INTRODUCTION

The Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Govt. of India

undertaking, under the administrative control of Department
of Atomic Energy had been given mining lease over an area of
557.18 acres at Turamdih region of Dhalbhum Sub-Division of East
Singhbhum district, Jharkhand State, by Deputy Secretary (Mines),
vide his letter no.: 566/M.RANCHI, dated 26.04.2008. The lease has
been granted during August 2008 for a period of 30 years with option
of renewal for a further period of 20 years. UCIL has applied for
mining lease over an additional area of 31.77 acre in mouza Nandup
of district, Singhbhum (E), Jharkhand also. It is a totally forest land
which was excluded in lease application to avoid delay in getting
mining lease. A copy of mining lease application submitted to D.M.O.,
Jamshedpur has been enclosed as an annexure IX . This additional
forest land of 31.77 acres is required because, the lower horizon of
ore body exist below this piece of forest land and as per FCA-1980 it
is necessary to have diversion of forest land for mining below it.

The uranium deposit of Turamdih was initially planned for

development during the year 1982-84 through a detailed project
report. The implementation of the project took place in the year 1988
and continued till 1992-93. A vertical shaft to a depth of 97 m and 2
nos. of declines at 8 and 11 were sunk to a depth of 70 m and 60
m respectively during that period. The operations were suspended in
the year 1992-93 as per the decision taken at that time.

As per tenth five yearly plans, nuclear power plant capacity is to be

enhanced from 2720 MW to 4020 MW. To fulfill the above target,
considering the increasing demand of Uranium, UCIL has now
planned to revive this project in the year 2002.

Mine Plan of Turamdih Mine had already been prepared and approved
by AMD in the year 2004, vide their letter no.: AMD/MPA/3M (UCIL
TMD)/2004/901, dated 3rd September 2004. This mine plan needs its
modification due to the expansion of mine from 550 tpd to 1500 tpd.
 The present report is being prepared following the guidelines of
Rule 10 of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules 1988 for
the purpose of submission and subsequent approval of Department
of Atomic Energy (DAE), Govt. of India. This modified mining plan
report after being approved by DAE, is required to support the EIA/
EMP report to be submitted to Ministry of Environment and Forest
(MoEF), Govt. of India.
LOCATION AND ACCESSIBILITY

2 (a) Details of area

Turamdih Uranium deposit is located in Dhalbhumgarh Sub-division

of East Signhbhum district of Jharkhand state at a distance of about
5 Km north of Jamshedpur, the nearest rail head on Howrah-Mumbai
line and Jaduguda mine of UCIL is situated at about 25 km south-
east to this deposit. The deposit is covered under Survey of India
topo-sheet no. 73 J/2 bounded by the area of the following latitude
and longitude as given below.
Point Latitude Longitude
A 224351 861041
B 224436 861039
C 224427 861044
D 224410 861124
E 224317 861138
F 224326 861142
G 224350 861142
H 224407 861109
I 224352 861105

The deposit is well connected by all weather metal roads with

Jamshedpur and Jaduguda. The state highway from Tatanagar to
Chaibasa via Hata and Tatanagar-Badampahar railway line of SE
railway lie east of the deposit at a distance of about 1 Km. A branch
road bifurcates from the state highway at Sundernagar and leads to
jaduguda mine via Narwapahar. This 25 Km long metal road from
mine site shall be used for transportation of ROM ore to Jaduguda
processing plant. It has been to widen the existing road from 4 to 6
m to cater the increased traffic load.

The mining lease area of 588.95 acres (557.18 acres and additional
land of 31.77 acres) falls within Nandup, Banduhurang and Purihasa
village of Dist. Singhbhum East of Jharkhand. The land under mining
lease mainly consists of Govt. Khas land, forest land and private
land. The summarized schedule of land under different villages within
proposed mining lease area have been presented at Table 2.1.
 Table 2.1

Land Schedule

ACQUIRED LAND (in acreas) OTHER LAND (in acres) TOTAL

AREA
(in
Sl.No Village
Raity Government Forest Total Raity Government Forest Total acres)
(D) = (H)=
(A) (B) (C) (E) (F) (G) (D + H)
(A+B+C) (E+F+G)
234.6
1 NANDUP 62.34 85.27 382.23 40.7 3.9 31.77 76.37 458.6
2
2 PURIHASA 45.56 42.48 - 88.04 - - - - 88.04
3 BANDUHURANG 17.74 22.33 2.24 42.31 - - - - 42.31
297.9
TOTAL 127.15 87.51 512.58 40.7 3.9 31.77 76.37 588.95
2

Total area approved : 557.18 acres

Total area applied for lease: 31.77 acres

2 (b) The location plan of the area has been shown in drg. No MEC/
Q6HF/11/16/01. The cadastral plan showing details of plot
nos. and type of land under proposed mining lease are shown
in drg no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/02.
2 (c) UCIL has applied for mining lease over an additional area
of 31.77 acre in mouza Nandup of district, Singhbhum (E),
Jharkhand also. It is a totally forest land which was excluded
in earlier lease application to avoid delay in getting mining
lease. A copy of mining lease application submitted to
D.M.O. ,Jamshedpur has been enclosed as annexure IX . This
additional forest land of 31.77 acres is required because,
the lower horizon of ore body exist below this piece of forest
land and as per FCA-1980 it is necessary to have diversion of
forest land for mining below it.
3 GEOLOGY AND EXPLORATION

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY Page 4 of 32

RQP/CAL/341/2006/A
AMD/MPA/6/2006
3(a) (i) Physiography and drainage

The lease hold area exhibits a flat and moderately undulating

topography the northern and north-eastern part of area is
comparatively a plain ground with gentle undulation, whereas the
south-western part of lease shows a ridge trending NW-SE with
steep slope towards north-west side. The RL of the area varies
between 170 m and 190 m. The drainage of the lease hold area is
mainly controlled by the streamlets that join a tributary of Kharkhai
River which flows in north-western direction. The vegetation of the
area is scanty comprising of bushes and few small trees on the slope
of the ridge.

3(a) (ii) Regional geology

Turamdih uranium deposit belongs to Singhbhum Thrust Belt which

extends over a distance of about 160 Km with NW-SE trend. The
major rock types are metamorphosed pellitic and volcanic sequences
constituting schists, quartzites, metabasics of iron ore series of Pre-
Cambrain age.

