Wednesday, 25 Jan 2012
BS reported that in a bid to expedite the development of coal blocks in the state, the steel and mines department has asked the Industrial Investment Promotion Corporation of Orissa Limited to submit a report on the total land requirement of non Coal India limited companies.
A letter from the steel and mines department said that “As the matter is urgent, it is requested that the required information in respect of the 19 coal blocks may kindly be furnished, without further delay.”
Out of allocated 32 coal blocks in Orissa, IPICOL, in November last year, had furnished the data on land requirement of 13 coal blocks allotted to 29 public sector undertakings and private firms. The IPICOL is yet to provide the information on land requirement of the remaining 19 blocks allocated to various non CIL companies.
The step from the state government comes barely a day after the Union ministry of Coal drafted guidelines for timely development of allotted coal blocks to expedite the process of coal production. The ministry has advised the allocatees to adhere to the timeline in the development of the blocks or else face de allocation.
It may be noted, the Ministry of Coal has allocated 32 coal blocks to 56 companies, both PSUs and private firms in Orissa. These coal blocks have a total reserve of 15,212 million tonnes. Of the 56 firms which have been allocated the coal blocks, there are 16 PSUs including public sector companies from Orissa and other states. However, of the 32 coal blocks, only one block (Talabira I) coal block has gone into production.
The combined area required for operation of all the 32 coal blocks, is about 325 sq km and the implementation of these projects would involve displacement of around two lakh people.
(Sourced from BS)
Showing posts with label Orissa government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Orissa government. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Friday, December 16, 2011
Orissa to list coal mining plans on website
Friday, 16 Dec 2011
Orissa has asked all its mining lessees to post the details of their latest mining plans on the government website. The move comes after the government faced criticism from various quarters for allegedly not making all mining information public.
A steel and mines department official told IANS that "Steel and mines department secretary Manoj Ahuja issued a written instruction to the director of the state mines department Tuesday to ensure that the exercise gets completed by the end of this month.”
Orissa has been in the limelight since 2009 after a probe found several irregularities in its mining sector, leading the opposition parties to accuse the government of encouraging the scam that allegedly runs into INR 300,000 crore.
(Sourced from IANS)
Orissa has asked all its mining lessees to post the details of their latest mining plans on the government website. The move comes after the government faced criticism from various quarters for allegedly not making all mining information public.
A steel and mines department official told IANS that "Steel and mines department secretary Manoj Ahuja issued a written instruction to the director of the state mines department Tuesday to ensure that the exercise gets completed by the end of this month.”
Orissa has been in the limelight since 2009 after a probe found several irregularities in its mining sector, leading the opposition parties to accuse the government of encouraging the scam that allegedly runs into INR 300,000 crore.
(Sourced from IANS)
Monday, December 12, 2011
Orissa stops iron ore exports permits to 2 ports
Monday, Dec12, 2011
BHUBANESWAR (Reuters) - Orissa has stopped issuing iron ore export permits for cargoes shipped via two ports in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa mines minister told Reuters.
"The Gangavaram and Kakinada ports did not cooperate" with the state mines and steel department's queries on the volume of the ore exported through these ports and the mechanism they followed to prevent illegal exports, minister Raghunath Mohanty said.
The state government had sought such details from all the ports that exported iron ore from the state.
"We will not issue the permits until they (the port authorities) submit details and tell us what system they have," a senior official of the steel and mines department, who did not want to be named, told Reuters.
On the total export of 35 million tonnes iron ore from the country, 2 million tonnes were shipped through these ports in the first seven months of the current fiscal year ending March, data from the Federation of Indian Minerals and Industry, a trade body, showed.
(sourced Reuters)
BHUBANESWAR (Reuters) - Orissa has stopped issuing iron ore export permits for cargoes shipped via two ports in Andhra Pradesh, Orissa mines minister told Reuters.
"The Gangavaram and Kakinada ports did not cooperate" with the state mines and steel department's queries on the volume of the ore exported through these ports and the mechanism they followed to prevent illegal exports, minister Raghunath Mohanty said.
The state government had sought such details from all the ports that exported iron ore from the state.
"We will not issue the permits until they (the port authorities) submit details and tell us what system they have," a senior official of the steel and mines department, who did not want to be named, told Reuters.
On the total export of 35 million tonnes iron ore from the country, 2 million tonnes were shipped through these ports in the first seven months of the current fiscal year ending March, data from the Federation of Indian Minerals and Industry, a trade body, showed.
