Crackdown on illegal mining in Orissa intensifies
January 21st, 2010 - 3:19 pm ICT by IANSBhubaneswar, Jan 21 (IANS) The Orissa government has ordered suspension of work at about 22 more mines in the past fortnight, taking the tally to 150 since last July, the state’s director of mines J.R. Patnaik said Thursday.
“The total number of mines served notice to suspend operations would be around 150 by today,” Patnaik told IANS.
Most mines ordered to suspend operations are located in the mineral-rich Keonjhar district, where over a dozen were served notice during the past one week.
“They do not possess various statutory requirements. That include mining licence and environmental clearances from the state pollution control board,” the mines director said.
“They will be allowed to resume mining only after they submit valid papers showing they are licensed.”
The state government started an investigation last July following allegations that several operators did not have licences.
Closed mines include iron ore, manganese, graphite, laterite, limestone and dolomite mines, Patnaik said.
Orissa is one of the largest mineral-bearing states in India, accounting for nearly 17 percent of the country’s mineral reserves.
- One more Orissa mine asked to suspend operation - Dec 10, 2009
- Orissa allows six iron ore mines to resume operations - Jan 24, 2011
- Orissa suspends work in 128 mines - Nov 18, 2009
- Orissa cracks down on illegal mining - Dec 19, 2009
- 151 mines remain closed in Orissa - Jul 17, 2010
- Orissa holds up permission to operate 23 mines - Jan 22, 2011
- Former Navy man held for smuggling ore - Mar 23, 2010
- Over 500 tonnes of manganese, iron ore seized - Feb 27, 2010
- Orissa seeks neighbours' help to check illegal mining - Apr 15, 2010
- 600 tonnes of iron ore seized in Orissa - Feb 03, 2010
- Orissa mine officials seize unclaimed manganese ore - Dec 29, 2009
- Crackdown on illegal mining in Orissa to continue - Nov 14, 2009
- Orissa takes steps to normalise movement of minerals - Apr 26, 2010
- Orissa suspends licences of 482 ore traders - Nov 11, 2009
- 800 tonnes of manganese, iron ore seized - Mar 08, 2010
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