1ST ASIAN MINING CONGRESS

16-18 January, 2006, Kolkata, India

The Mining Geological and Metallurgical Institute of India (MGMI), Centenary

EFFECT OF DEEPENING OF SURFACE MINE WORKINGS ON HYDROGEOLOGICAL

REGIME OF AREA – A CASE STUDY OF LIMESTONE MINING IN INDIA
A. K. Soni*

ABSTRACT
A perennial yet seasonal nala (rivulet) of 15 to 30 m width and 1 to 5m depth is flowing across the
middle of the limestone mining lease where the mining is ongoing and impact of this water body on the
mining and environment with deepening of mine is the centre theme of this research study. The approach
encompasses hydro-geological evaluation and mining design analysis component (barrier design and
evaluation of ground condition). The analysis has been done based on primary or secondary data and
study has helped mine management to plan future mining strategy and obtain statuary clearance.

In brief, this paper attempts to highlight a burning problem, which is currently in vogue all over the
populated Asia and the World, and deals about the water depletion / scarcity due to an industrial
activity (mining). The advantage of reading this paper lies with the fact that ongoing surface mining
projects, requiring solutions depending on dominant local environmental conditions, can be easily
evaluated scientifically with the discussed methodology. Adopted methodology has attributes of simplicity,
innovativeness and easy applicability under typical field conditions thereby helping the mine management
in fast decisions
INTRODUCTION intercepted the water level may fall. Since the present
case study is an excellent example of extension /
Mining as an industrial activity is generally studied in
conversion of hill mining into a pit mining such
relation to environment. Environmental impact of mining apprehension is quite obvious.
encompasses various physical, ecological and socio-
economical components. Among them, one most Manikgarh Cement Limestone Mine is a captive mine
important and vital physical component these days is - of operational Manikgrah Cement Plant (1.5MT) of M/s
Century textiles and Industries Limited. The mine is
WATER. Water related impact studies are required by
located at distance of 12 Km from village Gadchandur
the mine management for various statutorily compliance
(near Rajura) and about 45 Km from Chandrapur town in
and usually form the part of environmental management the Korpana taluqa of district Chandrapur in Maharashtra
plan or EMP. state. The mine site is approachable by Rajura – Korpana
road and the nearest railhead is at Manikgarh, 3 Km from
Impact of mining on water regime, in a study area
Rajura town on the Ballarshah - Kazipet broad gauge
covers both surface water as well as ground water.
section of South - Central railway. The study area lies
Growing environmental awareness in public domain and
between 19°35’ and 19°40’ latitude and 79°5’ and
scarcity of water in various areas with particular reference
79°10’longitude on Survey of India toposheet no. 56 M/2
to mining industry has lead the formulation of this study.
(Fig.-1).
According to the mine management it is apprehended
that if mine is deepened and ground water table is

* Senior Scientist, Central Mining Research Institute (CMRI), Regional Center, Nagpur, India
Tel. : +91 -(712) 2510604, 2510311, 2510253 (0) ; Fax : +91-(712) 2510604
E mail: abhay_soni@hotmail.com ; cmrirc@satyam.net.in
274 Effect of Deepening of Surface Mine Workings

A perennial yet seasonal nala named as Amal Nala
is flowing across the middle of limestone mining lease
area. In the present study, impact of mining on this water
body has been described.
MINING AT MANIKGARH
Some salient details are as described below -
1. Manikgarh Limestone Mine is producing
approximately 6000 tons per day of limestone. It is
equipped with 7.5 Km. long aerial ropeway and
crusher arrangements to feed limestone to the plant.
The mine is operational since 1986. The mine has
an estimated reserve of about 65 million tons of
cement grade limestone below 303 MRL (up to 253
MRL), which can serve the plant for another 35 years.
2. Mining is being done by semi-mechanized open cast
methods in the form of benches with shovel - dumper
combination. Six limestone blocks, named as A, B,
C, D, E, F are demarcated for limestone excavation
(Fig –2). Presently, mining activity is going on in these
blocks and has reached at different depths (see table
below). The 264 hectares mining area consists of
six different hills (named as A, B, C…. blocks) within
which five hills are suitable for mining of cement grade
limestone. Limestone quality of D hill is not suitable
for cement making because the CaO content of
limestone in this block is less than 38 percent. Mining
activity has already reached at 303 MRL in B & C
hills and is likely to reach 303 MRL in other hills in
near future.

