Page 15 - Mines and Minerals Reporter eMagazine - Volume December 2024

MINING GROWTH

bodies in mining sites. The water quality of six streams of
the Gandhamardan Iron Mines in Sukati, Keonjhar district,
was assessed in a 2017 research. The analysis came to the
conclusion that the water was suitable for irrigation but unfit
for home use based on 14 factors. It also blamed human
activities like mining for the poor quality of the water.

HEALTH HAZARD

A different study by Lipsa Dash from Sambalpur University and
Vijayeta Priyadarshi from the Government Women's College
in Keonjhar also highlights the prevalence of respiratory
illnesses, water-borne illnesses, eye and joint problems among
the populace of Kumunda panchayat in the Banspal block of
the district, which can be viewed as a result of the mining.
Our village is frequently covered with dust from the dumping
sites, which hinders individuals from going about their daily According to the CSE research, mining cannot be
lives outside of their houses. Trucks from the mining firms environmentally beneficial or sustainable because, first, all
have wrecked the roads leading to our community.
ore bodies are limited and non-renewable, and second, even
the best-managed mines create "environmental imprints."
AIR POLLUTION (POLLUTION RELATED TO
TRANSPORTATION OF MINERAL LOADED VEHICLE) However, it also acknowledges the necessity of mining and
minerals. Chandra Bhushan is added "Whether mining should
be done or not is not the question. Instead, it concerns how it
In reality, the constant movement of mining trucks has ought to be carried out. It entails making sure mining is done
seriously damaged several of the roads going to nearby in a way that is both ecologically and socially acceptable.
settlements. These hundreds of cars frequently make a
beeline for the landfill, endangering notably the movement of
kids, the elderly, and others who have trouble walking on the CONCLUSION
roads with potholes. Monsoon season brings much harsher
circumstances. The much-discussed problems with illegal mining have
not improved the economy in Odisha. The unforeseen
WATER POLLUTION profits from the mining operations in Odisha have seriously
distorted the system. Allegations of widespread corruption
Another difficulty people encounter is finding safe drinking are said to have reduced the amount of money coming into
water. Orange-colored ponds, which are mining and post- the state exchequer. The income that could have been used
mining effluents, are scattered around the landscape. to strengthen the social sector instead went to a select few
According to Odisha environmentalist S.N. Patro, poisonous members of society, resulting in inequality. The extraction,
orange denotes high concentrations of iron, chromite, and transit, trade, and end-user points should all be subject to
other heavy metals that are frequently diluted with the water a reliable system of checks and balances. Information and
communication technology (IC&T) tools can be used to enable
an effective control and regulation over mining activities.
The mining area's private sector should be given control over
the construction of its infrastructure. Mineral resources are
known to be limited. The right balance between exploitation
and augmentation should be struck while keeping in mind the
needs of the various industries.

POLICY SUGGESTIONS

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OTHER THAN MINING

Industrial and infrastructure growth propelled a country's
economy to a developed world. Growth and development are

DECEMBER 2024 / MINES & MINERALS REPORTER 13