Joda: Some mining firms have allegedly committed irregularities in mineral stocks and tampered with grades of iron ore in Joda mining circle in Keonjhar district.
The office of the Joda joint director of mining has issued notices to three firms, a report said.
According to the report, Kashiv International Private Limited at Jaribhal, Tarini Minerals at Deojhar and Murgabeda iron ore and mines were issued notices Friday.
These three mining companies had tampered with the grades of iron ore in official records. The mines department came to know their irregularities and suspended their mining activities for the time being.
Some leaseholders at times transport high grade minerals instead of the minerals in their stocks. They usually show low quality minerals in records, but sell high grade minerals.
Due to such illegalities, the state government has to lose crores of rupees as revenue.
It may be noted here that the mines department had examined the stock of minerals on the premises of a major mining company in October in Joda.
Then, the department came to know about the irregularities. That mine was served closure notice while two mining officers of Joda mining circle had been suspended for dereliction of duty.
Joint director of mines at the Bhubaneswar office Umesh Chandra Jena said that notices were issued to three mines as there were irregularities in their stocks.
He added that the stand of the government is very clear so far as tax evasion and illegal mining are concerned. Such cases will be dealt with sternly and stringent action will be taken against the erring mines if necessary, he added.
PNN