- Environmental clearance deferred over mining plan discrepancy
- Revised safeguards required for mining and limestone movement
A Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change expert panel has deferred environmental clearance for Dalmia Bharat Green Vision Limited’s proposed limestone mine at Ramgarh in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The project proposes limestone production of 5.4 mnt/year from a 256-hectare mining lease.
The panel has directed the company to revise its mining plan to align the proposed production capacity with the approved plan. The Indian Bureau of Mines had approved a mining plan for 2.99 mnt/y, while the project proposal was based on the higher 5.4 mnt/y capacity.
Proposed mine linked to cement plant
The limestone block is planned to supply a proposed cement plant located adjacent to the mining area. Steel Melting Shop-grade limestone is also proposed to be sold to the steel industry, with some material planned to move by road to Sanu railway station.
The mine’s development is therefore linked to future captive limestone availability and the associated cement manufacturing project. Any delay in environmental clearance could affect the timeline for progressing these linked activities.
Great Indian Bustard safeguards remain central
The proposed mine and cement plant are located close to the Great Indian Bustard (GIB) priority conservation area. According to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) study cited in the project assessment, the priority area is around 1.77 km from the proposed mining site.
WII has stated that the mine and its direct impact zone fall outside the priority GIB area, but its indirect impact zone extends into the priority area and includes habitats used by associated species.
The expert panel has asked the company to follow WII’s recommendations, including focused conservation measures, grassland protection and invasive-species removal.
Logistics and operational safeguards
The panel has also sought a detailed action plan to ensure blasting does not affect nearby gas and water pipelines. WII has recommended using existing road infrastructure for material transportation to minimise disturbance to surrounding habitats.
Outlook
The project’s progress will depend on revision of the mining plan, compliance with environmental safeguards and implementation of the recommended conservation measures. The timely resolution of these requirements will determine when the proposed limestone resource can support the associated cement plant and related downstream limestone sales.
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