What is Mine Water?

 

Mine water refers to the water that accumulates in mining areas due to groundwater seepage, surface runoff, and mining operations. It can be classified into different types based on its source and interaction with mining activities:

 

• Groundwater Ingress: Water naturally present underground that enters mine workings.
• Surface Runoff: Rainwater or water from nearby streams that infiltrates mining pits.
• Process Water: Water used in mining activities like drilling, washing, and dust suppression.

 

The quality of mine water varies depending on geological formations, mining methods, and environmental factors. In many cases, it contains dissolved minerals, heavy metals, and contaminants that require treatment before reuse. However, with proper management, mine water can serve as a valuable resource for industrial, agricultural, and domestic applications.

 

Mining operations in Jharkhand, particularly in areas like the Jharia Coalfield, produce significant volumes of mine water. This water's quality varies based on factors such as geological formations and mining activities.

 

Mine Water Quality in Jharia Coalfield

 

A study assessing mine water in the Western Jharia Coalfield analyzed samples from various locations. The pH levels ranged from 6.8 to 8.3, indicating mildly acidic to alkaline conditions. Electrical conductivity varied between 608 to 1,350 µS/cm, and total dissolved solids (TDS) ranged from 432 to 1,080 mg/L. The dominant anions were bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) and sulfate (SO₄²⁻), while major cations included magnesium (Mg²⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺). Notably, higher sulfate concentrations in certain samples were linked to the oxidative weathering of pyrite minerals.
(Ref: KuMAr, A., & Singh, P. K. (2016). Qualitative assessment of mine water of the western Jharia coalfield area, Jharkhand, India. Current World Environment, 11(1), 301.)

 

Another study evaluated the potability of mine water from Jharia Coalfield using integrated water quality and heavy metal pollution indices. The pH ranged from 6.5 to 8.3, with TDS levels between 341 to 953 mg/L. The study identified two primary water types: Ca-Mg-HCO₃ and Ca-Mg-Cl-SO₄. Multivariate statistical analyses suggested that both natural geological processes and human activities influence the water chemistry in the region.
(Ref: Mazinder Baruah, P., & Singh, G. (2022). Assessment of potability of minewater pumped out from Jharia Coalfield, India: an integrated approach using integrated water quality index, heavy metal pollution index, and multivariate statistics. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 29(18), 27366-27381.)

 

Mine Water Utilization Initiatives

 

The Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has implemented initiatives to repurpose mine water for various uses:

 

• Industrial Applications: Utilizing mine water for dust suppression, plantation, fire fighting, machinery cleaning, and underground operations.
• Domestic Supply: After appropriate treatment, supplying water to residential colonies and offices associated with coal projects.
• Community Use: Providing treated mine water for domestic consumption and irrigation, benefiting numerous villages in coal-bearing states. For instance, between 2019 and 2024, approximately 18,513 lakh kiloliters (LKL) of mine water were supplied for community purposes, aiding around 37.63 lakh people across 1,055 villages.

 

In Jharkhand, collaborations between coal companies and the state government aim to utilize mine water for community needs. Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) have been established to facilitate the use of mine water by villages situated in the command areas of Central Coalfields Limited (CCL), Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL), and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL).
(Ref: Ministry of Coal)

 

Mine water in Jharkhand exhibits variability in quality, influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. Ongoing efforts by governmental and industrial entities aim to treat and repurpose this water, ensuring it meets safety standards for various applications, thereby addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainable resource utilization in the region.

 

Few More References:

 

• PanIGRahy, B. P., Singh, P. K., Tiwari, A. K., & Kumar, B. (2015). Variation in groundwater quality with seasonal fluctuation in Jharia coal mine region, Jharkhand, India. Current World Environment, 10(1).
• Mahato, M. K., Singh, G., Singh, P. K., Singh, A. K., & Tiwari, A. K. (2017). Assessment of mine water quality using heavy metal pollution index in a coal mining area of Damodar River Basin, India. Bulletin of environmental contamination and toxicology, 99, 54-61.
• Singh, A. K., Mahato, M. K., Neogi, B., Tewary, B. K., & Sinha, A. (2012). Environmental geochemistry and quality assessment of mine water of Jharia coalfield, India. Environmental Earth Sciences, 65, 49-65.
• Mahato, M. K., Singh, P. K., & Tiwari, A. K. (2014). Evaluation of metals in mine water and assessment of heavy metal pollution index of East Bokaro Coalfield area, Jharkhand, India. Int J Earth Sci Eng, 7(04), 1611-1618.
• Giri, S., Bharat, A. P., & Singh, A. K. (2023). Metal contamination of groundwater in the mica mining areas of Jharkhand: assessing seasonal variation, sources and human health risk. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 103(19), 8281-8294.
• Roy, G. K., & Singh, T. B. N. (2021, September). Ground Water Resources of Jharkhand State and its Development Perspective. In Conference GSI (pp. 83-89).
• Giri, S., Singh, G., Gupta, S. K., Jha, V. N., & Tripathi, R. M. (2010). An evaluation of metal contamination in surface and groundwater around a proposed uranium mining site, Jharkhand, India. Mine Water and the Environment, 29, 225-234.
• Desertification in India: Mining erodes soil, water table dips in Jharkhand - www.downtoearth.org.in.
• Groundwater level depletes drastically in last 20 yrs: Study - timesofindia.indiatimes.com.

