It is unfortunate that Odisha’s chromite iron ore are exported toChina, Japan, the United States and other countries instead of their use in our own land. China has more iron ore deposits than India, but China has been saving
iron ore for next 100 years by resorting to imports. China is considered to be the second richest country in the world. Japan has also taken over the global market for chromite products. The United States is making and selling weapons by using our chromite iron ore.
We are yet to know the art and technique of making or turning minerals into materials. So as long as we lag behind others in technical, scientific and practical know-how for optimum use of our minerals, our future will remain bleak. Sukinda vally alone accounts for 7 per cent of chromite deposits of the Asian subcontinent. The Asian nations like, China and Japan, have already taken over a majority of the Sukinda chromite. Of late the United States has cast its voluptuous eyes on the Sukinda chromites.
When the Nilachal steel plant was set up in Sukinda, the workers complained of finding chromite and oil in the site. Soon there was a demand for relocating the Nilachal steel plant. In 1906, Bijubabu summoned me and asked, “Mayadhar. The Odisha exchequer is empty. Where will the money come from?’ I said, “ Sir, money is buried under the soil of Odisha. Dig in and get a bag of money.” I asked him to cancel all mine leases and stop exports of minerals. The Government should take all the mineral resources under its control and sell them at market prices, I said and he nodded.
Luhapathar hills are constantly being subjected to loot in Keonjhar, Sundargarh and Mayurbhanj districts. Dhenkanal, Angul, Sambalpur districts have rich deposits of coal and the coal produced there is world famous. Kalahandi and Nuapada are known for gems stone. Balangir has diamonds, pearls, rubies and gold worth millions of rupees. The bauxites in Koraput, Rayagada and Kalahandi districts are in disarray.From manganese to Chinese clay, 41 types of minerals are found in Odisha soil. But the no-holds-barred loot of minerals is going on with the help of the regime. Needless to say, Odisha can become the richest State in India if mineral loot can be checked and the resources can be properly utilised.
(Nayak is a trade union leader and is based at Jajpur Road, Jajpur, Mob: 9861034163)