Kolkata, December 30, 2009: Coal India Ltd (CIL) has dropped Indonesia-based Jaguar Energy & Power Ltd from the list of companies, it intended to forge partnerships with to secure foreign coal blocks due to its alleged connection with Madhu Koda, the former Jharkhand chief minister charged with the Rs 4,000-crore scam. CIL officials told FE that Jaguar was one of the 12 companies shortlisted from 52 respondent companies following an expression of interest floated by CIL in September. “CIL is considering joining hands with foreign coal mining companies for owning coal equity overseas either through equity joint ventures or asset-specific partnership. According to the documents submitted, Jaguar has seven coal mines in Indonesia and produces above 1 million tonne a year. But later, CIL found the main signatory, Manoj Punamia, was among the persons involved in Koda’s scam and it immediately dropped the company from its list,” an official said. “In fact, all the mails sent to Manoj Punamia bounced back and then we contacted Jaguar’s local office in Mumbai. Meanwhile, in course of Koda’s scam investigation, names of Binod Sinha of Chaibasa, Sanjay Chaudhury of Jamshedpur and Manoj Punamia of Mumbai surfaced. We decided to bar the company from making presentations suspecting that Koda might have some investments in that company,” an official said. Punamia, who heads Mumbai-based Balaji Bullion, facilitated Koda to invest in various companies. However, Peabody, Massey Energy, Murray Energy, Foresight, Coal & Oil Kideco, PT Bumi, Nobel, Harvest Indo and Trishakti have already made presentations to CIL. But Rio Tinto and Xstrara have asked for more time before they could make their presentations. CIL wants to wrap up the process of roping in foreign partners by March. It had prepared a presentation model with the help of Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI), following which the companies made their presentations. “We want to put the selection process on the fast track and ensure transparency in it,” chairman Partha S Bhattacharyya said.

(Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/cil-delists-jaguar-energy-for-koda-links/561114/)

Bhubaneswar, December 30, 2009: A State tatetate-wide agitation will be launched by the Youth Congress against the government on the issues of multi-crore mining scam and suicide of farmers, said Pradip Majhi, president of Orissa Pradesh Youth Congress (OPYC) today. Majhi told mediapersons here that he will tour the State to educate people on how Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hoodwinked them all these years by talking about providing a transparent administration while large-scale corruption continued with the blessings of the powers-that-be. The OPYC president said he will soon place facts about the mining scam before the people to expose the State Government. Reiterating the demand for a CBI probe into the scam, Majhi said there have been irregularities of Rs 14,000 crore on this score. Illegal mining of such huge quantities would not have been possible without the blessings of powerful persons in government, he said adding that vigilance cannot inquire into the involvement of powerful ruling party politicians in the scam. Majhi steered clear of factionalism in the party saying that his primary task will be to strengthen the Youth Congress at the grass-roots level. The OPYC president said he will finalise the State and district-level committees of the youth organisation in the next two months. Criticising the State Government for its lack of concern for the farmers, Majhi alleged that no senior officials have visited the villages in which the farmers’ suicides took place. No officials visited the village in Umerkote block of Nabarangpur district where a farmer committed suicide, he said. General Secretary of All India Youth Congress Chayanika Unniyal and working president of OPYC Sangram Jena were also present.

Angul, December 30, 2009: Coal supply to Nalco captive power plant was hit on Tuesday following a fire mishap at the rapid loading system in linked Bharatapur coal mine at Talcher coalfield. The fire destroyed the conveyer of the rapid loading system of Nalco at the mine. “Instead of daily requirement of 15000 tonne, we got only three rakes of about 4000 tonne through merry-go-round system, said Nalco General Manager D.C.Sahu who is in charge of Executive Director of Smelter and Power plant. He said the stock arrived before the fire mishap. Two directors of MCL A.K.Tiwari and S.K.Singh have rushed to the spot at Bharatapur. MCL sources said that they are trying to send more coal through railways and merry-go-round to meet Nalco demand. They said the fire which broke out at about 6 a.m was could be extinguished at about 10 a.m by fire fighters. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Nalco which runs seven out of nine 120 MW units at its smelter plant here, has a coal stock of about 35000 tonne. It draws about 15000 daily from linked Bharatapur mine and through rakes from Talcher Coalfield to run the plant hand to mouth. The daily requirement for these seven units is about 14000 tonne.

Major achievements of Coal Ministry

New Delhi, December 29: The biggest achievement of 2009 for the Coal Ministry was the allocation of 16 coal blocks with an estimated coal reserve of 6928.32 million tonnes (MT). So far, 213 coal blocks with geological reserves of about 49.43 billion tonnes (BT) have been allocated to the government and private companies. Out of 213 blocks, six blocks have been de-allocated and mining lease in case of one block has been declared void. Till date, the production has commenced only in 25 allocated coal blocks and the production from these coal blocks for the year 2009-10 up to October this year was 19.972 MT. From April, 2009 to October, 2009, coal produced by Coal India Ltd (CIL) and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) was 248.903 MT. The lignite production during the period from April, 2009 to November, 2009 was 14.21 lakh tonnes (LT). The supply of raw coal to various sectors from CIL sources during XI Plan from January to December 7, 2009 was higher in the power sector at 281.848 MT as against 278.816 MT for the same period last year. The coal supply to the Steel sector was also higher at 5.080 MT and in the Cement sector it was placed at 7.545 MT. During the year the Ministry in consultation with the CIL prepared a ''Master Plan'' to tackle fire, subsidence, rehabilitation and diversion of surface infrastructure in Jharia and Raniganj Coalfields within the leasehold areas of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL). The scheme was approved by the Government in August, 2009 at an estimated investment of Rs 9657.61 crore. Earlier a sum of Rs 116.23 crore was sanctioned for various Environmental Measures and Subsidence Control (EMSC) Schemes. The Master Plan will be implemented over a period of 10 years in two phases comprising five years each. For BCCL two additional years has been kept as pre-implementation period in the Master Plan. The implementation of Master Plan will facilitate rehabilitation of 3,95,795 people in BCCL and 180263 people in ECL living in the most endangered areas. In order to expedite government clearance the proposal for constitution of an Empowered Committee of Secretaries with a mandate to consider and recommend proposals of CIL to invest abroad beyond its financial power of Rs 1000 crore has been approved by the government. During the year the government has granted Miniratna Status Category-II to Central Mine Planning and Design Institute Limited (CMPDIL), Ranchi a CPSU under Administrative Control of Ministry of Coal. This implies greater autonomy and enhanced financial power to the company. The government has approved the Tripartite Agreement between Government of India, Andhra Pradesh Government and Singareni Collieries Company Ltd for the XI Plan Period. Under this, inter alia, the powers of the company to approve capital investment in project has been increased from Rs 100 crore to 500 crore. Board for Industrial and Financial Reconstruction (BIFR) has approved the revival package of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).

Bhopal, December 29, 2009: The Madhya Pradesh High Court has stayed further “exploitation” of mining leases in forest areas by private companies in the Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh. The order, passed by a High Court bench comprising acting Chief Justice R. S. Garg and Justice Sanjay Yadav on a writ petition filed by a NGO, states that “the Central government shall not proceed with nor shall it process the recommendations…the private respondents who are beneficiaries under annexure P.2, shall not exploit the license/lease.” The petition challenged theconstitutionality ofthe Statemining department’s notification authorising the department to process applications and pass orders under Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 for grant of mineral concessions like mining leases, prospecting license for prospecting operations, etc , without prior mandatory compliance of Section 2 of Forest Conservation Act, 1957. Through such orders, the State government not only allotted the area to the company concerned without any clearance, but also by-passed the responsibility of seeking environmental clearance from the MoEF. In this context, the petitioner challenged the grant of mining leases over an approximate area of 2,300 acres in Balaghat district over a reserved forest area and a national park for mining manganese ore to over 12 private companies. Counsel for the petitioner S. R. Gupta contended that Section 2 of the Act required that the State government acquired prior clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forests before passing any orders relating to commencement of non-forest activity in a forest area. However, the State government had been granting ‘principle consent’to private companies for exploiting forest area through mining activities without any such clearances. The counsel also contended that under Section 2(iii) ofthe Act , the State government was bound to seek prior statutory clearances from the Central Government (MoEF)before leasing out any forest area to private companies. The High Court order could affect mining leases granted for an approximate area of 48,000 hectares in forests across the State.

Beijing, December 29, 2009: Seventeen coal miners have been killed and six others trapped in two gas explosions in China, state media said on Monday, in the latest accidents to strike the country's dangerous mining sector. A dozen workers were killed in a blast late on Sunday at the Donggou coal mine in the city of Jiexiu in northern Shanxi province, China's coal-producing heartland, Xinhua news agency quoted local authorities as saying. The accident happened after the workers "violated a safety rule" by demolishing a wall between the shaft and a disused area of the mine.

(Source:http://epaper.asianage.com/ASIAN/AAGE/2009/12/29/ArticleHtmls/29_12_2009_008_004.shtml?Mode=1)

December 28, 2009:UNI reported that All India Trade Union Congress leaders alleged that mining mafias have become very active in Keonjhar ever since the mining scam surfaced in the state and indulged in smuggling in connivance with police and forest officials. As per report, AITUC affiliated Keonjhar Mines and Forest Workers Union alleged that ever since the mines were closed for violation of forest and environment laws and irregularities, the closed mines have become the a safe heaven for the mine mafias. Mr Pravat Mishra working president of KMFWU and Mr Mahesh Rout vice president said that everyday over 500 trucks were being used by the mafias to illegally transport iron ore and manganese from the closed mines to the Badjamada railway sliding in Jharkhand where the mine owners would issue challan minerals theft. They alleged that the Mr Naveen Patnaik government had deliberately delayed for years in recommending the forest and environment clearance in the renewal of the mining lease of the public sector Orissa Mining Corporation to help the private business house take advantage of the situation. As a result at least 6 mines of the OMC have closed down throwing nearly 5,000 labourers out of job. They further said that the state government had closed down another ten mines in the wake of multi crore mining scam in which about 10,000 labourers lost their jobs. The AITUC leaders said that the state had hatched a conspiracy to close down the mines in the name of irregularities instead of regularising them in a bid to help the private business houses to retrench the work force and go for mechanisation. The KMFWU demanded that a special squad with more force be set up to prevent the large scale theft of the iron ore mines by the mafias across the Orissa Jharkhand border and urged the government to refrain from closing down the mines stating that such action would not affect the mine owners but the thousands of labourers whose livelihood solely depended upon the mining activities. Mr Mishra said that the KMFWU had decided to demonstrate before the Keonjhar district collector's office on January 7th 2010 and January 8th 2010 and gheraoed the Steel Minister's residence in Bhubaneswar if the government failed to take stringent action against the people involved in the mining scam and theft of the minerals, smuggling out of iron ores from the state and initiate steps to stop retrench of labourers. He said nearly 10,000 workers have become jobless while another 10,000 would be out of job following the closure of the mines upsetting the economy in Keonjhar. It would also force the people to take law into their hands and allow the Maoists to take advantage of the situation.

(Source:http://steelguru.com/news/index/MTI2Nzc1/Indian_iron_ore_mining_mess_-_AITUC_alleges_nexus_in_Keonjhar.html)

New Delhi, December 26, 2009: Seeking urgent intervention of the Centre for clearance of power and mining projects in Chhattisgarh, Chief Minister Raman Singh on Saturday requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to take up the matter with the Environment Ministry. The BJP leader met the Prime Minister here and also handed over a letter to him. The Coal Ministry in the last four years allotted 14 coal blocks in Hasdeo Aranya area as captive mines for developing power projects, which will enable the state to generate 14,000 MW of power by December 2012. Diversion of 14,000 hectares of forest land will be required for the projects. Ministry for Environment, however, has rejected forest clearance proposals for six such projects as it has reservations about felling of large number of trees for the purpose, the Chief Minister said in the letter. He informed Singh about his meeting with Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh during which he suggested adopting the strategy of opening up of the coal blocks in a phased manner over a period of 30 years without affecting the environment. Chhattisgarh has "an excellent record in environment management," particularly compensatory afforestation, Raman Singh said adding, both Union coal and power ministries share his concern as opening up of these coal blocks would be vital for achievement of Centre's own target of power generation. The Prime Minister is understood to have assured Raman Singh that he would take up the matter with the environment, coal and power ministries within a couple of weeks, and find out a way to sort out the issue.