3(a) (iii) Local geology and structure

The uranium mineralization is confined to schistose rocks of

Singhbhun thrust belt. Chlorite Sericite schist and feldspathic
quartz schist are the predominant litho units possessing
mineralization. The overlying quartzite horizon with NW-SE
elongation is un-mineralised.

The general litho stratigraphic succession as observed from bore hole

data is as follows:

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY Page 5 of 32

RQP/CAL/341/2006/A
AMD/MPA/6/2006
 Recent - Alluvium
Proterozoic - Quartzite
Feldspathic- Quartz chlorite schist
Chlorite sericite schist

3(a) (iv) Nature of Mineralisation

The uranium occurs principally as the mineral uraninite found to

occur as fine dissemination within the schistose rocks and appears to
follow the foliation planes.

The structural interpretation of the borehole data and lateral

correlation between bore holes indicate presence of three
superimposed tabular ore horizons bounded by the faults recognized
in the area. The three superimposed tabular ore horizons are sub
horizontal and occur at shallower depth at the western end. The
central part of the deposit attains its greatest depth. The beds have
been uplifted on the eastern side due to faulting. The average depth
of upper, intermediate and lower ore horizons have been predicted at
70m, 120m and 180m respectively from the surface (170 mRL). The
average thickness of these bands is 10 m 12 m with sub horizontal
to gentle dip.

LOCATION & ACCESSIBILITY Page 6 of 32

RQP/CAL/341/2006/A
AMD/MPA/6/2006
3(b) (i) Topographic/Geological plan

Surface plan of the leasehold area and geological plan has been shown in drg no. MEC/
Q6HF/11/16/03 and MEC/Q6HF/11/16/04 respectively.

3(b) (ii) Status of exploration

The past exploration of the area carried out by different agencies has been briefly described
in the following table 3.1.

Table 3.1
Exploration status of the deposit

Period Agencies Exploration activity

1965-70 Geological survey of India Indicated presence of
uranium mineralization
during radiometric logging
of boreholes drilled for
exploration of copper
deposit.
Uranium mineralization
overlies the copper ore
body of the area.
1970-74 Atomic Mineral Division Few in-filling drilling in
between the sections
to confirm continuity of
mineralization.

Radiometric logging of the

bore holes to assess the
thickness and quality.

3(c) Geological cross sections

 Typical geological cross sections drawn at suitable interval are shown in the drg. No. MEC/
Q6HF/11/16/05.

3(d) Future programme of exploration

With the presence of no. of geological disturbances, it is suggested to explore the deposit
before planning of the stopes. Keeping this in view for next two years (from 1 st December
2007), the detailed exploration programme level wise & depth wise has been chalked out
and given in the table 3.2.

Table 3.2
Future Exploration Programme

Sl Location Depth of No. of Total Priority Status Remarks

No B.H (m) B.H (m) Meterag
e
(m)
1. 1st level, 200 3 600 To be To explore
L- 1 done Nandup (NDP)
load
2. 1st level, 70 2 140 To be To explore
L- 4 done upper
horizon (above
1st level)
3. 1st level, 75 2 150 To be To explore
L- 3 done upper
horizon (above
1st level)
4. 2nd level, 130 2 260 To be To explore
L- 1 done continuation of
L-1 at this
level
5. 2nd level, 150 2 300 To be To explore
L- 2 done L-2 at this
level
6. FWA 37 6800 To be To explore
& FWB done FWA and FWB
at different RL
Total 48 8250

3(e) Reserves and grade

3(e) (i) Base data

 The geological and radiometric logging of the drilled holes has been considered as basic
input for the delineation of ore geometry. The radiometric down the hole assay values have
been used for the purpose of reserves and quality assessment. On the basis of the borehole
logs and structural interpretation, geological cross sections have been developed showing
lithological units and mineralized zone which have been considered for reserve estimation.

3(e) (ii) Methodology for reserve estimation

The following agencies interpreted the geology of the deposit and estimated the geological
reserves. The interpretation made by them is as follows:

AMD/UCIL interpretation

The ore mineralization in bounded by three main faults in the south-east south and
north-west of the deposit.
A series of three to four number of parallel reverse faults have been predicted on the
basis of borehole data between these boundary faults.
The continuity of mineralized zone has been disturbed and displaced along these parallel
faults resulting into poor correlation of borehole data.
Twelve nos. of geological transverse sections showing disposition of ore body predicated
parallel reverse faults grade and thickness have been prepared.
A typical transverse section along line-4 has been shown in figure 1.
The dip of ore body has been interpreted between 200 to 450 in different sections of
UCIL/AMD.
The attitude of litho unit has not been interpreted in these sections.
Based on disposition of ore body UCIL/AMD has identified two horizons of mineralization
namely upper lode and main lode.

Seltrust Interpretation

Based on resistivity survey carried out by AMD during 1973 and 1983. Seltrust has
predicted occurrence of three boundary fault in the area.
The series of parallel reverse faults predicted by UCIL/AMD have not been interpreted by
Seltrust based on available a resistivity survey data and litology of bore holes.
 The continuity of mineralisation between adjacent bore holes has been predicted by
Seltrust during interpretation of geometry of ore body.
Based on disposition of mineralized zones in different sections three superimposed ore
bodies namely, lower, intermediate and upper horizons have been identified.
The attitude of the beds has been considered as more or less flat with about 30 0 dip in
the south-western area of the deposit. However, reversal of dip has been shown in the
central and north-eastern part of the deposit ranging between 10 0 and 200.

3(e) (iii) Reserve and quality estimates

Reporting of reserves and grade of any uranium deposit of our country are considered to be
classified information as per atomic Energy Act 1962 (33 of 1962). However, for Atomic Mineral
Directorate of Atomic Energy (AMD), the detailed reserve is placed at annexure VII. Based upon
statistical interpretation of all different lodes, production achieved since opening of the mines,
which is about 0.58 million tonne till 31st March-2008. The grade of the ROM ore is 0.034 % of
eU3O8. It is depicted in the chart 3.1.

distribution of Ore produced for a grade range

0.026-0.028%eU3O8
0.030-0.032
8.2%
19.4% 0.033-0.035
0.036-0.038
27.3% 0.040-0.043

15.9%

29.2%
 35.3%

0.026-0.035%eU3O8
0.036- above
64.7%

Chart 3.1

Total ore produced till end of financial year-2008 = 0.58 mt

of grade = 0.0344 % eU3O8

4.0 MINING

4(a) Method of Mining

4 (a) (i) Existing Status of Mine

Development of Turamdih Uranium deposit was planned by UCIL way back in the year 1982-
84, when a detailed project report was prepared for an underground mine for a production
of 1500 tpd ROM uranium ore, utilizing the existing ore processing facility available at
Jaduguda.

