The Inter-Ministerial Committee, constituted to prepare a policy on long-term ore linkage for the State-based industries, is likely to submit its report by April 30, the deadline set by Government.
The three-member committee which met here on Saturday has almost finalised the policy after taking suggestions from various stakeholders including miners and industry bodies.
“We have a detailed discussion over the policy on long term ore linkage to state-based industries. We hope the report will be presented to State Government by
April 30,” said Committee Chairman and Finance Minister Prasanna Acharya.
The committee examined the opinions of the stakeholders in the presence of the Chief Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary of Steel & Mines.
“There are different opinions from the miners and industries over fixation of price on ores. However, we will ensure that nobody suffers in the matter as it will hamper the economy and growth of the State,” Acharya said.
According to Steel and Mines Minister Rajanikant Singh, State Government would take appropriate steps on long term ore linkage to the ailing industries through the proposed policy.
“The ores will be made available in a fair and equitable manner through the State-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and other mining lessees. Besides, the committee will suggest modalities to make ores available on a sustained basis to such industries through long-term linkage arrangements,” he said.
The committee has been constituted to suggest measures for making iron ore, manganese, bauxite and chrome ore available to the minerals-based industries located in the State.