Eight companies keen to start coal mining in Angul

The Orissa government has received proposals from eight companies keen to start coal mining in Angul district.

While the government has issued terms and conditions for mining operation in favour of four companies, the proposals of four others are under process, said steel and mines minister Raghunath Mohanty.

Replying to a query in the state assembly, the minister said, there are 13 working mines of different minerals in Angul district. Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL), Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd., Utkal Coal, Kalinga Mines Ltd have been issued terms and conditions for coal mining.

The same is under process in case of four other companies. They are National Aluminium Company Ltd (Nalco), Tata Sponge Iron Ltd, Bhushan Steel Ltd and Mandakini Coal Ltd.

He said, two companies, namely Jindal Steel and Power Ltd (JSPL) and Monnet Ispat and Energy Ltd, proposed to set up steel plants in Angul district.

JSPL has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Orissa government for establishment of 6 million tonne per annum (mtpa) steel plant. Similarly, Monnet Ispat has inked MoU for setting up a 0.25 mtpa steel plant.

Besides, a portion of Bhushan Steel’s project area is also coming under Angul district. However, the government hasn’t received any fresh proposal for setting up of steel plants in Angul district.

Responding to another query, the minister said, eight cases were registered against persons and companies involved in illegal mining of iron, manganese and chrome ore in the state between July 2009 and now. These cases are pending for investigation.

The state government has authorised the inquiring officers of and above the rank of Inspector of Police, vigilance department, to exercise their power to detect, seize and search, as it is applicable and prescribed under the relevant provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 and Orissa Mineral (Prevention of theft, smuggling and illegal mining, and Regulation of possession, storage, trading and transportation) Rules, 2007.