The implementation of project took off in the year 1988 and construction of mine including
opening and development of declines and shaft sinking were started. A vertical shaft was
sunken upto a depth of 97 m and 2 nos. of declines at 8 and 11 were driven to a depth of
70 m and 60 m respectively during that period.
 However, the above construction work was suspended in the year 1992-93 as per the
decisions taken at that time. Subsequently, mine openings were sealed and 195 acres of
the acquired land along with housing facilities at Turamdih were sold out.

UCIL is now planning to open up Turamdih Project in a phased manner, to meet the
additional Uranium requirement of the country for generation of nuclear power as per tenth
and eleventh five year plan layout.

The Mine Plan has been prepared for 550 tpd in the first phase and 750 tpd in the second
phase which was duly approved by AMD in the year 2004.Approval copy enclosed as
annexure -X.

4 (a) (ii) Proposed Mining Method

The ore body occurs at three independent horizons at 70 m, 120 m and 180 m depth as
three different sets of lodes. Based on their positions, the ore-bodies are also termed as
upper, intermediate and lower horizons. Out of these, ore only at upper and intermediate
horizons are planned to be mined. The stripping ratio, even for the upper horizon works out
to be more than 1:20. Thus to extract it economically, the underground method of mining
has been found logically to be more suitable for the deposit.

Based on the existing nature of the deposit and the prevailing geological conditions the
Horizontal Cut and Fill with Post Pillar mining method has been proposed for mining of the
deposit. This is also existing method of working. However, exploratory drilling is being
carried out in the deposit below ground and it is envisaged to find some blocks of massive
ore body and if that occurs, sub-level stoping method shall be adopted to exploit that ore
body.

Description of both the methods is given in the subsequent paragraphs.

1. Horizontal Cut and Fill with Post Pillar

The Horizontal Cut and Fill with Post Pillar is a method to excavate one slice of ore and
filling back the same by waste rock, mill tailings etc. This filling forms the platform for men
and machinery to work on to excavate the next slice. At Turamdih, slices will be taken from
lower Horizon to the upper horizon. The following sequence of operation will be followed at
Turamdih for the horizontal cut and fill method.

a) The ore body at Turamdih is lenticular and is of irregular shape in horizontal as well as
vertical directions. For this reason stope extremities are to be defined and it is important
to establish the exact ore geometry before regular slices can be taken.

b) The ore drive, approximately 5.0 m X 3.2 m is developed along the footwall contact from
one end of the proposed stope block to other end along the strike. Often each stope is
a distinct ore lens and the above development of ore drive establishes the length and
behavior of the ore body at the level. Ore drives are developed in similar manner at the
upper and the lower levels.

c) The ore drive as stated in clause -b at the lowermost level will be widened to expose
the hang wall subject to a maximum width of 8.0 mtrs. Above this width regular 5 m
X 5 m pillars are left in both strike and dip direction systematically. This establishes the
exact width of the ore body in the proposed stope block. This is especially important at
Turamdih as the ore body is lenticular and highly irregular in nature.

d) At both extremities of the proposed stopping block, raises are put up to connect the
lower level to the upper level.

e) A ramp is developed in ore/footwall rock to provide access for the trackless equipments
like Jumbos & LHDs to the stope. Ramp is developed either from upper level to lower
level or from lower level to upper level or a combination of the two.

f) The back of the ore drive is stripped up to a height of 5m to provide access to Physics
and Geology personnel to establish the vertical geometry of the ore body. This helps in
planning the distances at which footwall drift needs to be developed.

The above completes the development and stopping commences by cyclic slicing and filling.
This progresses from the lower level to the upper level.
2. Sub-level Stoping

Sublevel stoping is a mining method in which entire mining block is divided horizontally by
driving sublevels at an interval of 10-15 m Entire block is provided with two end raises /or
ramps at the end of mining block to facilitate return air passage and also it provides second
entry/outlet from stope.

Block development mainly includes drivage of haulage level ,which is always kept in waste /
country rock , extraction cross cuts mostly at an interval of 15-20 m (this may vary as per
applicability and stope design in particular case), draw points (which are conical funnel type
excavation to collect blasted ore/mineral) and slot either below sublevel/or just above draw
points to provide free face for blasting and end connections, which may be either 2 m X 2 m
end raises or 4.5 m X 3 m ramp to facilitate access of trackless equipment (as applicable in
Turamdih mines case).

Moreover, micro level mining parameters like sill pillar size, distance between two draw
points, height of draw points ,location of secondary ore passes, length of extraction
crosscuts, panel/stope size shall be fixed after proper geophysical study/rock mechanics
design

Many specific alterations in original method are required to improve equipment mobility and
avoid captivity of loader and drills.

In this method, ore is blasted from different levels of elevation but is removed from one
level at the bottom of the mine. Before mining begins, an ore pass is usually excavated
from a lower to a higher elevation. Jumbos selectively drill holes into the roof of the drift
and charge them with explosives. When the roof is blasted, loose rocks, or muck, fall
through the ore pass. A scoop tram (ST) or Load Haul Dump (LHD) vehicle transports the
muck to main ore pass where it falls to a crusher before being hoisted to the surface. As the
muck is taken out, more drilling of the freshly exposed roof continues. The roof is blasted
till it is so high that it cannot be reached by a jumbo. Then a jumbo working in a higher
elevation drift is used to intersect the stope. After blasting, the ore falls down to the lower
 drift where scoop trams or LHDs can drive in to load the muck and dump it at an ore pass.
Drilling and blasting continues until the stope is completely excavated. Once the stope is
completely hollowed out, it is backfilled from the bottom to the up. The backfill material
used can be a mixture of sand and rocks, waste rock with cement, or dewatered mill tailings
(rejected low grade ore from processing, usually fine and sandy). The backfill material must
have a lot of strength to support the roof of the empty stope.

