In view of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Ordinance, 2015, of the Centre, the Eastern Zone Mining Association (EZMA), a mine owners’ lobby, on Tuesday demanded that the state government resume operation of 18 mines.
The mines were closed following Supreme Court’s order on May 16, 2014.
The demand is contradictory to the state cabinet’s January 5 decision to auction mines.
“Since the ordinance extended the lease period of non-captive mines till March 31, 2020, and captive mines up to March 31, 2030, we urged the government to expedite the process of examining mines and recommend the Centre to allow the eligible mines to operate,” EZMA secretary Prabodh Mohanty told the media, after meeting chief secretary G C Pati here.
The body also urged the government to seek Supreme Court’s view to resume operation of 102 mines shut due to want of statutory clearances. “The chief secretary assured that the state government would examine the case of different mines,” said Mohanty.
The apex court had asked the state government to halt operation of the 26 mines, which were operating without statutory clearances. In June, 2014, the government allowed eight mines of Tata Steel, SAIL and Odisha Mining Corporation to operate through an express order, a provision in the MMDR Act.
Although the apex court had asked the state government to renew the lease of the mines by November 15, the state government sought additional three months.
Now when the Centre has come up with the ordinance, the state government is clueless about the fate of 18 mines. Sources in the steel and mines department said it would seek the view of advocate general and law department to move the apex court.
Meanwhile, the Odisha high court would also take a call on Wednesday, pertaining to state government’s decision to auction mines. On January 16, the high court after hearing petitions filed by some miners restrained the government from going ahead with its decision.
The state government is likely to file an affidavit in the high court on Wednesday, defending its decision to auction mines awaiting second and subsequent renewal.