(sourced Reuters)
Friday, December 9, 2011
Shah Commission begins probe into illegal mining in Orissa
Friday, 09 Dec 2011
PTI reported that the Centre appointed Shah Commission led by former Supreme Court judge Justice MB Shah has formally began investigation into illegal mining in Orissa.
The Commission held a discussion with the district authorities of Keonjhar and Sundergarh besides authorities of the railways, Indian Bureau of Mines and forest officials.
Collectors, superintendents of police, divisional forest officers, regional manager of the pollution control board and vigilance officer of the south eastern railways attended the meeting.
The commission members are scheduled to visit certain mines in Joda areas of Keonjhar district and Koida area in Sundergarh district, an official said.
The commission was unlikely to hold public hearing due to shortage of time.
(Sourced from PTI)
PTI reported that the Centre appointed Shah Commission led by former Supreme Court judge Justice MB Shah has formally began investigation into illegal mining in Orissa.
The Commission held a discussion with the district authorities of Keonjhar and Sundergarh besides authorities of the railways, Indian Bureau of Mines and forest officials.
Collectors, superintendents of police, divisional forest officers, regional manager of the pollution control board and vigilance officer of the south eastern railways attended the meeting.
The commission members are scheduled to visit certain mines in Joda areas of Keonjhar district and Koida area in Sundergarh district, an official said.
The commission was unlikely to hold public hearing due to shortage of time.
(Sourced from PTI)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Orissa CM reiterates demand for ban on iron ore exports
Thursday, 17 Nov 2011
BS reported that Odisha has again sought an immediate ban on exports of the mineral ore, saying such a move would bring down prices of ore and help regulate mining activities.
The state chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik has reiterated his demand for ban on iron ore exports, seeking intervention of prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the matter.
Mr Patnaik said in his letter to the PM that “The boom in iron ore prices in the last decade has created perverse incentives for mining activities to be carried out in an unregulated manner. A ban on the export of iron ore should be immediately imposed. This will not only bring down domestic prices of iron ore but also encourage local industries to invest in technologies to utilize the iron ore prices presently being exported, besides ensuring that mining activities are regulated and sustainable.”
He said “The ban on iron ore exports is necessary as the demand for steel and its production in the country are both expected to grow at an annual rate of 10% or more on an average in the coming years.”
Mr Patnaik had earlier urged the Prime Minister to announce a ban on iron ore exports and had also raised this demand at the meeting of the National Development Council held on October 22.
(Sourced from BS)
BS reported that Odisha has again sought an immediate ban on exports of the mineral ore, saying such a move would bring down prices of ore and help regulate mining activities.
The state chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik has reiterated his demand for ban on iron ore exports, seeking intervention of prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh on the matter.
Mr Patnaik said in his letter to the PM that “The boom in iron ore prices in the last decade has created perverse incentives for mining activities to be carried out in an unregulated manner. A ban on the export of iron ore should be immediately imposed. This will not only bring down domestic prices of iron ore but also encourage local industries to invest in technologies to utilize the iron ore prices presently being exported, besides ensuring that mining activities are regulated and sustainable.”
He said “The ban on iron ore exports is necessary as the demand for steel and its production in the country are both expected to grow at an annual rate of 10% or more on an average in the coming years.”
Mr Patnaik had earlier urged the Prime Minister to announce a ban on iron ore exports and had also raised this demand at the meeting of the National Development Council held on October 22.
(Sourced from BS)
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Haldia and Visakhapatnam ports sharing info on ore exports
Wednesday, 02 Nov 2011
BS reported that coming under intense pressure from the Orissa government, the port authorities of Haldia and Visakhapatnam have started to share complete information on mineral ore exported from their ports from November 1st 2011.
These ports had furnished information to the state once in a fortnight beginning November 1st 2011 on the number of trucks arriving at the ports, the quantity of mineral loaded, the quantum of ore exported and names of transporters.
Mr BK Patnaik chief secretary of Orissa said that "Except the Paradip Port, none of the other ports were sharing information on ore exports. We had asked the authorities of different ports to come for on Tuesday's meeting. The authorities of Haldia and Visakhapatnam have agreed to share information on ore exports once in every 15 days from November 1st 2011. The state government, in turn, will verify whether the ore transporters are having a valid permit or not as we have got some allegations of minerals being illegally transported from the state. The authorities of Gangavaram and Kakinada ports did not attend the meeting."
