Panel to recommend cap on ore extraction in Odisha

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Apr 7:

A decision to  was taken the task force on mining formed by the Odisha government today decided to form a sub-committee to examine the quantum of minerals to be transported.

The sub-committee will submit its report to the government within 15 to 20 days. Another squad will be formed for prevention of theft of minerals. Earlier, this job was being done by three squads. The decisions were taken at a meeting of the tsak force held at the state secretariat here today.

The meeting also decided to conduct Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS) survey of the 148 remaining iron ore and manganese ore mines in the state. Lease holders of these mines will be required to complete DGPS survey within six to nine months. DGPS surveys of 39 mines were conducted following recommendations of Justice Shah Commission of Inquiry.

“Some more mines may be reopened on the basis of amendments to the MMDR Act. To take a decision on reopening of mines, a sub-committee will be formed with representatives from Forest and Environment department, Pollution Control Board, Director, Mines and Director, Environment.

The sub-committee will decide and recommend to the government the exact cap on extraction of minerals. The committee will recommend to the government the exact limit to be fixed on dispatch of iron ore from Joda and Koida circles for 2015-16 on the basis of the mines that are now operating and that will become operational in the coming days based on the environmental clearances currently in their possession. The government will take a decision on the basis of the recommendations made by sub-committee,” Deepak Mohanty Director Mines told reporters after the meeting.

“DGPS survey of all mines will be done as was done in case of 39 mines on the recommendations of the Shah Commission. All mine lease holders will be asked to conduct DGPS survey of the mines based on the same guidelines as recommended by Shah Commission. Lease holders will be required to complete the DGPS exercise within six to nine months,” Mohanty said.