Stop Iron Ore Production At Thakurani, Odisha Govt Tells Sarada Mines

Bhubaneswar: Sarada Mines Pvt Ltd (SMPL) has exceeded the mining of iron ore permitted by environmental clearance (EC) norms at Thakurani mines in Keonjhar district and should immediately stop production there, according to a government order.

The order was issued by the Joint Director of Mines (Joda Circle) in a letter to SMPL.

The mines official mentioned that the company had crossed the pro-rata limit of iron ore production in April and May this year.

Sources said it is verified from i3MS (an IT-based integrated mines and minerals management system) that the company has already achieved production of 22,75,848 tonnes from April (15,03,794 tonnes) to May 20 (7,72,054 tonnes).

“You (SMPL) are supposed to make production of 14,62,365.462 tonnes of iron ore on pro-rata basis of the quantity stipulated in EC granted by the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) on September 22, 2004 during the remaining period of the lease from April 1, 2021 to August 13, 2021,” The New Indian Express quoted the letter as saying.

“You are, therefore requested to stop production of iron ore in the mines immediately,” the letter added.

Notably, SMPL has been entangled in legal issues with the government over violation of several provisions of MMDR Act-1957 in mining operation.,

The joint director had issued show cause notices to the company on October 6, 2020 and January 7 this year for excess production. In turn, SMPL sent its reply to the notices on January 25.

However, the government was not satisfied with the reply and served a demand notice of Rs 2,056 crore to SMPL for production of excess minerals. The company was directed to make the compensation through online payment.