Mr GJ Rao chairman of Paradip Port Trust said that "We are already providing information to the Orissa government on ore exports and will continue to do so in the future."
Peeved over the irregularity in submission of information on ore exports by some of the ports, the Orissa government had recently sought the intervention of the Centre to ensure that the details of ores received at different ports are supplied to the state director of mines.
Mr Patnaik had shot off a letter to the union cabinet secretary Mr Ajit Kumar Seth on October 21st 2011 in this connection.
Mr Patnaik said in his letter to the cabinet secretary that "It is seen that almost all the ports excepting Paradip Port located in the state, are not furnishing the information regularly on the receipt of minerals through road and rail for export purpose to enable the state government to verify whether the minerals have been received against valid permit. The ministry of shipping may be advised to ensure that the details of ore received at different ports are supplied to the Director of Mines, Orissa to co relate with the quantity for which royalty payment has been made by the lessees."
(sourced from Business-standard)
BS reported that coming under intense pressure from the Orissa government, the port authorities of Haldia and Visakhapatnam have started to share complete information on mineral ore exported from their ports from November 1st 2011.
These ports had furnished information to the state once in a fortnight beginning November 1st 2011 on the number of trucks arriving at the ports, the quantity of mineral loaded, the quantum of ore exported and names of transporters.
Mr BK Patnaik chief secretary of Orissa said that "Except the Paradip Port, none of the other ports were sharing information on ore exports. We had asked the authorities of different ports to come for on Tuesday's meeting. The authorities of Haldia and Visakhapatnam have agreed to share information on ore exports once in every 15 days from November 1st 2011. The state government, in turn, will verify whether the ore transporters are having a valid permit or not as we have got some allegations of minerals being illegally transported from the state. The authorities of Gangavaram and Kakinada ports did not attend the meeting."
Mr GJ Rao chairman of Paradip Port Trust said that "We are already providing information to the Orissa government on ore exports and will continue to do so in the future."
Peeved over the irregularity in submission of information on ore exports by some of the ports, the Orissa government had recently sought the intervention of the Centre to ensure that the details of ores received at different ports are supplied to the state director of mines.
Mr Patnaik had shot off a letter to the union cabinet secretary Mr Ajit Kumar Seth on October 21st 2011 in this connection.
Mr Patnaik said in his letter to the cabinet secretary that "It is seen that almost all the ports excepting Paradip Port located in the state, are not furnishing the information regularly on the receipt of minerals through road and rail for export purpose to enable the state government to verify whether the minerals have been received against valid permit. The ministry of shipping may be advised to ensure that the details of ore received at different ports are supplied to the Director of Mines, Orissa to co relate with the quantity for which royalty payment has been made by the lessees."
(sourced from Business-standard)
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Orissa to renew MoU with Posco shortly, Okays go ahead to Korean Co for Paradip plant
30 Oct, 2011 |ET Bureau
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa government will soon renew the MoU with South Korean steel major, Posco for a 12-mtpa steel mill near Paradeep in Jagatsinghpur district.
The draft MoU is presently being fine-tuned, chief secretary Bijoy Patnaik said here adding that the 2,000 acres of land cleared by the state government for the mega-project near Paradip would be handed over to the Korean company at the time of renewal of the MOU.
The Law Department is studying certain controversial clauses in the expired MoU like ore swapping and the MMDR Act. Posco-India had already submitted its views on the controversial export clause in the previous MoU.
"Posco-India's views on the export clause are being examined by the law, steel and mines departments. The provisions of the MMDR need to be in accordance with the content of the revised MoU," he said.
Posco, in its previous MoU signed in 2005, had wanted about 4,000 acre to set up the plant at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore.
Incidentally, the state government had earlier made it clear that the Posco, can start work at the proposed plant site near Paradip before signing fresh MoU with the state, "Work for the steel project and processing of the MoU can go simultaneously," said Mr Patnaik, remarked "We will talk to Posco-India over the matter relating to beginning of the work at the proposed plant site areas under Ersama block in Jagatsinghpur district," he said.
However, the company has to agree to begin the work on the 12 mtpa mega steel plant before entering into any formal MoU, an official at the steel and mines department said.
Meanwhile, the state has overshot its mining revenue collection target in the April to September period of 2011-12. As against the targeted Rs 1,750 crore, the actual collection was Rs 2,241.29 crore. This is 51.8% higher than Rs 1,476.42 crore recorded in the corresponding period of 2010-11.