Name of Blocks/ Working Area *Hill-wise

Hill Levels (MRL) (hectares) Reserves (MT)
as on 31-03-2002
A block / A hill 322 58 14
B block / B hill 303 72 18
C block / C hill 303 40 13
D block / D hill Low grade 14 -
limestone
E block / E hill 342 25 8
F block / F hill 342 55 12
Total 264 65
* Mineable reserve of possible category below 303 MRL (with 30% reduction)

3. The area under study has partly hilly and partly plain (width * height) = 15-30 m X 1-5 m
topography. • Amal Nala MRL in = Ranges from 300
4. One important surface feature in the mine lease area active mining area to 308 m
is the existence of a perennial yet seasonal nala Amal • Flow of Amal Nala = Max.:1960 gallons
Nala, a surface water stream flowing across the water channel sec(October,95)
middle of mining lease (Dimensions = 15 to 30m width Min.: during March
and 1-5m depth). This water stream is mainly fed by to May
rainwater. Some springs, situated all along its stretch
• Current Mining levels = 303 to 352 MRL
also feed water to the nala. The water of this stream
of limestone benches (i.e. 303-312- 322
is blocked down-stream and collected at Amal Nala
332-342-352 MRL)
dam reservoir.
5. Thus, salient details for the studied mines can be Source : Manikgarh Cement Limestone Mine
summed up as follows -
In brief, the mining at Manikgarh mine has reached
• Lease area allotted = 493 hectares to ground level (i.e. 303 MRL, in some of the blocks) and
for mining it is proposed to extend the mining operation from present
• Total forest area = 264 hectares 303 MRL to 253 MRL and below. In a phased wise manner
deforested for mining the mineral excavation operation will be extended to depth
• Size of water stream down below. In this way hill mining operation will be turned
into open pit mining operation.
A. K. Soni
METHODOLOGY
To study the impact of mining on surface and
ground water regime following steps and
methodology is adopted –
a) Base line data collection and secondary data
collection is done from various authentic sources
namely Central Ground water Board (CGWB),
Ground Water Survey and Development Agency
(GSDA), Maharashtra State Irrigation Department
etc. and detailed study of geological, mining and geo-
hydrological parameters was done. For data analysis
and comparison, previous year records and three
different season water data (rainy, winter and summer)
during the investigation period has been used.
b) Ground Penetration Radar (GPR) survey is carried
out for assessment of strata condition like cracks,
wide fractures, cavities, discontinuities etc.
c) Quantitative estimation of surface and ground water
for impact evaluation has been done. The study
concentrated on the effect caused due to mining
operation only.
2.
d) Quantitative analysis of surface water and ground
water (laboratory studies) has been carried out at
Central Mining research Institute. Pollution impact has
been analyzed.
e) To minimize / reduce the impact of mining on water
regime it is proposed that a barrier consisting of
natural rocks or ground should be left in between the
water body and mine workings. Calculation of barrier
width is done and effect of blasting on barrier has
been determined.
f) Based on socio-economic survey and impact studies
overall impact of mining in relation to water use has
been evaluated and assessment of feasibility of
working limestone below ground level (i.e. below
303m MRL and up to 253 m MRL) is done.
DATA ANALYSIS
1. Condition of Strata : GPR survey along three
different sections in the mining lease area of the
Manikgarh Cement has lead to the following
observations:
275
(a) Solid compact layers exist from the surface to
depths varying from 2m to 5m only.
(b) The depth of fractured / weathered layer from
the surface to depths varies from 5m to 16.5m.
(c) Solution cavities (voids) are also found at some
places along the surveyed sections. The cavities
found are smaller in size.
On the basis of analysis of strata, up to the depth of
16.5m and experience gained in similar strata
conditions, it is attempted to correlate the existing
ground conditions at much deeper depth, i.e. 50m
from the surface. Geologically, it is proved that
limestone deposits belonging to Penganga Series
(equivalent to Vindhyans, Pre-Cambrian period), are
platy in formations and contains excessive fractures,
solution cavities and fissures. Therefore, it may be
assessed with conformity that fractured layers will
continue towards deeper strata i.e. up to the proposed
target depth (50m and below from the surface). Thus
seepage from nala to mine will take place.
On the basis of analysis of topographic details and
position of water body in the mine lease area it is
decided that a rectangular shape barrier should be
left to prevent/ avoid any danger against surface water
inundation into the mine when mining is to be done
below ground level i.e. 303 MRL. Accordingly, the
barrier thickness is calculated as 14m. But the laid
down statuary requirement dictate that a minimum
of 60m barrier should be left. Therefore, barrier
thickness is decided as 60m. In mines area, solid
natural ground of 60m width all along the nala already
exists, this ground between nala and mine working
could be utilized as barrier. It is essential that an
emphasis must be put before the mine management
to maintain such parting throughout the life of mine.
To assess the impact of routine blasting operation
on the barrier (consisting of natural rocks and
limestone and already existing) test blasts were
conducted and impacts have been assessed. The
vibration levels observed were 50.8 mm/s, which is
well below the threshold value. A vibration level of
50.8 mm/s may be considered as most safe for any
