Mining companies seek permission to resume mining in Odisha

The companies told the apex court they are losing out on business, adding thousands of workers are jobless. "We have necessary clearances to resume mining, environmental and forest clearances have been obtained," they told the apex court.

New Delhi, Jan. 18 :  Several companies including Essel Mining and Sarda Mines moved the Supreme Court on Wednesday seeking permission to resume mining in Odisha. The companies told the apex court they are losing out on business, adding thousands of workers are jobless.  “We have necessary clearances to resume mining, environmental and forest clearances have been obtained,” they told the apex court.

The Supreme Court will hear their plea on February 20.  Earlier in September 21 last year, the apex court issued notice to the Centre and Odisha Government demanding a detailed reply of the iron ore sharing contract between Sarda Mines and Jindal Steel and power Limited (JSPL) within two months.  A division bench of the apex court, headed by Justice Dipak Misra and also comprising Justice C. Nagappan, sought the reply from both the Centre and Odisha Government.