Mining Sector Reforms in India: Accreditation for Prospecting and Mining Plan of Coal

13062020

Rajesh Deoliya

[rajeshdeoliya@gmail.com]

The Ministry of Coal, Government of India has taken steps to regularize prospecting work of coal and lignite and preparation of mining plan through accredited professionals. A need is felt from government side to explore potential coal and lignite bearing areas through Prospecting License cum Mining Lease (PLML). Since, coal mine blocks are to be auctioned soon, an amendment through gazette notification is brought mentioning detailed procedure of prospecting and mining plan work and engagement of technical persons.    The government has through amendment dated 29th May,2020 has notified norms for standards in prospecting work, reporting and preparation of mining plans for coal and lignite blocks with approach of conservation of minerals, zero waste mining for meeting sustainable development goals(SDG) The Amendment: The "Mineral Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2020"  dated 29th May, 2020 by the Ministry of Coal sets specific guidelines for prospecting operations, preparation of geological report and Mining Plan of Coal and Lignite mineral block  in India through well laid system of accredited professionals  in the field of  -             Prospecting work and -             Preparation of Mining Plan The accreditation is to be obtained from the QCI NABET (The Quality Council of India–National Accreditation Board for Education and Training) (http://nabet. qci.org.in/). The details standards and procedures are specified in Schedule VI of these rules.

The Missing Factor: In setting up of accreditation standards the government has not taken into consideration of the qualified technical manpower available in the private sector, it failed to acknowledge that in recent years the prospecting work carried out by private agencies has added more mineral resources and reserves of various minerals than the government agencies. Hope the government will consider this fact in future and allow private sector participation also.

The Future Prospects and Redesigning of Syllabus at University level: These amendments about the accreditation of professionals can be seen as a positive step towards quality work in the field of prospecting and mining plan preparations. To leave professionals from private sector to qualify for project coordinator and Technical Area Expert is unfortunate. These is need for young professionals in this field as the work portfolio is broad which will help students of geology and mining related fields better job opportunities not only in India and abroad. The time has come to modify the collage syllabus in accordance with the requirement of Industry because sooner or later non coal mineral prospecting work will also need services of accredited geology and mining professional. The type of work requirement given in the below tables gives enough input for universities to redesign their syllabus which is need of the hour. This is more required in the field of Mineral Exploration, Mineral Economics and Mineral Legislation.

The important points about Project Coordinator and Technical Area Expert are given here in brief, for detail the amendment rule can be referred.

The Types of QCI- NABET accredited Professionals:
	Work Involvement	Accredited Expert	Type of Experts	Code	Experience (Years)
A	For Prospecting work including preparation of Geological Reports	Project coordinators (Prospecting)	Project coordinators	PC	15
		Technical Area Expert (TAE)	Geology	GEO	5
			Geophysics	GP
			Remote Sensing     & GIS	RS
			Surveying	SUR
			Hydrogeology	HG
		Team Members	Qualified, lacking enough experience	TM	NIL
B	Preparation of Mining Plan	Project coordinators (Mining)	Project coordinators	PC	15
		Technical  Area Expert  (TAE)	Mining Engineering	ME	5
			Mining Geologist	MGEO
			Remote Sensing & GIS	Rs
			Civil, Electrical and Mechanical	CEM
			Marketing & Finance	M&F
			Socio Economic	SE
			Environment, Health  and  Safety	EHS
			Geotechnical	GT
		Team Members	Qualified, lacking enough experience	TM	NIL