aquifer, water well or water bearing strata. Moreover,
276
since blasting is a short-term phenomenon, a low-
level vibration below the threshold value has no
negative impacts.
As the mine workings extend towards the nala, and
if blasting is conducted at the boundary of the barrier pillar
left, the maximum permissible charge per delay should
not exceed 500 kg to control the vibration within safe limit
(These inference were drawn on the basis of existing
blasting practices adopted /followed presently).
3. Water Quality Analysis : Surface water quality of
the Amal Nala was not found deteriorated as the
maximum variable parameters examined during
laboratory investigations are within acceptable range
prescribed by regulatory agency namely Central
Pollution Control Board (CMRI, 2000). It was noticed
that due to the mining activity TDS and hardness
values were on higher side but within limit. This could
be possible in limestone formations.
This analysis is thus indicative that if, the same
operation is continued below 303 MRL direct use of
Amal Nala water for drinking purpose will be
minimum. The use of AmalNala water for drinking
purpose is safe.
4. Surface Water and Ground Water Quantitative
Evaluation : Impact of Mining on the Discharge of
the Amal Nala has been made for quantitative water
impact assessment. The Amal Nala flowing across
the middle of the mine lease area, towards north is a
seasonal nala, which generally flows during monsoon
and also during post-monsoon up to December. The
Nala is fed by few perennial springs namely Kakband,
west of Garpathan and two springs at Panideo located
within the mining area. These springs contribute
about 5875 cubic meter / day in to the Amal Nala
which is about 14% of the nala discharge. The
catchment area of the Amal Nala passing through
the mine is around 58 sq. km. including 2.6 Sq. km
mining lease area (Fig -3). The detail quantity of water
flowing in Amal Nala catchment in mine lease area
is as follows. The annual normal rainfall of the area
is 1261 mm (100 years rainfall data) and monsoon
normal rainfall is 1111mm (50 years data as per IMD
record, Chandrapur).
Effect of Deepening of Surface Mine Workings
• Total volume of rain = 58 Sq. Km x 1.111 m
water in catchment = 64.44 million cubic
area metre (MCM)
Considering losses from evapotranspiration /
evaporation, recharge to ground water and soil
moisture, etc. for hilly and forest clad catchment area
( nearly 30% of the rainfall) the estimated volume of
runoff from Amal Nala passing through the mine area
is estimated as - 64.44 x 0.3 = 19.332 Million Cubic
Metre (MCM).
As per the observations, water in Amal Nala is flowing
for 180 days (July to December). The peak discharge
of the stream is observed as 1900 gallons/sec. While
it is 50 to 100gallons/second for the remaining period.
Ground water withdrawal in this catchment is
negligible as more then 90% of catchment area is
reserve forest. There are no irrigation wells in the
area. However, some of the villages have dug wells
for domestic purposes. The ground water in the area
occurs under water table condition, which is mostly
discharged naturally through springs. The dug-well
have depth to water level between 0 to 3m below
ground level (located at Lendiguda, Garh-panderwani
and Palejari ). The post-monsoon ground water table
is 0-3m, whereas it may vary between 1 and 8 m in
the rest of the period. The ground water table is 7m
at Lingando village, which is approximately 2 km from
the mine property area on the upstream side (post
monsoon period, December).
Seepage from Amal Nala in to the Mine :
Underground Seepage from Amal nala to the mine
below 303 MRL : In Amal Nala the flow of water is
maximum during rainy season and gradually
decreases being minimum in summer. As the nala is
flowing for about 180 days, the seepage will be
confined to this period only. The quantity of seepage
will vary with the change in wetted surface area of
the nala /channel. As per the ground water resource
estimation methodology 1997 approved by Ministry of
Water Resources, Government of India, the seepage of
2.0 M3 / S per million sq. meter of wetted area is
recommended for unlined channels in normal soils with
some clay contents along with sands. Therefore, the
seepage into the mine is estimated as follows:
A. K. Soni
• During Peak Flow in the Nala : Number of days = 10
Length of the channel in mine property = 3500 m
Wetted area = 3500 x 30 = 105000 m²
(considering width of wetted channel bed as 30m)
Quantity of seepage water =
105000x2.0x60x60x24
10 6
=1.8144 x 104m³/day= 18.1
TCM/day
Therefore, A = Seepage in 10 days = 181 TCM
(thousand cubic metre)
• During medium to moderate discharge :
Number of days = 50
The wetted area = 3500 x 15 = 52500 m²
(Wetted channel bed width is 15m)
Quantity of seepage water = 52500 x2x60x60x24 =
106
9.05 TCM / day
Therefore, B = Seepage in 50 days = 452.5 TCM
• During low discharge duration : Number of days
= 120 days
Average wetted wet width = 5m
Wetted area = 3500 x 5 = 17500 m²
17500 x2x60x60x24
Quantity of seepage water = =
106
3.0166 TCM/day
Therefore, C = Seepage in 120 days = 362 TCM
Total Quantity of Seepage
water in 180 days = A+B+C
= 181+452.5+362
= 995.5 TCM ……(1)
Seepage from Small Seasonal Drains Joining
Amal nala at the Northern End of Property Area :
These seasonal drains running along northern face
of block ‘F’ on right bank of Amalnala, provides feed
water to Amal Nala. Therefore, this seepage
estimation is included here. Such water channels
flows in the rainy days for about 60 days following
moderate to heavy rains. Considering the length of
277
these sub channels as 1350 m with average wetted
width of 10m during peak flow (10 days) while it is
