Coronavirus lockdown may interrupt operations in 21 mines in Odisha

Although the govt extended the validity of all statutory permits by 2 years for smooth transition, the lockdown is bound to delay the resumption of these mines

The outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic has queered the pitch for seamless continuity in operations of 21 iron ore, manganese and chromite mines in Odisha. The state government had recently auctioned these blocks whose leases are expected to expire by March 31, 2020.

To facilitate a smooth transition in ownership of mines and their uninterrupted operations, the government, through an Ordinance, extended the validity of all statutory permits by two years. The state government too, showed alacrity in completing auction formalities well before the end of lease tenure of mines. But a nationwide lockdown to contain the spread of