Odisha govt should protect allocated coalblocks : Jindal

JSPL has requested Odisha government to protect coal blocks allocated to industries in the state and said its 6 mtpa steel mill at Angul is all set to be commissioned by January end next year.
"The state government should take steps that none of the coal blocks is deallocated," JSPL chairman Naveen Jindal told reporters after meeting Odisha Chief Secretary J K Mohapatra here last night.
Industries invest in Odisha as it is rich in mineral resources. Therefore, it is responsibility of the state government to facilitate industries so that it earns more revenue and secures employment for its youths, he said.

Asked about its steel mill, he said the progress of JSPL's Angul steel plant is on schedule and it will start production by the end of next month.
The plant's steel smelting shop and power plant have already been commissioned and the company is optimistic about beginning production in the next 30 days, he said.
To questions about the supply raw materials required for running the plant, Jindal said JSPL would have an agreement with the state-run Odisha Mining Corporation to procure iron ore.