4 (a) (iii) Mine Design Parameters

v Cross section of drive, drift and cross cuts will be 4.5 m x 3.0 m.
v During jumbo drilling, depth of hole will be 3.4 m to get a pull of 3.0 m -3.2 m.
v Back support by Rock-bolting will be done, wherever necessary, at 1.6 m x1.6 m
grid pattern wherever necessary. However, this pattern will be further refined with
experience and technical study.
v Ore will be hauled up by trackless method using ST/MT (LHD/LPDT) combination in
phase - I and subsequently by skip hoisting system through shaft in phase II.

4(a) (iv) Mineable reserve

In Horizontal cut & fill and the sublevel stoping method about 60% recovery can be safely
planned. Reporting of reserves and grade of uranium deposits of our country has been
considered to be classified information as per Atomic Energy Act 1962 (33 of 1962).
However, sufficient mineable reserves have been estimated in the area to cater the mine for
a period of more than 15 years. The details of mineable reserves are placed at annexure
VIII.

4(a) (v) It has been planned that the rated production of 1500 tpd will be achieved in 3 rd year
(Dec'09 - Nov'10)

4 (b) Production and development schedule for first five years.

Table 4.1
Year wise excavation schedule
 Year Wast ROM Sellable Sub- Mineral Ore : OB
e (tpd) ore grade rejects ratio
(tpd) ore
Year 1 400 750 700 - -
(Dec 07 Nov 08) It is an under
Year 2 450 1,000 1,000 - - ground mine.
(Dec 08 Nov 09) Hence, not
Year 3 500 1,500 1,500 - - applicable.
(Dec 09 Nov 10)
Year 4 500 1,500 1,500 - -
(Dec 10 Nov 11)
Year 5 500 1,500 1,500 - -
(Dec 11 Nov12)

The year wise stope wise production schedule is given in drg. no.: MEC/Q6HF/11/16/10A.

4(c) Individual year wise plans

Individual year wise plans are shown in Drg.no.MEC/Q6HF/11/16/06 to MEC/Q6HF/11/16/

10.

4(d) Composite surface plan and section

Composite surface plan indicating various mine openings (shafts and declines),
infrastructure and dump etc. are given at drawing no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/03.

4(e) Mine Capacity and life

i. Capacity

Mine capacity has been fixed as 1500 tpd from the 3rd year as already indicated. The base
year in preparation of this mine plan is considered as December, 2007, which is the start of
the first year as per this modified mine plan.

ii. Year from which mine will be fully developed

 The mine will be fully developed to give full production in the 3rd year (i.e. December, 2009)
of production.

4(f) Conceptual mining plan

Conceptual mining plan for first five years, based on geological & mining considerations are
indicated in Drawing no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/06 to MEC/Q6HF/11/16/10.

The schematic mining method is indicated in drawing no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/11. Salient

details are given in para (h).

4(g) Opencast mine

This mine does not have O/C mining operation, hence not applicable.

4(h) Underground mines:

4(h) (i) Mode of entry: one decline and one vertical shaft.

Turamdih Mine has been proposed to have two main entries. At present underground
development work is largely concentrated at 1st (110mRL) level and 2nd level (75mRL)
though the decline drivage has reached to the third level (40mRL). The mine uses trackless
mining system with diesel vehicles for different purpose. The details are as follows: -

a. 80 service Decline

The mine has at present main entry through 80 Access Decline. This is an incline roadway of
5m X 3m cross section from surface upto 3rd level of the mine. This will be the main service
route of the mine till the commissioning of the main shaft. This had already been developed
up to the 3rd level. This will be used for transportation of around 750tpd of ore from the
faces to the surface through LPDT from the first level and partly from the 2 nd & 3rd level.
 b. Vertical Service Shaft (5m diameter, concrete lined)

This will be the main production shaft in future from the deeper levels. The shaft had been
sunk up to 97 m depth before closure of the project in 1992. After reopening in November
2002 the shaft is proposed to deepen up to 260 m depth from surface. Present depth is 240
m. This will be used to transport 750 tpd of ore from the 3rd level and 4th level and a part
of ore from the 2nd level through skip winding.

4(h)(ii) System of winding/hoisting

Single drum service winder with cage and counter weights is proposed for the winding
system in the mine.
The main shaft is used for raising and lowering of men and material. It is proposed to
have a single deck cage having a capacity of 14 persons. This will be adequate to fulfill the
transport need of the mine. For rising of the ore from the mine in second phase, 2.4 t skip
will be used. It is envisaged that skip will hoist at a rate of 72 t/h. So, hoisting capacity per
day will be 750 t. Thus it would safely meet the target of 750 tpd of ROM ore hoisting. The
rest 750 tpd is proposed to be hauled by using LPDT/MT.

4(h)(iii) Underground layout

The ore will be mined in different levels, e.g. 1st level, 2nd level, 3rd level and 4th level. These
levels are connected by decline, shafts, and an ore pass raise. All the ore mined in the 3 rd
& 4th levels had been planned to be sent to the crusher by a network of ore passes below.
Suitable layout for ore/waste handling system has been planned at the surface for handling
the ore/ waste from the mine to the mill side existed near by.

4(h) (iv) Method and sequence of stoping

Method of stoping has already been discussed in para 4(a)(ii).

4(h) (v) Mine ventilation

For purpose of mine ventilation, Main circular shaft and 8 Access Decline have been made
as fresh air intake points.
At present, Central Ventilation and Western ventilation Shafts are working as up-cast
Ventilation Shafts. Exhaust fans (PV160 model) having capacity of 60m 3/s has been
installed in these ventilation shafts. About 110 m3/ sec of air are being circulated by these
fans.

It is proposed to ventilate the mine through the two shafts at the boundary of the deposit.
For that reasons, one new eastern ventilation shaft is being proposed at the eastern
boundary of the deposit.

The Eastern ventilation shaft work is going on. After the completion of the shaft, 2 new fans
each with a discharge capacity of 120 m3/sec to 150 m3/sec, one in the Eastern ventilation
shaft and the other in the Western ventilation shaft will be installed with VF-3000 to cater
the air requirement of the mine and the central ventilation shaft will be sealed off.

