Spatial Accuracy Assessment and Regulatory Compliance Monitoring of open Cast Mines using DGPS Technology: A Case Study from Jharkhand India

Spatial Accuracy Assessment and Regulatory Compliance Monitoring of open Cast Mines using DGPS Technology: A Case Study from Jharkhand India

Vivek Raj

B.Tech, Sitamarhi Institute of Technology, Sitamarhi, Bihar.

Abstract – Open cast mining is widely practiced in Jharkhand due to its rich mineral resources. Effective monitoring is essential to ensure regulatory compliance, environmental protection, and efficient mine management. Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) provides high-accuracy spatial data for boundary demarcation, topographic mapping, volume estimation, and dump monitoring. Its centimeter-level precision improves mine planning and helps prevent illegal mining and environmental degradation. Integration of DGPS with GIS and remote sensing enhances decision-making and transparency. Despite minor limitations, DGPS significantly supports sustainable and scientifically managed open cast mining in Jharkhand.

INTRODUCTION:

Jharkhand is rich in minerals such as coal, iron ore, and bauxite, where open cast mining is widely practiced. Proper monitoring of mining activities is essential to prevent illegal mining, ensure boundary control, and protect the environment. Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) provides centimeter-level accuracy for surveying and mapping mining areas. It is used for lease boundary demarcation, topographic surveys, volume calculation, and dump monitoring. DGPS also supports environmental monitoring and regulatory compliance. Therefore, DGPS plays an important role in improving accuracy, transparency, and sustainable mining in Jharkhand.

Period of the Study: I

• initial planning and literature review were conducted (JanuaryFebruary 2025).

• Field DGPS survey and data collection were completed (MarchApril 2025).

• Data processing, analysis, and plan vs. actual comparison were carried out (May 2025).

• Interpretation, discussion, and report preparation were finalized (June 2025

Key words- DGPS, Haul roads, cast mining, topographic surveys.

Equipment, Software and Methodology:

A dual-frequency DGPS system consisting of a base and rover receiver was used for the survey. The base station was established at a known control point to provide real-time corrections. Field data were collected using the rover in RTK mode to record precise coordinates of lease boundaries, excavation faces, overburden dumps, and haul roads.

The observed data were processed using GNSS processing software, and the corrected coordinates were imported into AutoCAD Civil 3D and GIS software for contour generation, Digital Elevation Model (DEM) preparation, and volume estimation.

Data Analysis of DGPS Survey in Open Cast Mine

Table: 01 Data Analysis of DGPS Survey

This methodology ensured centimeter-level positional accuracy for effective monitoring of open cast mining activities.

Data Analysis and Interpretation.

The DGPS survey data collected from the open cast mine were analyzed to evaluate excavation progress, dump management, lease boundary compliance, and haul road safety. The centimeter-level accuracy of DGPS ensured reliable spatial positioning and elevation assessment.

1. Excavation Zone A Pit Bottom Level.

   The recorded coordinates (E: 345678.234 m, N: 2567890.456 m) with an elevation of 245.32 m RL indicate the current working depth of the pit. The excavated area of 12,500 sq.m and calculated volume of 85,000 cu.m show active mining operations. The elevation data suggests that excavation is progressing systematically and remains under controlled limits. DGPS enables accurate monitoring of vertical depth and production estimation.

2. Overburden (OB) Dump 1 Dump Top Level.

   The OB dump was recorded at an elevation of 278.45 m RL, covering 8,200 sq.m with a volume of 60,500 cu.m. The remark Within limit indicates that dump height and spread are in accordance with the approved mine plan. DGPS-based monitoring helps prevent excessive dumping and ensures slope stability, which is crucial for environmental and safety compliance in Jharkhand mines.

3. Lease Boundary Pillar Boundary Verification.

   The boundary pillar coordinates (E: 345600.111 m, N: 2567800.222 m) were verified using DGPS. No deviation was observed beyond acceptable tolerance limits. This confirms that mining operations are confined within the authorized lease area, preventing illegal mining or land encroachment.

4. Haul Road Section Road Gradient Point.

The haul road elevation of 255.78 m RL indicates a safe operational gradient. DGPS survey ensures proper alignment and slope design, reducing transportation risk and improving operational efficiency.

Benefits of DGPS Data Analysis:

Observation: –

1. Excavation Control (85,000 cu.m Volume at 245.32 m RL)

   1. DGPS helps measure exact pit bottom level and excavated volume.

   2. It ensures mining is not exceeding approved depth.

   3. Prevents over-extraction and financial/legal penalties.

      Types of Benefits; – Accurate production reporting and controlled resource utilization.

      Why necessary: – High dumps can cause landslides and environmental hazards

2. Overburden Dump Monitoring (60,500 cu.m at 278.45 m RL)

   1. Confirms dump height is within permissible limit.

   2. Prevents excessive dumping and slope failure.

      Why necessary: – High dumps can cause landslides and environmental hazards.

