As a consequence of amendment of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act in 2015, the mining industry will be subject to unprecedented hardship affecting employment, revenue, supply of raw materials for industry, infrastructure and social fabric.
The issue was discussed in a workshop held on December 23 here organised by the Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technologist (SGAT) with the keynote address delivered by Ranjit Rath, CMD, Mineral Exploration Corporation.
A total of 12 papers were presented in 3 technical sessions. The presenters were from Tata Steel, JSPL, Essel Mining & Industries Ltd, Dalmia Cement, OMC, Directorates of Mines and Geology, SGAT, former Director, SAIL (Currently Director, OMC), Utkal Alumina International, among others.
Other dignitaries who graced the event included Sanjay Patnaik, MD, Tata Sponge Iron Ltd, Dipak Mohanty, Director of Mines, Arun Misra, Vice President (Raw Materials), Tata Steel and RN Praharaj, Director, OMC.
The meet called for strengthening of the Directorate of Geology, GSI setup in Odisha and OMC in respect of additional technical personnel, back up laboratory facilities, re-vamping of drilling set up, strengthening of engineering geology and ground water set up in the Directorate of Geology for proving reserves of different ores and minerals in the State.
Besides, it called for formulation of proposals of exploration of deep seated deposits for funding by National Mineral Exploration Trust, proposals for aero-magnetic survey over remaining hard rock areas of the State for technical aid by Australia, Canada, among others.