The State Government is likely to issue notification about reopening of 26 mines under the new Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Amendment Act, 2015 on Saturday, sources said. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik cleared the proposal of the Steel and Mines Department for extension of the lease period of the 26 mines on Friday.
On April 4 the inter-departmental committee headed by Development Commissioner UN Behera had recommended to the Government for reopening of the 26 mines, including eight iron ore and manganese mines, which were operating under express orders. The Supreme Court, in its May 16, 2014 order, had asked the State Government to halt operation in the 26 mines which were waiting for second and subsequent renewal, saying automatic renewal of mining lease after 20 years of first renewal was illegal.