Bhubaneswar: With the central government pressing for speedy renewal of mining leases, the Odisha government has expedited the process of renewal of 16 mining leases.
An inter-departmental committee of the Odisha Government headed by Development Commissioner is learnt to have recommended renewal of the leases which include 15 iron ore and one lime stone mines on Tuesday. Some of the leading names in the list include Rungta Mines, SN Mohanty, MG Mohanty, Essel Mining and Industries, Penguin Trading and Agency and Lal Traders and Agency.
The issue of lease renewal was discussed during the state mining ministers meeting last month in Jaipur and the union mines ministry has asked the state governments to expedite processing of the ML applications which were saved by section 10A(2)(c) of the Act with the time line up to 11 Jan’17.
According to sources the panel has recommended the state government for renewal of leases of mines as per the amended Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) MMDR Act, 2015. These working mines are waiting for first renewal and they have obtained all the statutory clearances.
However, the Odisha Government will take a final call on the 16 mines which have been recommended by the committee.
It’s worth mentioning that the Odisha Government has already passed orders extending validity of 52 mines after the amendment of MMDR Act, 2015.
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