Project coordinator (Prospecting): Experience 15 years
a	Officers retired/served for minimum 15 years in Central/ State Government/ Research Institutes/universities/ Colleges as Geologist.
b	Proficient in MS office, CAD, ArcGIS, Modelling Software, Data Processing Tools, Geological Modelling Tools
Specific Experience:
a	Planning and managing the advanced Prospecting projects
b	Designing and implementing QAQC protocols ( Quality Assurance and Quality Control)
c	Geological modelling and Geostatistical analysis,
d	Resource Estimation and Resource classification in accordance with UNFC, NI 43-101, JORC and SAMREC reporting codes.
e	Prepared at least 3 Geological Report.
f	Monitoring of 3 Geological Report (auditing, performance evaluation etc.),
g	A total of three in combination of (e) and (f)
Expected functions :
	The Project coordinator should be thoroughly aware of Prospecting methodology, requirements and be familiar with the guidelines of report preparation, MMDR Act, Prospecting rules and all relevant regulations and its Amendments. S/he must have a clear concept and thorough knowledge of prospecting and Prospecting requirements. S/he should share this information with other team members.

Technical Area Expert (Prospecting & GEO) Experience 5 years Specific Experience
i	Hands-on experience in geological Prospecting, mapping, and data interpretation
ii	Knowledge of geological principles, basin modelling and mineral reserves
Iii	Preparation of ore body model using SW like Minex, Datamine, Geosoft, Minesoft,Surpac, AutoCAD etc.
Iv	Familiarity with Prospecting geology concepts and survey processes
v	Ability to interpret 2D/3D seismic data and create geologic maps and Models
vi	Ability to identify natural resources and determine their economic value
Vii	High level of analytical skills to interpret Prospecting data pertaining to mineral prospects.
viii	Experience in Coal/ Metal mining model preparation is preferred
Role and Responsibilities
a	Performs scouting of Prospecting activities in the region, preparation of Prospecting activity plans and budget
b	Execution of drilling operations at prospective locations, Collection,evaluation and reporting on field samples and prepare activity logs.
c	Created and presented accurate geology-based maps, cross sections, and geological models.
d	Directed, supervised and managed all work performed by field crews and  drillers.
e	Entered and maintained sample information and Prospecting data in relevant database.
f	Interpreted and complied with all applicable governmental regulations and laws.
g	Evaluation of geological & mineable resources of proposals received from national & international prospects
h	Research on the feasibility of developing these mineral prospects by  analysing, reviewing, and  forecasting data for operational and business  planning and preparation of the feasibility study report
i	Study of available GSI, MECL and other Prospecting reports, compilation and correlation for assessing the likely potentiality of the mineral prospect.

Technical Area Expert - Geophysics (GP): Experience 5 years Specific Experience
i	Planning and execution of Geophysical Surveys including special studies using suitable geophysical technique and equipment.
ii	Geophysical methods comprise of measurement of signals from natural or induced phenomena of physical properties of sub surface formation.
iii	Various physical properties that are made use of in different geophysical techniques are electrical conductivity, magnetic susceptibility,density,elasticity & radioactivity etc.
Role and Responsibilities:
I	Prospectively evaluation and Prepare concepts/ plays/ leads/ prospects  inventory
Ii	2D & 3D seismic interpretation incorporated with all wells data, Well seismic calibration
Iii	Evaluate post- drill well findings based on interpretation and integration of data
Iv	Observe the reaction of recording equipment to detect irregularities
v	Use computers for data management, quality control and communication between the office and field locations
vi	Carry out Vertical electrical sounding, Magnetic / EM profiling and Borehole logging
vi	Interpretation of the date, synthesis of results and preparation of reports
vii	Maintenance and updating of Geophysical records
viii	Proper transportation and maintenance of equipment’s
ix	Must be acquainted with state and national policies.

Technical Area Expert – Remote Sensing & GIS (RS): Experience 5 years
i	Sound knowledge of GIS and Remote Sensing software’s like ArcGIS, QGIS, Erdas etc.
ii	Experience on ArcGIS extensions like Spatial Analyst, Data Management tool, Overlay Analysis.
iii	Experience in GIS database management.
Role and Responsibilities
i	Remote Sensing, GIS, GPS,
ii	Digital photogrammetry,
iii	Excavation measurement to slope stability.

