Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Mallik on Sunday assured that the State Government would make alternative arrangements to provide raw material to Posco if the company clears its stand on its project. “There are alternatives. The State Government-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) will provide raw materials to Posco. First, let the Posco clarify its stand that whether it would set up its project or not,” Mallik told reporters.
On Saturday, the Minister had stated that the South Korean steel major was not showing any interest to renew its MoU, which expired in June 2010. Mallick said the Posco should clear its view whether or not it would go by the new Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 2015 under which like other companies it has to come through the bidding route to get a mining lease.
“After the Posco gives a clear-cut idea, we would act accordingly,” said the Minister. Earlier, the State Government had asked the Centre to consider granting the Khandadhar iron ore reserve to the Posco. But the Centre turned down the request and asked the company to participate in bidding.