See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326668408 IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA Conference Paper · July 2018 CITATIONS READS 0 451 3 authors, including: Devananda Beura Utkal University 38 PUBLICATIONS 23 CITATIONS SEE PROFILE Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects: PETROGRAPHY OF IRON FORMATION OF HIRAPUR AREA OF NAWRANGPUR DISTRICT, ODISHA View project All content following this page was uploaded by Devananda Beura on 28 July 2018. The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file. GEOENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AND CLIMATE CHANGE DRS-PURSE SPL. PUB. IN GEOLOGY, pp. 52-63 IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera P.G. Department of Geology, Utkal University Bhubaneswar-4 Email: debanandabeura@rediffmail.com Abstract Sukinda ultramafic belt is famous for its large reserves of chromite and nickel ores. The belt is situated between the Iron Ore Super Group and the Eastern Ghats Super Group in Jajpur district of Odisha. The Sukinda valley has become the world wide name as it comes under one of the highly polluted areas of the world. Mining activities have been going on for last fifty years in the valley to exploit chromite ore, which is the most economic mineral with highest reserve in the country. The nature and mode of occurrence of the chromite deposits demand for deep opencast mining as well as underground mining. Enormous amount of overburden and hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) produced from mines have been emerged as main threats to the environment. Cr(VI) exists in higher oxidation state in chromates and dichromates obtained from chromitites. It has high mobility, rare natural appearance and several times more toxic impact than trivalent chromium Cr(III). While the land and atmosphere are getting affected by the solid and gaseous contaminants, the surface and ground water are polluted from mine drainage. Key words: Chromite mining, Environment, Sukinda area INTRODUCTION Odisha is endowed with huge quantity of mineral resources. Important minerals available in the state are Iron, Chromite, Bauxite, and Manganese. Chromite deposits of the Sukinda Ultramafic Belt (SUB) is the highest in the country having 98 percent share in terms of reserve. The Sukinda belt (200 53’-2105’N and 85041’-85053’E) constituting the eastern part of the peninsular India is situated in the Jajpur districts of Odisha, India (Fig-1). The chromiferous ultramafic belt of the Sukinda valley extends from Kansa in the east to Kathpal in the west and is bounded by the Daitari-Tomka iron ore belt in the north and the Mahagiri quartzite in the south, and extends in east-west direction. The SUB including the Sukinda 52 | P a g e IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera thrust is considered as the separating zone between the Iron Ore Super Group (IOSG) in the north and the Eastern Ghats Super Group in the south. Having variable width (0.5-4 km), it lies in the southern flank of the North Orissa Iron Ore Craton (NOIOC) (Beura et al., 2010; Beura and Behera, 2011). The orthomagmatic body of the belt is exposed in a synclinal valley plunging towards west-southwest. The altitude of the valley varies between 230 m and 80 m above mean sea level with the master slope towards the west. Fig-1 Location map of Sukinda Ultramafic Belt The ultramafic bodies comprising of dunite and peridotite have been altered to serpentinite and talc-tremolite schist, which is overlain by thick pile of laterite and latesol. Subsequently orthopyroxenite, granite and dolerite have intruded the ultramafic rocks. The ultramafic domain hosts the economic concentration of chromium, nickel and PGE. Chromite is the predominant ore mineral in the belt. The other minerals are talc, tremolite, serpentine, kaemmererite, uvarovite and cryptocrystalline silica. The drainage system of the valley is controlled by the Damsal nala flowing in NE-SW direction (Fig-2). It is perennial in nature as feed by the discharge water from various mines. 