bauxite is gibbsitic and in situ. Thickness of the bauxite profiles varies from 3 to 54 m and bauxite is confined to select geomorphic expressions viz., sloping, landforms, and are amenable to open cast mechanised mining.

There are chances of accelerated recharge of the groundwater table, through coursed run-off, of the meteoric precipitation in the mining areas. In fact, tiny reservoirs of surface water can be created in the mined out areas. There is no possibility of toxicity due to Al as it is insoluble. Other toxic elements like Cr, Mn, V etc. are in negligible amounts to impart toxicity to the water regime. Human settlements in the area are sparsely populated and widely scattered. It is logical to expect employment opportunities to some of the inhabitants. Infrastructural facilities created to facilitate mining and movement of are, would contribute to improved socia-economic conditions and a rise in the per capita income.

Extensive green belt development and other mitigative measures, being practiced as a part of Environmental Management at Panchpatmali bauxite mine in Orissa is a case study to demonstrate that it is possible to maintain the eco-system of the terrain even during the mining phase. The bauxite deposits in Andhra Pradesh can be mined without causing any adverse impact on the prevailing environment.