Rampura Agucha Open Cast Mine (RAOC), which delivered its last ore in March 2018 was seamlessly and successfully transitioned into an underground mine on the completion of its open pit operations. Over a period of last 27 years, it produced around 79 MT of ore and 710 MT of waste.
As we went through the transition, we ensured that the two key stakeholders, society and environment are not impacted negatively. Being aligned to international standards like IFC and ICMM, we follow standards and regulations as mentioned in the mine closure plan. Our approach to social impact mitigation is founded on disclosure of relevant information, consultation and participation of all affected communities, and arriving at solutions that are feasible for all the stakeholders.
We consulted interested and affected parties, right from the earliest stages of transitioning. Based on consultations with our key stakeholders, we came up with a range of solutions to transition sustainably. Most of the people engaged with the RAOC were absorbed in existing RAUG operation. These people were imparted training and skills required to work in the underground mine. Those who opted out were suitably compensated and released.
On the environment front, we followed our mine closure plan and started activities which do not contaminate the environment. Waste dump rehabilitation is being done by taking up plantation, 50 Ha waste dump is being utilised to set up 24 MW solar power plant, and several initiatives to monitor air and water quality are being taken up. We are also constructing a masonry wall around the pit periphery. The infrastructures used for RAOC will be utilised for RAUG operations.
The open pit operation has not been fully closed except for the mineral extraction part. The activities such as dewatering operation, underground ore and waste hauling, construction of underground portal in open pit, construction of ventilation raises in open pit and pit slope stability management in open cast mining will be continued in the long run to support and facilitate the underground mine operation.
