OMC to fast track mining operations

In an effort to streamile raw material supply to local industry, Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has been asked to fast track operations and produce 6.55 lakh ton of ore by end of March, 2016.
"This year we have a target to produce 6.55 MT ore. It will be gradually increased to 10 MT in the next financial year," Girish SN, the Managing Director of OMC told reporters after Chief Secretary AP Padhy reviewed the functioning and status of all the leased mines of OMC at the secretariat here.
Girish further said that in the current year the total mineral production has been 5.6 MT by mid-February.

Reviewing the development of different mines allotted to OMC, the Chief Secretary suggested the state-owned miner to focus on the mines with large reserves. He also directed OMC to take appropriate technical expertise and adequate safety measures for underground mining activities.
Plans are on to increase ore production at its key iron ore mines - Kurmita and Gandhamardan - in a mechanized format, the OMC official stated.
Sources said to boost production, OMC has decided to go for a new 1000 tonnes per hour (TPH) ore handling plant along with 3200 TPH mechanised wagon loading system, besides related railway infrastructure.

The OMC was allotted a total of 35 mines out of which 4 gemstone mines were found financially unviable. "It was decided in the meeting to surrender these mines to the Ministry," Girish said.
Five projects namely Daitari iron ore mine, Gandhamardan Block-B, Kurmitar Iron Ore mine, South Kaliapani Chromite Mines and Sukrangi Chromite Mines have already been put to production while the mines like Khandabandh, Bansapani, Koira, Kasira, Bhanjapali, Dubnasekradihi, Rantha and Mahaparbat have been put for conversion into the G2 level.