The Eastern Zone Mining Association (EZMA) on Tuesday urged the Odisha Government to expedite the process of opening the State’s 18 merchant mines having all statutory clearances. According to the association, it urged the State Government to expedite the process of examining the mines and recommend to the Central Government to make the eligible mines operational.
EZMA secretary Prabodh Mohanty, who met Chief Secretary GC Pati here, said the mining Ordinance by the Centre has extended the operation of working non-captive mines to March 2020. The Government should, therefore, expedite the process of examining the closed mines and recommend resumption of eligible mines.
It may be noted that the Supreme Court in May 16 last year had asked the State Government to halt mining in 26 mines, which were waiting for second and subsequent renewals, saying that automatic renewal of mine leases after 20 years of first renewal was illegal. However, the Government opened eight mines of Tata Steel, SAIl and Odisha Mining Corporation following an express order while no decision has yet been taken on the remaining 18 mines.
The EZMA also urged the Government to seek leave of the Supreme Court to resume the closed 102 mines, once they obtain all statutory clearances. Mohanty said the Chief Secretary assured that the Government is examining these mines on a case-to-case basis, and once the rules of the Ordinance are framed, the Government would recommend accordingly. Sources, however, said the Government would seek a direction from the apex court on the 18 merchant mines.