Khandadhar iron mines for Posco to be considered: Tomar

Maintaining that the Centre has adopted a constructive approach on the proposed Posco steel plant in Odisha, Union Steel and Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said the state's recommendation on the Khandadhar iron mines for the project will be considered with a positive mind.
"The issue of mining lease to Posco was discussed during my meeting with with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The state government has already recommended the case to the Centre," Tomar told reporters here.
While both notified and non-notified areas exist in the site recommended for Posco's proposed project, the Centre would actively and constructively consider the proposal of Odisha government on the issue, the Union Minister said.

Stating that progress and development should go hand in hand with environment and forest conservation, Tomar said the Narendra Modi government wants all-round development of the states irrespective of it being ruled by any political party.
The Union Minister said he had a fruitful discussion with the Chief Minister and during the meeting he (Tomar) raised the pending mining proposals of NALCO and SAIL.
Patnaik has assured that a quick decision would be taken on this matter, Tomar said.
The Union Minister said he also raised the issue of 26 closed mines which required renewal and the Chief Minister assured an early decision on the matter. While eight mines have already got renewal, the rest would be settled soon.