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Metals Limited (KMML), Chavara, Kerala was framed thereunder) and authorization for radioactive
renewed up to August 31, 2024. waste disposal/transfer under GSR-125 was valid up
(vi) Permission for resumption of ore production at to October 31, 2019. UCIL renewal application for
Jaduguda and Bhatin mine. operation of Mohuldih mine was reviewed by AERB.
Safety review indicated that during the licence period,
(vii) Extension of validity of the consent for trial operation the operational & radiological status of these facilities
of Tummalapalle mill. was satisfactory. The average individual dose of the
(viii) Authorization for Operation of Sodium Facility for mine workers were well within the regulatory limit.
Component Testing (SFCT). Solid, liquid and gaseous wastes disposed/transferred
(ix) Existing licence amended for Enhancement of from the facility were within AERB authorized limits.
sponge production capacity of Zirconium Complex Based on satisfactory review, AERB renewed the licence
(ZC), Pazhayakayal from 250 to 300 MT per year. for operation and authorization for radioactive waste
disposal/transfer of Mohuldih mine for a period of five
(x) Amendment in existing licence for operation of years i.e. up to October 31, 2024.
Versatile Solvent Synthesis Pilot Plant (VSSP) at
HWP-Tuticorin to include operation of HWP main (b) Permission for Ore Production in Jaduguda
plant. and Bhatin Mine

1.4.3 Safety Review of Fuel Cycle Facilities UCIL mines at Jaduguda and Bhatin were under
shut down due to non-availability of clearances by
Number of meetings conducted by various safety State Government and Ministry of Environment &
committees for fuel cycle facilities and other industrial Forests (MoEF). On receipt of required clearances, UCIL
facilities during this period is given Table 1.9. submitted applications to AERB for restarting the ore

Table 1.9: Meetings of Safety Review Committee of production from these two mines. These applications
Fuel Cycle Facilities were reviewed, based on satisfactory review AERB
granted permission for resumption of ore production in
No. of
Name of the Committee Jaduguda mine and Bhatin mine.
Meetings
NFSC-1 (erstwhile, UCIL-AMD Safety 5 (c) Extension of validity of the Consent for Trial
Committee & BSM-NORM Safety Committee) Operation of Tummalapalle Mill
NFSC-2 (erstwhile, NFC Safety Committee) 2 The consent for trial operation of Tummalapalle mill
NFSC-3 (erstwhile, HWP Safety Committee and 6 was valid up to December 31, 2019. UCIL application
ECIL Safety Committee) for grant of licence for regular operation of Tummalapalle
Total 13 mill was reviewed in AERB. Safety review indicated that

The highlights of Safety Review of the operating Fuel UCIL has achieved overall uranium recovery at par
with that envisaged in the design. UCIL is in the process
Cycle and other Industrial Facilities are given below: of addressing AERB requirements w.r.t achieving the

(i) Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) permeability in the tailings pond area and establishing
the reason for observed higher natural uranium values
The uranium mines at Narwapahar, Turamdih, in the bore wells in the villages adjoining the tailings
Bagjata, Mohuldih, Banduhurang and Tummalapalle pond. In view of this, AERB has extended the validity of
were under operation. UCIL mines at Jaduguda and the existing consent for trial operation and authorization
Bhatin resumed mining activities since December (under the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive
13, 2019. During the year, the mills at Jaduguda Wastes) Rules, 1987) of Tummalapalle mill for six months
and Turamdih were under normal operation while i.e. up to June 30, 2020 to allow UCIL to resolve the
Tummalapalle mill is in trial operation during the year. above issues satisfactorily.

(a) Renewal of Licence for Operation of Mohuldih (ii) Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL)
Mine
Rare Earth Division (RED) at IREL Udyogamandal
The licence for operation of Mohuldih mine of UCIL and Mineral Separation Plants (MSP) of IREL at
issued under the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (and rules Chavara, Manavalakurichi and Chatrapur operated

AERB Annual Report 2019 19