Mining revenue collection has been buoyed by higher sales realization. Under reporting of ore prices, especially iron ore has been curbed to a large extent and now our prices compare favorably with pan India average, according to the mining department officials.
(sourced Economics Times)
BHUBANESWAR: Orissa government will soon renew the MoU with South Korean steel major, Posco for a 12-mtpa steel mill near Paradeep in Jagatsinghpur district.
The draft MoU is presently being fine-tuned, chief secretary Bijoy Patnaik said here adding that the 2,000 acres of land cleared by the state government for the mega-project near Paradip would be handed over to the Korean company at the time of renewal of the MOU.
The Law Department is studying certain controversial clauses in the expired MoU like ore swapping and the MMDR Act. Posco-India had already submitted its views on the controversial export clause in the previous MoU.
"Posco-India's views on the export clause are being examined by the law, steel and mines departments. The provisions of the MMDR need to be in accordance with the content of the revised MoU," he said.
Posco, in its previous MoU signed in 2005, had wanted about 4,000 acre to set up the plant at an investment of Rs 52,000 crore.
Incidentally, the state government had earlier made it clear that the Posco, can start work at the proposed plant site near Paradip before signing fresh MoU with the state, "Work for the steel project and processing of the MoU can go simultaneously," said Mr Patnaik, remarked "We will talk to Posco-India over the matter relating to beginning of the work at the proposed plant site areas under Ersama block in Jagatsinghpur district," he said.
However, the company has to agree to begin the work on the 12 mtpa mega steel plant before entering into any formal MoU, an official at the steel and mines department said.
Meanwhile, the state has overshot its mining revenue collection target in the April to September period of 2011-12. As against the targeted Rs 1,750 crore, the actual collection was Rs 2,241.29 crore. This is 51.8% higher than Rs 1,476.42 crore recorded in the corresponding period of 2010-11.
Mining revenue collection has been buoyed by higher sales realization. Under reporting of ore prices, especially iron ore has been curbed to a large extent and now our prices compare favorably with pan India average, according to the mining department officials.
(sourced Economics Times)
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Indian state of Orissa limits supply of iron ore
Thu, 27 October 2011
Raghunath Mohanty, the minister of steel and mines of the eastern Indian state of Orissa, has said that the state government has issued a notice to all the producers, traders and exporters of the Joda and Barbil mines in the Keonjhar district to stop supplying iron ore. The government of Orissa has been tracking companies who have been mining and exporting illegally. The Orissa authorities have asked the companies in question to submit their audited balance sheets along with procurement details for the last four years.
Following the mining ban in Karnataka state and restrictions on iron ore supply from Goa, most domestic steel mills turned to purchase iron ore from the state of Orissa. Analysts state that the action by the Orissa government will affect steel companies which buy iron ore from Orissa state, such as JSW Steel and Tata Steel.
The state of Orissa produces about 75 million metric tons of iron ore fines and lumps annually.
Tags: iron ore , India , raw mat , Indian Subcon , South Asia , mining , production
sourced steelorbis
Raghunath Mohanty, the minister of steel and mines of the eastern Indian state of Orissa, has said that the state government has issued a notice to all the producers, traders and exporters of the Joda and Barbil mines in the Keonjhar district to stop supplying iron ore. The government of Orissa has been tracking companies who have been mining and exporting illegally. The Orissa authorities have asked the companies in question to submit their audited balance sheets along with procurement details for the last four years.
Following the mining ban in Karnataka state and restrictions on iron ore supply from Goa, most domestic steel mills turned to purchase iron ore from the state of Orissa. Analysts state that the action by the Orissa government will affect steel companies which buy iron ore from Orissa state, such as JSW Steel and Tata Steel.
The state of Orissa produces about 75 million metric tons of iron ore fines and lumps annually.
Tags: iron ore , India , raw mat , Indian Subcon , South Asia , mining , production
sourced steelorbis
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Orissa to serve ultimatum to ports for information on ore exports
Sat, Oct22,2011
BS reported that the Orissa government will soon serve an ultimatum to the authorities of five ports Haldia, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Gangavaram and Dhamara for sharing of information on export of minerals generating from the state through their ports.
The state will reiterate its stand on information sharing in case of ore exports with the authorities of these five ports at a high level meeting to be held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik on October 25.
Mr Patnaik said "We have invited the authorities of the five ports for a meeting scheduled for October 25. Earlier, we had asked these ports to share information on ore exports.”
