Public Hearing: Villagers Support JSW Steel’s Mine Expansion In Odisha’s Keonjhar

Barbil: Neighborhood villages of Nuagaon mines in Odisha’s Keonjhar district extended their support to JSW Steel during the public hearing on environment clearance for the capacity expansion of the iron ore mine.

JSW Steel proposed to have environment assessment for the Nuagaon mine for production of 20 MTPA iron ore with total excavation of 22.013 MTPA with screening, crushing 4500 TPH CPU and 30 MTPA grinding and beneficiation plant. Also, there will be 30 MTPA slurry transportation system in ML area of 776.96 hectare (as per DGPS)/767.284 hectare (as per ROR).

The people of Nuagaon, Barapada, Gandhalpada, Guali, Katashi, Parediposi, Kohlarudukela, Panduliposhi, Topadihi villages expressed their support for the company’s expansion project. Over 200 villagers participated in the public hearing where around 113 villagers spoke and majority of them supported the project.

They emphasised on livelihood promotion and CSR activities in the area. The state government received 60 written representations at the venue. JSW officials assured of addressing the concerns of the affected areas in the coming days.

Noted environmentalist Neeladri Mishra and SPCB regional officer Prasanta Kar emphasized on the future roadmap for environmental mitigation measures by the company.

The public hearing was organised by Keonjhar State Pollution Control Board and district administration. Keonjhar Additional District Magistrate Susama Bilung and SPCB regional officer conducted the event.