PANAJI
In a major boost to fresh iron ore extraction activities in the State that were shut since March 2018, the Union Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has granted Environmental Clearance to M/s Vedanta Limited for its mineral block at Bicholim. This is the first EC granted to mining lease post suspension of the activities.
In a communication to Vedanta Limited on Tuesday, the Ministry has granted EC for Bicholim block I having iron ore production capacity of three million tonnes per annum (MTPA).
The mineral block with an area of 478.5206 ha is located in Bicholim and comprises of Bordem, Lamgao, Mulgao, Mayem and Sirigao villages of Bicholim taluka. The public hearing for grant of EC was held on August 11. Based on the hearing, Vedanta Ltd had approached MoEF&CC for EC.
“The matter was examined in the EAC in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Notification, 2006 and further amendments thereto and the undersigned is directed to say that the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change after accepting the recommendation of EAC in its meeting held during 26th December, 2023 hereby accords the Environmental Clearance (EC) to M/s Vedanta Limited for Bicholim Mineral Block- Block 1 (Auction Block) for mining of Iron Ore with proposed production capacity of 3.0 MTPA, Waste: 25.162 MTPA(Total Excavation: 28.162 MTPA) along with crushing and screening plant capacity of 4.0 MTPA,” the Ministry said.
“The Environmental Clearance does not tantamount to approvals/consent/permissions etc. required to be obtained under any other Act/Rule/regulation. The Project Proponent is under obligation to obtain approvals /clearances under any other Acts/ Regulations or Statutes, as applicable, to the project,” the Ministry said.
The Ministry has said that the PP is under obligation to implement commitments made in the Environment Management Plan by introducing the mitigation measures proposed at the cost of Rs 72 crore, which forms part of this EC.
Vedanta Ltd is directed to use modern equipment such as camera traps for ensuring presence and movement of wild animals, install continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) and the real time data generated should be displayed digitally at entry and exit gate of mine lease area for public display.
The PP has to develop green belt in 7.5 meters wide safety zone all along the mining lease boundary.