Mr Manoj Ahuja the state steel & mines secretary had recently written to these port authorities, calling for submission of information related to ore exports to the state director of mines at least once every fort night for verification of the data with the transit permits issued by the mining offices of the state.
Mr Ahuja had pointed out that the decision to share information on ore exports by the ports was taken by the Government of India in 2010 to streamline the movement of consignments by rail and road.
It may be noted that the Union Ministry of Shipping in 2010 had asked all major port trusts of India to adopt measures in line with the measures adopted by Paradip Port Trust to check illegal export of iron ore.
(sourced Business Standard)
BS reported that the Orissa government will soon serve an ultimatum to the authorities of five ports Haldia, Vishakhapatnam, Kakinada, Gangavaram and Dhamara for sharing of information on export of minerals generating from the state through their ports.
The state will reiterate its stand on information sharing in case of ore exports with the authorities of these five ports at a high level meeting to be held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik on October 25.
Mr Patnaik said "We have invited the authorities of the five ports for a meeting scheduled for October 25. Earlier, we had asked these ports to share information on ore exports.”
Mr Manoj Ahuja the state steel & mines secretary had recently written to these port authorities, calling for submission of information related to ore exports to the state director of mines at least once every fort night for verification of the data with the transit permits issued by the mining offices of the state.
Mr Ahuja had pointed out that the decision to share information on ore exports by the ports was taken by the Government of India in 2010 to streamline the movement of consignments by rail and road.
It may be noted that the Union Ministry of Shipping in 2010 had asked all major port trusts of India to adopt measures in line with the measures adopted by Paradip Port Trust to check illegal export of iron ore.
(sourced Business Standard)
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Orissa asks MCL to submit periodic reports on coal supply
Thursday, 20 Oct 2011
With many power producers including NALCO facing coal crisis, Orissa Government has asked Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd, a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, to submit periodic reports to it on the volume of coal being supplied to different units within the state.
The state government's instruction to MCL was given by Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik who chaired a coordination meeting between coal supplier and power producers.
Mr G Mathivathanan Energy Secretary said "MCL has assured that it is in the process of streamlining coal supply to different power producing units, including thermal power plants, independent power producers and captive power plants set up by many industries including NALCO."
Quoting MCL assurance to the state government, the energy secretary said the coal crisis would soon be over as difficulties faced by the PSU were being sorted out.
A senior official said "MCL has been asked to give priority to coal supply to power generating units within the state." Official sources said meanwhile the state government set up a group, to be coordinated by Orissa State Pollution Control Board to study implementation of the mining plan and effective mining operation by the MCL.
A senior member of the OSPCB said "MCL was also asked to exhaust certain coal mines so that mine voids could be filled by fly ash produced by different thermal power plants."
(sourced ndtv)
With many power producers including NALCO facing coal crisis, Orissa Government has asked Mahanadi Coalfield Ltd, a subsidiary of Coal India Ltd, to submit periodic reports to it on the volume of coal being supplied to different units within the state.
The state government's instruction to MCL was given by Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik who chaired a coordination meeting between coal supplier and power producers.
Mr G Mathivathanan Energy Secretary said "MCL has assured that it is in the process of streamlining coal supply to different power producing units, including thermal power plants, independent power producers and captive power plants set up by many industries including NALCO."
Quoting MCL assurance to the state government, the energy secretary said the coal crisis would soon be over as difficulties faced by the PSU were being sorted out.
A senior official said "MCL has been asked to give priority to coal supply to power generating units within the state." Official sources said meanwhile the state government set up a group, to be coordinated by Orissa State Pollution Control Board to study implementation of the mining plan and effective mining operation by the MCL.
A senior member of the OSPCB said "MCL was also asked to exhaust certain coal mines so that mine voids could be filled by fly ash produced by different thermal power plants."
(sourced ndtv)
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Orissa under reporting iron ore prices
Thursday, 06 Oct 2011
BS reported that the union ministry of mines has turned the heat on the Orissa government over the issue of alleged under reporting of pit mouth value of ore prices by some unscrupulous miners.
Holding the Indian Bureau of Mines responsible for its faulty procedures adopted in fixing sale value of iron ore, the state government had earlier sought the intervention of the union mines ministry in the matter.
The ministry, in turn has stated that the IBM has been publishing the average sale value based on the PMV which is reported to them by the lease holders. Substantiating its claim the ministry said the average price of iron ore for all grades for April 2011 for grades that are mostly mined in Orissa compare favorably with the all India prices.