Technical Area Expert - Surveying (SUR): Experience 5 years
i	Post qualification experience in Topographical Survey, Borehole   survey and relevant experience.
Ii	Familiarity with prospecting geology concepts and survey processes
Iii	Verify the accuracy of survey data including measurements and calculations conducted at survey sites.
Iv	Calculate heights, depths, relative positions, and other characteristics of terrain.
v	Experience in Coal/Metal mining.
Role and Responsibilities
i	Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
ii.	Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed
iii	Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
iv	Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries    in survey areas using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems (GPS).
v	Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
vi	Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations
vii	Conducting Topographic survey, leveling etc,, and other geodetic measurements.
viii	Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.

Technical Area Expert - Surveying (HG):Experience 5 years Specific Experience:
i	Analysis of surface hydrogeological data pertaining to ground water, flow fluctuation, estimation of flows; setting up and interpretation of gauging station readings, designing of ground water table measurement and monitoring network, computation of ground water recharge, flow rate and direction
Ii	Plotting of ground water contours
Iii	Analysis and description of aquifer characteristics e.g. Permeability, transmissivity, storage coefficient etc., estimation of groundwater potential and recharge phenomenon, determination of impact of withdrawal of groundwater.
Iv	Geology and Geo morphological analysis/description/ Stratigraphy/Lithology.
v	Developing Geo-hydrological maps.
vi	Must be acquainted with state and national policies.
vii	Understanding of policies, guidelines and the legislation related to ground water
Role and Responsibilities
i	Collecting basic mine production data, such as annual output, drainage quantity, water inflow,
ii.	The water inflow (including static-storage and recharge rate) of mine was predicted and calculated by horizontal catchment channel method, big well method and replenishment quantity method, respectively.
iii	Hydrogeological condition changes of open-pit coal mine in grass area during production process

Areas of specialization for preparation of mining plan preparation:
Sl	Area of specialization	Code	Work Regime
i	Mining Engineering	ME	Mining Aspect-Overall
ii	Mining Geology	MGEO	Geological aspect of mining
iii	Remote Sensing & GIS	RS	Interpretation of geographical, geological, environmental attributes
iv	Civil, Electrical & Mechanical	CEM	Civil, Electrical and Mechanical attributes in mining
v	Marketing & Finance	M & F	Mine economics
vi	Socio Economics	SE	Rehabilitation, Resettlement, Corporate Social Responsibilities, Social Economic Studies of mining area
vii	Environment, Health & Safety	EHS	Environmental studies and Compliance
viii	Geotechnical (optional)	GT	Geotechnical attributes during mining,

Project coordinator (Mining Plan):  Experience 15 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Officers retired/served for minimum 15 years in Central/ State Government/ Research Institutes/ universities/ Colleges will be considered to fulfil the minimum experience
ii	Proficient in MS office, CAD, ArcGIS, Modelling Software, Data Processing Tools, Geological Modelling Tools.

Technical Area Expert – Mining Engineer (ME): Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Prepare surface and underground plans and blueprints of a mining plans, use of survey data and risk assessment of mine.
ii	Prepare surface and underground plans and blueprints of a mining plans, use of survey data and risk assessment of mine.
iii	Reconciliation of Prospecting data from economical mine plan, production plans reports
iv	Use of mine planning software - Use specialized software to plan, design and model for mining operations
v	Use of mine planning software - Use specialized software to plan, design and model for mining operations
vi	Generate weekly, monthly, quarterly or annual production plan.
Technical Area Expert – Mining Geologist (MGEO): Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
a	Performs scouting of Prospecting activities in the region, preparation of Prospecting activity plans and budget
b	Execution of drilling operations at prospective locations, Collection, evaluation and reporting on field samples and prepare activity logs.
c	Create accurate geology-based maps, lithologs, cross sections and geological
d	Directed, supervised and managed all work performed by field crews and drillers
e	Entered and maintained sample information and Prospecting data in relevant
f	Interpreted and complied with all applicable governmental regulations and laws
g	Evaluation of geological & mineable resources from national & international prospects
h	Research on the feasibility of developing these mineral prospects by analysing, reviewing, and forecasting data for operational and business planning and preparation
i	Study of available GSI, MECL and other Prospecting reports, compilation and correlation for assessing the likely potentiality of the mineral prospect.

