Navratna CPSE National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO) was allotted the Pottangi bauxite mines in Koraput district of Odisha. The public hearing for environment clearance was held on Wednesday in a peaceful manner, which was attended by villagers from periphery areas. They favourably voiced support for the NALCO to carry out mining and developmental activities.
There were a number of public representatives, present and past members of parliament of Koraput present at the meeting. Deben Kumar Pradhan, additional district magistrate of Koraput was also there.
The officials also shared the details of 31 developmental projects being executed under CSR at an estimated cost of `12 crore. It was informed that there would be no displacement under this mining activity and the company would implement modern technology and adopt sustainable mining practices with effective environment management.
Currently, NALCO is using the bauxite from its Panchpatmali mines to feed stock to its refinery. For the company’s expansion plan, this additional source of bauxite is essential. The production capacity of bauxite from proposed Pottangi mine is 3.5 MTPA. With the grant of mining lease, it will hugely benefit and contribute for the development of the constituency and adjoining areas. Apart from infrastructure development, opening up of new business establishments, public services, it will also facilitate initiate employment facilities to the local youth.