 

Standards and Guidelines for Mine Water

 

India has specific standards and guidelines for mine water to regulate its quality, treatment, and discharge into the environment. These are primarily governed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC), along with other regulatory bodies. The key sources detailing these standards include:

 

1. Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986 – Schedule VI
   The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has outlined general standards for the discharge of environmental pollutants, applicable to various sectors, including mining and mineral processing activities. These standards specify permissible limits for parameters such as pH, chemical oxygen demand (COD), biological oxygen demand (BOD), suspended solids, and heavy metals in effluents. The relevant details can be found in Schedule VI of the Environmental (Protection) Rules, 1986.
2. Guidelines for Water Quality Management
   CPCB has issued comprehensive guidelines to assist in setting water quality goals, monitoring water quality, and identifying pollution sources. These guidelines provide a framework for managing water quality in various contexts, including mining operations. The document is accessible here.
3. Environmental Standards by Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL)
   SCCL has established specific effluent water quality standards for mine discharge, workshops, and colony effluents. These standards set permissible ranges for parameters such as pH (5.5 to 9.0), COD, BOD, and suspended solids. Detailed information is available in their environmental standards document, which can be viewed here.
4. Mine Water Utilization Guidelines by the Ministry of Coal
   The Ministry of Coal has provided guidelines emphasizing the quality of mine water in coal mines, noting that it is generally suitable for domestic and irrigation purposes after minor treatment. The guidelines also address the occurrence of acidic mine water and the necessity for proper treatment to maintain zero discharge systems. These guidelines can be accessed here.
5. Pollution Control Acts, Rules, and Notifications (Green Book) by CPCB
   This comprehensive compilation includes various pollution control statutes relevant to mining activities, such as the Water (Prevention & Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, and associated rules and amendments. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding the legal framework governing water quality and pollution control in the mining sector. The document is available here.

 

Followings are the key regulations:

 

1. General Standards for Mine Water Discharge

 

Environmental Protection Act, 1986 – Under this act, industries, including mining operations, must adhere to prescribed effluent discharge standards.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 – Provides for the regulation and control of water pollution, including that from mines.

 

2. CPCB Effluent Discharge Standards for Mining Activities

 

CPCB has set limits for mine water discharge (including coal and non-coal mines), particularly when it is discharged into surface water bodies or used for irrigation. Some key parameters include:

 

Parameter	Standard Limits (mg/L)
pH	5.5 – 9.0
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	100
Oil & Grease	10
Iron (Fe)	3.0
Manganese (Mn)	2.0
Sulphates (SO₄²⁻)	1000
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)	2100
Fluoride (F⁻)	1.5
Nitrate (NO₃⁻)	10
Cyanide (CN⁻)	0.2

 

3. Coal Mine Water Standards (Coal Mining Effluents)

 

Governed under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986.

Limits on iron, oil & grease, pH, TSS, and other pollutants must be followed before discharging mine water.

 

4. Guidelines from the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

 

IBM under the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 mandates proper treatment of mine water before discharge.

Mines must have a mine closure plan ensuring environmental protection, including water quality management.

 

5. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

 

Each state can impose additional limits on mine water discharge based on local conditions and water quality requirements.

 

 

 

India has specific regulations for mine water discharge from coal mines, metal mines, and abandoned mines. These are regulated under the Environmental Protection Act (1986), Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act (1974), Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act (1957), and various CPCB and SPCB guidelines.

 

1. Coal Mine Water Discharge Standards

 

Coal mining generates large volumes of mine water, which can be acidic, contain high suspended solids, and heavy metals like iron, manganese, and sulphates. Regulatory Bodies includes:

 

i. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)

ii. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

iii. Coal India Limited (CIL) Environmental Guidelines

iv. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

 

Effluent Discharge Standards for Coal Mines (As per CPCB & MoEF&CC):

Parameter	Standard Limits (mg/L)
pH	5.5 – 9.0
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	100
Oil & Grease	10
Iron (Fe)	3.0
Manganese (Mn)	2.0
Sulphates (SO₄²⁻)	1000
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)	2100
Fluoride (F⁻)	1.5
Nitrate (NO₃⁻)	10
Cyanide (CN⁻)	0.2

 

Key Concerns:

Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): Coal mines, especially in eastern India (e.g., Jharkhand, Odisha), produce acidic water with heavy metals.

