Odisha extends validity of 3 more mines

The leases held by RP Sao, Hargovind Pandya and Odisha Manganese & Minerals Ltd (OMM) have been extended

After passing orders for extending the lease validity of 26 mines, the state government has issued similar orders to extend validity of three more non-captive iron and manganese ore mines.

The leases held by RP Sao, Hargovind Pandya and Odisha Manganese & Minerals Ltd (OMM) have been extended.

"The inter departmental panel had considered the cases of 11 mines of which they had recommended extension for three mines. Accordingly, we have issued orders to extend the lease validity of these three mines. We have asked them to execute supplementary lease deeds within three months. The government has decided to cancel the remaining eight leases since they lack the necessary clearances and also had not applied for lease renewal on time", said steel & mines minister Prafulla Mallick. Last month, the state government issued necessary orders for extending lease validity of 26 mines, eight captive and the rest non-captive.

The restart of these key mines that includes 22 iron and manganese ore mines could add up to around 40 million tonne of iron ore output annually. The state government can also rake in around Rs 500 crore by executing supplementary lease deeds for these 26 mines.

Six iron and manganese ore mines of Tata Steel - Khandabandh, Manmora, Tiringa Pahad, Katamati, Joda West, Joda East and Bamebari are poised to restart operations. Leases of other miners- Aryan Mining & Trading Corporation Pvt Ltd, Bonai Industrial Company Ltd, Rungta Mines, Fee-grade & Company Ltd, OMM Ltd KJS Ahluwalia, Kaypee Enterprises, Kalinga Mining Corporation, KN Ram & Company, Vivek Lall and Bargarh Cements have also been extended.

The reopening of these mines is subject to certain conditions stipulated by the state government.

The government has allowed three months' time to the lessees to execute supplementary lease deeds.