New Delhi, December 25, 2009: Steel companies such as Ispat Industries, Essar and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam (RINL), may get access to captive iron ore mines for their steel making needs as government plans to give preferential raw material linkage to all existing steel making facilities that do not have captive source of their own. The new system will also benefit companies like SAIL, Tata Steel, JSW Steel, Jindal Steel as they will be given preference in allocation of mining leases in the event of their captive ore resources exhaust or are likely to be exhausted in near future. The changes have been included in the draft Mines and Mineral (development and regulation) Bill, 2009 that is being finalised by the mines ministry for introduction in Parliament, a government official involved in drafting the Bill said. The new legislation promises to accelerate investment and growth of Indian mineral sector. Previously, the government had decided to provide preferential ore allocation only to steel companies in operation as on July 2006. As per the changes introduced in the draft Bill, iron ore, bauxite and limestone linkage would now be provided to companies having production capacity at the time of commencement of the Act and captive ore resources which are likely to be exhausted in the near future. This would mean that steel capacity addition by companies such as JSW Steel, SAIL, Tata Steel, Bhusan Steel, Visa Steel would also qualify for preferential raw material linkage. As per National Steel Policy an investment of Rs 2,30,000 crore in envisaged to take up country’s steel production up from over 40 mt to 110 mt. This is in sharp contrast to projections of the mining sector where an investment of Rs 20,000 crore is targeted. The steel policy has made further projected that (based on the steel projects proposed by various investors) crude steel production in India is likely to reach 124 million tonnes by 2011-12 and to 295 million tonnes by 2019-20.

Steel min wants powers to grant ore lease
Secretary Says Move To Help Fast-Track POSCO, ArcelorMittal & Other Projects
New Delhi, December 24, 2009:THE steel ministry has sought powers to grant iron ore mining lease to companies in a bid to fast-track steel projects, including those of steel giants POSCO and Arcelor Mittal, stuck for want of assured long-term raw material supplies, and attract foreign investment. Steel secretary Atul Chaturvedi has written to cabinet secretary K M Chandrasekhar, urging the government to immediately amend laws to enable the steel ministry to allocate mineral concessions for iron ore, chrome ore and manganese ore, primarily used by the steel sector. Under the existing legislation and business rules, grant of mineral concession for all minerals, including iron, manganese and chrome ores, rests with the ministry of mines. “The (Steel) ministry...is in the best position to assess the requirement of the domestic steel industry (and) take a strategic view (regarding) allocation of mineral concession(s),” the secretary stated in his letter stressing on the immediate need to change the allocation policy for these three critical minerals. The stakes are high for the steel ministry, which has been entrusted with the task of boosting steel consumption from a per capita average of about 45 kg to global average of over 150 kg. This requires that domestic steelmaking capacity keeps pace with demand. As per the projections of the steel ministry, based on the steel projects proposed by various investors, crude steel production in India is likely to reach 124 million tonnes by 2011-12 and to 295 million tonnes by 2019-20. Various state governments have signed 222 MoUs for setting up steel projects of over 275-million-tonne capacity. This huge investment, steel ministry has said, would fructify only on solid foundation of raw material security. The steel secretary’s letter follows an earlier communication by steel minister Vir Bhadra Singh with his counterpart in the mines ministry over the issue. In his letter also, Mr Singh, had stressed the importance of prior approval of central government in granting mineral concessions and the need for giving this power to the steel ministry in case of iron, manganese and chrome ores. The mines ministry is planning to introduce a new Bill, Mines and Mineral (Development and Regulation) Bill 2009 to replace and existing Act with the same name to attract investment in the mining sector. The steel ministry is pushing for control over raw material required by the sector before changes are approved in the legislation. Iron ore is a critical raw material for steelmaking. About 1.6 tonne of iron ore is required for producing a tonne of steel. The country right now is self sufficient in iron ore and is in fact an exporter. However, with several projects in the pipeline, the steel ministry feels a need to protect the raw material for use by the domestic industry and use it as an strategic tool to attract overseas investments.

New Delhi, December 24, 2009: The steel ministry has sought an amendment in the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 to bring iron ore, manganese ore and chrome ore under its purview. Currently, the powers are exercised by the mines ministry. In a letter to Cabinet secretary KM Chandrasekhar, steel secretary Atul Chaturvedi has made out a case for the same arguing that the move would be in the interests of the steel industry which requires these minerals for its growth. “I would request you to make necessary amendments in the government of India (allocation of business) rules, 1961 to make provision for exercise of the powers to the central government by ministry of steel under the provisions of MMDR Act, in respect of iron ore, manganese ore and chrome ore.” Chaturvedi has written to the Cabinet secretary. The rationale is simple. Since the concerned minerals are used by the steel industry, as the administrative ministry, the steel ministry is responsible for facilitating its growth. The ministry has better knowledge and understanding of the future expansion plans of the domestic steel industry and is in the best position to assess its requirement and take strategic decisions. As per the projections, crude steel capacity of the country is likely to reach 124 million tonne by 2011-12 and 295 MT by 2019-20. However, such a huge investment can fructify only if the long-term raw material security is guaranteed. As per the current norms of the government, legislation as well as regulation of mines and development of minerals within the territory of India is allocated to the mines ministry, while development and facilitation of iron and steel production facilities and development of iron ore mines in the public sector and other ore mines (manganese ore, chrome ore, limestone and other minerals used in the iron and steel industry but excluding mining lease or related matters) is within the purview of the steel ministry. The demand of the steel ministry assumes significance since state governments need prior approval from the central government for allocation of mineral concessions in respect of iron ore, manganese ore and chrome ore. Currently the mines ministry exercises these powers on behalf of the Central government while the steel ministry has no say. “Government has constituted an inter-ministerial group (IMG) under the chairmanship of steel secretary to monitor and coordinate the issues concerning major steel investments in the country related to infrastructure, raw material supply, environment clearance and...

Chennai, December 24, 2009: The Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam has filed a petition in the Madras High Court seeking to declare the lease granted to four persons to do quarrying in the temple town of Thiruneermalai, near here, as illegal. In his petition, K.Balakrishnan, the association general secretary, sought a consequent direction to the authorities not to permit the continued quarrying in the area. The petitioner said that the quarrying operations caused pollution to environment, water and air and affected agricultural activities. Quarrying caused respiratory problems in the local people. The lease conditions were also being violated. Since powerful explosives were used to break the stones, buildings, including the ancient temple in the town, had developed cracks.

Bellary, December 24, 2009: A team of officials from Indian Bureau of Mines, Bangalore, headed by M.S. Waghmore, Deputy Controller of Mines, on Wednesday found that mining activities were being carried out illegally in an area, in Ramgadh of Sandur taluk, that was yet to get mining lease. Based on a complaint by Darur Pullaiah, former Anantapur MP, that the area, for which his son had applied for the grant of mining leases in Ramgadh area, was being mined illegally by some unauthorised persons, the Union Ministry of Mines, had directed the IBM to conduct an inspection and submit a report. A senior official of the IBM told The Hindu that the team had found that the allegations were true and a report was being sent to the Union Ministry of Mines for further action. The 10-member team went round the area and found that mining activities were being undertaken.

The Regional Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Bangalore, has issued orders to four mining companies in Bellary district, which were found to have violated the Mineral Conservation and Development (MCD) Rules, to suspend mining activities. The action of the IBM comes in the wake of the report submitted by the Task Force of the IBM, headed by A.B. Panigrahi, Regional Controller of Mines (IBM), Goa, after inspecting 26 mines in Bellary district from December 7 to 12. The orders, official sources told The Hindu, had been served on Hothur Traders, Mehaboob Transport Company (MBT), in Sandur taluk; Rajapur iron ore mines and RBSSN mining company in Hospet taluk on Tuesday/Wednesday. A detailed verification of the mining plans and other documents went on to show that the mining activities were not being carried out in accordance with the approved mining plan.

New Delhi, December 24, 2009: India will give so-called supercritical power projects a higher priority in getting scarce coal supplies, putting smaller utilities at a disadvantage, as the government seeks to meet burgeoning demand in the world's fastest growing economy after China.Loading video..."We do not want small players," Union power secretary H.S. Brahma told Mint. "We are only looking at large players who have plans to set up large capacities as it will help in increasing the power generation capacity of the country." The coal linkage policy for the proposed 12th Plan period (2012-17) will give supercritical projects, which generate 660MW and more, a 20% weightage. The higher capacity helps generate increased plant efficiencies and economies of scale, besides being environment-friendly. The preference is aimed at helping the country launch a supercritical power programme along the lines of similar efforts in the US, Japan, Germany, South Korea and Russia. The policy will also help the large power projects of companies such as Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Power Ltd, Tata Power Co. Ltd, Adani Power Ltd, CLP Power India Pvt. Ltd, Lanco Infratech Ltd, Indiabulls Power Ltd and Jindal Power Ltd.The Central Electricity Authority (CEA), India's apex power sector planning body, endorsed the ministry's view."Of around 74,000MW coal-based capacity proposed during the 12th Plan, close to 60% of projects plan to use supercritical technology," said a senior official who didn't want to be identified as he's not authorized to speak to the media. "The balance (around 30,000MW), which plan to use subcritical technology, will get affected as there is a very limited possibility of them getting coal linkages."India has a power generation capacity of 152,360MW, of which 52.8%, or 80,395.88MW, is coal based. The country plans to add a total of 100,000MW capacity during the 12th Plan.The preference for coal linkages will be assigned according to a points system, with a maximum of 100. Projects using supercritical technology will get 20 points. Of the remaining 80 points, as much as 50 will be based on the status of land acquisition, 20 for projects located at pit heads and the balance for generation plants using sea water instead of fresh water.India doesn't have sufficient coal reserves to meet the galloping demand for power. To generate 1MW of power, around 5,000 tonnes of coal per annum is required. The country has 256 billion tonnes of coal reserves, of which around 455 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) is mined. Domestic coal demand is expected to touch around 2 billion tonnes a year by 2031-32, about five times the current rate of extraction, with the maximum demand coming from the power sector."There is hardly any coal available," Brahma said. "This weightage will help in establishing supercritical technology in the country."An energy sector expert called for market-oriented solutions."Coal produced as well as reserves in the blocks are being rationed and they result in such inconsistencies. This dichotomy is stark as India also boasts of a large resource base," said Dipesh Dipu, principal consultant (mining) with audit and consulting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. "A market-oriented approach that checks excessive pricing and rent-seeking behaviour may provide a good framework for coal mining in India."Some large developers welcomed the move by the government as part of efforts to curb environmental damage. "We in CLP look at the sub versus supercritical debate purely from the point of view of the threat of climate change from CO2 emissions rather than a large versus small developer angle," said Rajiv Mishra, managing director of CLP Power. "We will not build subcritical coal-fired power plants, and believe no one else should. We should move towards supercritical and, in due course, ultra-supercritical (USC) technology, to reduce the carbon intensity of generation."Questions emailed to Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Tata Power, Lanco Infratech, Indiabulls Power and Jindal Power had not been answered at the time of filing this story. An Adani Power spokesperson did not respond to phone calls or to a message left on his cellphone.CLP's Mishra said the effect on power producers not in the supercritical category would be minimal."I think there are an extremely small number of 250-300MW coal-fired projects being built in any case, and the difference in the capital cost between 500MW subcritical and 660MW supercritical units is not that much," the CLP managing director said.