Mine Water Utilization: Treated mine water is used for agriculture, industrial use, or community water supply.

 

 

2. Metal Mine Water Discharge Standards

 

Metal mines (iron, copper, zinc, lead, etc.) produce water contaminated with heavy metals, cyanide, and arsenic. Regulatory Bodies includes:

 

i. Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC)

ii. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

iii. Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM)

iv. State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs)

 

Effluent Discharge Standards for Metal Mines (As per CPCB):

Parameter	Standard Limits (mg/L)
pH	5.5 – 9.0
Total Suspended Solids (TSS)	100
Iron (Fe)	3.0
Manganese (Mn)	2.0
Zinc (Zn)	5.0
Lead (Pb)	0.1
Copper (Cu)	3.0
Nickel (Ni)	3.0
Chromium (Cr)	2.0
Arsenic (As)	0.2
Cyanide (CN⁻)	0.2

 

Key Concerns:

Heavy metal contamination: Lead, arsenic, and zinc from mine water can contaminate groundwater.

Cyanide pollution: Gold and silver mining often use cyanide leaching, which requires stringent treatment.

Wastewater treatment: Use of lime neutralization, reverse osmosis, and constructed wetlands.

 

 

3. Abandoned Mines & Mine Closure Guidelines

 

India has numerous abandoned mines, leading to pollution due to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD), metal leaching, and groundwater contamination. Regulatory Framework includes:

 

i. Mine Closure Plan (MoEF&CC, IBM)

ii. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Guidelines

iii. Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) Policies

iv. National Green Tribunal (NGT) rulings on abandoned mines

 

Key Concerns:

Uncontrolled water seepage: Abandoned mines often leak toxic water into rivers and groundwater.

High metal concentration: Arsenic, mercury, and lead contamination in abandoned metal mines.

Remediation Strategies: Backfilling & Plantation to prevent waterlogging; Artificial Wetlands to filter metals.; and Passive Treatment using limestone to neutralize acidic water.

 

 

Summary of Indian Mine Water Standards

 

Mine Type	Key Pollutants	Treatment Methods
Coal Mines	TSS, Iron, Manganese, Sulphates, Acid Drainage	Sedimentation, Filtration, Reverse Osmosis
Metal Mines	Lead, Zinc, Copper, Arsenic, Cyanide	Lime Neutralization, Wetlands, Bioremediation
Abandoned Mines	Acid Mine Drainage, Heavy Metals	Passive Treatment, Wetlands, Mine Closure Plans

 

 

Few More References:

 

• Environmental Standards - SCCL.
• Assessment of Pollution Caused Due to Coal Mining.
• Impact of Coal Mine Waste Water Discharge on Surroundings with Reference to Heavy Metals - CPCB.
• Sustainability in Coal Mines - Ministry of Coal.
• Guidelines for Environment Personnel in Coal Mines - Coal India Ltd.
• Standards and Pollution Control Strategies Relating to Environment - Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd.
• Background Note for Standing Committee on Coal, Mines and Steel - Ministry of Coal.

 

 

Mine Water Treatment Technologies in India

 

India employs several treatment methods to manage coal mine water, metal mine effluents, and abandoned mine drainage. These techniques range from conventional physical-chemical treatments to advanced bioremediation and passive treatment systems.

 

1. Treatment Technologies for Coal Mine Water

Coal mine water often contains high total suspended solids (TSS), iron, manganese, and acidity due to Acid Mine Drainage (AMD).

 

A. Sedimentation & Filtration

Used in: Coal mines of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh (Coal India Ltd.)

 

Process:

- Settling ponds allow suspended solids to settle.

- Filtration through sand and gravel removes residual particles.

 

Effectiveness:

- Reduces TSS, iron, and manganese.

 

Example:

- Jharia Coalfields, Jharkhand: Mine water is stored in settling ponds and used for irrigation after filtration.

 

B. Lime Neutralization (pH Adjustment for AMD)

Used in: Acidic coal mine drainage areas (Jharia, Raniganj, Korba)

 

Process:

- Limestone (CaCO₃) or lime (Ca(OH)₂) is added to raise pH and precipitate metals.

- Heavy metals like Fe, Mn, and Al form hydroxides and settle.

 

Effectiveness:

- Controls acid mine drainage (AMD) and removes iron/manganese.

 

Example:

- Singrauli Coal Mines, MP: Lime-based treatment used for treating acidic water before discharge.

 

C. Reverse Osmosis (RO) for Mine Water Reuse

Used in: Tata Steel’s Joda East Iron Mines, SCCL (Singareni Collieries Company Ltd.)