53 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera The average annual precipitation recorded at Sukinda for the last twelve years (1990–2001) is about 2,206 mm. Most of the rain occurs during the months of May to October. Large overdumps are lying in and around the mines, which have become the source of chromium contamination in surface and ground water sources in the area. Due to large-scale opencast mining around 7.6 million tones of rejected minerals and OB dump materials have been lying in the area, which has been a constant source of hexavalent chromium after each rainy season due to the leaching process from the dump material. The land damage in the area has been found increased from 731.88 ha to 1,828.98 ha during the last 10 years. There has been an increasing demand for chromite ores in recent years. In the opencast mining processes, the chromite ore as well as waste rock material are dumped in the open ground without considering the environmental aspects. The result has been damage to the topography and leaching of Chromium and other impurities to the groundwater as well as surface water bodies. Cr (VI) is one of the most toxic water pollutants and is comparatively more toxic than trivalent compounds. Chromium and its compounds are known to cause cancer of the lungs, nasal cavity and paranasals sinus and are suspected of causing cancer of the stomach and larynx. Fig-2 The Damsal nala controlling the drainage system of the Sukinda touching almost all the operating mines. 54 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera CHROMITE: THE BOON AND CURSE Chromite deposit of Sukinda Belt is the single largest deposit in the country. Exploitation of chromite resource helps in growing the industrial economy of the region and as well the country. The valley, therefore, accommodate a number of open cast and underground mining activities. In chromite, Cr is absolutely trivalent and octahedrally coordinated. Cr3+ is fixed in the lattice strongly for which it is highly resistant to alteration and exhibiting little mobility. Due to such property the chromite in chromitites hardly possess any adversity on environment. The locked-up chromium in chromites that carry the major portion of the lithogenic Cr and the refractoriness of the mineral is an environmental blessing (Godgul and Sahu,1995). The trivalent chromium attains the higher state i.e. Cr(VI) in certain environmental condition. Trivalent chromium is more stable in a reducing and acidic environment, whereas the hexavalent form is known to be stable in an oxidizing and alkaline environment (Baes and Mesmer 1977; Hem 1977; Baas Becking and others 1960). Hexavalent Chromium is known to be 100-1000 times more toxic than the trivalent form (Gauglhofer and Bianchi 1991). SOURCE OF POLLUTANTS Mine drainage water Opencast chromite mines generate huge volumes of seepage water. Even though chromium in chromite is in the trivalent state, some hexavalent Cr (VI) is always formed due to certain complex reactions. Cr(VI) containing mine drainage water can severely contaminate the nearby water bodies if released untreated. Many mines have Chrome Ore Beneficiation (COB) plants, where chromium content in the ore is concentrated through washing and sorting. Washings from the COB plants can also be a source of Cr(VI). Out of the 12 opencast mines (Table-1) operating in Sukinda, Cr(VI) containing mine drainage water is a problem in 9 mines (Table-2). Mining in the Sukinda (IMFA), Kaliapani (Balasore Alloys) and Sukrangi (OMC) being confined to the upper benches, generate very little drainage water, which is almost completely used for sprinkling the haulage roads, without any discharge to outside. Nevertheless, all the 12 mines have a treatment system in place. Mines which have COB plants recycle their waste water. 