Jaipur, December 24, 2009: With three asbestosis deaths in the last six months in the Udaipur district alone, mine workers from Rajasthan, representatives of unions and activists from across the country poured their hearts out at a workshop organised by Occupational and Environmental Health Network of India (OEHNI) in New Delhi on Tuesday. While they brought the asbestosis cases in Rajasthan to the fore, the presentation of case studies by Dr Qamar Rehman, well-known toxicologist and emeritus scientist of Indian Institute of Toxicological Research, jolted everyone when he revealed that women working in the asbestos sector in Rajasthan have contracted the disease in just less than five years of exposure. Normally, the disease has a long window period and requires long time exposure to the mineral before being contracted. In the last six months, three former asbestos mine workers Jhalama Mana, Padma and Lal Singh from the Netaji Ka Bara and Upreta villages in the Jhadole district of Udaipur have died of the disease. The trio were part of 124 others who were checked by the National Institute of Occupation Health. However, the reports of the tests are still awaited. "These are just samples from the workers who were working in asbestosis mines in this region. We are sure that there will be many more in reality," says Rana Sengupta, managing trustee of the Mine Labour People's Campaign that operated from Jodhpur. The organisation's efforts in getting the other workers tested so as to know the status of the disease has come to a naught with little interest shown by the district administration. Madhumita Dutta of OEHNI said, "Victims of asbestos diseases from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat narrated in the workshop their story of horrendous working conditions, concealing of the hazards of working with asbestos, delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis and absence of legal remedy for their incurable diseases." "The workshop aimed at gathering facts on asbestosis in the country and present them to the Central government which has been denying that there are cases of asbestosis in the country. Experts from Japan, US and Korea also took part in it," she added. During the workshop, Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, presented 127 cases of mesothelioma and lung cancer which the hospital has diagnosed and treated from 1985 to 2008. The hospital receives 5-6 cases of asbestos diseases every year and 1% of all lung cancer cases are mesothelioma, an incurable asbestos disease. "Notably, only 3 in 36 of the cases had a history of exposure from asbestos industry which implied that there is prevalence of secondary exposure to consumers as well. The workshop also exposed the double-standards adopted by some organisations that are involved in occupation health monitoring or ensuring that such case are compensated suitably. They have either been suppressing data or are not presenting the correct picture," Dutta said. According to Sengupta, the workshop has brought forward some incredible information that would help in the fight against mining of asbestos in the state. The organisation will now be give a formal representation to the National Human Rights Committee which has promised to take up the case. "At a time when states like Kerala are taking steps to stop the use of asbestos sheets in railways, Rajasthan is trying to get the ban on mining of asbestos lifted. There are studies that show that it is not only asbestos mine workers but also people using asbestos who are liable to diseases," he said. The Rajasthan government's plea for renewing mining of asbestos in the state stems from a study by the Indian Bureau of Mines that recommends for the lifting of the ban on mining of chrysotile asbestos.

Guwahati, December 23, 2009: Thousands of villagers living near a power plant on the Kopili river in northeastern India are drinking and washing in water with dangerously high acidity levels, environmentalists and activists say. Officials from the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO), the government-owned hydro-electric project that stands on the banks of the Kopili in Assam state recently ran acidity tests on the water, which also feeds into a reservoir. They found pH levels as low as 4, a level experts say is alarming. "When pH comes below 7 it is considered acidic ... It is a matter of concern", said Om Prakash Singh, a professor in the environmental department of the North East Hills University in Meghalaya, a neighbouring state. Activists say acid effluent from unregulated coal mining in Meghalaya is polluting the water. NEEPCO officials also said the acidic reservoir water had been seriously affecting the performance of the 275 Megawatt power plant, located at Umrangshu town in Assam, due to severe corrosion of the underwater parts of the generating units. "We're worried about the present crisis of the Kopili plant because of the acidic nature of the reservoir water," NEEPCO Chairman and Managing Director Ishwar Prasad Baruah told reporters after seeing the test results. Despite the findings, little is being done about the thousands of villagers who use the water from the Kopili river for household chores and for drinking and whose health is at risk, environmentalists say. "The pH level is alarming. Since the pH level has been detected to be lower than 4.5 in some areas the presence of heavy metals is definite. If water containing heavy metals is consumed it could do a lot of damage to the human body," said Krishna Bhattacharya, a professor of chemistry at the Guwahati University in Assam. State officials said they had no plans to take action, but they would if there was a crisis. "We are aware that NEEPCO had tested the water of the Kopili river and found it to be acidic but there has been no study done by the government, and also we have not received any complaint from anyone," said S.N. Singh, a deputy commissioner of Umrangshu town. Government doctors in Umransghu said they were not aware of the problem. "We have not come across any medical case which could have been a result of the consumption of acidic water," said Dr. Subodh Sarmah, a doctor posted at the government medical centre at Umrangshu.

More than 50 villages are dependent on the reservoir and downstream there are hundreds of villages which are dependent on water from the Kopili. District officials said none of the villagers had complained about the acidic water but activists feel their silence is due to ignorance. "Though the issue is alarming, very few of the villagers are aware of the consequences of consuming acidic water and how it could affect them," said Pankaj Gogoi, a researcher with Destination North East, a health-focused non-governmental organisation. Lakpa Lama, a social worker and activist based at Umrangshu, said people's health was clearly being affected. "Cases of several disorders of the stomach are in abundance in Umrangshu, it seems to be an outcome of the consumption of the acidic water", she said. Experts, however, say more information is needed to assess the situation properly. "Consumption of acidic water can have a severe impact on the human body, starting from the mouth. There is a strong probability of the stomach being affected and ulcers being formed, but without a detailed study it is not possible to reach any concrete conclusion," said Pronobika Mahanta, a doctor working with the Assam government.

Experts say tests have shown that the coal mines of Meghalaya, near the North Cachar Hills District of Assam, are the likely cause of the pollution. The Centre for Environmental Science of the North East Hills University in Meghalaya has found water surrounding the mines to be highly contaminated. "The acidic water in the Kopili river is only one example, if a proper study is done more could be detected," said Brian Daly, an activist with Meghalaya Adventure Association, which is battling for a mining policy to be implemented in the state. Regulating mining in Meghalaya is complicated. Meghalaya is the only state in India where coal mining is done privately by mine owners and the government has marked the coal mines of Meghalaya as small-scale mines. Under the Indian constitution, the state government has no direct control over mineral resources, which are owned by the tribes who own the land, according to Pankaj Pratim Dutta, an advocate at the Guwahati High Court, Assam. There have been several attempts to implement a mining policy but all have failed. In November 2009, the Meghalaya government tried to implement a mining policy to regulate coal mining but it was opposed by small-scale coal miners who argued it would rob them of their livelihood.

Bangalore, December 23, 2009: Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that the government had taken action on the Lokayukta report on mining and seized several tonnes of illegally stored iron ore in Bellary district. Replying to A. Manju of the Congress during Question Hour, Mr. Yeddyurappa said the Lokayukta report had identified illegal mining in several places and the government had served notices on several mining contractors and cancelled 51 mining licences. Authorities had seized illegally stored iron ore from 61 stock yards, he said. After the Bharatiya Janata Party came to power last year, the government had not sanctioned any mining licences, he said. Out of the total of 177 mining contracts in the State, 103 were active and 74 were defunct. Mr. Yeddyurappa said 20 licences had been sanctioned during the last three years. A few miners had filed writ petitions before the Karnataka High Court and obtained permission to resume mining in 23 cases. Several applications had been received seeking permission to open value addition industries in the mining areas of Bellary, Tumkur, Chitradruga, Shimoga, Chikmagalur, Bijapur, Mandya, Dharwad, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada and Hassan districts.

“The government will constitute a Sri Male Mahadeshwara Temple Development Authority for all-round development of the temple located in Chamarajanagar district,” he said.

Chikkaballapur, December 22, 2009: Members of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene staged a protest on Monday demanding the curbing of illegal sand mining and nationalisation of mining.

The protesters took out a rally from the tourists bungalow to the Deputy Commissioner’s office on the outskirts of the city and staged a protest in front of the DC office. They also demanded the removal of ministers Janardhan Reddy, Karunakar Reddy and Sriramulu from the Cabinet alleging that they were involved in illegal mining. “The assets of the brothers should be confiscated and they should be arrested,” protesters said. The protesters urged the government to make the Lokayukta report on illegal mining public and also demanded the government to grant more powers to the agency.
Other demands
The farmers demanded the government to follow the example of Kerala, Orissa and Uttranchal and completely ban the sale of BT brinjal and cotton varieties. Protesting against irregular power supply, the protesters demanded for regular power supply in rural areas, as in urban areas. They also demanded the waiver of farmers’ debts and compensation for farmers affected by floods. District level office-bearers of the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene participated in the protest.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/42615/farmers-protest-illegal-mining.html)

(Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/new-mining-law-to-empower-whistleblowers/557395/0)

Opposition forces Assembly adjournment over mining ban
Dehradun, December 22, 2009: Allegations and counter-allegations rocked the smooth functioning of Uttarakhand Assembly on Monday. On many occasion Opposition MLAs even argued with the Speaker. MLA Tilak Raj Behad argued with the Speaker over allowing Minister to answer various subsidiary questions. On a question relating to ban on mining in the State and people buying construction materials in double or triple rate, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Prakash Pant said that the State Government is making best effort to fight this litigation in the Supreme Court and where the Government is expecting to get permission from the apex court in this regard soon. After the implementation of Forest Conservation Act, 1980, the State has to take no objection certificate (NOC) from Forest Department before mining. Replying to the third question about how many youth, especially Rajya Aandolankari, have been employed, Pant replied that several youth are running floor mills, spice mills and jam jelly business. This statement made MLA impatient then UKD MLA Omgopal said that was Rajya Aandolankari fought for separate State to get floor mill and spice mill? And he further asked Minister to explain the definition of industry and self employment? Congress MLA Preetam Singh raised strong objection on Government answer and pointed that the State has provided two answers against a single question so which one to be believed? Pant said that this is proposal and around 4000 youths will get employment there. Seeing indifferent attitude of the opposition member speaker adjourned the house at 12 am and later extended twice for 10 minutes each. In a bid to attract the attention of the house, Congress MLA Mahendra Singh Mahra said that pigeons have made their habitat at his house in MLAs hostel and made their life miserable. He further said that coincidentally the flat was earlier occupied by Parliament Secretary Prakash Pant. Now he has moved to a bungalow and left the birds, thereby making their life difficult. Mahra said he has been staying in the MLA's hostel for last two and a half years and apprised the State officials on several occasion but they said they have no budget for this. He sought Speaker Harbans Kapur help to give directions to the Government in this regard; Mahra said most of the MLAs are facing the problem of pigeons' invasion. It was supported by UKD MLA Omgopal in low voice. Another issue raised by congress MLA Rajesh Juwantha that Purola Block Development Council (BDC) meeting is suppose to happen on Tuesday while there is a law that no meeting would happen if session is on. Then Pant said that State would issue a notice to cancel such meeting till house is in progress.

(Source:http://www.dailypioneer.com/224310/Opposition-forces-Assembly-adjournment-over-mining-ban.html)

Shillong, December 21, 2009: Hopes were rekindled in mid 2009 that the proposed uranium mining project in Meghalaya will finally see the light of the day but these were dashed towards the end of the year by renewed protests prompting the government to put it in on the back burner. Within three months of clinching power after the collapse of the NCP-led coalition of regional parties, the Congress-led government headed by Chief Minister D D Lapang sought to break the deadlock over the uranium mining project that has been hanging fire over two decades now. The Lapang cabinet on August 24 decided to lease 422 hectares of land to the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) for 30 years in the uranium-rich West Khasi Hills district for "pre-project" developmental works. The UCIL agreed to earmark Rs 209 crore to carry out pre-project development programmes, including healthcare facilities, power, drinking water, educational institutions and roads. No sooner did the government took that decision that anti-mining groups led by the influential Khasi Students Union (KSU), vented their protests citing 'environmental and health hazards' arising out of the mining project. The anti-mining groups demanded repeal of the cabinet decision, but Lapang was adamant and on a number of occasions indicated that there was pressure from New Delhi which wanted to see that the project began at the earliest.

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/govt-sees-national-security-threat-in-illegal-mining/380228/)

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/42037/illegal-mining-hc-notice-state.html)

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/42069/state-govts-plea-rejected.html)

(Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/SC-stalls-mining-operations-of-Bellary-Reddys-in-AP/555572/)

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/41697/take-action-lokayukta-mining-report.html)

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/41695/sand-mining-govt-moves-hc.html)

Kolkata, December 16, 2009: Anil Agarwal's Vedanta Aluminium (VAL) fears fresh trouble at its proposed bauxite mining site in Orissa. In a letter to the police superintendents of Rayagada and Kalahandi last week, Vedanta's COO-Lanjigarh, Mukesh Kumar said: "We are seeing increased movement of foreigners from various countries in the area. We also came to know that several confrontations have taken place in various villages between tribals and foreigners and we apprehend that this may lead to some serious law and order situations if their movement isn't controlled immediately." The letter also says that the movement of foreigners appears to have been triggered by a recent statement by Orissa steel and mines minister saying 'not a single tribal family had been displaced due to mining and 'Dongria tribes do not live at the proposed mining site'. Earlier the union environment minister had said a central team would visit the site to probe alleged violation of legal provisions and had sought a report from state government on this. When contacted, Mr Mukesh Kumar told ET: "These foreigners are linked to NGOs and they have been trying to talk to villagers and tribals spreading misinformation about the project." When contacted, Kalahandi's superintendent of police, Harmohan Das said: "The company officials have written to us saying they fear trouble due to movement of some foreigners. We have since visited the mining site at Niyamgiri. We found some foreigners had visited the site from Muniguda area about 7 to 8 days back. The situation is under control." Vedanta's proposed bauxite mining operation is critically linked to VAL's Rs 11,000-crore aluminium project in the state. While it has already commissioned its alumina refinery at Lanjingarh, the company has been unable to start work at Niyamgiri, the chosen site of its captive bauxite mining operations.

