The miners have set their greedy eyes on the precious nickle of Sukinda Valley. It is said that on the foot of the Mahagiri hill are concealed nickels weighing 11.10 crore tons. It was first explored by the Geological Survey of India. 

Meanwhile, veteran trade union leader Mayadhar Nayak alleged that some of the old mining companies which have been mining chromites in the area have been clandestinely engaged in exploration of nickel, considering the higher value of nickel than chromite. In the way, they are making a huge fortune of late keeping the Government at the State and the Centre in dark.

96% of chromite of Asia continent is in Sukinda area.  Raising chromite needs excavation of layers of earth, stone and nickel ore. Since 1950s and 60s the lease holders like Tisco, Mishrilal, Orissa Mining Corporations besides other industrial houses have been operating in this area, raising chromite from under its soil.

However, these old mines owners knew that once nickel mining takes place, it will adversely affect their business of chromite ore and hence, hatched a conspiracy to stop nickel mining.  They even threatened the staff of GSI who came for exploration of nickel and finally drove them away from the valley, alleged Nayak.

Nayak said, “Now a ton of chromite costs Rs 18,000 to Rs 22,000 in the international market, while nickel sells at Rs 1.5 lakh per ton. Consequently, some clever chromite lease holders have been excavating nickel and selling it to foreign buyers illegally.  They are earning hundred lakh crores rupees by this secret operation. However, the Central Government, Ministry of Forests and Mines and the State Government are sitting idle, almost shutting their eyes to the mega scam."

Nayak demanded an inquiry into the theft of nickel and action against the illegal miners.