Nalco's bauxite mine renewal faces Naxal threat

The forest clearance for the Panchpatmali bauxite mines, with deposits of around 300 mn tonnes, will expire on Nov 16

Prospects for renewal of National Aluminium Company (Nalco)’s Panchpatmali bauxite mines in Naxal-dominated Koraput district in Odisha appear dim, with the mandatory public hearing not taking place due to non-participation of locals.

The forest clearance for the Panchpatmali bauxite mines, with deposits of around 300 million tonnes, will expire on November 16. Till date, Nalco has mined only one-third of the deposits to meet its requirement in the last 30 years. The public sector unit (PSU) is now trying to get a temporary work permit (TWP) to run the lease.

According to the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) norms, all projects involving diversion of forest land should obtain environmental clearance. Such projects should also need to hold a public hearing of the affected locals.

 

“People are under threat of the Naxalites. This explains why they are not turning up for the public hearing, despite a 45-day notice by the district collector. The non-participation of the public is only going to make things tough for us, as far as obtaining forest clearance is concerned. We feel our clearance may be delayed,” said a senior Nalco official. The TWP, too, is likely to be delayed due to the alleged illegal constructions of Nalco within the mine lease area, built after the Naxalite raid on the mines in April 2009.

“There is a case of alleged illegal constructions, which we feel should be regularised. We have also suggested that a penalty be imposed,” said a senior official of state forest & environment department.

According to the provisions of the Forest Conservation Act, TWP could be issued, if forest clearance had expired for a mining lease, he added. “We have forwarded Nalco’s plea for TWP to MoEF, but have not made any recommendation in favour of the company, as it is for the ministry to decide,” the official said.

The state’s steel & mines department said it was ready to allow Nalco’s mine to operate under deemed extension, provided the company obtained a TWP.