The Vedanta Group has asked the Orissa government to restrict the entry of foreign non-government organisations (NGOs) in the area where it proposes to mine bauxite, as part of its $8-billion project in the state, saying they were instigating locals. “These NGOs comprising Survival International and Action Aid are instigating locals to go to the hill top, where we have proposed to mine bauxite, and set up houses. The Orissa government has already said there is no tribal population in our proposed mining site. Such efforts by these NGOs are aimed at harming the project and investments in the state; their movement has to be regulated,” Vedanta Aluminium Ltd COO Mukesh Kumar told PTI. Vedanta Aluminium, a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources, has already written to the state’s Home Ministry seeking restrictions on movement of such foreign nationals, besides investigation into their source of funding, he said. Survival International’s spokesperson said, “Survival International does not oppose industrial development. But where, as in this case, industrial projects take place on the land of indigenous people, they have a right to be consulted at the very least. Vedanta has not bothered to do this.” The NGO said, the metal company has “launched an unprecedented attack on Survival International, apparently to drive its researchers out of an area where the company is planning to mine.” Kumar added, “They (foreign NGOs) are enemy of industrial development in the state. If such NGOs and foreign nationals have come on tourist visas, why are they camping in jungles of Kalahandi, Rayagada.If they do not abide by rules, they should be sent back,” he added. Kumar said the influx of foreigners has gained momentum after Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh instituted a probe into the allegations of illegal bauxite mining by the firm in joint venture with Orissa Mining Corporation at Niyamgiri. Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Raghunath Mohanty had said that “not a single family of Dangaria Kandha tribe lived at the proposed mining area, located between Rayagada and Kalahandi districts” and there would be no displacement.

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/vedanta-seeks-orissa%5Cshelp-to-restrict-movementinternational-ngos/379692/)

December 15, 2009 : Arcelor Mittal India Limited has been granted mining rights for iron ore and manganese ore over an area of 500 acres in Meghahatubura-Karmapada reserve forest, West Singhbhum, Jharkhand, minister of mines and minister of development of north-eastern region BK Handique informed the Rajya Sabha. The state government has directed the company to submit statutory forest clearance and environment clearance in order to execute the lease deal, he said in a written reply in the House. Arcelor Mittal India, however, has deposited Rs12.39 crore with the state government against transfer of government land measuring 1,025.31 acres in addition to other investments in coal projects etc, he pointed out. The mining lease is in accordance with the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 and the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, the minister said.

(Source:http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_a/Arcelor_Mittal/20091215_arcelormittal.html)

Dhanbad, December 15, 2009 : How about giving the usual picnic spots a miss and spending the day in an abandoned mine instead? Sounds unreal? Not any longer. The district administration and the forest department are working in tandem to develop collieries and convert them into tourist hotspots. The purpose is to promote coal tourism and eco-tourism. A number of collieries such as Muraidih, Moonidih, Hariajam and Junur Kudar have been selected for the project. The task to convert them into tourist destinations has been given to coal companies, who will work in association with the forest department. A meeting was held in this regard at the office of the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Dhanbad, Sanjeev Kumar. Senior officials of the coal companies concerned, including the general manager (environment) of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) and superintending engineer of Eastern Coalfields Limited (ECL) were present. Representatives of the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI), were also invited. At the meeting, the DFO instructed officials of BCCL and ECL to prepare a roadmap for plantation activities in colliery areas. It will contain details of environment protection measures, including reclamation plans of the companies. Special focus was laid on spreading awareness about environmental degradation, corrective steps to save the green cover and afforestation. Sign boards, detailing the history of the tourist spots and beautification works carried out to develop them, will also be put up at the sites by the colliery managements. While the reclaimed mine of Muraidih colliery will be developed into a picnic spot, the Coal Bed Methane project of Moonidih, where more than 500 homes of BCCL workers are being provided electricity, will also serve as a tourist destination. Moonidih is likely to be developed in the first stage. Regarding the picnic spots of Nirsa, the DFO said the water body in the abandoned mine of Hariajam Colliery of ECL that has taken the shape of a lake can easily be developed to attract tourists. This apart, the Junur Kudar colliery of BCCL also has the potential to be turned into a scenic water body. Officials of BCCL also approved the plan to beautify an unkept garden of medicinal plants in Bhowra area. NHAI officials present at the meeting spoke about their plans to carry out plantation activities alongside the National Highway passing through the district. “Different kinds of plants will be planted on the divider of NH-2 on the 30km stretch between Dhanbad and Topchanchi,” said an official.

(Source:http://www.telegraphindia.com/1091215/jsp/jharkhand/story_11864669.jsp)

New Delhi, December 15, 2009: ArcelorMittal India is yet to submit statutory forest and environment clearances for beginning mining of iron ore and manganese in West Singhbhum, Jharkhand. The company in 2005, announced its plans for opening a $10-billion steel plant in Jharkhand. However, after little progress since 2005, ArcelorMittal announced last month that it will invest Rs 30,000 crore to set up a steel plant in Karnataka. The Minister of Mines, Mr B K Handique, told the Rajya Sabha on Monday that the Jharkhand Government is awaiting the statutory forest and environment clearances from ArcelorMittal before the mining lease is executed for iron ore and manganese ore over an area of 500 acres in Meghahatubura-Karmapada RF, in the West Singhbhum region of Jharkhand. The Minister added, “Arcelor Mittal India Ltd has deposited Rs 12.39 crore with the State Government against the transfer of Government land measuring 1,025.31 acres in addition to other investments in coal projects.”

(Source:http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2009/12/15/stories/2009121551181700.htm0

Probe on mining stayed
Bellary, December 15, 2009: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged illegal mining by Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), owned by Tourism Minister G Janardhana Reddy. Justice T Gopalakrishna on Monday stayed further investigation into the issue. Reddy had questioned the decision of the Centre in ordering a CBI inquiry following a recommendation by the AP government.

HC stays Centre’s order for CBI probe into OMC affairs
Hyderabad, December 15, 2009: The Andhra Pradesh High Court on Monday stayed the notification issued by the Centre to conduct a CBI probe into alleged irregularities of the Obulapuram Mining Company Pvt Ltd. Justice Gopalakrishna Tamada dealing with a petition filed by the OMC challenging the notification, directed that no further steps should be taken in pursuance of the notification for six weeks. Mr Parasaran, senior counsel of Supreme Court arguing on behalf the petitioner contended that the notification was illegal and the offence which was mentioned in the notification like illegal mining and boundary dispute cannot attract provisions of criminal law. He said there was no reference in the notification that his client has committed any offence which attracts criminal provisions. He argued that without specific reasoning of a criminal offence the Centre cannot direct the CBI to conduct inquiry against his client. While refuting the contentions of the petitioner’s counsel Mr T. Niranjan Reddy, special public prosecutor told the court that the CBI has the power to investigate directly as per its manual on any offence even in the absence of a notification from the Union government. He contended that the CBI had gathered reliable information from various sources that the concerned unknown public servants had abused their official position by entering into criminal conspiracy in fixing the location of the mining lease of the OMC. He told the court that the accused company had greedy intentions and stole the valuable mineral ores from the unauthorised area and illegally transported it in violation of various laws. He said that this information disclosed commission of offences of criminal conspiracy, cheating, theft, criminal trespass and dishonestly receiving stolen property. Mr D.V. Seetharam Murthy, advocate-general argued that if there was any lacuna in the notification it would not be taken into consideration as the state gave its consent based on reliable material proving several irregularities took place in mining by the OMC. While staying the notification, the judge issued notices to the Centre and state governments and also to the CBI to file their counter affidavits within six weeks and posted the case to January 29.

(Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/hc-stays-centre%E2%80%99s-order-cbi-probe-omc-affairs-623)

Govt allays fears on open cast mines
New Delhi, December 15, 2009: Notwithstanding stiff opposition, the Centre today claimed that there are no problems with open cast mining in the North Eastern Region. In a Rajya Sabha reply to a question by Kumar Deepak Das, Minister Mines, Bijoy Krishna Handique said that all the mines in the Region barring Sikkim are open cast. However, he added that the Centre is unaware that a big power project is being established over Asia’s biggest deposit of limestone in Assam. On the uranium deposit in Meghalaya, the Minister said that a fairly good deposit has been identified. Extraction is subject to statutory clearance. While most of the tribals have welcomed the mining projects, a few NGOs are opposing uranium mining on the ground of influx of outsider into Meghalaya and perceived health hazards in adjoining areas. The Government has undertaken awareness programmes to clear the misconception and addressing the economic and environmental concerns, said Handique.

Ranchi, December 14, 2009: Residents within the Administration of the civil sub-divisional officer Tenughat have demanded immediate steps to control pollution caused by loading, unloading of coal, coal dust and other minerals. The locality reels under air, water and sound pollution. Local residents including Kathara, Jarandih, Phusro and Chanderpura, school students and DVC, Railways CCL staff posted in the area face-health related problems. Sarban Kumar Singh a member of Damodar Bachau Abhiyan, who in the letter to the conyenor of Damodar Bachau Abhiyan Sarju Rai besides other officers from different departments had demanded for their intervention to check air, water, sound and other pollutions . Bokaro thermal, Bandaridih and Phusro railway station, located at the distance of 20 km from Bermo headquarters is the loading and unloading point of coal ,coal dust and other mineral laden railway racks and dumpers besides huge amounts of dust are dumping in Damodar river everyday by DVC, IEL and CCL. Since the operation of loading and unloading continues for 24 hours, local residents face problems -said Singh. He sighted that despite reports by Jharkhand State pollution Control Board (JPCB) and district administration in which they have clearly mentioned of rising pollution neither the DVC, railway nor the concerned private parties have come up with a plan to control pollution in the locality . The conyenor of DBA Sarju Rai along with other members, who have visited the site of Damodar river near Bokaro thermal and had also organised a high-level meeting with BTPS officials and directed project head cum CE, A Bakashi, BTPS -B Chief engineer JK Singh and civil SE LB Sharma to stop the dumping coal ash in Damodar river to reduce water pollution, Spink water to reduce dust and use close containers for transporting coal and coal dust as part of the drive to check pollution. Sarju Rai also took away the sample of Damoder water to be produced pollution control board and Governor of Jharkhand.

(Source:http://www.dailypioneer.com/222548/Bermo-residents-seek-urgent-action-to-control-pollution.html)

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/varun-energy-acquires-madagascar-uranium-mines/379475/)

New Delhi, December 14, 2009: An intervention by environment minister Jairam Ramesh on November 27 has had an unintended consequence on the contempt petition against advocate Prashant Bhushan: it has turned the focus on the anomaly of the Supreme Court pre-empting the government in granting forest clearance for the Vedanta mining project in Orissa. For, three weeks after senior advocate Harish Salve filed the contempt petition on November 6, Ramesh issued a statement clarifying that the government was yet to grant ‘‘final approval’’ for the Vedanta project under the Forest Conservation Act 1980. All that had been granted to it in December 2008 was ‘‘inprinciple approval’’ stipulating the conditions that need to be fulfilled for final clearance.The implication of the minister’s statement is that the Supreme Court judgment of August 2008 granted forest clearance to the Vedanta project while the government was yet to grant even its in-principle approval, virtually putting the cart before the horse. Not surprisingly, Bhushan has pointed out this infirmity in the SC verdict in his reply to the contempt petition. The court had directed Bhushan and Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal to appear personally before it on Salve’s contempt petition taking umbrage to Bhushan’s criticism of, among other things, Justice S H Kapadia for handing over the Orissa project to a Vedanta group company, Sterlite, in which he admitted to have shares. Besides contending that Justice Kapadia should have ‘‘automatically recused himself’’ from hearing the case because of his pecuniary interest in Sterlite, Bhushan attacked the judgment authored by him on merits as well. How the court invited Sterlite to take over the project: Since Norway had blacklisted UKbased holding company, Vedanta Resources, for non-compliance of labour laws and human rights, the court said that it would not be proper to give the Orissa project to its subsidiary Vedanta Alumina. Yet, the court went on invite another subsidiary, Sterlite Industries, to make an application for the project. ‘‘If one subsidiary (Vedanta Alumina) was disqualified on this basis, surely the other subsidiary (Sterlite) would also be disqualified on the same logic,’’ Bhushan said. How Vedanta got more than what the case was about: ‘‘Though the issue before the court was only regarding the clearance for diversion of the 58.943 hectares of forest land for the alumina refinery, the court proceeded to grant clearance for the diversion of 606.749 hectares of forest land for the bauxite mining. This is even before the government had granted environmental clearance or forest clearance for the diversion of the forest in the matter of the bauxite mines,’’ Bhushan said.