The descriptions of these shafts are as follows:

a. Central Ventilation Shaft

The central ventilation shaft has been connected at central part of the deposit at 110 M RL
(1st level). One PV160 model 150HP capacity fan has been installed in the central ventilation
shaft.

b. Western Ventilation Shaft

The western ventilation shaft has been connected at the western end of the deposit. One
PV160 model 150HP capacity fan has been installed in this ventilation shaft top at surface.
New VF 3000 or equivalent make fan installation work shall commence very soon to cater
escalated air quantity requirement for meeting the production of 1500 tpd.

c. Eastern Ventilation shaft

 The Eastern ventilation shaft has been planned near eastern end of the deposit at 110 RL
(1st level). New VF 3000 or equivalent make fan will be installed in this ventilation shaft top
at surface to cater escalated air quantity requirement.

Ventilation air quantity has been computed after proper network analysis and simulation
study by ISM, Dhanbad, India.

As per the present practice, auxiliary ventilation fan is being provided at the blind headings.
Auxiliary fan of10 m3/sec is used for ventilation of development headings, if distance
exceeds 120 m, extra booster fan is provided.

4(i) Extent of Mechanization

4(i) (a) Drilling Machines

The existing & proposed drills for the production of 1500 tpd are listed in table 4.2.
Table 4.2
Fleet & capacity of existing & proposed drill machines

Dia of
Existing Proposed Size and Motive
Type hole Make Hp
Nos Nos. capacity power
(mm)
Drill
jumbo 3.4 m Atlascopco Electric
4 6 45 mm 67
(Single long & Sandvik motor
boom)

4(i) (b) Loading Equipment

The blasted material at the face is loaded in to the mine trucks by means of Scoop Tram
(ST). The material transported by means of Mine Trucks (MT) and skip is transported to the
 surface. The material from the stockpile is transported to the ground hopper by means of
Trucks. One pay loader is deployed to load the material from the stock pile into the trucks.
The details of the scoop tram and pay loader are given in the table 4.3.
Table 4.3
Fleet & capacity of existing & proposed loading equipment

Bucket
Existing Proposed Motive
Type capacity Make Hp
Nos Nos. power
in m
Scoop tram
4 6 3.1 Atlascopco Diesel 182
(ST)
Hindustan
Payloder 1 1 1.53 Diesel 112
Motor

4(i) (c) Haulage and Transport Equipment

Haulage within the mining leasehold

The ore and waste from the working faces is transported to the surface stock pile by means
of Skip winding and LPTD.
The details existing & proposed Mine trucks (LPDT) are given in the table 4.4.
Table 4.4
Fleet & capacity of existing & proposed hauling equipment

Bucket
Existing Proposed Motive
Type capacity Make Hp
Nos Nos. power
in (t)
LPDT/Mine Atlas-
4 6 23.6 t Diesel 277
Truck (MT) copco

Transport from mine head to the destination

ROM hoisted from the mine is stored in the ore bin and from there it is transported to the
process plant though belt conveyor.

4(i) (d) Miscellaneous

 Operations

Waste generated during the initial years due to mine development will be brought to surface
and stacked separately. It is necessary to maintain the underground and surface haulage
roads, which may get deteriorated in due course of time.

Machineries deployed
A list of the other equipment necessary for carrying out miscellaneous mining operations is
given in table 4.5.

Table 4.5
Auxiliary mining equipment

Type Nos. Bucket Make Motive Hp*

capacity in power
m
Motor Grader - - - - -
Bull Dozer - - BEML Diesel 320
Pay loader 1 1.53 m Hindustan Diesel 112
Motor
Explosive van 1 - TDV Diesel 52.5
Lub truck 1 - NORMET Diesel 88
Scissor lift 1 - NORMET Diesel 88
Supply truck 1 - NORMET Diesel 88
(with crane)
Passenger 1 - NORMET Diesel 88
carrier
Weigh Bridge 1 - - - -
Arch Room 1 - - - -
Ambulance 1 - TDV Diesel 52.5
van
Jeep 2 - MM Diesel 62
Car 1 - - - -
5. BLASTING

5(a) Blasting parameters

Blasting in the Turamdih underground uranium mine is being carried out for shaft-sinking,
construction of decline, primary development, stope development and stoping operations.
The existing & proposed blasting parameters for each of the above operations are described
in the subsequent paragraphs.

Blasting parameters for Shaft sinking

For a finished diameter of 5 m, the shaft is to be drilled and blasted for 5.6 m diameter. The
workings will be divided in two benches identical in shape and size. The shaft will be drilled
and blasted following half moon method i.e., half of the shaft will undergo drilling and the
balance under mucking.

Blasting parameters are as follows.

Hole diameter: 32 mm
Depth of hole: 3m
Explosive: Slurry Explosive 25 mm
Charge per hole: 10 Cartridges
Primer: 1 Per hole
Cordtex fuse: 1 Per hole
Detonator Electric delay detonators (HSD)

Blasting parameters for decline construction

For 5m x 3m cross section decline, about 54 - 59 Nos of 48mm Dia holes will be drilled
using burn cut pattern for creation of free face. The depth of the hole will be 3.2 m.
important blasting parameters are as follows.

Hole diameter: 48 mm
Depth of hole: 3.4 m
Explosive: Slurry/emulsion Explosive 40 mm
 Charge per hole: (06-08) Cartridges
Primer: 1 Per hole
Detonator Electric delay detonators

Burn cut pattern are used for blasting in drifts, drives and cross cuts. The details of the
patterns are as follows:

Burn Cut Pattern

As commonly known burn cut pattern is practiced for hard rocks mining, so is ours. The
fig.MEC/Q6HF/11/16/13 shows the blasting sequence; in this pattern top most priority is
given to the parallelism of the holes with each other specially the burn (cut) holes, in proper
drilling adversely affects the blasting performance in-spite of proper charging and delay
sequence. Here charge per hole is slightly higher than those practiced for slicing.

The drilling and charging pattern is as shown in drg. no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/13 with this
pattern, we are able to achieve a pull of around 2.8 to 2.9m with a powder factor 1.02 kg./
t.

Inverted V pattern are used for blasting in stopes. The details of the patterns are as follows:

Inverted V Pattern
The name almost speaks of its pattern. The number of holes drilled in this pattern depends
upon the slice width and thickness, as shown in the drg. no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/12. The
blasting sequences of the holes are designated by the delay number shown in ascending
order. The best part of this blasting pattern is that the rock breaks not only due to the
dissipation of explosive energy but also due to concussion (collision) which takes place
between the broken rocks mass. This further helps in better fragmentation of the rock,
resulting in generation of lesser number of boulders, thereby reducing the requirement of
secondary blasting.

