Rinzin Wangchuk: Bhutan - indiscriminate mining
Almost half the mines/quarries operate near settlements and plantations or the highway
Of the total 81 mines and quarries in operation across the country today, the royal audit authority of Bhutan (RAA) found 22 mines were located close to human settlement and agricultural land, while 17 stone quarries were located too close or just adjacent to highways. Mining and quarrying activities, which were carried out close to human settlements, agricultural land and highways, have direct or indirect impacts on agricultural productivity, health, safety and livelihood in the community.
This was reflected in the performance audit report on mining operations in Bhutan, which was released in August this year and will be tabled in the winter session of the parliament. In a few cases, the RAA report said, private land and houses were found inside the mining area, such as in Chunaikhola dolomite mine and Haurikhola limestone mine in Samtse, and Kilikhar stone quarry in Mongar. The audit observed that most mines were located in the middle of the villages, and mine roads pass through the settlement, which have major impact on private properties.
There were also cases such as SD Eastern Bhutan coal company in Dewathang, Tintale quartizite mine, Titi limestone mine in Samtse, where the landowners were later compensated for damage of private land triggered by mining activities. According to auditors, the landowners in their interviews said that they were left with no other choice than to accept the compensation for their damaged land, which they do not consider to be a fair practice.
The study revealed that there were no proper consultations with the owners of private land and houses during the feasibility stage, or during the time of demarcation of the area. It was also found that private land had been physically damaged by causing landslide or land subsidence due to mining activities. Many affected farmers claimed that farm production has reduced significantly over the years. “There are, however, no scientific studies conducted to prove their claim,” the report said. However, the impact of dust emission, noise pollution, soil erosion and physical damages on the landscape was apparent and noticeable.
Auditors said there was a lack of adequate studies being conducted by those responsible on the possible impact of mining operations within and around human settlement area, beside non-compliance of mining procedures and methodologies. The ministry of economic affairs in their response cited the Constitution and clause of the lease agreement that provided landowners the right to compensation for their affected lands.
The RAA, however, countered this stand of the ministry, saying long term impact of mining and quarrying activities on the environment and the society, including threat to human settlement, their lives, and agricultural productivity may be far more than short term commercial gain. “Therefore, there may be a need for revisiting the existing policy and practice of allowing mining and quarry activities close to human settlement.”
The RAA also observed that 17 stone quarries that were located too close to highways cause major hindrances to traffic and risks to travellers, and those working in construction and maintenance of road besides damaging the highways. There are four stone quarries located above the Thimphu-Phuentsholing highway, four along the Chuzom-Haa highway, another four above the Tsirang-Wangdue highway, two above the Wangdue-Trongsa highway, and one above the Tshelingkhor-Pemagatshel highway.
It was reported that one person was killed and two critically injured in May 2010 by flying boulders from the quarry site in Gewachu, while travelling in a public transport from Gelephu to Thimphu. “Other similar incidents, if any, may have remained unreported due to lack of adequate awareness,” the report said. Some mines, according to audit officials, although far from the roadside in terms of vertical distance, the landscape were too steep and posed potential risks to human, animals, property and environment.
“The existing practice of allowing mining and quarrying operations too close to highways is a matter of grave concern, and certainly not conducive to road safety and convenience of travellers,” the performance audit report stated.
The RAA recommends that the department of geology and mines should not allow mines and quarries along the highway, considering its risks and inconveniences to road users and others alike. “The department of road should review their system of road clearance, as these quarries adversely impact the road and pose potential risks to commuters.”