55 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera Table-1 Opencast chromite mines in Sukinda valley Sl. No. Mine OPENCAST MINES 1 Kamarda (B C Mohanty) 2 Ostapal (FACOR) 3 Tailangi (IDCOL) 4 Chingudipal (IMFA) Year of Commencem ent Present Production (million Tons/Annum) Forest Lease Area (Ha) Total ( *) 1964 0.00828 101.85 107.240 (95) 1986 2004 1997 0.0739 0.0128 0.0040 68.424 20.882 26.620 72.843 (94) 65.683 (32) 26.620 (100) 5 Sukinda (IMFA) 1999 0.2550 0.000 116.760 (0) 6 2000 0.1020 0.000 64.463 (0) 7 8 9 10 Kaliapani (Balasore Alloys) Kaliapani (Jindal) Saruabil (ML Mines) Southkaliapani (OMC) Kaliapani (OMC) 2002 1954 1980 1967 0.1002 0.0500 0.5000 0.0360 24.241 224.633 416.499 749.995 89.000 246.858 552.457 971.245 11 Sukrangi (OMC) 1980 0.0120 177.760 382.709 (46) 12 Sukinda (TISCO) 1960 0.9500 73.698 406.000 (18) (27) (91) (75) (77) Remarks (**) No COB, Currently not in operation No COB, No mine drainage water Semi mechanized, No COB No COB, no mine drainage water Table-2 Quality of mine drainage water Sl. No. Mine 1 Kamarda Chromite Mines (B.C. Mohanty and Sons Pvt. Ltd) 2 Ostapal Chromite Mines (FACAR) 3 Tailangi Chromite Mines (IDCOL) 4 Jindal Chromite Mines, Kaliapani. 5 Chingudipal Chromite Mines Mines (IMFA) 6 Saruabil Chromite Mines (Mishrilal Mines Pvt Ltd) 7 South Kaliapani Chromite Mines (OMC) 8 Kaliapani Chromite Mines (OMC) 9 Sukinda Chromite Mines (TISCO) 56 | P a g e Date of Sampling 26.08.05 02.06.06 12.03.07 19.09.07 16.11.07 24.08.05 16.11.07 12.12.07 31.05.06(I) 31.05.06(II) 10.03.07(I) 19.09.07(I) 19.09.07(II) 25.08.04 04.02.05 24.08.05 20.09.07 12.12.07 04.02.05 24.08.05 03.05.06 26.12.03 25.08.05 19.09.07 29.05.06 29.05.06(II) 09.03.07 20.09.07 12.12.07 23.08.05 30.05.06 27.10.06 16.11.07 12.12.07 08.03.07 Cr. (VI) in mg/l. E T P inlet E T P outlet 0.109 BDL 0.020 BDL 1.235 0.027 0.220 0.220 0.223 0.027 0.460 BDL 1.020 1.025 1.108 0.011 0.690 0.690 0.320 0.320 0.439 0.493 0.390 BDL 1.180 BDL 0.226 0.113 1.259 BDL 1.092 BDL 1.200 1.020 0.864 0.007 0.382 0.204 0.852 BDL 0.720 BDL 0.220 0.204 0.299 BDL 0.380 BDL 0.170 0.200 0.214 0.090 0.180 0.186 BDL 0.007 0.108 0.170 BDL 0.214 0.080 0.180 0.056 0.186 0.014 2.210 0.064 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera 20.09.07 12.12.07 2.010 0.118 STANDARD 0.169 BDL 0.006 0.100 Source-OSPCB Chrome ore beneficiation plant Some mines have chrome ore beneficiation (COB) plants, where chromium content in the ore is concentrated through washing and sorting. Washings from the COB plants may be a source of Cr(VI). Mines having COB plants recycle their waste water; still some amount is drained out Overburden generation Opencast chromite mining generates enormous quantities of overburden (OB). The stripping ratio varies from 1:5 to 1:10. Run offs from the OB dumps have the dual potential of polluting the water bodies by siltation and leaching of Cr (VI). The OB of Sukinda chromite mining contains nickeliferrous laterite and low grade chromite ore, which have no use at the present point of time. As such, the mining companies are not inclined to grow big trees on the OB dumps, since it is possible that sometime in future, appropriate technology would be developed for extraction of nickel and enrichment of chromite from these dumps. Transportation Transportation supports the material transfer from the mines to COB and thereafter to industries. The main mode of transportation is open trucks and dumpers. Transportation generate huge amounts of dust that contain chromite particles, may also contain traces of Cr(VI). ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS Impact on land Generally chromite bearing mines occur mostly in forest areas. There is thus an inevitable loss of some forest cover due to mining. Both mines and overburden changes the topographic configuration. The structural balance of the litho members and morphology is changed by mining and dumping. Soil profile and fertility is also destroyed. 