BHUBANESWAR, JAN 9: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged the Centre to expedite the process for grant of mining lease and prospecting licence (PL) of Karlapat bauxite mines to State-run Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC).
In a meeting with Union Mines Minister Narendra Singh Tomar here , Patnaik said OMC has applied for lease of 1,848 hectares of unexplored area and prospecting licence for 1,157 hectares of unexplored area of Karlapat mines in Kalahandi district. During the discussion with the Mines Minister, Patnaik laid emphasis on more and more participation of Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) like SAIL, MCL and NALCO in CSR programmes in Odisha.
He stressed need-based CSR initiatives by these CPSEs with consultation with the local administration in the project areas. The Chief Minister also discussed on NALCO’s cooperation for establishment of the Aluminium Park at Angul.
Tomar assured that the State-run aluminium major would provide 50,000 MT of aluminium for the proposed Park besides providing all sort of cooperation in setting up of the Aluminium Park. This apart, discussion was also held on development of other mines in the State, auctioneering and lease etc.
The Union Minister was also told that District Mineral Foundations (DMFs) have been formed in 12 mineral-rich districts of the State and DMFs would come up in other districts soon.
Among others, State Steel and Mines Minister Prafulla Kumar Mallick, Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner and Union Mines Secretary participated in the discussion.