      Benefit: – Improved safety and environmental compliance.

3. Lease Boundary Verification (No Deviation Found)

   1. DGPS confirms mining is within authorized lease area.

   2. Avoids encroachment on forest or private land.

      Why necessary: – Jharkhand faces illegal mining issues.

      Benefit: – Legal security and regulatory transparency.

4. Haul Road Gradient (255.78 m RL Safe Slope)

   1. Ensures proper road alignment and safe transportation.

Why necessary: – Poor gradient increases accident risk.

Benefit: – Operational efficiency and worker safety.

Plan vs. Actual Comparison Table

A comparison was made with the approved mine plan parameters to evaluate operational compliance.

1. Excavation Zone A Pit Bottom Level

   Parameter	Approved Plan	DGPS Survey Data	Deviation	Status
   Pit Bottom RL	240.00 m	245.32 m	+5.32 m	Within safe limit
   Excavated Volume	90,000 cu.m	85,000 cu.m	-5,000 cu.m	Controlled extraction

   Table: 02 Excavation Zone A

   Interpretation:

   The DGPS data indicate that the actual excavation depth has not exceeded the approved pit bottom level. The excavated volume is slightly lower than the planned production, showing controlled and regulated mining activity.

2. Overburden Dump 1 Dump Top Level.

   Parameter	Approved Plan	DGPS Survey Data	Deviation	Status
   Maximum Dump Height	280.00 m RL	278.45 m RL	-1.55 m	Within permissible limit
   Dump Volume	65,000 cu.m	60,500 cu.m	-4,500 cu.m	Safe dumping

   Table: 03 Overburden Dump 1

   Interpretation:

   The observed dump height and volume are below the approved maximum values, ensuring slope stability and environmental compliance.

3. Lease Boundary Pillar

Table: 04 Lease Boundary Pillar.

Interpretation:

The boundary coordinates obtained from DGPS match the approved lease map within permissible tolerance, confirming no illegal encroachment.

Discussion

The study confirms that DGPS is highly effective in monitoring open cast mining activities in Jharkhand. The analyzed data show that excavation depth, overburden dump height, lease boundary positions, and haul road gradients were within approved and safe limits. DGPS provided accurate elevation and volume measurements, ensuring controlled mining operations.

The results highlight that DGPS helps prevent illegal mining, boundary encroachment, and unsafe dumping practices. It also improves transparency and supports regulatory compliance. Therefore, DGPS plays a significant role in ensuring safe, scientific, and sustainable mining management in Jharkhand.

CONCLUSION

Based on the discussion and analysis, the study on Application of DGPS Survey in Monitoring Open Cast Mining Activities in Jharkhand confirms that DGPS is an essential tool for effective mine monitoring. The survey results showed that excavation depth, overburden dump height, lease boundary positions, and haul road gradients were maintained within approved and safe limits. The use of DGPS provided high positional accuracy, reliable volume estimation, and proper boundary verification, which are crucial for preventing illegal mining, environmental damage, and safety risks. The study also highlights that DGPS improves transparency, regulatory compliance, and scientific mine planning. Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of DGPS significantly enhances operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability in open cast mining activities in Jharkhand, making it a reliable and necessary technology for modern mining management.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT:

This study was carried out with the support and cooperation of RTBT Infrastructure Developer Pvt. Ltd., Ranchi, (www.rtbtltd.com), support@rtbtltd.com which provided technical and field assistance during the DGPS survey work.

REFERENCES:

1. Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM). (2023). Manual on Surveying and Mine Planning. Ministry of Mines, Government of India.

2. Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS). (2022). Guidelines for Slope Stability and Dump Management in Opencast Mines. Government of India.

3. Hoffmann-Willendorf, B., Lichtenberger, H., & Wasle, E. (2008). GNSS Global Navigation Satellite Systems: GPS, GLONASS, Galileo & More. Springer- Verlag.

4. Misra, P., & Enge, P. (2011). Global Positioning System: Signals, Measurements and Performance. Ganga-Jamuna Press.

5. Singh, R., & Dhar, B. B. (2010). Applications of GPS in surface mine monitoring. Journal of Mines, Metals & Fuels, 58(4), 123128.

6. Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). (2020). Environmental Guidelines for Mining Projects. Government of India.

7. Roy, P. S., & Giriraj, A. (2008). Land use and land cover analysis using remote sensing techniques. International Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation, 10(2), 182195.

8. Ghosh, S., & Sen, P. (2018). Use of DGPS for mine boundary demarcation and monitoring. International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT), 7(5), 245249.

9. Hartman, H. L., & Murmansk, J. M. (2002). Introductory Mining Engineering. Wiley.

10. Government of Jharkhand. (2021). Jharkhand Mining Policy and Regulatory Framework. Department of Mines and Geology.