57 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera Impact on water The Damsal rivulet crosses the mining belt along the length. This being the main source of water, settlements and villages has developed around this rivulet. Damsal, carries the mine drainage water from almost all the mines (Fig-2). Water of the river, starting from the site with no mining activity to the downstream of all the mines, show marginal increase in Cr (VI) concentration, but is still within the stipulated standards for drinking and bathing water (Table-3). It should, however, be borne in mind that the water quality of Damsal river with respect to Cr(VI) is governed by the quality of discharge of the treated mine drainage water (Table-2). Failure of any one treatment system may result in a considerable increase in the Cr (VI) concentration. Apart from the hexavalent chromium problem, Damsala, like any other natural water body, could also be polluted otherwise, particularly due to decomposition of the detritus of plant materials and open defecation. It should not therefore be straight away used as a source of drinking water without treatment. The Cr (VI) concentrations in the drinking water sources and water bodies in the mining area of Sukinda valley (Tables-4 and 5) show that water of 7 sources contains more than the permissible limit for Cr (VI) for drinking water, i.e., 0.05 mg/liter (Bureau of Indian Standards). It is observed that seepage water gets accumulated in the non operating quarries in some of the mines (Fig-2.4). This is used by people for bathing and other purpose. The mine authorities have been instructed to take effective steps like putting boards with appropriate notice and fencing, if possible, to prevent people from using such accumulated water, as well as the mine discharge water before reaching the treatment plant. Table-3 Range of Cr (VI) concentrations in Damsal river during the period from April, 2004 to April, 2005(04 samples) Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 Location Kansa (Upstream of mining activity) Before Kamarda Mines Ostapal Mines Near MIP After MIP (Downstream of all mining activity) Cr(VI) mg/l. 0.018-0.034 0.010-0.023 0.080-0.120 0.015-0.180 0.016-0.034 Source-OSPCB Table-4 Range of Cr(VI) concentrations in drinking water sources in Sukinda Valley during the period from April, 2004 to April, 2005 (04 samples) Sl. No. Location 58 | P a g e Cr(VI) mg/l. Sl. No. Location Cr(VI) mg/l. 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Bore well(TISCO) Tube well, TISCO Collony Bore well, Kathpal Tube well, Kathpal Bore well, Ostapal Tube well, Ostapal Tube well, Ostapal Bore well, Ostapal Tube well, Saruabil Bore well, Saruabil Bore well, IMFA Dug well, Kuchinda Banka Dug well, Kuchinda Bank Tube well, Maruabil Tube well, Maruabil Dugwell, Maruabil Tube well, Bandhani Tube well, Bandhani Tube well, Gurujang Tube well, Kansa Tube well, Birasal 0.030-0.040 BDL-0.004 0.002-0.003 BDL-0.016 0.013-0.022 0.008-0.019 0.001-0.023 0.021-0.044 0.013-0.034 0.021-0.035 0.003-0.035 0.004-0.025 0.041-0.06 BDL-0.015 0.011-0.018 0.009-0.023 BDL-0.004 0.009-0.060 0.010-0.450 0.008-0.024 BDL-0.005 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 Tube well, Kumarsahi Tube well, Patna Tube well, Patna Tube well, Dhaboli Tube well, Dhaboli Tube well, Kaliapani Tube well, Sauth Kaliapani Dugwell, Purunapani Tube well, Purunapani Tube well, Chingudipal Shallo tube well, Saruabil Tube well, Sukrangi Tube well, Tailangi Tube well, Rosai Tube well, Rangamatia Tube well, Baldiapal Dugwell, Pakatpani Tube well, Balasore Alloys Drinking water, OMC Office Drinking water, TISCO STANDARD (Max) BDL-0.006 0.003-0.027 0.087-0.123 0.001-0.013 0.018-0.036 0.021-0.033 BDL-0.001 0.009-0.017 0.009-0.018 BDL-0.008 0.003-0.015 0.010-0.028 0.003-0.025 BDL-0.008 BDL-0. 011 0.003-0.009 0.005-0.009 0.002-0.004 0.001-0.004 BDL-0.006 0.050 BDL- Bellow Detection Limit Table-5 Cr(VI) in water bodies in Mining areas of Sukinda Valley Sl.No Source Date of Sampling Cr. (VI) in mg/l Mining Areas. 1 Kmarda Chromite Mines, Tube well 2 Kaliapani Chromite Mines, Balasore Alloys- Tube well Adjoining Villages. 