5(b) Type of explosives to be used

 It is proposed to use non-cap sensitive slurry explosive of suitable diameter like indomite,
which is also being in the other underground mines. These explosives are suitable for dry as
well as wet holes.

Electric delay detonator, both millisecond Delay and Half Second Delays will be used,
depending upon the convenience.

5(c) Powder factor

The explosive consumption per face of 5m x 3.4 m x 3.2 m size is estimated to be 135
kg, whereas the rock broken at 96% pull will be around 130 t. Thus powder factor can be
achieved as 0.9 t/kg. For solid blasting purpose this appears to be reasonable.

5(d) Secondary blasting

It is anticipated that in spite of all precautions, few boulders and few humps may be
founded during the development and stoping operations. These boulders and humps will
require secondary blasting.

Secondary blasting will be carried out either in the form of pop shooting or by regular jack
hammer drilling as the case may be.

5(e) Storage of explosives

It is planned to have a small 1.2 tonne (1200 kg) capacity magazine at site which will
storage 5000 nos. of detonators also. Apart from this there exists one 44 tonne capacity
magazine also with the capacity of storing 1,76,000 nos. of detonators for UCIL group of
mines at Jharia. The site magazine will be sufficient to cater the day to day need of the
Turamdih uranium mine.

6. MINE DRINAGE

6.1 Mine Water

 The water inflow of 76 m/hr has been estimated in the underground mine based on the
hydrological conditions recorded at Narwapahar and Jaduguda U/G mine located nearby
and practical experiences of this mine for last 5 years. The mine water comprises of ground
water generated in the mine and the water from drilling operation. The surface water and
drainage will not be disturbed during mining operation and therefore drainage, storage and
pumping of only underground water generated during mining has been planned.

6.2 Mine sumps and pumps

In order to collect the mine water, sumps at different levels have been proposed for
collecting 48 hours discharge. Sufficient pumping arrangements have been installed at the
sumps to discharge the water collected in the sumps to the surface.

Level Sump capacity

70 m Level 750 m
105 m Level 300 m
180 m Level 750 m (to be constructed)

The water at different levels will be drained along the sides of main haulages. A gradient of 0.5
to 1% towards the side of haulage will be maintained to collect the discharge into sump through
drains. The centrifugal pumps proposed at different levels for pumping of stored water at sump
is as follows:

Level Power of pump No. of working Pump stand

by
70 m level 100 hp (90m3/hr) 2 2
105 m level 100 hp 2
180 m level 100 hp 2 1

These pumps shall be located adjacent to the sumps and will be fed through 200 mm dia
suction pipe. The discharge pipes shall be of 150 mm dia.
 The main pump chamber located in the 1st level is having a capacity to store 750 m3 clean
water after desilting chamber. It consists of four multistage centrifugal pumps. Out of four, two
are having capacity of 90 m3/hr at a head of 80m and other two are having capacity of 90 m3/
hr at a head of 150m. The total capacity of the sump is equivalent to about 10 hours storage
at the average inflow of 75 m3/hr. Out of total, 4 pumps of 90 m3/hr capacity have been kept
as standby pumps. In case of failure of main power, these pumps will be operated through
emergency power from 2 numbers of 1000 kV diesel generator sets.

One 10 hp pump having capacity of 72 m3/hr has already been installed at portal entry to
arrest surface water and deliver it to surface. This pumping arrangement is adequate to cater
water of rainy seasons as experienced in the past.

Another pump chamber at 2nd level has also been commissioned to cater water from 2nd level
development and 3rd level decline. 2 numbers of pumps have been installed there discharging
water to 1st level sump.

3rd level has a small sump at the decline side to cater for the requirement of decline
development from 3rd to 4th level and also for the development to be carried out at 3rd level
from 3rd level decline. The pumps will discharge water to 1st level main sump.

4th level will have a main sump at the main shaft side, where, pumps of high capacities of about
80-120m3/hr with direct discharge to surface through main vertical shaft will be installed. All
water at the shaft side from 1st level to 3rd level will be diverted to 4th level sump. In future
second main sump of approx.750m3 capacity shall be constructed at 180 ml.

6.3 Temporary pumping arrangement

Temporary pumping facilities have been proposed till commissioning of main sumps and pumps
in order to deal with any water encountered during development of decline. Small submersible
pumps will be used along with 50 mm pipe lines to dewater the decline during construction
phase. It is estimated that these pumps will be capable to handle inflow of the order of 25 m/
hr, which is sufficient to serve dewatering purpose during construction phase.
07 STACKING OF MINERAL REJECTS & DISPOSAL OF WASTE

7.1 General

During the mine development period, the construction of decline and vertical shafts (main shaft
and ventilation shaft) will be undertaken. These will be essentially in waste rock. Apart from the
above, the drift connecting the decline or shaft to the ore body will also be in waste rock.

The ore pass from intermediate upper horizon to lower horizon (for transportation of ore) will
also be constructed in waste rock. The excavation for crusher chamber at lower horizon will
also be done in waste.

The sump in upper horizon, intermediate horizon and lower horizon will also be constructed in
waste.

Most of the waste likely to be generated from the mine will be completed by 2 nd year of
operation, when the mine comes in full production of 1500 tpd.

7.2 Waste handling

Presently the generated waste is being brought to the surface and dumped at the designated
location. The waste generated in future from decline construction and the shaft sinking will also
be brought to surface and will be stacked at the same location.

When the decline is completed, the waste of the drift and the waste from the sump construction
will also be accommodated in the surface waste dump.

7.3 Waste quantity

 Total quantity of waste rock to be generated till end of life of mine of 15 years from the base
date of mine plan (i.e. 1st December 2007) is estimated as 2.21 Mt. The table 7.1 shows that
quantity of waste to be generated in the entire mine life.

Table 7.1

Solid Waste Generation

Production stages (Years) Total quantity of waste to be

generated (t)
1-5 7,05,000
5-10 7,50,000
10-15 7,50,000

The waste dump shall be created on NE side of the lease. The dump will attain a maximum
height of 10m in 2 benches of 5m each. The slope will be less than 37.5 for better stability.