Bangalore, December 14, 2009: Forest area continues to be favourite destination for miners in the country. A whopping 1,00,871 hectres of forest land in India has been leased out by state governments for mining. Even as national-wide debates are hotting up on whether mining in forest land should be banned, more so in Karnataka, at least 1,300 permits have been operating in various states, given by the Centre since the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980 was enacted. Information complied by the Union environment and the forest ministry, available with TOI, suggests that Andhra Pradesh tops the table with more than 15,700 hectares of forest land being permitted for mining. This state, along with Karnataka, which is in the fourth position, have attained significance in recent times due to allegations of illegal mining carried out by BJP ministers G Janardhan Reddy, G Karunakar Reddy and B Sriramulu. It is alleged that they had the support of former AP CM Y S Rajashekara Reddy in mining forest area beyond the permission limits. The controversy also paved the way for the AP government ordering a CBI inquiry into the allegations, subsequently supported by the Centre. In Karnataka, nearly 10,600 hectares of forest land are used for mining with 134 leases operating since 1980. AP is followed by Orissa with 15,300 hectares of forest land being used for mining. Another resource-rich Chattisgarh occupy third place with 14,922 hectares, while Madhya Pradesh is in the fifth place after Karnataka, leasing 10,400 hectres of forest land. If these states are in the top of the list, Punjab has the least with 1.66 hectares of forest land for mining. Chandigarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Daman and Diu, Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshdeep, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Pondichery and Sikkim have no mining. The rule says that under the provisions of the Forest (Conservation) Act 1980, the Centre on the request of the states concerned will divert forest land for lease, allowing mining. "The Centre, while giving approval, does impose certain conditions to minimize adverse impact on environment. General conditions include compensatory afforestation, demarcation of the lease area on ground, environmental clearance, etc. Standard conditions like phased reclamation of the mined area, safety zone, catchment area treatment plan and strip plantation are also included," government sources maintained. Also, state governments are free to impose any other condition in the interest of conservation, protection or development of forests, wildlife and environment. The Centre accords approval to the diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes only after the compliance report, indicating fulfilment of stipulated conditions are received, from state governments. In general, stipulated conditions are fulfilled by the user agency. The monitoring of stipulated conditions is ensured by the state government concerned and six regional offices of the Union environment and forests ministry.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Miners-love-forest-areas/articleshow/5334249.cms)

Mangalore, December 13, 2009: The KIOCL Ltd., will sponsor a chair or a project in any technical institution that comes forward to give technological solutions to the vexing issue of environmental-friendly mining, its chairman and managing director K Ranganath announced here on Sunday. With majority of the world's known mineral/non-mineral deposits either in thick jungles or beneath mountains, such solutions are imperative, he noted. Participating in the valedictory function of three-day 24th Indian Engineering Congress that concluded at NIT-K, Surathkal near here on Sunday, Ranganath said security comes for ability of any organization or nation to stand on its own legs without being dependent on others. The question of national growth vis-a-vis national security has to be addressed in its totality for most of the growth is spurred by minerals and non-minerals, he said. Indirectly hinting at the dilemma facing his organization, which is hit by non-availability of ready and easy supplies of iron ore to continue its operations viably, Ranganath said the availability of minerals ensures connectivity that is important for the growth of the nation. However, exploiting these natural resources comes at a price to the environment and technological solutions are needed to overcome the problems faced, he noted. Failure to do so will result in India being dependent on other nations to meet its requirements, he said, adding that KIOCL Ltd., will discuss the modalities of setting up the chair as and when institutions approach it. Ranganath acceded to a request from Madan Lal, president of The Institution of Engineers of India (IEI) to make all KIOCL engineers the corporate members of IEI with the company bearing the membership fee. The three-day Congress being organized in Karnataka after a gap of nine years drew more than 600 delegates from all over India. More than 60 papers were presented by 20 speakers and there were 34 contributed papers. Delegates eulogized the host institution NIT-K for the hospitality and warmth shown to them during the course of the Congress. Madan Lal declared the Congress closed. Sandeep Sancheti, director, NIT-K was present.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/KIOCL-to-sponsor-eco-friendly-mining-project/articleshow/5333876.cms)

December 13, 2009: The Andhra Pradesh High Court suspended a government order and permitted Obulapuram Mining Company owned by Mr G Janardhan Reddy to resume mining operations within its lease hold area. The court directed the Andhra Pradesh government to fix and identify the lease hold areas of OMC and they shall be permitted to continue mining in the lease hold areas. Since there is dispute with respect to one lease situated in Malpangudi village abetting the inter-state boundary is to be left out and the OMC is permitted to mine rest of the area. The Court further directed that the existing 195000 tonnes of ore can be lifted by the OMC on furnishing a bank guarantee for the value as per the rates fixed. In another order, the court suspended two letters issued by the Ministry of Environment and Forest, government of India dated November 30th 2009 directing OMC to stop mining and transportation of the materials. Reacting to the development, OMC in a statement said that with these orders, all the adverse orders passed against the OMC by the AP government and Ministry of Forests were suspended and the company is resuming mining operations.

(Source:http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/12/13/MTI0NjUx/Indian_iron_ore_mining_mess_-_HC_allows_OMC_to_continue_mining.html)

Bellary, December 11, 2009: : The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Thursday began its inquiry into the alleged illegal mining in the Bellary reserve forest, which straddles neighbouring Anantapur district in Andhra Pradesh. The mining firms include the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC) owned by Karnataka Ministers G. Janardhan Reddy, G. Karunakara Reddy and B. Sriramulu. In connection with the inquiry, around 50 CBI personnel including officials of the rank of Superintendent of Police searched the OMC office situated near the Fire Station here and another office that houses the Kannada daily Ee Namma Kannada Nadu owned by Mr. Janardhan Reddy, on K.C. Road, to verify records. The CBI also searched Modi Bhavan, belonging to S.K. Modi, owner of Vibhuti Gudda Mines and Bellary Iron Ore Private Ltd. A couple of CBI teams visited areas around Obulapuram village in Anantapur district, located on the Karnataka-Andhra Pradesh border. Mr. Janardhan Reddy expressed confidence that the CBI inquiry would exonerate them. “We will come out clean as we have not been doing anything illegal, as alleged. All our activities are in accordance with the law and within the framework of the Constitution,” he told presspersons here. “The inquiry conducted earlier jointly by senior officials of the departments of Forests and Mines and Geology, following charges that the OMC had encroached upon forest land and adjacent mines, said that the charges were false and clearly mentioned that the encroachment was not by OMC but by BIOP, an adjacent leaseholder. Even the Income Tax raids conducted a couple of years ago did not find any irregularities. Similarly, after the CBI inquiry, we will emerge clean,” he reiterated.

Bhubneshwar, December 11, 2009: Mineral output has begun to play a crucial role in strengthening the State’s financial health. Despite a fall in the number of reporting mines in the year 2007-08 to 227 from 233 in 2006-07, the value of mineral production in Orissa has increased by a national high of 29 per cent. At Rs 12,987 crore in 2007-08, Orissa has become the highest among the major minerals producing States in the country, the final data on India’s mineral production released recently reveals. However, the index of mineral production in Orissa that has posted growth rate of over 1.5 per cent to 420.8 in 2007-08 from 378.7 in 2006-07 is below the national growth rate of 2.34 per cent. But value-wise the State contributed 12 per cent of the total value of the mineral production in the country to claim the second slot nationally. Production of iron ore increased by seven per cent and coal by 10 per cent, but quartzite showed the highest growth rate of 28 per cent in 2007-08. On the other hand, the major minerals like chromite and manganese have shown a deceleration of 9 and 3 per cent respectively. The National output value of chromite fell by 9 per cent because Orissa accounts for the entire output of chromite in the country. The steepest decline of around 132 per cent has been posted by garnet (abrasive) followed by talc/soapstone/steatite. The production of graphite too had declined by a whopping 43 per cent. Orissa’s mineral basket mainly consists of coal, bauxite, chromite, iron ore, manganese, limestone and dolomite that together account for 99.2 per cent of the total value of mineral production. In 2008-09, the State could see an increase of only 16.62 per cent in value of the minerals produced against 51 per cent in Meghalaya and 44 per cent in Bihar. But, with a share of 14.7 per cent stood second preceded by the offshore areas with a share of 19.36 per cent in the country’s total value of mineral production in 2008-09. Despite being the sole resource of ruby/emerald stones, it has a very negligible value realisation in a high-demand domestic market, thanks to poor exploitation. But the revenue the State accrued from the mining sector in the year under review totalled only Rs 1,126 crore including over Rs 330 crore royalty from the major minerals excluding coal and lignite. It is noticed that the royalty collection in 2007-08 rose marginally by about 4 per cent over 2006-07 against a growth of around 30 per cent in 2006-07 over 2005-06. The fact that Orissa accounts for 7.3 per cent share in India’s GDP in mining in fiscal year 2007 indicated that the sector is expanding fast here and mining revenue forms the largest revenue source under non-tax revenue. Raising more revenue via tax route becoming hard, it is important for the State to make up by tapping mining revenue to boost its revenue receipts. The data shows there is immense scope for the State to do so.

Bellary (Karnataka), December 10, 2009: CBI officials today questioned Karnataka ministers Janardhana Reddy and Sreeramulu over alleged illegal mining activities by a company owned by them in the state and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. A 11-member CBI team visited Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), owned by Tourism Minister Janardhana Reddy's brother Revenue Minister Karunakara Reddy, as part of the probe into alleged illegal mining activities. The agency sleuths conducted searches at the Ennoble India company, a chit firm owned by Janardhana, which has now become defunct, and reportedly seized some documents, CDs and two computers, police said. The team, which questioned Janardhana and Health Minister Sreeramulu, visited five mining companies in Bellary, but details of documents seized were not available immediately. Meanwhile, Janardhana alleged it was a conspiracy by the Congress which had led to the CBI probe. “They (Congress) are troubling us. They are trying to create problems for the BJP government in Karnataka,” he told reporters here. The CBI team, which arrived here last night, questioned OMC employees at its office in Havambhavi area and later visited Janardhana's residence. The Centre had ordered the CBI probe into alleged illegal mining at Andhra Pradesh government's request. The Reddy brothers are also under Supreme Court's scanner over mining activities in parts of Karnataka bordering Andhra Pradesh, where they hold three mining licences. Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa has ruled out ordering a CBI probe into the alleged illegal mining and sacking the three ministers, who had rebelled against him recently before the BJP central leadership stepped in to bring about a truce. A Central Empowered Committee, appointed by the Supreme Court, had concluded that OMC was carrying out "illegal" iron ore mining on the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border. Forest clearances of some firms, including OMC, have been suspended by the Centre on grounds of illegal mining in six mines in Andhra Pradesh.

(Source:http://www.financialexpress.com/news/No-illegal-mining-at-Vedanta-Niyamgiri-mines--Orissa-mines-secy/552176/)

Bellary, December 10, 2009: A.B. Panigrahi, Regional Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), Goa, who is heading the task force, on Wednesday expressed surprise over mining taking place in violation of plans in one of the two mines — Hind Traders and MBT Mines — at Vittalapur village in Sandur taluk. Mr. Panigrahi, accompanied by M.S. Waghmore, Deputy Controller of Mines, IBM, Bangalore, and officials of the Forest and Mines and Geology departments, was verifying the current year’s plan of MBT Mines with that of the last year. He noticed that the firm, which was supposed to undertake mining in the southern part, had extracted ore in the northern part.