5m in remaining 50 days the estimation is as follows -
• Wetted Area = 1350 x 10 = 13500 m²
Quantity of Seepage Water =
13500 x 2 x 60 x 60 x 24
10 6
= 2.332TCM / day
Seepage in 10 days with small seasonal drains,
A = 23.32 TCM
• Wetted Area = 1350 x 5 = 2.332/2 = 1.16 TCM/day
Seepage in 50 days with small seasonal drains,
B = 58.3 TCM
Therefore ,seepage in 60 days = A + B = 81.62
TCM…………(2)
Net Seepage = from equation 1 & 2 = 995.5 +
81.62 = 1077.12 TCM
Assessment of Ground Water Seepage into the
Mine below 303 MRL : The area under study is an
operational mine where mining activity is under
progress up to ground level and there is no de-
watering of aquifer. However, the deepening of mine
below ground level i.e., 303m will result in to the
seepage of ground water into the mine pit. The ground
water discharge below the ground level (303 MRL)
is taking place naturally as base flow through Amal
Nala. The hydro-geological set-up and physiography
of the area indicates that the mine area is a closed
basin having about 5 Sq. km. of groundwater
catchment area (Fig.-3). This catchment has got 2.6
Sq. km of mine area and remaining 2.4 sq. km is
hilly terrain occupied by reserved forest. There is no
utilization of ground water for any purpose. This
ground water automatically flows out through the
underground outlets mostly located along the Amal
Nala at down-streams. This is encountered as base
flow (at corresponding MRL).
The base flow observations provide a realistic
estimate of ground water seepage likely to be
encountered. This can be estimated accurately only upon
deepening of the mine by 50m i.e. mining upto RL 253m.
This seepage varies from period to period and maximum
278
amount shall be contributed during Oct.-Nov. when the
ground water table is generally at its peak. The ground
water seepage will reduce gradually till June. After the
onset of monsoon, the water table will further rise gradually
and ground water seepage will reappear after the
saturation of aquifer. The depth of mining will also
influence the ground water seepage into the mine. This
will be increasing with depth due to addition of more and
more aquifer thickness. However, the behaviour of aquifer
is unconfined in the area and the saturated thickness in
this case is more up to 0-10m and it will gradually reduce
with depth 10-20, 20-30, 30-40 and 40-50m due to aquifer
characteristics and fluctuation behaviour of ground water
table.
The base flow contribution (ground water discharge)
from the mine property area (2.6 sq. km) and adjoining
ground water catchment (2.4 Sq. km) has been monitored
to assess the quantity of seepage at different MRL
between 290.7 and 306m. The estimates of ground water
seepage during different seasons at 10m intervals has
been worked out and given in Table -1. This indicates
that the annual ground water seepage up to the maximum
depth of 50m into the mine would be 2.466 MCM. The
maximum amount of seepage will be encountered as 18
TCM/day during Oct./Nov. period on deepening the mine
up to 253 MRL.
Based on above analysis following important findings
have been arrived at -
(a) The seepage will take place when the mining is
extended below 303 MRL, as it happens in present
mining above 303 MRL as well.
(b) The quantity of seepage will reduce after taking the
precautionary measures.
(c) There will be no change in the hydrological regime
of the Amal Nala because the water coming in mine
pit will be pumped in to the Amal Nala itself hence
aquifers will be recharged.
(d) The effect of ground water seepage shall be confined
up to 2.4 Sq. km outside the mine property, which is
hilly and forest. The area under study is small
compared to the total catchment area i.e. 55.25 Sq.
Km.
Effect of Deepening of Surface Mine Workings
(e) Due to hilly topography of the area the water table is
already far deeper than the root zone of forest trees.
Hence, there will not be any effect on the growth of
forest in the study area (based on watershed and
drainage map study).
(f) There exist no possibility of ground water lowering in
the adjoining villages as they are part of different
ground water basin and are distinctly separated by
ground water divide.
(g) No village or hamlets will be effected by the mining
activity as regards to lowering of ground water table
is concerned because presently there is no utilization
of ground water for any industrial purpose in the study
area. The overall ground water development in the
area is very poor i.e. 2.74%. Local effects of ground
water lowering may be observed or noticed in those
villages in immediate vicinity.
(h) This data analysis clearly indicates that as regards
with water quality, quantity and water use the status
is by and large satisfactory.
Having analyzed the data, the effect of deepening of
surface mine workings on hydro-geological regime could
be explained easily. There were three main
apprehensions, which worries the managers or decision
takers as regards with the impact of mining on water
regime –
• Surface / ground water quality may get polluted.
• Surface water quantity may be reduced.
• Ground water level may get lowered.
The data analysis has answered all three
apprehensions. It is feasible to go for mining below ground
level.
CONCLUSIONS
Following are the conclusions drawn from the study -
• In the present study, since surface water seeping into
the mine is re-pumped into the nala there is no
significant change in terms of surface water quantity.
• Seepage from nala into the open pit mine workings
will take place. This water should be managed during
peak and lean period by pumping.
• There is no over extraction of groundwater, hence
A. K. Soni 279