Technical Area Expert - Surveying (SUR): Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Search legal records, survey records, and land titles to obtain information about boundaries in areas to be surveyed.
ii	Prepare and maintain sketches, maps, reports, and legal descriptions of surveys to describe, certify, and assume liability for work performed
iii	Prepare or supervise preparation of all data, charts, plots, maps, records, and documents related to surveys.
iv	Determine longitudes and latitudes of important features and boundaries in survey areas using theodolites, transits, levels, and satellite-based global positioning systems
v	Coordinate findings with the work of engineering and architectural personnel, clients, and others concerned with projects.
vi	Plan and conduct ground surveys designed to establish baselines, elevations, and other geodetic measurements.
vii	Conducting Topographic survey, levelling etc,
viii	Locate and mark sites selected for geophysical prospecting activities such as efforts to locate petroleum or other mineral products.

Technical Area Expert – Civil, Electrical & Mechanical (CEM):Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Design and Layout of Civil Infrastructure Design (Township, Water Works Distribution, Domestic Effluent Plant)
ii	Coal Preparation and coal Handling Units (CHP) Design
iii	Heavy Earth Moving Machinery Equipments (HEMM) Workshop Design.
iv	Mine Shafts Units, Mine Ventilation by Simulation Modelling
v	Washery Design and Implementation of Modern Washability Methods
vi	In-Pit Crushing and Conveying System (IPCCC) and ROPECON Technology
vii	High Angle Belt Conveying System in both O/C & U/G Mines
viii	Energy Efficiency Study (Electrical & Diesel Equipments) of Mines and International Bench Marking of the Mining Activities
ix	Consultancy on “Energy Sensitive Organizational Structure"
x	All mine specific software development and IT enabled services
xi	GPS enabled monitoring mechanism

Technical Area Expert - Marketing & Finance (M&F):Experience  5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Detailed Project Costing & Financial Structuring.
ii	Risk Analysis Study
iii	Macro and Micro Analysis of Project Viability
iv	Equipment’s Depreciation and amortization
v	Profitability Index Study.

Technical Area Expert- Socio-Economics (SE) :Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Conducting baseline socio-economic surveys through interviews/ questionnaire/focused group discussions/participatory rural appraisal (PRA)/rapid rural appraisal (RRA)
ii	Methodologies on extrapolation of census data to project an up-to-date status including selected ground validation of the same
iii	Conduct social needs assessment studies
iv	Evaluation of socio-economic status of both tribal and non-tribal areas
v	Demonstrated capacity to interact and develop rapport at community level
vi	Conduct Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R & R) studies for people displaced due to developmental projects and development for R & R plan
vi	Assessment of social changes arising out of development projects

Technical Area Expert - Environment, Health & Safety (EHS)::Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Prepares and assist in compliance's, general risk assessments and other safety assessments to support Health, Safety and Environmental management
ii	Responsible for Industrial Hygiene, Occupational Health, Waste Management and business process enhancements
iii	Maintain EHS configurations and Maintain operational procedures around supported
iv	Write, implement, and manage HSE Programs, Policies and Procedures
v	Develop Safe Operating Procedure (SOP's) and Job Hazard Analysis

Technical Area Expert - Geotechnical (GT) :Experience 5 years Role and Responsibilities
i	Slope design for open pits
ii	Headings, roadways and drifts for underground operations
iii	Panel and longwall design
iv	Tailing dam design
v	Special constructions
vi	Geological Structure using precision measuring and testing instruments

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