Bangalore, December 9, 2009: The prospects of obtaining water free from chemicals have clearly brightened for the residents of Western and Northern Bangalore.

For, the Thippagondanahalli (T G Halli) reservoir, which caters to the water requirements of many parts in these areas is rapidly becoming free from the pollution caused by the quarries which flourished around its catchment area. Rajajinagar, Vijayanagar and West of Chord areas are supplied 60 million litres of water per day from this reservoir, located 35 kms from the City, on Magadi Road. Unfortunately, over 400 quarries mushroomed in T G Halli’s catchment area, that extends from Nandi Hills to the reservoir, due to the boom in the construction industry a decade ago. Illegal quarrying posed a serious threat to the reservoir, located at the confluence of the Rivers Arkavathy and Kumudavathi.
Structure weakened
The regular blasting at the quarries, many of them functioning within a radius of 5 kms here, held the threat of weakening the structure of the dam. The chemicals used for the purpose also posed a threat to the quality of water. The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board had also highlighted the danger posed to the dam by the quarries through its reports. The Lokayukta had directed the Mines and Geology department way back as 2003 not to renew licences for quarries after expiry of lease period. The ISRO had also brought to light the threat posed to the dam through satellite images, said an official of the Mines and Geology Department.
Crackdown
“The Mines and Geology Department has ensured the closure of 395 quarries operating in the catchment area during the last five years,” said a top source in the department.
Thirty more quarries are still functioning in the area and they have been permitted to operate till 2010. “However, the department is speeding up the process and taking steps to ensure that all quarries are shut by the end of 2009 itself,” he added. A top BWSSB official stated that quarry industry had been indulging in hard lobbying over the years to ensure extension of their licence period. “The licence period for many expired on November 30 this year and they have not been granted an extension which means they need to shut shop,” he said. The issuance of new licences too had stopped a couple of years ago and this means the area was getting purged of quarries, he added.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/40488/closure-quarries-around-tg-halli.html)

Bellary, December 9, 2009: The Task Force of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), which is inspecting the mines in Hospet, Sandur and Bellary sector following reports of rampant illegal mining, has issued a show cause notice to one of the mine owners while forwarding a proposal to the Regional Controller of Mines of IBM, to suspend mining operations in another case. One team comprising of Regional Deputy Controller M.S. Waghmare, Goa Regional Controller A.B. Panigrahi and local officials from the Department of Mines and Geology, and another team headed by Deputy Controller B.L. Kotrawali and senior geologist Tirunavakkarasu began inspecting the mines in the district since Monday. The teams will be inspecting 24 mines in Bellary district till December 11. The team headed by Waghmare, during the inspection of Aarpee iron ore mine, noticed that there was violation of provisions and served a show cause notice for rectification of the violations within 30 days. The same team, after visiting Sankalapuram Iron ore mines of RBSSN firm, observed that the mining operations were not being carried out in accordance with the approved mining plan, that too with substantial deviation. The team has forwarded to the Regional Controller of Mines, IBM, Bangalore, for suspension of mining operations. The teams went round four mines in Sandur taluk and details of the observations are awaited.

New Delhi, Decmber 8, 2009: The Centre on Dec. 8: The Centre on Tuesday assured Parliament that due action will be taken against Obulapuram Mining Company if any tax irregularities are found against it. After some of the members, including TDP member M.V. Mysoora Reddy, asked the government in the Rajya Sabha during the Question Hour, as to what action the government proposes against the company for alleged violation of Foreign Exchange Management Act, finance minister Pranab Mukherjee said, "Due action will be taken." He said all Fema violations are offences under customs law and customs authorities will look into it.

(Source:http://epaper.asianage.com/ASIAN/AAGE/2009/12/09/ArticleHtmls/09_12_2009_004_008.shtml?Mode=1)

Bangalore, December 8, 2009: Lokayukta Justice N Santosh Hegde on Tuesday expressed his dissatisfaction with the inaction over the first report submitted to the Government on illegalities in mining in Karnataka. Addressing the media at an event organised by “Tata Tea Campaign on International Anti-Corruption” on Tuesday, Hegde said the Government repeatedly said it had taken action, but nothing had been done. Yet another report could be submitted before January, he said. He flagged off the “Tata Tea Jaago Re Vrath Yatra,” a 38-day bus journey across the country to connect with the youth and urge them to pledge themselves against corruption. The Vrath Yatra, which starts on December 9 will travel from Bangalore to Kolkata via Mumbai and Delhi, touching a total of 12 cities on the way. Justice Hegde lamented that conviction rate was much lower than 20 per cent in corruption cases. Shadow witnesses, who accompany the complainants, connive with accused and turn hostile during cross-examinations. Despite suggestion for departmental action against them, nothing much has been done, he regretted. Sangeeta Talwar, Executive Director, Tata Tea Limited said: “In 2009, Tata Tea migrated the Jaago Re campaign from voting to address what is the single largest malaise hampering the future of our nation - Corruption. It has the power to pin us down and root us to where we are, severely hampering entrepreneurial activity, denying economic opportunity and limiting prosperity.” On the occasion, Tata Tea relaunched its website www.jaagore.com which was synonymous with voting applications since its launch last year. The relaunched jaagore.com will be a portal which facilitates the flow of information and resources between individuals, groups and organisations. It aims to bring together, onto a common platform, those who possess info and resources and those who need them.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/40303/lokayukta-dissatisfied-over-inaction-mining.html)

Hospet, December 7, 2009: The central task force appointed to check illegal mining activities in Hospet and Bellary began their investigations on Monday. A team comprising Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) Regional Deputy Controller M S Waghmare, Goa Regional Controller A B Panigrahi and local officials from the Department of Mines and Geology and police began investigations in Hospet, while another team headed by Deputy Controller B L Kotrawali and senior geologist Tirunavakkarasu are conducting investigations in Sandur. After visiting R Pampati and RBSSN mining areas in Hospet, the team held discussions with officials concerned and obtained documents necessary for continuing investigations in Hospet. The investigation will continue till Saturday and the team will visit 24 mining areas in Hospet, Sandur and Bellary. Waghmare told reporters that all the complaints filed with the Union Ministry of Forests and Environment will be looked into.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/40061/investigation-illegal-mining-begins.html)

Hyderabad, December 7, 2009: The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday formed a special joint task force and issued an FIR over allegations of illegal mining and encroachments in the Bellary Reserve Forest area of Anantapur forest division by six companies including Obulapuram Mining Company. Sources said Mr Anand Kumar Somani, superintendent of police of Mumbai, was posted for investigating the case booked under Prevention of Corruption Act and Violations of Environmental Act. The AP forest department constituted a multi-disciplinary survey team for assisting the CBI for inspection, survey and demarcation of the lease boundary. The Union ministry of environment and forests while suspending the lease granted in favour of Bellary Iron Ore Private Limited and Obulapuram Mining Company Private Limited and four mines have requested the state government to complete the survey with the help of Survey of India. The state has entrusted the matter to the CBI for inquiry. On December 1, the ministry of personnel public grievances issued notification entrusting the case to CBI. The multi-disciplinary team consists of special principal chief conservator of forests, Mr Sitaram Gupta, mines and geology joint director, Mr B.R.V. Sushil Kumar, survey and land records deputy director, Maharashtra forest department, Mr J.N. Saxena a nominee of the Centre and Mr R.K. Upadhyay, who is now CCF of Tamil Nadu forest department. The team also consists of officials from the Forest Survey of India. The team fixed the lease boundaries of all six individual iron ore mining leases on the ground as per the lease sketches approved by the Centre at the time of approval in a chronological order. The team also fixes the inter-state boundary between AP and Karnataka state in Bellary RF where mining leases were sanctioned.

(Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/cbi%E2%80%99s-mumbai-sp-head-mining-probe-848)

Shillong, December 7, 2009: Meghalaya Governor Ranjit Shekhar Mooshahary today underscored the importance of preserving the environment by shifting from outdated method to a scientific mode of coal mining in Jaintia Hills. Speaking at the inaugural function of the Discovery Jaintia, Mooshahary was apt to mention that the haphazard rat-hole coal mining has caused serious environmental degradation in Jaintia Hills district. “Coal is of enormous economic importance and to extract the vital mineral should not be at the sake of our environment”, said Mooshahary. The tribal society has a rich heritage especially the way they treat the environment, observed the Governor while urging the people not to abandon such values in the name of development. He maintained that education and development should move on simultaneously but that should not make one abandon cultural practices in treating the environment. It is on this context that the Governor urged the people that there was an urgent need to shift to scientific mining in order to rectify the huge environmental degradation in the district.

(Source:http://www.sentinelassam.com/meghalaya/story.php?sec=2&subsec=8&id=29405&dtP=2009-12-08&ppr=1#29405)

Shillong December 7, 2009: The Meghalaya Assembly today dwelt on the proposed uranium mining in the State with Chief Minister DD Lapang reiterating that the Government was yet to give consent to uranium mining. Replying to a motion moved by Independent legislator Manas Chaudhuri after a three-hour grueling debate on the issue, the Chief Minister said, “The question of uranium mining is not a very pleasant one and has been lying there for 20 years now, which goes to show that the government is not in a hurry.” Stating that the country needs uranium for more power Lapang said, “Why not use it when we have it,” and pointed out that while a small State like Meghalaya could barely generate about Rs 400 crore annually, the Centre has been providing it with more than Rs 4,000 crore every year. Expressing satisfaction over the fact that none of the MLAs had said ‘no’ to mining but only advised the government to exercise caution, Lapang recalled that the Cabinet had on August 24 last taken a decision to deal with the issue in two phases – pre-mining development project followed by mining. However, he told the House that the government has, for the time being kept in abeyance implementation of the Rs 209-crore pre-mining developmental project of the Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) in the West Khasi Hills pending discussion on the matter by a Joint Committee on Uranium Mining of Meghalaya (JCUMM) comprising the Khasi Students’ Union (KSU) and the Coordination Committee of Social Organizations (CCSO), which was formed on November 4 with a three-month deadline. Earlier, moving the motion, Chaudhuri said that there should be an informed dialogue on uranium mining. Stating that refusing the railway line in the State had been a ‘historic blunder’ he said, “We should not commit another historical blunder” and that government should not miss the opportunity of mining of uranium. “If we had accepted railway line, there would not have been price rise of essential commodities and diversion of PDS items”, he said. Pointing out that uranium mining is not a State subject and that India is faced with hostile neighbours like China and Pakistan, Chaudhuri said, “Time is short. We need to move on and mining decisions should be taken up.” However, opposing uranium mining, the HSPDP legislator Hopingstone Lyngdoh said that the development of West Khasi Hills through uranium mining would only bring about misery. He said he could not allow uranium mining from West Khasi Hills as he knew that many countries of the world were putting a stop to uranium mining. James Sangma (NCP) said that the Government should look into other avenues for development. He suggested tourism as a means for clean and sustainable development. Referring to the Bhopal gas tragedy and the recent incident of radiation spill in Karnataka’s nuclear power stations, Sangma said, “Uranium mining is a burning issue which will affect the future generation if allowed to be mined. I do not want to have blood of the future generation in my hands.” Congress legislators on Friday Lyngdoh on the other hand said that agitating against uranium mining was an encouragement to hostile countries who do not want to see India grow and asked the Government to “take immediate steps to give the go-ahead to uranium mining in the interest of Meghalaya.” Congress legislators Ronnie V Lyngdoh and HDR Lyngdoh supported uranium mining saying that during their visits to the uranium mining sites in Jadugoda they did not find any instances of health hazards. Leader of Opposition Conrad Sangma, while emphasizing that the dangers of radiation could not be wished away, too, favoured a “hard negotiation” with the Central government in order to extract the maximum benefit for the State from the proposed project. He said most of the growing economies are rejecting nuclear power as the radioactive waste cannot be taken care of effectively. Others who took part in the discussion included Opposition members Omillo Sangma and Timothy D Shira.

