Mining and environmental problems in the Ib valley coalfield of Orissa, India

Abstract

The exploitation of mineral resources through surface and underground mining has in the past caused a wide range of environmental problems such as health degradation, air, water and noise pollution, decline in agricultural production, deforestation, displacement and other socio-economic impacts. However, over the past number of years, stakeholders in the industry have been striving to avoid and mitigate the potential detrimental effects of mining on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Governments are increasingly formulating and adopting policies to ensure the sustainable development of their country's mining industry and mining companies are striving to be better environmental citizens. Environmental groups have become increasingly involved in mining disputes. However, a lot has to be achieved to ensure mining in carried out in a sustainable way. This paper concentrates on the environmental effects of coal mining in the Ib valley coalfield of Orissa, India. Background to the increasing awareness of the environmental issues associated with mining is provided in the first section of this paper. The second section discusses the general problems associated with mining, with particular reference to the Ib valley coalfield. In addition, measures undertaken by the companies operating the Ib valley coalfield to deal with environmental problems are presented. © The Geological Society of London 2005.