8.0 USE OF MINERAL

As per Xth five yearly plan, nuclear power plant capacity is to be enhanced from 2720 MW
to 4020 MW and as per XIth five yearly plan, it has to be enhanced to 9935 MW. Uranium
requirement for these has to be met by UCIL mines.

The uranium ore after being processed in the form of concentrate will be supplied to Nuclear
Fuel complex (NFC), Hyderabad for the purpose of nuclear power generation through
indigenous nuclear power plants.
9. OTHER FACILITIES

9(a) Site Services

9(a) (i) Workshop facilities

 Facilities for grinding of drill steel, repair of rock drill and store have been adequately installed
to meet the day to day requirement. Central mechanical workshop has been established to
cater the need of blacksmith fabrication, welding etc.

A workshop is in operation for repair and maintenance of trackless mining equipment. Repair
and maintenance shop of mine and surface vehicles are being done at vehicle shop/garage to
be located at surface as well as underground. The electrical shop, located at the surface is
catering needs of the electrical repair works. A timber yard and carpentry shop has been put up
for timbering work at mine. Adequate numbers of bend saw, disc saw and drilling machines
have been considered.

9(a) (ii) Power supply

The power of 33 KV line is drawn from sub-station of JSEB, at Ichra, near Jaduguda. A
substation with power distribution system has been developed for this purpose. Adequate DG
sets have been installed for back up of power support.

9(a) (iii) Water supply

Water supply for industrial purpose is being met from mine de-watering through Effluent
Treatment Plant (ETP). Drinking water is being taken from deep bore wells.

9(a) (iv) Compressed air

Compressed air is generated on the surface through suitable compressors and delivered to
underground through pipe lines. A compressor house with necessary electrical equipment and
overhead cranes has been installed for this purpose.

9(b) Employment potential

 Presently the mine at Turamdih is employing approximately 530 persons. The proposed
manpower for increase in production & existing manpower are given in the following table.
Table 9.1
Manpower Requirement

Category Existing Proposed

Officers 30 36
Supervisors 22 27
Workers 96 116
Highly skilled 57 69
Skilled 54 65
Semi skilled 86 104
Unskilled 185 223
Total 530 640

Total of 110 nos. of manpower in different categories are required to cater enhanced production
target of 1500 tpd.

10. MINERAL PROCESSING

Run of mine (ROM) ore from Turamdih Mine is being sent to Turamdih Mill,
adjacent to the mining lease boundary, where, the processing is being carried
out. Main stages of processing are as follows.

10 (a) Crushing

The crushing plant located in the mill & process plant area at Turamdih crushes ROM in two
stages. Primary crushing will be through jaw crusher to 200 mm size and then will be crushed
in standard head cone crusher and short head cone crusher. The short head cone crusher will
work in close circuit with single deck screen of 25 mm aperture.
10 (b) Grinding

There are two identical grinding circuits. The crushed ore of 25 mm fraction is ground to 200
meshes in two stages by wet grinding. In first stage grinding is through primary rod mill and
the discharge is fed to a common sump of rod mill and ball mill. The slurry is then fed to a
hydro cyclone. The underflow of the hydro cyclone is sent to the ball mill whereas overflow is
pumped to the neutral thickener.

10 (c) Leaching

The slurry is treated with concentrated Sulphuric acid and Pyrolusite (oxidant), which dissolves
uranium of the ore into solution. The mixture containing uranium solution and the waste is
subjected to solid liquid separation in horizontal belt filter. The liquor is then purified and
concentrated in the ion exchange column. The cake from the filter is then repulsed with water
and sent to the tailing treatment and disposal plant. Strong liquor from ion exchange is
precipitated out as magnesium diuranate/uranium peroxide after removal of iron. This product
is packed in drums, lined with polythene bags and dispatched for further processing.

10 (d) Tailing disposals

The liquor coming out of ion exchange columns after adsorption of uranium is called barren
liquid. It is sent to tailing treatment plant and is treated with lime followed by sandslime
separation through hydro cyclone. Sand is sent to mine for backfilling and the slime is pumped
to tailing dam. The solid settles down in the pond and a part of liquid is recycled to plant for
reuse. The unused liquid is treated with barium chloride to precipitate radium, as radium
barium sulphate and with lime to precipitate manganese. The precipitate is separated through
clarifier and pumped back to pond whereas the treated water is discharged to environment.

The process flow sheet is indicated in drg. no. MEC/Q6HF/11/16/16.

Environmental Management Plan

To maintain ecological balance and to check harmful effects due to mining and allied
activities at Turamdih, environmental control measures have been integrated into process of
mine planning.
 The changes warranted as per site specific conditions are to be accounted for, during actual
implementation. Further, in the light of experience likely to be gained during the initial years
of operation, proposed schemes may require periodic modification/ updating.

i. Solid Waste Management

The waste dump are being dumped within the lease area. The dump will attain a maximum
height of 10 m in 2 benches of 5m each. The slope will be less than 37.5 for better
stability.

ii. Air pollution Control

Existing level of air pollution in the existing and proposed core zone area is below the
permissible limit (National Ambient Air Quality norms). The pollution level is not expected to
rise significantly in the ambient environment. However, surface handling and crushing of ore
and transportation in core zone and nearby buffer zone shall contribute to rise in particulate
and gaseous pollution level to some extent.

Water sprinkling arrangement has been implemented to suppress the fugitive dust within
the mine premises.

The existing roads are metalled topped but not in a very good state. The roads will be
repaired and widened. Wide leaf trees will be planted along these haul roads which will act
as sink for dusts. Newly constructed part of any permanent transportation route shall be
made metalled.

iii. Water Management and water Pollution Control

A water management scheme (including storm water drainage) by a network of garland

drains/diversion ditches and catch pits) has been envisaged for the present project keeping
in view the following at the mine site.
 a. No variation of distribution of run offs as surface recharges or discharges to nearby
streams and other water bodies.
b. Expected increase of solids due to surface material-handling. This shall be controlled by
adopting the following:

o Drains which will serve for a long time shall be made pucca.

o Two stage catch pits of adequate size shall be constructed before discharge outlet.

o Settlement pits and drains shall be cleaned periodically.

Effluents from garage and workshop contain oil and grease other then suspended solids.
The effluents are being routed through a settling pit with oil and grease trap. The transport
vehicle is washed in a designated area which has been constructed around garage,
workshop. All dirty water will discharge only after treatment to remove oil and grease.

