Union Mines Minister asks Odisha mining companies to increase output

New Delhi: Union Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday asked operating mining companies in Odisha to increase output within permissible ceilings to ensure supplies to steel companies.

Tomar met mining companies from Odisha to review the production of iron ore, subsequent to the closure of 6 mines in the state.

He also discussed the rising price of iron ore following the closure of the mines and Odisha government collecting over Rs 8000 crore from several mines as per the direction of Supreme Court for violation of environment norms.

Notably, the state government had slapped demand notice with a target of collecting Rs 17,576 crore as the penalty by the end of 2017 but could accrue only Rs 8,223 crore.

“Union Minister of Mines Narendra Singh Tomar today met mining companies from Odisha to review the production of iron ore, subsequent to the closure of six mines in Odisha,” the Ministry of Mines said a government statement.

The statement said it was noted that some miners still have a headroom to increase production within their permissible environment clearance and other limits.

“The minister requested the miners to follow the Supreme Court orders on mining and endeavour to increase their production to the maximum possible within their permissible ceilings,” the statement said.

Though the production in January is expected to be lower, the operating miners assured that they shall step up production so that steel industry remains fully supplied.