Hind Copper seeks eco clearance for closed Jharkhand mine

Hindustan Copper is seeking environment clearance to reopen its another closed mine in Jharkhand, as part of its expansion plans to augment production capacity from the current 3.21 million tonne to 12.41 million tonne by 2016-17.

The company has also invited an expression of interest to appoint a consultancy firm for carrying out environmental studies for clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest.

"Sealed offers are invited...From consulting firms...For conducting environmental studies (Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan) for environment clearance required for renewal of Rakha Mining lease in district Shighbhum East, Jharkhand," HCL said on its website.

HCL wants clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) within a year "from the date of issue of work or Letter of Intent (LoI) which ever is earlier"

The tender which opened a few days back closes on May 17, it said.

The BSE-listed firm, while inviting tenders, has also said that the selected firm will have to defend the report before the MoEF and the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board (JSPCB) for obtaining green clearance for the mines.

Hindustan Copper is also in the process of appointing a consultant to facilitate environment clearance for reopening Kendadih mine in Jharkhand.

The state-owned firm plans to revive the mine which is spread across 1,140 hectares. Lease for the mines was granted to Hindustan Copper in June 1973.

However, mining operations were suspended in early 2000 due to extraordinary low London Metal Exchange (LME) prices prevailing at that time. Currently, the mine is waterlogged.

The company has prepared an expansion plan to expand its overall capacity from 3.21 million tonne to 12.41 million tonne at an estimated cost of Rs 3,677 crore by 2016-17.

Hindustan Coper plans to spend Rs 297 crore this fiscal through internal sources for part-funding the expansion of Khetri, Kolihan, Banwas and Singhbhum mines and reopening of the Rakha and Kenadadih mines.

Hindustan Copper would also invest Rs 347 crore to reopen the closed Rakha mine, as per official documents.