its level will not be lowered. Ground water potential
in the study area is very good.
• On the basis of laboratory analysis of water quality it
is arrived that surface /ground water are not polluted.
• The ground water seepage in to the mine / mining
area will be influenced by the depth of mining. This
will be increasing with depth due to addition of more
and more aquifer thickness.
• There will be no change in the hydrological regime
of the Amal Nala due to the mining activity below 303
MRL, because the water expected to come in the
mine area is basically from the seepage. Which
otherwise also takes place even now when mining
activity is done above the ground level i.e. above 303
MRL.
In view of the above findings it can be concluded
that the impact of mining below 303 MRL on surface and
ground water regime in the study area will be very less
(almost negligible) and therefore open pit mining operation
can be done safely and conveniently. To carry out the
safe mining operation a rectangular shape barrier of 60m
thickness must be left to prevent/ avoid any danger against
surface water inundation into the mine. The barrier should
be saved from blasting damage as far as possible.
to publish it.
REFERENCES
1. Canter, L.W., (1996), Environmental Impact
Assessment, McGraw Hill International Editions, pp.
660.
2. CMRI (2000), Feasibility of Manikgarh Cement
Limestone Mine Workings Below Ground Level (303
MRL) and its Impact on Water Regime of the Area,
Project No.: GC/MT/R/1/992000, Central Mining
Research Institute (CMRI), Dhanbad, p. 64
3. Ramesh R. and Ramchandran S. (1999),
Groundwater Management, Oxford &IBH Publishing
Co. Pvt. Limited, New Delhi, ISBN 81-204-1304-0,
p. 120.
4. CGWB (1995), Ground Water Resources and
Development Potential of Chandrapur District,
Maharashtra, Annual Action Program 1993-94,
Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), Ministry of
Water Resources, Report no: 645/DIS/95, pp.95.
5. Goel, P.K., Sharma, K.P. (1996), Environmental
Guidelines and Standard in India, Techno-Science
Publications, Jaipur, pp.318.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 6. Lele, M.G. (1980), Water Problems in Mines,

