Impact of mining on water: a case study of Rajhara mechanized iron ore mine, Chhattisgarh, India

摘要

Rajhara mechanized mine lies in the hard rock terrain with gneisses (hard and compact variety) as 'aquifer' and phyllites as the predominant rock formations (metamorphic, fractured and weathered). Impact of opencast iron ore mining on water regime at this mine has been evaluated. The present case study briefly discusses the mining related impacts with reference to water only. The analysis presented is based on aquifer characteristics and derived using 'pumping test' conducted at site. Scientifically designed drainage system together with water conservation and judicious water management is the best and suggested solution to mitigate impact, which is easy to implement in practice.