Bhubaneswar: With Odisha Chief Minister, Naveen Patnaik asking for the re-examination of Tata Steel’s Khandbandha Iron ore mine for issuing Express Orders, the department of steel and mines, government of Odisha, has begun the review process.
Going by the production and dispatch figures of the Khandbandh mine, Chief Minister has ordered for such a move needed to be taken by the authorities in department of steel and mines and accordingly the process has been initiated, said official sources.
Tata Steel, having Iron ore leases in Odisha includes Joda East, Joda West, Katamati, Khandbandh and Bamberi, had applied for issue of Express Orders for 3rd renewal. Out of these mines, Iron ore is being produced in three mines such as Joda East, Katamati and Khandbandh. While, Iron ore production from Joda East and Katamati is near the approved Environment Clearance (EC) limit. However, Iron ore production is Khandbandh is very low.
Khandbandh Iron ore mine, having an area of 978 hectares, was granted leases way back in 1933 and it was expecting 3rd renewal. During FY14, approved EC limit was 5.40 MnT for Khandbandh. While, production during this period was 0.74 MnT, revealed sources in Directorate of Mines (DoM). So, Tata Steel authorities were not producing Iron ore to that extent, they received EC clearance, felt the decision makers, who have asked for the review.
Approved EC limit in FY14 of all the three mines was 25.4 MnT. While, the Steel major has produced 14.63 MnT during this period. Therefore, EC Limit is much more than Iron ore produced.
Now, Tata Steel authorities feeling the heat have made their presentation to the state government saying that Khandbandh Iron ore mine will be utilized for the upcoming Kalinganagar Steel Plant. However, the state authorities seem not convinced over the argument of Tata Steel, sources said. This is because the extent of value addition within the state by Tata Steel is 0.57 MnT during FY14, out of the production of 14.63 MnT Iron ore, said sources in DoM.
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