This in stark contrast to the contention of the state government which had alleged that there was a glaring difference in prices of sale value of iron ore in Orissa compared to that of other states as well as all India average.
In a recent letter to the state Mr Naveen Patnaik Chief Minister, the Union minister of state for mines Mr Dinsha Patel urged the state government to develop adequate systems to ensure correct reporting by the lease holders by benchmarking the expenses that are allowed to be deducted from the market value of mineral for the purpose of calculating PMV.
Mr Patel has said in his letter to Mr Patnaik that “In a recent initiative taken by the Government, Rule 45 of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules-1988 have been amended to allow the state to ensure end to end accounting of minerals where the state government could check the prices at each point of sale to avoid under-reporting or any circular trading. You may like to direct your mining department to harmonize their work flow processes especially issue of transport permits around this system.”
The Union minister letter has come in response to the Chief Minister letter to him regarding concerns on systematic under-reporting of sale value of iron ore by IBM on which royalty is chargeable on ad-valorem basis.
According to the Union minister letter, the price of iron ore fines with Fe content of 62% to 65% in Orissa for April stood at INR 2,513 per tonne higher than the all-India average of INR 2,393 per tonne.
(sourced from BS)
BS reported that the union ministry of mines has turned the heat on the Orissa government over the issue of alleged under reporting of pit mouth value of ore prices by some unscrupulous miners.
Holding the Indian Bureau of Mines responsible for its faulty procedures adopted in fixing sale value of iron ore, the state government had earlier sought the intervention of the union mines ministry in the matter.
The ministry, in turn has stated that the IBM has been publishing the average sale value based on the PMV which is reported to them by the lease holders. Substantiating its claim the ministry said the average price of iron ore for all grades for April 2011 for grades that are mostly mined in Orissa compare favorably with the all India prices.
This in stark contrast to the contention of the state government which had alleged that there was a glaring difference in prices of sale value of iron ore in Orissa compared to that of other states as well as all India average.
In a recent letter to the state Mr Naveen Patnaik Chief Minister, the Union minister of state for mines Mr Dinsha Patel urged the state government to develop adequate systems to ensure correct reporting by the lease holders by benchmarking the expenses that are allowed to be deducted from the market value of mineral for the purpose of calculating PMV.
Mr Patel has said in his letter to Mr Patnaik that “In a recent initiative taken by the Government, Rule 45 of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules-1988 have been amended to allow the state to ensure end to end accounting of minerals where the state government could check the prices at each point of sale to avoid under-reporting or any circular trading. You may like to direct your mining department to harmonize their work flow processes especially issue of transport permits around this system.”
The Union minister letter has come in response to the Chief Minister letter to him regarding concerns on systematic under-reporting of sale value of iron ore by IBM on which royalty is chargeable on ad-valorem basis.
According to the Union minister letter, the price of iron ore fines with Fe content of 62% to 65% in Orissa for April stood at INR 2,513 per tonne higher than the all-India average of INR 2,393 per tonne.
(sourced from BS)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Orissa enforces ban on new sponge iron plants
Sunday, 08 May 2011
FE reported that the Orissa government has imposed a ban on new sponge iron plants while announcing a green policy for the steel and power industries.
Mr T Ramachandru the state principal secretary for industries said that Orissa would not allow new sponge iron plants and would also not permit expansion of existing plants in the state.
He said “Curbs would be imposed on steel plants using sponge iron routes. While 0.3 million tonne capacity plants would be allowed to use 350 tonne of iron ore per day, plants with 0.3 million tonne to 0.6 million tonne capacity would be permitted to use 550 tonne of ore per day.”
(sourced financialexpress)
FE reported that the Orissa government has imposed a ban on new sponge iron plants while announcing a green policy for the steel and power industries.
Mr T Ramachandru the state principal secretary for industries said that Orissa would not allow new sponge iron plants and would also not permit expansion of existing plants in the state.
He said “Curbs would be imposed on steel plants using sponge iron routes. While 0.3 million tonne capacity plants would be allowed to use 350 tonne of iron ore per day, plants with 0.3 million tonne to 0.6 million tonne capacity would be permitted to use 550 tonne of ore per day.”
(sourced financialexpress)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Orissa objects to MoEF missive on iron ore export by POSCO
Wednesday, 04 May 2011
BS reported that the Orissa government has raised objections over the recommendation of the union ministry of environment & forests to discourage iron ore exports by POSCO from the state.
