Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board (APPCB), Dr. P. Krishnaiah, on Monday inspected the gold mining and ore processing operations of M/s. Geomysore Services (India) Pvt. Ltd. at Jonnagiri, Pagadirai and Yerragudi Villages of Tuggali mandal.

The Chairman, accompanied by officials of the APPCB, Kurnool, inspected the mining area and gold ore processing facilities and reviewed the environmental management measures implemented by the industry.

During the inspection, industry representatives explained the process of gold extraction and processing to the Chairman. The mined ore is crushed and screened, followed by grinding and cyclone classification. The coarse fraction undergoes gravity concentration, while the slurry is processed through the Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) process using cyanide and activated carbon, a release by the APPCB said.

According to the release, the industry has implemented various measures to control air pollution and fugitive dust emissions. An electrical induction furnace of 100 KW capacity has been installed for smelting of gold doré, with bag/HEPA filters provided for controlling emissions. The crusher and conveyors have been provided with cladding, while screens are housed in closed sheds. Bag filters have also been installed at transfer points to control dust emissions.

Automatic water sprinklers have been provided along internal roads to control fugitive emissions, besides deployment of water tankers for sprinkling on haul roads. The industry has also installed three Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS) connected to the APPCB website for online monitoring of ambient air quality. As per the Real-Time Pollution Monitoring System (RTPMS), the monitored parameters remained within the prescribed standards, with no exceedances recorded during the preceding three months.

The industry has developed a greenbelt over approximately 30 acres along infrastructure and haul roads, plant and operational areas, the tailings storage facility and railway track areas. A total of 33,372 plants have been planted so far, with further plantation activities being undertaken as part of the industry’s environmental management programme.

Speaking during the inspection, Mr Krishnaiah emphasised that mining and mineral processing activities should be undertaken with utmost attention to environmental protection and regulatory compliance. “Mining is an important economic activity, but it has to be carried out in a responsible and sustainable manner. Strict compliance with Environmental Clearance conditions and the standards prescribed by the PCB is essential. Effective control of dust and emissions, recycling and conservation of water, scientific management of tailings and wastewater, continuous environmental monitoring and development of adequate green cover must remain integral to mining operations.”

He emphasised the importance of maintaining the prescribed environmental safeguards throughout the life of the project and directed the concerned officials to continue regular monitoring of environmental performance and compliance.