3 Tube well-Purunapani 4 Dug well- Purunapani 5 Pond-Purunapani 6 7 8 9 10 Tube well- Purunapani (IMFA) Tube well- Gurujang UP School Tube well- Gurujang ( B, Mahanta) Tube well- Patna Puruna Sahi Tube well- Patna Majhi Sahi (I) 11 12 13 14 Tube well- Patna Majhi Sahi (II) Stream- Patna Puruna Sahi Tube well- Tailangi Tube well-Saruabil 15 16 Tube well-Saruabil Mine Colony Dug well-Saruabil Mine 17 Tube well-Kalarangiata STANDARD (max) 19.09.07 26.10.07 12.12.07 12.12.07 0.060 0.049 0.050 0.031 20.09.07 26.10.07 20.09.07 26.10.07 20.09.07 26.10.07 26.10.07 26.10.07 26.10.07 26.10.07 26.10.07 12.12.07 12.12.07 26.10.07 19.09.07 19.09.07 26.10.07 12.12.07 12.12.07 19.09.07 26.10.07 12.12.07 12.12.070 0.060 0.046 0.020 0.012 BDL 0.010 0.005 0.007 0.010 0.027 0.447 0.484 0.005 0.013 BDL 0.280 0.287 0.161 0.049 0.040 0.038 0.041 0.006 0.050 Impact on air 59 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera Huge amounts of dust are released during mining, stacking and loading. The dust is, though mostly, chromite particles, may also contain traces of Cr(VI). Major air pollutant in mining areas is dust, generated in course of a number of activities associated with mining. Due to changing contours of the mining pits, the haulage roads inside the mines are never made concrete or black topped. As a result, the roads are a main source of dust. This problem is addressed by continuous water spraying. It is understood from many of the mines managers that they cannot afford to be lax about it, since the transporters refuse to operate without water sprinkling. The public road approaching the valley, as well as inside, is in a deplorable state with huge potholes, adding significantly to the dust load in the area. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) levels determined during 2005 to 2007 at different locations (Table6). As can be seen in the data given in the three tables, except occasional violations, the ambient air quality in respect of four parameters – sulphur dioxide, oxides of nitrogen, suspended particulate matter and respirable particulate matters, remain within the prescribed standards. Table-6 Suspended particulate matter (SPM) in ambient air Sl No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Location Date INDUSTRAL AREAS Kamarda- Office Quarry Ostapal(Facor)-Mining Area Tailangi (IDCOL)-Mining Area Sukinda(IMFA) Office Kaliapani(BA)-Mining Area Saruabil-Magazine Area -MINING AREASSouth Kaliapani(OMC)-Mining Area Kaliapani(OMC)-Mining Area Sukrangi(OMC)-Mining Area Sukinda(TISCO)-Stack Ward -Met Laboratory-COB PlantKathapal(FACOR)- Lease Area STANDARD(max) SPM(micrograms/ cubic meter) 29.09.06 30.09.06 31.05.06 31.05.06 30.05.06 29.05.06 25.08.05 31.05.06 29.05.06 30.05.05 31.05.06 07.03.07 07.03.07 08.03.07 01.06.06 294 289 171 247 239 260 122 272 316 208 161 600 282 564 204 500 24.08.05 08.03.07 30.05.06 24.08.05 130 230 402 105 200 RESIDENTIAL AREAS 12 Ostapal(FACOR) Dispensary 13 14 Sukinda (IMFA)-Substation Kaliapani(JINDAL) Dispensary STANDARD(max) Impact on health The stable oxidation states of chromium in its compounds are 3 [Cr(III) ] and 6 [Cr(VI)]. Cr(III), as found in chromite and other naturally occurring minerals, is an essential micro 60 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera nutrient for maintenance of normal glucose metabolism. Chromium deficiency can lead to insulin circulation and cardiovascular problems. There are reports that even relatively large doses of Cr(III) do not induce any harmful effect, when fed in water or food to animals. The portion which is not absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract is excreted. It is believed that Cr(VI) is formed only by human activities, which is rapidly reduced to relatively harmless Cr(III) in acidic solutions (pH < 4) by organic matters like humus or biomass. Cr(VI) beyond a certain concentration, is toxic, inducing such symptoms as skin ulcers, vomiting, diarrhoea, gastrointestinal bleeding leading to cardiovascular shock. It is cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic. For long, the chromite matrix was considered to be quite stable in the Cr(III) state. However, recent studies reveal that Cr(III) lodged in the chromite, can get oxidised to toxic Cr(VI), though various physico-chemical and biological processes. COURSE OF ACTION Chromite grains occurs either in