 

Process:

- Removes TDS, heavy metals, and sulfates.

 

Effectiveness:

- Produces potable water.

 

Example:

- Singareni Collieries, Telangana: RO-treated mine water is used for drinking.

 

 

2. Treatment Technologies for Metal Mine Effluents

Metal mines generate water contaminated with heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Ni), cyanide, and fluoride.

 

A. Chemical Precipitation for Heavy Metal Removal

Used in: Zinc and copper mines (Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Kolar Gold Fields)

 

Process:

- Adding lime (Ca(OH)₂), ferric chloride (FeCl₃), or sodium sulfide (Na₂S) to form metal hydroxide/sulfide precipitates.

 

Effectiveness:

- Removes Zn, Cu, Pb, As, Ni, Cr.

 

Example:

- Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (Rajasthan): Uses lime precipitation for Zn removal.

 

B. Cyanide Degradation (For Gold Mining Effluents)

Used in: Hutti Gold Mines, Karnataka

 

Process:

- Uses hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) or activated carbon to neutralize cyanide.

 

Effectiveness:

- Reduces cyanide toxicity in gold mine effluents.

 

Example:

- Hutti Gold Mines, Karnataka: Uses H₂O₂ treatment for cyanide detoxification.

 

C. Constructed Wetlands for Heavy Metal Removal

Used in: Abandoned metal mines in Jharkhand, Goa

 

Process:

- Plants (e.g., cattails, reeds) absorb heavy metals.

- Microbial activity enhances metal removal.

 

Effectiveness:

- Removes Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, As through natural uptake.

 

Example:

- Uranium mines in Jharkhand (Jaduguda Mines): Wetlands used for radiation-contaminated water.

 

 

3. Treatment Technologies for Abandoned Mine Water (Acid Mine Drainage - AMD)

Metal mines generate water contaminated with heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Ni), cyanide, and fluoride.

 

A. Passive Treatment (Limestone Drains & Bioreactors)

Used in: Coal mines in Dhanbad, abandoned mines in Meghalaya

 

Process:

- Limestone drains (Anoxic Limestone Drain - ALD) neutralize acidity.

- Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria (SRB) Bioreactors convert sulfates to sulfides, precipitating metals.

 

Effectiveness:

- Restores pH balance and removes Fe, Mn, and Al.

 

Example:

- Meghalaya’s rat-hole mines: Passive limestone treatment tested for AMD.

 

B. Bio-remediation (Microbial Treatment for Metal Removal)

Used in: Copper, zinc, and lead mines (Hindustan Zinc Ltd, Hutti Gold Mines)

 

Process:

- Bacteria (Thiobacillus, Sulfate-Reducing Bacteria - SRB) convert metals into non-toxic forms.

 

Effectiveness:

- Cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

 

Example:

- Jaduguda Uranium Mines, Jharkhand: Uses SRB for uranium-contaminated water.

 

 

4. Mine Water Utilization & Reuse in India

 

A. Mine Water for Irrigation & Industrial Use

Used in: Singareni Collieries, Jharia Coal Mines

 

Process:

- Treated mine water is used for agriculture, groundwater recharge, and power plants.

 

Example:

- Singareni Collieries (Telangana): Supplies 1 MLD treated mine water for local irrigation.

 

 

B. Drinking Water Supply from Treated Mine Water

Used in: Jharia, Bokaro, Dhanbad (Coal India Ltd.)

 

Process:

- Uses filtration, UV disinfection, and RO.

 

Example:

- Bokaro Coal Mines, Jharkhand: Supplies treated mine water to rural communities.

 

 

 

Summary of Best Treatment Technologies in India

 

Mine Type	Main Pollutants	Best Treatment Methods
Coal Mines	Acid Drainage, Iron, Manganese, Sulphates	Sedimentation, Lime Neutralization, RO
Metal Mines	Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Cyanide, Fluoride	Chemical Precipitation, Cyanide Detox, Constructed Wetlands
Abandoned Mines	Acid Mine Drainage, Heavy Metals	Passive Treatment, Limestone Drains, Bioremediation

 

 

Few More References:

 

• Wastewater Treatment & Reuse - Mining.
• Vyawahre, A., & Rai, S. (2016). Acid mine drainage: a case study of an Indian coal mine. Int. J. Sci. Res. Sci. Eng. Technol, 2, 1297-1301..
• Wastewater Treatment Solution for Mining Industry.
• Mining and Quarry Wastewater Treatment.
• Practical solutions for mine water, rainwater and sewage treatment.
• Jamal, A., Yadav, H. L., Pandey, S. S., & Jamal, A. (2015). Heavy metals from acid mine drainage in coal mines-a case study. European Journal of Advances in Engineering and Technology, 2(8), 16-20.