Effluents from the canteens and rest areas are diverted through drains for green belt
development. Sanitary sewage generated in township and mine area is treated in septic
tanks and soak pit.

As indicated earlier mine water from the mine is expected to contain radium dissolve in
it. The water is treated in mine water treatment plant for removal of radium as barium-
radium-co-precipitate prior to discharge. The treated mine discharge water is utilized for
non-potable requirement at the project.

iv. Noise Control

Noise level is being maintained below 90 dB (A) in underground as well as surface work
zone (for 8 hours exposure). Noise levels are expected to increase at surface due to
industrial operation. The following measures are taken to reduce noise levels.

a. During normal operation fan balancing, bearing lubrication, fastener tightness shall be
regularly checked to limit undue noise and vibration. To reduce broad band noise at fan
outlet dissipative type silencer has been provided to limit the noise within acceptable
limits.
 b. Diesel powered machinery which are major source of noise in underground environment
is properly maintained as per maintenance schedule to prevent undesirable noise.
Attention is paid towards rigorous maintenance of the silencers of diesel engines.

c. Static diesel engines is housed.

d. Green belt will be developed around township and office building to reduce noise
exposure level.

v. Re-vegetation/ plantation

The suggested re-vegetation programme will help in :

Protection and stability of land
Maintaining ecological balance.
Restoration of Aesthetic values.

Re-vegetation Procedure
As mentioned earlier, the original topography will be maintained. Mining will be carried out
underground and there will be no surface excavations and dumps.

The following species of plants are recommended for re-vegetation.

Azadirachta indica (Neem)

Artocarpus heterophyllus (Jackfruit)
Cassia fistula (Amaltas)
Mangifera indica ( Mango)
Polyalthia longifolia (Druping Ashoka)
Butea spp. (Palash)
Ficus religiosa (peepal)
Albizzia lebbeck (siris)
Madhuca indica (Mahua)
 Tree saplings will be planted at 3-7m intervals. The saplings will be regularly watered
initially. The frequency of watering will be gradually reduced. The young saplings will have
to be protected initially by fencing, which may be removed later.

To facilitate plant growth and improve survival rate of saplings, small pits will be dug
and filled with soil and cow dung or kitchen wastes. The saplings will be planted in these
pits. The young saplings will be watered regularly and fertilized with cow dung or kitchen
wastes. Large pits will be dug in the spaces between the saplings and filled with a mixture
of cow dung, kitchen wastes and soil; vermiculture (earth worms) will be added before
covering the pit with soil. The saplings will send out roots to absorb the nutrients released
by decomposing kitchen wastes. Care will be taken not to plant Acacia auriculiformis and
Eucalyptus as these exotic varieties have a detrimental effect on the ground water table and
soil ecology.

Druping Ashoka will be planted only in the mines township and around the office building.
A nursery will be set up to supply healthy saplings for the re-vegetation programme. The
plantation work has already been started.

vi. Land use Planning

The project will change the predominant land use from agricultural to forests. The
development forest shall match well with the existing forests in the vicinity. Avenue
plantation along the transport road and also in the mine complex will add to green
coverage.

Soil contamination in land near workshop, mechanical maintenance garage and HSD storage
area is possible. This can be checked by using collection trays; collecting waste oil in drums
and auctioning them off.

vii. Land degradation

Chances of surface subsidence are remote because in horizontal cut & fill mining, voids
created are being filled. Sufficient depth cover from surface to underground work zone has
been planned.
viii.Occupational safety and health

Occupational safety and health is very closely related to productivity and good employer-
employee relationship. The factors of occupational health in UCIL Turamdih project are
mainly radiation. Safety of employees during operation and maintenance etc. shall be as
per mine rules and regulations. To avoid any adverse effects on the health of workers due
to various pollutants, sufficient measures have already been addressed in this chapter. The
following measures related to safety and health shall also be practiced:

Provision of rest shelters for mine workers with amenities like drinking water etc.
All safety measures like use of safety appliances, safety awards, posters, slogans
related to safety etc.
Training of employees for use of safety appliance and first aid.
Regular maintenance and testing of all equipment as per manufacturers guidelines.
Periodical Medical Examination (PME) of all workers by a medical specialist so that any
adverse effect may be detected in its early stages.
First Aid organization in mines including training and retraining of First Aiders.
Close surveillance of the factors in working environment and works health. Monitoring
of the values of various factors which may lead to occupational health hazards.

Working of mine as per approved mining and environmental plans.

ix. Radiation aspects

External exposures are measured at selected locations round the year on quarterly basis.

Underground mine air is expected to contain radon and radon daughters besides dusts and
diesel engine emissions. Experience in Jaduguda mine and other underground uranium
mines in Canada indicate that by planning proper ventilation arrangement radon along with
its daughters and also dusts and diesel emission can be kept within limits. Dust control
measures and periodic dust level survey as stipulated in Metalliferrous Mines Regulation
1961, shall be adhered to.

Gaseous pollutants in the exhaust fumes generated by the other machinery shall be
minimized by ensuring vigorous maintenance and stringent overhaul schedules. The repair
 workshop and maintenance garage which shall be equipped with all necessary facilities will
ensure upkeep and maintenance of engines.

In the maintenance garage, waste lubricants and grease etc, will be placed in separate
containers and shall be auctioned off from time to time.

x. Socio-economic measures

UCIL shall consider the following general for the socio economic
upliftment of the nearby villagers.

o Mining involve transportation activity for day to day operation. Substantial amount of
revenue is expected to be generated by transportation activities along with employment e.g.
labour, helper etc.
o In case of direct manpower required for mining, local has been employed as much as
possible especially in the categories of unskilled and semi skilled labours subject to rules
and procedures in vogue for PSUs.

o A section of local youth is trained in phase so that they can take up some jobs (mining
contractorship, building contractorship, supply of mining materials and also small scale rural
business development) of their own (self employment) or in mines (on contract basis) or
elsewhere.

o UCIL shall provide training from time to time for improved agrotechniques, first aid and
safety, adult literacy programme etc. to the villagers.

o UCIL is responsive to its social commitments especially in the field of education, enrichment
of cultural activities and health care in surrounding villages.

o UCIL has already started peripheral development around Turamdih mine.