CIL’s Overburden To M-Sand Initiative: A Promising Solution To Sand Scarcity

Keeping in mind the growing need for sand and a decreasing amount of natural sand, finding a solution to sad scarcity is the need of the hour. According to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulations) Act of 1957 (MMDR Act), sand is a minor mineral. The State Governments are given administrative jurisdiction over its mining. However, because of the enormous demand for sand and the potential harm that unregulated sand mining can cause to river ecosystems, it is vital to find alternate sources of sand now more than ever.

Manufactured sand (also known as M-Sand) is made from crushed rock fines. According to the Sand Mining Framework (2018) created by the Ministry of Mines, manufactured sand and sand gathered from coal mine overburden are potential substitutes for conventional sources. The OB to M-Sand initiative streamlines the opencast mines of CIL’s waste overburden processing.

Advantages Of M-Sand From OB

The usage of M-Sand from coal mine overburden offers a number of advantages in terms of sustainability of the environment and economy. Due to its ability to be generated in bulk at a reduced price, it may be more affordable than using natural sand. Here’s how:

1. Uniformity- It can have a uniform grain size and shape, which is advantageous for building projects that call for a particular kind of sand.
2. Eco-Friendly- It can lessen the requirement for natural sand mining, which can have detrimental effects on the environment. Repurposing items that might otherwise be discarded can also be beneficial. 
3. Less Water Usage- Since it doesn’t need to be washed before use, it can assist in reducing the amount of water needed for construction projects.
4. More Space- OB dumps’ occupied space can be made available for other beneficial uses.
5. Waste Products’ Best Use- The best use for waste products is recovering sand from waste overburden.
6. Additional Profits- For coal businesses, the commercial selling of produced sand might result in additional profits.
7. Safety And Conservation- In addition to its commercial usage, sand produced must also be used for sand storage in underground mines, which improves safety and conservation. 
8. Aquatic Ecosystems Protection- By lowering bank and channel erosion, less sand removal from rivers will protect aquatic ecosystems.

CIL has developed a Model Bid Document that states the conditions and circumstances for setting up more such units across subsidiaries in order to advance the OB to sand initiative. The selling price and marketability of the generated sand will be at the discretion of the winning bidder. Along with the OB to sand project, Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) has sold 1,42,749 m3 of OB for use in constructing roads, laying railroad tracks, levelling land, and other purposes, netting Rs. 1.54 Cr. South-eastern Coalfields Limited (SECL) used 14,10,000 m3 of OB for FMC and railroad siding operations. Other CIL subsidiaries are taking similar actions to use OB for different goals.

Insight

Overall, the CIL’s OB to M-Sand effort is a promising solution to the problems of sand scarcity since it can offer a financially viable and environmentally responsible substitute for natural sand. Additionally, it can assist in repurposing items that would otherwise be regarded as waste and help coal firms make more money. It is crucial that other businesses and organisations implement similar measures to use the mining overburden for other purposes.