Air Quality Monitoring & Management: Air quality is monitored in both the core and buffer zones through an EPA-approved laboratory, focusing on four major pollutants: PM₁₀, PM_2.5, SO_X and NO_X. Mitigation measures are tailored to the type and source of emissions. Operational-wise mitigation measures are as follows:

• Drilling and Blasting:Crawler-mounted drilling machines with air-conditioned operator cabins are used. Sharp drill bits and wet drilling techniques are employed to minimize dust generation.

• Hauling Waste:To suppress dust during the hauling of ore and waste, water is sprayed along haul roads and working benches using water tankers. Permanent water sprinklers are installed along haul roads with prolonged usage.

• Transporting Ore beyond lease area:Trucks transporting ore are covered with tarpaulin to prevent dust and spillage. Regular water sprinkling is conducted on access roads leading to public routes. To protect public infrastructure, truck-mounted dust sweepers are deployed to clear road silt. Avenue plantations along access roads further help control airborne dust.

• Crushing & Screening Operations:Water sprayers are installed at crushing and screening plants to mitigate dust emissions. Mist cannons are also deployed to settle airborne particulates in these areas.

To prevent water pollution:

• Surface Water Monitoring: Surface water quality is tested quarterly at upstream and downstream points of the Narihalla Stream.

• Drinking Water Monitoring: Drinking water samples from four sources are analyzed quarterly.

• Water Conservation:A rooftop rainwater harvesting system is installed at the Mines Office to conserve water resources.

Noise levels are monitored biannually in core and buffer zones:

• Blasting Activity: Air Over Pressure (AOP) and ground vibrations are measured during blasting using a Minimate Seismograph.

• Noise Mapping: Annual noise level mapping is performed as per DGMS standards by an EPA-approved laboratory.

Noise Mitigation Measures:

• Development of a green belt around the mining lease perimeter.

• Regular maintenance of heavy earth-moving machinery (HEMM).

• Implementation of safe operating procedures to reduce noise levels.

• Distribution of ear protection aids (earplugs and earmuffs) to employees exposed to high noise levels.

Two category of Hazardous waste is generated from Mining Operations. They are

⮚ Category 5.1: Used Oil / Spent Oil

⮚ Category 5.2: Waste Residues containing

Authorisation is obtained from Karnataka State Pollution Control Board for generation, selection, reception, storage, transport and disposal of hazardous waste. Separate Storage Area is established for storing of Hazardous Waste. As per the Hazardous & Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules 2016, Hazardous Waste is scientifically stored and disposed to the SPCB authorized recycler/ re-processor within 90 days from the date of its generation without causing any harm to the environment. Safe Operating Procedures are prepared that includes Emergency Response Procedures for the management of Hazardous Waste.

Reclamation and Rehabilitation plan was prepared by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) initially in the year 2012. SKMEPL implemented all the recommendations as per the R&R plan that includes three categories of measures namely: Surface Water Management Measures, Dump Management Measures and Biological Measures. By considering the recommendations in the R & R Plan, Mining plan is prepared as per the site-specific conditions, and it is approved by the Indian Bureau of Mines. The implementation is carried out as per the Approved Mining Plan. The status of implementation of R & R Plan is being submitted to the concerned authority once in 15 days. Physical Indications that prove the success of R&R efforts are:

⁍ Greenery outside the lease area and regeneration of forest species which were getting extinct.

⁍ Reduced damage to agricultural lands in the downstream side of the mine.

⁍ Augmented ground water quantity which is achieved through Rainwater harvesting pits.

⁍ Restoration of local ecosystem which can be seen through growth of native forest species, migration of birds and increased number of reptiles and other species in the food web.

⁍ Enhanced safety and protection for dumps as a result of scientific dumping as per the R&R plan.

As per the recommendations of the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE), dumps are stabilized by laying Geo-coir mat and raising plantation on both dump slopes and dump top by native species which thereby helps in restoring the natural ecosystem. Coir-mat is laid on dump slopes after completion of each terrace (i.e.10 m height). Later, previously preserved topsoil is spread over the coir mat. Seeds of grass variety are sown in the spread topsoil so that they help in holding the soil. Once the soil layer is stabilized on the slopes, Trenches are made, and tree variety saplings are planted. These saplings are watered through drip irrigation system.

Since the mining lease is in hilly terrain, mining operations will disturb the natural flow of water. In order to mitigate the surface run off water, various Engineering structures are constructed both inside and outside the mining lease area. Structures such as Garland Drains are constructed all along the toe of the dumps and other areas. Retaining Wall is constructed adjacent to the garland drain to prevent the erosion of loose material outside the lease area. The Garland drains are connected to Silt Settling tanks where the silt is settled in the tanks and silt-free water is left to the natural streams. In addition to this, Gully plugs are constructed to reduce the flow of run-off water from the Mine and also from the Settling Tanks. These Gully plugs arrest the runoff material and water and help in maintaining the natural streams around the Mining area in good condition. To conserve and save water, Roof-top Rainwater Harvesting system is installed at the Mines Office. This rainwater is fed on to the Ground Water recharge pits which thereby augment the ground water resources in the area.

Various measures that are taken for protection and conservation of biodiversity and wildlife are as follows:

⁍ Plantation of a variety of native species.

⁍ Raising saplings through collection of seeds from the local ecosystem.

⁍ Laid Fence all along the lease boundary to prevent the entry of wild animals into the mining operations.

⁍ Construction of Water Troughs.

Different kinds of plantations such as Dump Plantation, Avenue Plantation, Green Belt Plantation and General Plantation are undertaken in various locations and also on different occasions. Till date, about 4.34 lakh species are planted in the lease area.

SKMEPL has established an in-house nursery to cater the plantation activities in the Mining Area. The Nursery has a capacity to occupy around 50,000 species. Seeds are collected from the adjacent forest and saplings are raised in order to conserve the genetic biodiversity. Vermicomposting is also undertaken in the nursery to generate organic manure for afforestation activities.