Department of Mining Engineering, Institute of
I thankfully acknowledge the financial support Technology, B.H.U., Varanasi, pp. 54-213.
provided by M/s Manikgarh Cement, Gadchandur, District
Chandrapur, Maharashtra. Mr S.S. Sharma, Mr G.R 7. Mahajan G.(1989), Evaluation and Development of
Tibrewala and Shri Vohra of Maikgarh Cement help for Ground Water, Ashish Publishing House, New Delhi,
this technical work is greatfully acknowledged. Thanks ISBN 81-7024-241-X, p.317
are also due to the Director, CMRI for giving permission
TABLE 1 : RATE OF SEEPAGE FROM MINE AT DIFFERENT DEPTHS AND PERIOD
Quantity of Water (TCM /Day)
Range
below GL (m)
July to Sept. Oct. to Nov. Dec. (31 Jan. to Feb. March to June Annual
(92 days) (61 days) days) (59 days) (122 days) Total

TCM/ Total in TCM/ Total in TCM/ Total in TCM/ Total in TCM/ Total in TCM/

0 to 10 2.0 184 6.0 366 3.0 93 2.0 118 0.5 61 822

(303-293)

10 to 20 3.6 331 10.8 659 5.4 167 3.6 212 0.9 110 1469
(293-283)

20 to 30 4.8 442 14.4 878 7.2 223 4.8 283 1.2 146 1972
(283-273)

30 to 40 5.6 515 16.8 1025 8.4 260 5.6 330 1.4 171 2301
(273-263)

40 to 50 6.0 552 18.0 1098 9.0 279 6.0 354 1.5 183 2466
(263-253)

All Values in Thousand m3 or TCM/day unless stated

280 Effect of Deepening of Surface Mine Workings

Fig. 2 : Conceptual diagram illustrating the problem of the Study Area

Fig. 1 : Location Map of the Study Area

Fig. 3 : Underground and sourface catchment area of Amal Nala