OMC targets to achieve 10 mt production in 2016-17

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) has planned to scale up its iron ore and chrome ore production to 10 million tonne (mt) in 2016-17 financial year to provide long-term Ore linkage to industries facing a raw material shortage in the state.

OMC, which has set a 6.5 mt Ore production this financial year, has almost achieved the target.

“We are about to achieve the 6.5 mt target set for this financial year. Besides, we have decided to scale up its iron ore and chrome ore production to 10 million tonne (mt) in 2016-17,” said OMC managing director Girish SN.

He said the legal hurdles including pending forest and environment clearances for mines would be expedited while the mines would be explored through mechanised way to meet the target.

Presently, OMC is excavating ores from four iron ore mines and two chrome ore mines. It has 31 mines in possession.

The state PSU has targeted to boost the annual ore production to 20 tonne by 2018-19.

Sources said OMC plans to engage more raising contractors for extraction of ore.

OMC sources said four iron ore mines, Daitari, Gandhamardhan, Kurmitar and Barpada Kasia and two chromite mines, including South Kaliapani and Sukrangi, are in the operational stage. The OMC has also received necessary clearances for Baliparbat iron ore mines.