SAIL to develop Chiria with state-of-art environment-friendly technology
merisarkar news service New Delhi February 11, 2011
Environment friendly tech will be used
Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) said that the grant of clearance by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) for Ajitaburu, Budhaburu and Sukri-Latur leases of Chiria iron ore mines in Jharkhand has given a boost to the companys's continuing efforts towards strengthening raw material security.
Speaking on the MoEF's order for forest clearance in Chiria, SAIL Chairman CS Verma said, "This is a landmark in our persistent efforts to obtain security of raw material supplies. A wave of relief has swept through the company and employees are jubilant that a major concern has been settled. We will leave no stone unturned to ensure that mining in Chiria leaves no marks on the environment and that truly sustainable development of the area is possible."
He said the development of the Chiria mines, the only compact deposit which can sustain large, mechanised mines of 30-50 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) capacity, is vital for the existing and future expansion plans of SAIL.
The company said in order to ensure environmental protection, SAIL has decided to carry out only mining and crushing activities in the mines. The iron ore will then be taken out of the forest area through a conveyor system.
Installation of the most modern type of conveyor system, with very low level of noise and without even the need for a service road for maintenance activities, has been planned. Such a system will ensure that impact of mining on flora and fauna in the area is zero, Verma said.
