"Over burden removal operation has already started in November 2012, and bauxite extraction is expected by the end of this month," the official, who did not want to be named, told IANS.
The mine at Baphilimali hills in the district of Rayagada, nearly 400 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, has a bauxite reserve of about 200 million tonnes.
Although Utkal Alumina has permission to mine 8.5 million tonnes per annum, it has aimed to mine 4.5 million tonne per annum initially, he said.
