‘Not Possible to open Mines within 3 Months’ – Odisha Miners

Miners in Odisha are under apprehension that 26 mines cleared by the Odisha government for lease extension cannot be opened within the next 3 months. It is due to the terms & conditions imposed by the state government. The miners fear that it is not possible to avail all the clearances within the time frame.

“We welcome the decision of the government but it is not possible for us to comply all the conditions within the stipulated time,” said Prabodh Mohanty, General Secretary, Eastern Zone Mining Association (EZMA).

Last week, the Odisha government approved lease extension of 26 mines, but has asked miners to sign lease agreement (deed) within 3 months from the date of notification. However, to make the lease operational, the lessees have to comply with all the statutory clearances within this time frame.

The statutory clearances required to execute a lease include Forest and Environment clearance, submission of Net Present Value (NPV), consent to operate clearance from the Pollution Control Board, Approved Mining Plan etc.  Also, even if all the statutory clearances are availed within the time frame, the possible orders regarding previous violations (if any, for a particular mine) on MMDR act, Forest and Environment law etc will be obeyed.

List of 26 Iron Ore & Manganese Mines

Joda Mining Circle

1. Tata(7 mines): Joda East Iron Ore Mines, Joda West Manganese Mines, Khandabandha Iron Ore Mines, Bamebari Manganese Mines, Guruda Manganese Mines, Manmora Manganese Mines
2 .KJS Ahluwalia: Nuagaon Iron Ore Mines
3. MESCO: Roida Iron Ore Mines
4. KN Ram: Roida-2 Iron Ore Mines (Siddhmath RF)
5. Kalinga Mining Corporation: Jurudi Iron Ore Mines
6. KayPee Enterprises: Thakurani Mines

Koida Mining Circle 

1. AMTC: Narayanpasi Iron Ore Mines
2. AMTC: Mahulsukha Iron Ore Mines
3. Bonai Industrial Co: Nadidihi Iron Ore and Manganese Mines
4. Bonai Industrial Co: Teherai Iron Ore and Manganese Mines
5. Feegrade & Co: Rengalibeda and Nandikasira Iron ore Mines
6. OMM: Patamunda Manganese Mines
7. OMM: Bhanjakusuma Manganese Mines
8. OMM: Orahuri Iron Ore and Manganese Mines
9. Rungta Mines: Kolmong Manganese Mine
10. Rungta Mines: Kantharkoida Manganese Mine

Non Iron Ore & Manganese Mines (Limestone & Dolomite Mines)

Source: SteelMint Research