SAIL begins process of developing Chiria mines

The government today said state-owned Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has started the process of developing Chiria reserves in Jharkhand and also appointed a global consultant to prepare detailed project execution report.

"Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has already initiated the process for development of seven million tonne per annum capacity mechanised mine with state-of-art technology," Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma today said in a reply to Lok Sabha.

"Hatch Associates of Australia, a consultant of global repute, has been appointed for preparation of Detailed Project Execution Report," the Minister added.

Approval of mining plan has been received, the Steel Minister said, adding that the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) had given forest clearance to SAIL for mining iron ore from Chiria mines last week with stipulated conditions.

MoEF's Expert Appraisal Committee has recommended environment clearance, Verma said.

"As per conditions stipulated in the stage-1 forest clearance, only mining and crushing up to secondary stage will be carried out at Chiria mine. Balance activities like processing plant. Will be carried out outside the forest area." he said.

"Construction and development activities would follow after grant of all the statutory clearance," Verma added.

Asserting that mineral rich Chiria reserves belongs to it, state-owned SAIL had last month said that it was hopeful of commencing mining iron ore from the mines by 2012-13.

"Our plans are ready to mine iron ore from Chiria reserves in Jharkhand. We hope to start production by 2012-13," SAIL Chairman C S Verma had said.