As many as 12 mines under the Joda Mining Circle in Keonjhar district have stopped operations as their lease periods ended on March 31.
The Government had allowed mining to continue in several mines which were running on deemed extension till the end of financial year 2019-20. These mines were put on auction and different mining companies have acquired them now.
DFO Santosh Joshi has issued orders to the KJS Alluwallia grabbing Nuagaon iron mines, KP Enterprises holding Thakurani Mines, Rungta Mines Ltd holding Jajang mines, Mangilal Rungta holding Kalimati siljoda Mines, Rungta Sons holding Katasahi Mines, Essel Mining holding Kasia Mines and Jilling Mines, KN Ram Roida –II mines, Kalinga Mining Corporation mines, Sirajjudin and Co Balada Mines, RP Sao Guali Mines, Pattnaik Minerals Joribahal Mines to stop mining operation in the respective mines.
The companies that have acquired these mines in the recent bids would start their operations after obtaining statutory clearances. Till then operations would remain closed, said sources.
Thousands of workers and employees who were working in these mines have demanded that they be re-employed in their existing mines by the new employers.