Illegal iron ore mining rampant in Kolhan: Steel City MP

Jamshedpur: BJP MP Bidyut Baran Mahato on Saturday said illegal mining of iron ore is rampant in the Kolhan division and urged the Centre to set up a joint task force with the Jharkhand government to curb the menace.
The Jamshedpur MP has also asked the state government to expedite the process of renewing the mining lease to Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) in its Ghatshila mines. He termed the blocking of commercial mining in Jharkhand by the state government as a “politically-driven move”.
Mahato, who is a member of the consultative committee of the Steel and Mines, said, “Illegal mining of iron ore is rampant in West Singbhum, causing a huge revenue loss to both the state government and the central governments. In my capacity as a member of the consultative committee, I suggested the joint task force to Union minister of mines Prahlad Joshi.”
Joshi has informed that he would soon visit the state to take stock of the situation, Mahato said.
The MP further said he has requested the state government to renew the HCL’s mining lease as it could provide job opportunities to migrant workers who have returned to the district because of the lockdown.
“After the state government gives forest and environment clearance, the Centre’s department of mines will give the nod for extension of the lease,” Mahato said, adding that barring Kendadih, the lease of other HCL copper mines at Surda, Chapri, Rakha, Pathargora and Bedia is also awaiting renewal.
While HCL officials couldn’t be reached for comments on the lease renewal issue, the Jamshedpur forest division said no file relating to HCL lease renewal is pending with its office.
Taking a dig at the Hemant Soren government over the coal block auction, Mahato said, “It is a proven fact that commercial mining will fetch more revenue for the state government but the Hemant Soren dispensation chose to oppose it and approach the Supreme Court.”
He also said the Dhalbhumgarh airport project, which is hanging fire after the foundation stone was laid in 2018, will see progress soon as far as the airport infrastructure building work is concerned. “The Airport Authority of India has recently given Rs 100 crore to the state government for the construction,” the MP said.