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Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Private Limited (AMPTPL) has taken up the decision to explore the possibility of using a polymer membrane to address the coal dust pollution issue around the Adani coal mines.
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Introduction • Now that the South West Port Limited’s domes structure to cover the coal stacks is about to be completed, Adani Mormugao Port Terminal Private Limited (AMPTPL) has taken up the decision to explore the possibility of using a polymer membrane to address the coal dust pollution issue around the Adani coal mines. Now this is an extraordinary step taken up by the Adani Group towards promoting sustainability in the mining sector. • The Adani group is already known for its extensive Adani coal mines. These mines are responsible for generating a majority of the country’s coal. Now the global conglomerate is trying to integrate sustainability in the mining sector. This will ensure that the Adani Group’s mining business experiences a boost. The global conglomerate will also find it really easier to take its business to new heights.
How Does The Adani Group Plan To Use A Polymer Membrane To Prevent Dust Generation At The Adani Coal Mines? • A polymer membrane for dust suppression mainly refers to a thin coating or film which is made from water-soluble chemicals that are sprayed onto the coal surfaces. This is used to bind the dust particles together. This prevents them from becoming airborne. The polymer membrane also helps create a barrier against dust generation. This greatly reduces air pollution. The chemical will be mixed with water which will then be sprinkled on coal. This will form a thin polymer layer like a sheet on top of the coal heap.
So, if the wind is flowing, it will not be able to blow the coal layer which lies on the surface. This will prevent dust generation. It will ensure that the air quality in areas surrounding the mining site is retained. However, this polymer membrane has one disadvantage. As soon as the coating is damaged or broken by the stacker reclaimer, the coal stack will have to be spread again. • Adani’s Plans To Follow South West Port Limited’s Footsteps: • Unlike the South West Port Limited (SWPL), which is a part of the JSW Group, the Adani Group mentioned that it will not be able to build a dome structure as it does not have a contiguous area for storing coal. SWPL also has a captive user which is its parent company. This is unlike AMPTPL which handles coal based on the demand from various customers. The senior vice president and unit head for SWPL, Captain Anurag Bhagauliwal, said that the dome structure will be completely ready by 1st March. SWPL also has elaborate plans to increase the coal handling capacity. The company currently has a coal handling capacity of 5.5 million tons per annum.
The Goa State Pollution Control Board has recently set a condition to construct the dome structure first. The company is currently spending around INR 160 crore to build the dome structure. 85% of it is already completed. The dome structure has a width of 135m, a height of 45m, and a length of around 320m. It covers 43,000 square metres of area. It has the capability of storing 2 lakh tons of coal per annum. The Adani Group is also following a similar path towards covering its coal reserves. This will ensure that sustainability is enhanced. The company will also not have to deal with the various allegations related to Adani coal mines.