Assessment of environmental impacts of coal mining in Lakhanpur Opencast Project of Ib Valley Coalfield, Odisha using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model

Abstract

Introduction: Coal as the primary fuel for the fossil fuel energy sector, is gradually and slowly being replaced by eco-friendly “Green Energy‟. In this scenario, it is very much important on the part of coal industry to orient itself to remain relevant in the energy sector in a sustainable manner. Coal mining provides almost 59% of coal as a source of electricity generation in India. It involves different activities to produce coal. There have been increasing concerns over environmental problems associated with extraction and use of coal. At present, coal mining industries are trying to make assessment of their activities which affect the environment, in order to identify appropriate corrective measures to improve environmental sustainability of their processes and products. Here, the aim of study was to understand the effect of mine characteristics on cradle-to-gate life cycle environmental impacts of coal mining in Lakhanpur OCP of Ib Valley Coalfield of Odisha. Methods: The functional unit was defined as “one tonne of processed coal” at the mine gate. The relative massenergy-economic value method, with some modification, was used to scope the product system. Data were collected from mine in person, from environmental impact statements, coal mining permit applications, government reports, published literatures and relevant websites. Life cycle impact assessment(LCIA) included here classification and characterization but no normalization, grouping, or weighting, to avoid ambiguity. In this work, mid-point characterization models were preferred over damage-oriented (end-point) characterization models because of their high levels of uncertainties. The LCIA also includes sensitivity analysis. Results & Discussion: LCA is a perfect and prominent tool for comparison of various systems based on the impacts. So, more mines are needed to be included in the study and thereby compared further based on impacts. More impact categories could be considered for study to address more resource inputs and emissions to air, water and ground.Impact categories which are used for study in LCA studies for coal mining product usage should be included as possible in the study to reduce LCI data gap for the products.