1️⃣ Introduction
Mine water, once considered waste, is now seen as a valuable resource for reuse and conservation. With increasing emphasis on sustainable mining, DGMS and MoEFCC promote zero liquid discharge (ZLD) and mine water recycling practices to minimize environmental impacts and freshwater consumption.
In India, many coal and metal mines have adopted water reuse systems for dust suppression, beneficiation, plantation, and domestic use in nearby areas.
2️⃣ Objectives of Mine Water Reuse
- To reduce fresh water withdrawal.
- To minimize discharge to natural watercourses.
- To maintain ecological balance.
- To comply with MoEFCC & DGMS environmental standards.
- To achieve sustainable mining and community benefit.
3️⃣ Major Sources of Reusable Mine Water
- Pit sump water from opencast mines.
- Drainage water from underground mines.
- Workshop effluents and wash-water.
- Mine seepage and storm water.
- Water from beneficiation or coal washing plants.
4️⃣ Treatment & Sedimentation Process
Before reuse, mine water must undergo settling, filtration, and disinfection. A typical treatment flow involves:
- Sedimentation Pond / Clarifier: Removes suspended solids.
- Oil & Grease Trap: Removes hydrocarbons from workshops.
- Filtration: Sand or gravel filter for fine particles.
- Disinfection: Chlorination or UV treatment for reuse.
Regulation Reference:
👉 MMR 1961 Reg. 252 and Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 under MoEFCC norms.
5️⃣ Reuse Applications in Mining
| Purpose | Type of Reused Water | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Dust suppression | Pit water | Reduces airborne dust |
| Drilling & blasting | Treated pit water | Reduces water consumption |
| Ore beneficiation | Clarified water | Circulated within plant |
| Plantation | Settled mine water | Aids reclamation |
| Sanitation/domestic use | Filtered water | Must meet IS:10500 standards |
6️⃣ Zero Discharge Concept (ZLD)
The Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) principle ensures no untreated water leaves the mine boundary. It is achieved by recycling every effluent stream, using lined ponds, and reusing all clarified water within the premises.
Case Example:
Coal India Limited (CIL) mines in Dhanbad & Korba divisions have implemented ZLD by reusing 100% pit water for dust control, washing, and plantation.
7️⃣ Benefits of Mine Water Reuse
- ✅ Reduces environmental pollution.
- ✅ Decreases pumping cost.
- ✅ Saves freshwater for local communities.
- ✅ Supports CSR and sustainability goals.
- ✅ Complies with DGMS & MoEFCC norms.
8️⃣ DGMS & MoEFCC Guidelines Summary
| Agency | Relevant Regulation / Circular | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| DGMS | CMR 2017 Reg. 131, MMR 1961 Reg. 252 | Safe disposal and handling of mine water |
| MoEFCC | EIA Notification 2006 | Mandates reuse & recycling in mining projects |
| CPCB | Water Pollution Rules | Requires water quality within discharge limits |
| BIS | IS:10500 & IS:2296 | Sets standards for reuse & discharge |
⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)
- Mine water reuse reduces dependency on surface water.
- ZLD = Zero Liquid Discharge.
- Sedimentation ponds remove suspended solids.
- Pit water can be reused for dust suppression.
- DGMS Reg. 252 covers safe water handling.
- IS:10500 gives potable water standards.
- Water Act 1974 governs pollution control.
- Clarified water used for beneficiation.
- Reuse helps CSR and sustainability.
- CIL mines follow zero discharge policy.
🧠 Descriptive Model Answer
Q. Explain the importance and methods of mine water reuse and conservation in India.
Answer: Mine water reuse and conservation play a vital role in sustainable mining. Water discharged from pits, drainage galleries, and washing plants can be treated through sedimentation, filtration, and chlorination to meet reuse standards. DGMS (MMR Reg. 252) and MoEFCC guidelines emphasize the Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) approach — ensuring no untreated effluent leaves the mine boundary. Recycled water is effectively used for dust suppression, drilling, beneficiation, and plantation. Mine water reuse reduces environmental load, cuts pumping costs, conserves freshwater, and strengthens the mine’s sustainability credentials. Hence, every mine should design a closed-loop water management system to achieve DGMS and MoEFCC compliance.
🎯 Test Your Knowledge: 25 MCQs
Q1. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) means:
Q2. Sedimentation ponds are used for:
Q3. DGMS requires safe disposal of mine water under:
Q4. IS:10500 relates to:
Q5. Primary purpose of mine water reuse:
Q6. The main pollutant in mine pit water is:
Q7. Filtration in mine water treatment removes:
Q8. Clarified water can be used for:
Q9. Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in:
Q10. Oil and grease traps are used in:
Q11. Typical sedimentation pond detention time:
Q12. CPCB norms are enforced by:
Q13. In ZLD system, sludge is disposed by:
Q14. Dust suppression requires:
Q15. Water reused in mining improves:
Q16. ZLD is promoted by:
Q17. Typical pH of reusable mine water:
Q18. Treated mine water used for plantation must meet:
Q19. Coal India’s ZLD initiative covers:
Q20. Sedimentation removes particles by:
Q21. Recycling of mine water reduces:
Q22. DGMS mandates mine water quality monitoring:
Q23. Typical pit water TSS limit (mg/L):
Q24. Sludge drying beds are used for:
Q25. Mine water reuse supports which SDG?
Q1. Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) means:
Q2. Sedimentation ponds are used for:
Q3. DGMS requires safe disposal of mine water under:
Q4. IS:10500 relates to:
Q5. Primary purpose of mine water reuse:
Q6. The main pollutant in mine pit water is:
Q7. Filtration in mine water treatment removes:
Q8. Clarified water can be used for:
Q9. Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act was enacted in:
Q10. Oil and grease traps are used in:
Q11. Typical sedimentation pond detention time:
Q12. CPCB norms are enforced by:
Q13. In ZLD system, sludge is disposed by:
Q14. Dust suppression requires:
Q15. Water reused in mining improves:
Q16. ZLD is promoted by:
Q17. Typical pH of reusable mine water:
Q18. Treated mine water used for plantation must meet:
Q19. Coal India’s ZLD initiative covers:
Q20. Sedimentation removes particles by:
Q21. Recycling of mine water reduces:
Q22. DGMS mandates mine water quality monitoring:
Q23. Typical pit water TSS limit (mg/L):
Q24. Sludge drying beds are used for:
Q25. Mine water reuse supports which SDG?
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🔗 Further Reading & Related Topics
DGMS Exam Circular No. 01 of 2018
DGMS Technical Circular No. 6 of 2024
Complete DGMS Exam Preparation Strategy
DGMS OH Tech Circular No. 4 of 2024
Complete Syllabus for Metal Second Class (Restricted)
DGMS Technical Circular No. 6 of 2024
DGMS Exam Circular No. 01 of 2018
DGMS OH Tech Circular No. 4 of 2024
Complete Syllabus for Metal Second Class (Restricted)
Complete DGMS Exam Preparation Strategy
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