the lumpy or friable form in the Sukinda Ultramafic Belt. It has been observed that generally Cr(VI) problem is associated with the mining of the friable mineral or breaking down of lumpy ores into small pieces. The over burden so generated during the mining process and their staging create problem of Cr(VI) generation. Old and wind up quarries accumulate water, which is contaminated in the course of time. In order to get rd from the adversity of Cr(VI) contamination some of the course of actions are to be taken in short and long term basis. Short Term Measures 1. Stabilization of OB dumps needs to be done more urgently than what is practiced now. 2. Improvement of the public roads should be done in regular basis to avoid the air pollution. 3. Frequent monitoring of all drinking water sources for Cr(VI) and immediate closure of the sources showing Cr(VI) in excess of the permissible limits should be undertaken. 4. There are some quarries which are not allotted to any mining company and are not in use. Accumulation of seepage in such quarries is an environmental threat. Some agency should be entrusted with the responsibility of their proper management to ensure prevention of the untreated accumulated water going to any water body. 61 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera Long Term Measures 1. Feasibility study for one or more (sector wise) common effluent treatment plant (CETP) is required. The mine water after the usual treatment by the individual mines, may be taken to a final CETP to further reduce the Cr(VI) content before discharge to Damsal. It is possible that a zero chromium level can be achieved by this. This will serve the dual purpose of protecting the rivulet as well as availability of large volumes of water, which can be gainfully utilized in this water starved area. 2. Cr(VI) concentration in ground water sources fluctuate over time. Hence to ensure continuous supply of safe drinking water, feasibility of a total prohibition of extraction of ground water in the valley and use of inland surface water (Damsal in the uncontaminated upper reaches) for supply of drinking water may be investigated. 3. A detailed survey is to be carried out by an eminent expert body to assess the impact of chromite mining in the area on human health. Above all, there should be continuous surveillance by the State Pollution Control Board with frequent surprise inspections and monitoring. 4. As has been discussed opencast chromite mining generates large quantities of overburden. Proper rehabilitation of the OB dumps is essential to prevent run offs carrying silt and Cr(VI) to water bodies. This is usually achieved by stabilizing the dumps with plantation, fixing of mats and construction of retention walls. References Baas Becking LGM, Kaplan IR, and Moore D. (1960) Limits of the environment in terms of pH and oxidation reduction potentials. J Geol 68: 243-285. Baes CF. Jr. and Mesmer R.E. (1977) The hydrolysis of cations. New York: Wiley Interscience. pp. 489 Beura, D. and Behera, S. (2011) Studies on some Geological variations of Chromite Deposits of Sukinda Ultramafic Complex of Odisha. Vistas in Geological Research,spl. Publ. in Geology, Utkal University, No. 10, pp.137-143 Beura, D., Singh, P., Behera, S. and Majhi, S. (2010) Structural and Tectonic Approach in Studying the Genesis of Chromite Deposits of Sukinda Ultramafic Complex of Orissa, India. International Seminar on Development of Chromite, Nickel and PGM Resources, pp. 88-93 62 | P a g e 2012 © Utkal University IMPACT OF CHROMITE MINING ON ENVIRONMENT IN SUKINDA AREA OF ODISHA, INDIA D. Beura, P. Singh and S. Behera Godgul, G., Sahu, K.C. (1955) Chromium contamination from chromite mine, Environmental Geology, vol.25, pp.251-257. Gauglhofer, J. and Bianchi V. (1991) Chromium. In: Merian E (Ed), Metals and their compounds in the environment. New York: VCH Publisher. pp.853-878. Hem J.D (1977) Reactions of metal ions at surfaces of hydrous iron oxides. Geochim Cosmochim Acta 41:pp.527-538. 63 | P a g e View publication stats 2012 © Utkal University