(Source:http://www.sentinelassam.com/meghalaya/story.php?sec=2&subsec=8&id=29404&dtP=2009-12-08&ppr=1#29404)

Mumbai, December 4, 2009: The proposed coal mining projects by Adani Power Limited and Maharashtra Coal Company Limited near the Tadoba Andhari Tiger Reserve, in Chandrapur district, suffered the final blow when the ministry of environment and forest refused to give the projects a go ahead. During a meeting held on November 24, the environmental appraisal committee of the ministry rejected the proposals on the grounds that the mines will destroy the rich forest cover in the area and will also affect the wildlife. Adani Power Limited had applied for environment clearance for mining at Lohara, while the Maharashtra Coal Company Limited had applied for mining near Agarzari. Both the projects are located in ecologically sensitive area within 15km of the reserve. After detailed discussions, the committee came to the conclusions that at the time of grant of Terms of Reference (ToR), the ministry was not aware of the projects being so close to the tiger corridor. It recommended that the ministry of environment and forest and ministry of coal must work in together to identify go and no-go areas while considering allotment of coal blocks in the country. The deficit in coal requirement can be met by importing coal or from other coal blocks. The ministry thus decided to withdraw the ToRs granted to these projects. While granting ToR, it was recommended that a detailed ecological study should be carried out. The study area map delineating the shortest distance of the reserve from the boundary of the mining land should be authenticated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) along with their comments on the proposed location of the project. NTCA had informed the ministry that no mining operations should be undertaken in the proposed buffer zone.

(Source: http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_no-mining-at-tadoba-says-forest-ministry_1319835)

Hyderabad, December 4, 2009: The Obulapuram Mining Company, owned by Mr Gali Janardhan Reddy, tourism minister of Karnataka, and Anantapur Mining Corporation, owned by his wife on Friday approached the Andhra Pradesh High Court against the letters written by the ministry of environment and forests, Government of India. The ministry sent a letter to the principal secretary, forest, ecology and environment department of the state asking it to convey the decision of the Centre that no transportation of already excavated material should take place from the mine sites of Bellary Iron Ore Pvt Ltd, Obulapuram Mining Company, YM and Sons and Anantapur Mining Corporation. The ministry earlier sent a letter to the state informing that the approval granted in favour of Bellary Iron Ore and the Obulapuram Mining Company and also four other mines adjacent to it under the Forest (Conservation) Act stands suspended with immediate effect. The Obulapuram Mining Company contended in its petition that the suspension of mining and transportation was highly motivated.

A public interest litigation was filed in the AP High Court on Friday seeking a direction to the government to maintain law and order by deploying necessary security personnel to prevent any untoward incident in view of the Telangana agitation. Mr Mohammed Adam, a practising advocate, filed the petition stating that he filed the petition as he was aggrieved by the failure of the law enforcing agency and on behalf of all victims of failure of law and order in the state. He informed the court ever since the TRS president started his fast, law and order situation became volatile and after he was arrested number of his followers started attacking innocent people by burning and damaging their vehicles and shops. He said that number of private and public vehicles were burnt. The petitioner alleged that the police stood as mere spectators and there was a total failure of the government to maintain law and order. He urged the court to direct the government to take steps against wrongdoers as per the provisions of the Indian Penal Code.

(Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/omc-challenges-forest-ministry%E2%80%99s-notice-mining-firm-002)

Panjim, December 4, 2009: While on one hand, the State government has virtually put the process on international airport in Goa on fast track, a mine owner on the other hand, has raised strong objection saying huge tracks of land under acquisition for the airport has vast deposits of bauxite. M/s A H Jaffar & Sons has made an application to the government pointing out that he has a lease for bauxite mining in the area. This fact has not been brought to the notice of the Centre at the time of proposing the site for international airport, the firm has said. It should be allowed to undertake mining till the actual work of execution of the airport plan gets started, the application said. As per Mines & Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act 1957, bauxite is scheduled I mineral, the company has said. This assumes relevance as Union Ministry of Steel and Mines is directly concerned with systematic development and preservation of minerals for the nation. It has stated that though a deemed mining lease has been granted, the company has not been allowed to undertake mining which otherwise it says the minerals would be lost for posterity. Explaining the process involved, the company has said that unlike iron ore mining, bauxite doesn’t need deep drilling. As such, the company has requested that it should be allowed to undertake mining of bauxite at the site till the airport work begins. It may be recalled that the government has already issued notification under Section 6 of Land Acquisition Act for approximately 75 lakh sq mt land beside an additional of 8 lakh sq mt for approach roads. In the meanwhile, the Chief Secretary S K Srivastava has asked the chief conservator of forest and Director, Agriculture to expedite work pertaining to their departments vis-à-vis Mopa project.

Tumkur/Hassan, December 4, 2009 : Tourism minister G Janardhana Reddy claimed that Gowda family members would be behind the bars as the Supreme Court verdict in the mining bribery case is likely to be delivered soon. People have rejected leaders like Chandrababu Naidu and H D Deve Gowda and the two have become politically bankrupt, Reddy, who owns Obulapuram Mining Company, which is in the eye of a storm, told media persons in Tumkur. Joining issue with Reddy, JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy predicted that Reddy brothers would go to jail for their illegal mining activities and looting the country's wealth. “When I was the Chief Minister they had dragged my name in the mining scam. Now, their involvement in illegal mining has come in the open,” he told newsmen in Hassan. Kumaraswamy claimed that the poll tie-up in the Council elections between the JD(S) and the Congress would change the political scenario in the State. Their main aim was to destabilise the communal forces in the State. He alleged that the government had cheated farmers by giving excess land to NICE.

(Source:http://www.deccanherald.com/content/39516/who-behind-bars-mining-issue.html)

Nagpur, December 4, 2009: Gujarat-based Adani Power of India suffered a setback this week when a high-level appraisal committee set up by the Indian government rejected its coal mining proposal near Tadoba Andhari tiger reserve in Chandrapur district of Maharahstra. The panel withdrew the terms of reference granted to the company ending its quest for environmental clearance for the project. Without that the mining projects cannot commence. The TORs were granted to the company last year. The Adani mining project is proposed at a distance of 12 km from boundary of Tadoba tiger reserve. Ever since the controversial proposal was submitted to the government, green activists had launched an agitation. India’s civil aviation minister Praful Patel had taken a lead in setting up the power project in Gondia, his home town. Then Patel had taken the view that while protection of environment is important, at the same time, industrial development too was equally important.

(Source:http://www.commodityonline.com/commodity-stocks/Adani-Power-loses-mine-project-in-Maharashtra-2009-12-04-23550-3-1.html)

Drive against illegal mining nets over Rs One cr fine
Bhopal, December 4, 2009: A special campaign was launched in the State for checking illegal mining and transportation. The campaign launched at the initiative of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has yielded good results. The campaign was conducted from October 5 to 20, with the cooperation of public representatives while efforts were also undertaken to create awareness among people. During the campaign, 965 cases of illegal transportation and 81 cases of illegal mining were detected. Maximum 83 cases of illegal transportation were detected in Bhind followed by 74 in Gwalior. Fines were realised and these cases were presented in the courts of collector and SDM. It may be mentioned that a joint team of Minerals, Revenue Departments and police has been formed in all the districts to check the illegal mining and transportation. The team checked illegal transportation intensively and also identified some mines in various districts and did their physical verification. During the campaign, 965 cases of illegal transportation were registered and fines to the tune of Rs 69.52 lakh were realised. Similarly, 81 cases of illegal mining were detected and fines to the tune of Rs 1,23,53,000 were levied. Out of this, Rs 4.89 lakh has been deposited while rest of the cases are pending in the concerning courts of collector and SDM. Maximum penalty of Rs 11.95 lakh for illegal transportation was recovered in 83 cases in Bhind followed by Rs 3.85 lakh in 74 cases in Gwalior. The mining leaseholders have been instructed to put up notice boards at the mining sites displaying sanctioned size of the mining area, Khasra number, name of the mineral etc. while notices were issued to some leaseholders where permanent poles for boundary demarcation were not found. Action will be taken against such leaseholders as per laws. During the first fortnight of the campaign, meetings were also held with the officials of the district administration, Departments of Revenue, Forest and Mines, MP, MLAs, CEOs of Zila and Janpad Panchayats and other public representatives. Light was thrown at these meetings on the importance of minerals and protection of environment. Ways for curbing illegal mining and transportation were also discussed at these meetings.

(Source:http://www.dailypioneer.com/220303/Drive-against-illegal-mining-nets-over-Rs-1-cr-fine.html)

Hyderabad, December 4, 2009: The Centrally Empowered Committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court had, beside the Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), named three other firms in its report on illegal mining on AP’s forest land. These are Bellary Iron Ore, YM and Sons and Anantapur Mining Corporation. After the Centrally Empowered Committee gave its recommendation, the Andhra Pradesh government immediately stopped mining activities of these firms through an executive order even before the Supreme Court could take up the matter. The Centrally Empowered Committee had specifically recommended that the survey team should “demarcate, identify and determine” the area falling outside the approved mining leases to find out as how much encroachment had exactly been done by the mine owners to the reserved forests. Since 1996, the SC has been regularly monitoring mining projects falling in green belts after it found violations even by the state authorities. It had devised the Centrally Empowered Committee mechanism for on the spot assessments. Meanwhile, the environment ministry is not too happy with the Andhra Pradesh government not providing security to officials of the Survey of India when they had visited the mining areas earlier.

(Source:http://www.deccanchronicle.com/hyderabad/3-firms-did-illegal-mining-says-cec-791)

New Delhi, December 3, 2009: In fresh trouble for the Reddy brothers, the Ministry of Environment and Forest has told the Supreme Court it is of the view that a survey should be done to measure their mine lease area in Andhra Pradesh through the Forest Survey of India. In an affidavit before the apex court, the ministry said "since there is allegation of encroachment, the Ministry is of the view to get a survey done by an independent central organistaion, say the Forest Survey of India." The move comes a fortnight after the Supreme Court appointed Central Empowered Committee said the Obalapuram Mining Company, owned by G Janardhana Reddy and G Karunakara Reddy, was carrying out illegal mining operations in the Bellary Reserve Forest area. The state government had last week suspending mining operations at six iron ore mines in three villages in Anantapur district.

(Source:http://www.ptinews.com/news/406008_Survey-mine-lease-area-owned-by-Reddy-bros--MoEF-suggests-SC)

New Delhi, December 3, 2009: The ministry of forest and environment on Wednesday appeared to pose fresh trouble for mining magnates and Karnataka's politically influential Reddy brothers by proposing to the Supreme Court measurement of their mine lease area through the Forest Survey of India (FSI). The mining magnates were slammed by the Supreme Court's high-powered environment panel (CEC) which on November 20 through a report accused their Obulapuram Mining Company of indulging in largescale illegal mining in Andhra Pradesh's Bellary Reserve Forest. The ministry through counsel Harish Beeran filed an affidavit stating that as there were allegations of largescale encroachment of forest land it would be better and effective to carry out the mine lease area surveyed by FSI. This was so because the Survey of India team, which was not provided with police protection to carry out the exact extent of the mine lease area, could conduct no survey worth the name, the ministry said. The CEC, while recommending imposition of exemplary cost on mine owners, had indicated that the AP government had turned a blind eye to the illegalities ostensibly because of business partnership of Obalapuram Mining Compnay Pvt Ltd (OMC) managing director Janardan Reddy, a cabinet minister in Karnataka government, with the son of former Andhra Pradesh chief minister Y S R Reddy. CEC had said mining activity should immediately be suspended at three iron ore mines operated by OMC and three others — Bellary Iron Ore Pvt Ltd (BIOP), YM & Son, and Anantapur Mining Corporation. The CEC report presented to the court by member M K Jiwrajka through counsel A D N Rao said: "The conclusion drawn by the state of Andhra Pradesh, based on the report of the District Forest Officer, Anantpur, that these mining leases for continous block without any un-allotted forest area in between them is totally erroneous." "Their effort appears to have been to cover up the illegal mining done by OMC in an unallotted forest area outside the approved mining leases. This is simply not acceptable and vitiates the entire process of fixation of mining lease boundaries by the state of Andhra Pradesh," said CEC castigating the state Congress government for glossing over the illegalities.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Govt-may-survey-disputed-Reddy-mines/articleshow/5293283.cms)

December 3, 2009: Mr BK Handique minister of mines and minister of Development of North Eastern Region said that ministry of mines has introduced the concept of progressive mine closure plan and final mine closure plan for proper reclamation and rehabilitation of the area held under mining lease with effect from October 4th 2003. Every mining lessee has to submit a progressive and final mine closure plan. In the progressive mine closure plan, the mining lessee has to indicate the protective, reclamation and rehabilitative measures to be taken progressively and in final mine closure plan such measures to be taken after the cessation of mining operations. Every lease holder has to furnish financial assurance to the competent authority and if the mining lessee does not carry out protective, reclamation and rehabilitative measures as envisaged in the approved mine closure plan, the financial assurance can be realized by the State Government to carry out the requisite protective measures in the area held under mining lease. Mr Handique said that the Government has enunciated the National Mineral Policy, 2008, which recognizes that prevention and mitigation of adverse environmental effects due to mining of minerals and repairing and revegetation of the affected forest area and land covered by trees in accordance with the latest internationally acceptable norms and modern afforestation practices shall form integral part of mine development strategy in every instance. The Policy also lies down that efforts would be made to convert old disused mining sites into forests and other appropriate forms of land use. The alternative land use may vary from place to place and depends on various other factors such as proximity to water resources, type of soil, accessibility of the area, etc.

