Joda: Mining companies that have received fresh leases of mines in Joda mining circle of Keonjhar district have failed to meet their targets in mineral transportation.
The mines department held a hearing on the issue Wednesday and issued notices to five mines in this regard. Four of these mines presented their statements at the hearing.
Joint director of the Joda mining circle, Salil Kumar Behera, said hearing was held on Thakurani mine leased out to Mittal, Jurudi mine leased out to Jagat Janani Trust, Roida mine (B) leased out to Narvoram and Jajang mine leased out to JSW.
These mining companies during the hearing stated that due to the pandemic, mineral transportation was badly affected while the old lease holders had still been carrying out transportation of their minerals from their stocks in the mines.
“As old lease holders were transporting their excavated minerals, this has created problem for the new lease holders to shift their minerals. Besides, piles of minerals and machines of the old lease holders were inside the mines.
They were creating hurdles in mineral transportation too,” they explained. It may be noted here that the above mines have failed to meet their annual mineral transportation targets.
Fifteen days ago, the mines department had issued notices to the errant mines to pay fines. However, Sirajuddin mine did not attend the hearing.
“After this hearing, these mines will be given time to deposit their fines,” said the joint director of the Joda mining circle. It is said the new companies have taken mines on lease at high prices, but they are unable to manage the mines for lack of experience.
Hence, the state government failed to receive its targeted revenue. It had to incur revenue losses. The losses can be compensated with penalties on these mines, some mining experts said.
PNN