ArcelorMittal given mining rights in Jharkhand
15 Dec 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 minining lease is in accordance with the provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957 and the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960, the minister said.
The minister said eight private sector operators were allowed to exploit chromite ore in the country, including Orissa, during 2008-09.
State-wise information on reserves, production, export and consumption of chromite is given in the Indian Minerals Year Book published by the Indian Bureau of Mines, he said.