(Source:http://steelguru.com/news/index/2009/12/03/MTIzMzI5/Alternate_use_of_unused_mines_in_India.html)

New Delhi, December 2, 2009: The Union Government on Wednesday accorded a general approval for diversion of forest land for undertaking developmental activities by the state government departments for the welfare of the people. Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha Union Minister of State for Environment and Forest, Jairam Ramesh said as per the general approval the state government departments can use the forest land upto one hectare for the developmental projects. Jairam Ramesh also clarified that “For public development schemes having up to one hectare no compensatory afforestation is required, as a specific measure in exception to the guidelines. In case of more than one hectare of forest land required by the State Government compensatory afforestation is proposed on equivalent non-forest land.” The present scheme has worked well and the rate of diversion of forest land for non-forestry purposes has decreased from 1,43,000 hectares to around 30,500 hectares. The proposals received from the various State Governments have been examined and the Central Government has decided to continue with the present system of Compensatory Afforestation. Accordingly, no amendment in the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 has been proposed in this regard, Jairam Ramesh said.

(Source:http://trak.in/news/diversion-of-forest-land-upto-one-hectare-for-developmental-works-approved/30291/)

Panaji, December 2, 2009: "Tourists from across India and the world come to Goa to see its beaches and lush green mountains and to enjoy its soothing environment, but the alarming rate at which mining is going on in the state if it continues for a few more years at this pace it will pose a serious threat to Goa's natural beauty," renowned filmmaker and conservationist Mike Pandey said on Tuesday. Pandey, a three-time `Green Oscar' award winner, was chief guest at a special function organized by NGO ECHO-Goa in Panaji. He felicitated Parag Ranganekar, Nirmal Kulkarni, Sadguru Patil and Arnold Noronha for their contributions to the fields of wildlife and environment conservation. Pandey said man has become "greedy and self-centered". "We are plundering natural resources without thinking about the future. The man-elephant conflict has climaxed in various parts of India. Elephants from Dandeli are making inroads into Goa and Maharashtra as their natural habitat is threatened. The struggle for food and water has intensified and forced the mammoths to leave Dandeli," said the maker of the award-winning `The Vanishing Giants', a documentary that captured the plight of a captured elephant. Addressing the gathering, Pandey pointed out to the over 300 rivers which originate in the Western ghats including Goa's major lifelines, Mandovi and Zuari, and said that activities such as mining gradually destroy rivers and other water bodies through siltation and pollution. "Goa is blessed with a varied and rich biodiversity which needs discovering. There are certain species of flora and fauna which are found only in Goa. The horsehoe crab, found in abundance in Goa, has tremendous medicinal potential. Butterflies and honey bees are the most important insects which help in the process of pollination, with their existence threatened, crops are failing which in turn will be responsible for soaring food prices," said Pandey. Rise in sea level on account of global warming will create more complex problems in Goa, which is a coastal state, he added. "Goan youth have to come forward to protect and conserve the biological wealth of Goa," stressed Pandey.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Mining-a-threat-to-Goa-Mike-Pandey/articleshow/5290198.cms)

Bhubaneswar December 2, 2009: The Vedanta Aluminium Ltd (VAL), part of Vedanta Resources, has not violated any forest and environment norms at its alumina refinery and bauxite mining site in Kalahandi district of Orissa, according to a report of the state government. While the refinery is at the foothill of Niyamgiri hills, the proposed mining site is at the top of the hill, 7 to 10 km away. Allegations were that the company had initiated construction work for mining of bauxite though the mining site was yet to get the statutory clearance from the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF). “There is no construction beyond the project area of the alumina refinery which was allotted to the company by the government in 2004 and it is not unlawful”, said a senior official of the state forest and environment department quoting the report of district collector of Kalahandi who was asked to probe into the matter. The MoEF had asked the state government to explain why the controversial bauxite mining project by Vedanta had been allowed to start work in violation of the ministry guidelines. This followed a statement by Union minister Jairam Ramesh last week that a probe had found construction work had started on land that belonged to the revenue department. After the clean chit given to the company in the district collector’s report, all eyes are on the next move of the state government. Sources said, the government will send its views on the matter to the Centre only after the chief minister vets it. But with chief minister Naveen Patnaik now on a tour to Delhi and the state assembly in session, this may take few days. The Anil Agarwal owned Sterlite Industries India Ltd (SIIL) and the Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) of the Orissa government have already formed a joint venture company under the banner of South-West Orissa Bauxite Mining Private Ltd for mining bauxite in the Niyamgiri hills. While the leaseholder has got stage-I forest clearance from MoEF, the stage-II clearance is awaited. Last week, steel and mines secretary, Ashok Dalwai, had asked the district authorities of Kalahandi to probe the alleged violations forest norms by Vedanta after the Central government sought explanation from the state. Sources said, VAL has set up a 1 million tonne refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district. The company was given 2041 acres of land for the proposed refinery.

(Source:http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/no-violation-by-vedanta-at-niyamgiri-says-report/378274/)

Environment ministry suspends mines named by SC panel
New Delhi, December 1, 2009: The environment ministry has ordered the suspension of mining operations at Obulapuram Mining Company (OMC), headed by Karnataka minister G Janardhana Reddy, and at other mines which were recently named by the Supreme Court’s Central Empowered Committee (CEC. Finding evidence of illegal mining, the apex court’s panel had directed immediate suspension of iron-ore mining at OMC’s three sites and at three others until demarcation of boundaries on the ground it was done as per boundaries of the approved mining leases. It has asked a team consisting of senior representatives of the Survey of India, MoEF, Mines, Revenue and Forest department of AP to undertake the work. The teams are now at the sites and MoEF has asked OMC to suspend work, sources said. CEC had indicted OMC of illegal mining in the Bellary reserve forest area. It has also asked for the imposition of an exemplary cost on the mine owners for mining done outside the approved areas. The SC committee’s recommendations will further weaken the Reddy brothers of Bellary. The brothers, who had recently led a rebellion against Karnataka chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, have also come under the Andhra Pradesh government’s scanner. With a change of guard in Andhra Pradesh and K Rosaiah taking over, the Reddys’ mining empire in built up during the late YS Rajasekhara Reddy’s years in power, appears to be unraveling. The state government has recommended a CBI probe into allegations of illegal mining, encroachment and several other violations against the Reddys. The matter has important implications for politics in Andhra Pradesh as YSR’s son Jagan Mohan Reddy has close business links with the Bellary brothers. He is a claimant for the chief minister’s chair and has been campaigning hard to take over his father’s mantle. The case has hurt his prospects. Moreover, TDP’s Chandrababu Naidu has launched a massive campaign against illegal mining by roping in RLD and Left parties. He has targeted both the Reddy brothers as well as Mr Jagan Reddy. CEC’s recommendations said: “The conclusions drawn by the state of Andhra Pradesh, based on the report of the District Forest Officer, Anantapur, that these mining leases for continuous block without any unallotted forest area in between them is totally erroneous”. The panel said the idea appeared to be to “cover-up the illegal mining done by the OMC in unallotted forest areas outside the approved mining leases.” CEC’s recommendations were sent to the state government as the environment ministry. The Andhra Pradesh government has also sent suspension notices to OMC and the other mines named by the CEC.

(Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/Environment-ministry-suspends-mines-named-by-SC-panel)

Faridabad, December 1, 2009: Will the dried-up Surajkund Lake see water again? Even as Haryana Tourism seems to have drawn up an ambitious plan to revive the water body before the Commonwealth Games, experts are questioning its sustainability given the fact that mining has caused the water retention capacities of lake's bed to be affected. According to S N Rai, managing director, Haryana Tourism, 12 natural water bodies some of them lakes in the Aravali range have been identified to draw water for the kund. "We will pump out water from these and install pipes to carry water to Surajkund Lake. These have sufficient water, specially during the rain season, and we hope to cash in on the natural resources,'' said Rai during his visit to Surajkund. He asserted that the work would be completed before the Commonwealth Games. The Times of India had highlighted how rampant mining in the Aravali has caused the three Faridabad lakes Surajkund, Badkhal and Damdama which till very recently had healthy water levels to dry up completely. The reports had caused consternation among environmental activists and even prompted some to plan a cricket match on the dried up Badkhal bed which was scuttled after authorities swiftly moved in to put an end to the "tournament''. The Supreme Court some time back put a ban on mining in Faridabad, Gurgaon and Mewat till the Haryana government comes out with a comprehensive environmental rehabilitation plan. Meanwhile, environmentalists as well as civil engineers from Faridabad who will be executing the project, are questioning the idea of recharging Surajkund by piped water. "Most of the water bodies that have been identified dry up during summer. Maintaining such a huge network of pipelines in the Aravalis will not be an easy task,'' said S Pillai, a conservationist. According to Pillai, it would be difficult to stop water from evaporating during summers even if the lake flooring is relaid. "This seems a stop-gap method to showcase the area to foreign tourists. The Haryana government may have announced to revive the Badkhal and Surajkund lakes in time for the 2010 Games, but the fact remains that it neglected the two crucial water bodies for well over two decades,'' he said. The apex court while hearing the matter of mining had said: "Mining alters the natural land profile of the area. Mine pits and unattended dumps are irreversible consequences of mining operations. Rock blasting, movement of heavy vehicles and operation of mining equipment cause considerable pollution in the form of noise and vibration.'' SC had earlier directed the government to develop a 200m wide green belt along Surajkund and Badkhal. But only shrubs and wild growth were found, with no real evidence of good afforestation.

(Source:http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Haryana-to-flow-water-into-Surajkund-lake/articleshow/5285994.cms)

Bhubneswar, December 1, 2009: In a reprieve to the much hyped Vedanta Alumina, part of the Anil Agarwal-promoted Vedanta Resources Plc, the Kalahandi district collector in its report to the state government said that the Company has not violated any government guidelines at Niyamgiri bauxite deposit. Union Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh last week said a probe had found illegal construction work by the Company violating legal provisions. Following the minister’s statement and subsequent clarification sought by the ministry of environment and forest, the state steel and mines Secretary Ashok Mohadeo Rao Dalwai had last week asked the district authorities of Kalahandi to probe the alleged violations of Vedanta after the central government sought explanation from the state. However, the investigating team comprising of officials from forest, revenue and mining departments said in its report that Vedanta had carried out no illegal construction activities at its mining project. The construction had began in the non-forest area which the government has already handed over to the firm, the district officials said in the report submitted to the state government Monday “It is not unlawful. There was no construction by the firm either found in the mining lease area or outside of the plant area”, sources here said. The environment ministry had sought an explanation from the state government as to why the l bauxite mining project by Vedanta had been allowed to start work in violation of the ministry guidelines. The union minister also had maintained that his ministry would send an inspection team to verify allegations of violation of terms. VAL, which has already set up its 4,500-crore refinery project at Lanjigarh now faces a daunting task for its survival due to undue delay in access to bauxite. The Company is yet to get the state government’s permission to mining at Niyamgiri hills near the project site despite complying to directions given by the Supreme Court. VAL is at present sourcing bauxite – the main raw material for production of alumina - from Gujarat and its BALCO project in Chhatisgarh, making it uncompetitive due to hefty market price and transportation cost it is coughing up. The VAL had entered into a joint-venture with the state-owned Orissa Mining Corporation for exploitation of bauxite from Niyamgiri hills to ensure regular supply of bauxite to its refinery project at an ‘affordable price’. However, a section of locals and some environmentalists objected to it on the ground that it would jeopardize the local eco-system. They even went to the Supreme Court challenging the state government’s recommendation for bauxite mining lease in favour of VAL.

(Source:http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/policy/Vedanta-cleared-of-violation-of-Govt-guidelines-at-Niyamgiri)