The state government has said stating that the move to allow or disallow exports of the raw material is not the prerogative of the MoEF, it will take a final call on the matter.
A top official of the state steel & mines department said that "We are going to renew the MoU with POSCO India very soon. But we are yet to decide on whether we will allow or disallow exports of the raw material. In any case the decision will be taken by the state government and the union environment ministry cannot impose any such condition."
The ministry which granted Stage II forest clearance for the POSCO project has suggested that the revised MoU between the state government and POSCO India needs to be negotiated in a manner that the exports of the raw material are completely avoided. (sourced BS)
BS reported that the Orissa government has raised objections over the recommendation of the union ministry of environment & forests to discourage iron ore exports by POSCO from the state.
The state government has said stating that the move to allow or disallow exports of the raw material is not the prerogative of the MoEF, it will take a final call on the matter.
A top official of the state steel & mines department said that "We are going to renew the MoU with POSCO India very soon. But we are yet to decide on whether we will allow or disallow exports of the raw material. In any case the decision will be taken by the state government and the union environment ministry cannot impose any such condition."
The ministry which granted Stage II forest clearance for the POSCO project has suggested that the revised MoU between the state government and POSCO India needs to be negotiated in a manner that the exports of the raw material are completely avoided. (sourced BS)
Friday, April 1, 2011
Orissa may allow POSCO to export and import iron ore
Friday, 01 Apr 2011
(Sourced from PTI)
Orissa government has agreed with POSCO India to allow swap of certain quantities of iron ore for production of better quality steel in its proposed 12 million tonne per annum steel project near Paradip.
This was stated by Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Mr Raghunath Mohanty while replying to a question in the state assembly.
Mr Mohanty said that “The company may swap certain quantities (not exceeding 30% of the requirement for the Paradip plant annually) of such iron ore which have high alumina content with equal quantity of low alumina content iron ore of equivalent or better Fe content imported for blending in order to produce better steel in the Paradip project and conserve energy.”
The minister said that state government is examining other factors associated with swapping of iron ore with the company.
Mr Mohanty said that the matters under state government’s examination are the amount of foreign exchange to be spent on importing better quality iron ore, the country from which the raw material would come and the veracity of pollution to be created due to processing of such imported ore.
This was stated by Orissa Steel and Mines Minister Mr Raghunath Mohanty while replying to a question in the state assembly.
Mr Mohanty said that “The company may swap certain quantities (not exceeding 30% of the requirement for the Paradip plant annually) of such iron ore which have high alumina content with equal quantity of low alumina content iron ore of equivalent or better Fe content imported for blending in order to produce better steel in the Paradip project and conserve energy.”
The minister said that state government is examining other factors associated with swapping of iron ore with the company.
Mr Mohanty said that the matters under state government’s examination are the amount of foreign exchange to be spent on importing better quality iron ore, the country from which the raw material would come and the veracity of pollution to be created due to processing of such imported ore.
(Sourced from PTI)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Orissa Government to renew MoU with Posco says Minister Raghu Nath Mohanty
Wed, March 09, 2011
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government will renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with POSCO for setting the `52,000 crore Steel Mill near Paradeep in Jagatsinghpur district. It was announced by Steel and Mines Minster Raghu Nath Mohanty. And this time the process has been started to extend the deal period for a six years instead of five years.
He indicated that the renewal of the MoU was in advance stage of finalisation and would be put in place soon. With the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest on January 31 giving Clearance with conditions for the setting up of the controversial multicrore POSCO steel mill and the captive port, the biggest FDI in the country, the Odhisa Government had initiated steps to regularise the deal to help start the work. The conditions put-forth by the MoEF for the proposed integrated POSCO Project were also examined thoroughly and soon all the points would be Complied with soon, said that Minister of Steel and Mines.
He indicated that the compliance is likely to be made within next three days to the MoEF. Stating that the project would herald a new area of industrialisation and economic growth in Odisha and the country as well, Industry Minister said that the state government had already formulated a new recruitment policy for the ongoing and upcoming industries with the main thurst of more employment of locals.
He said that the same would be applicable to POSCO. As per the new Police, 90 per cent of the required semi-skilled and un-skilled worked would be provided employment in the POSCO.
Similarly, 60 per cent of the skilled jobs would be reserved for the locals and in Managerial posts 30 per cent of the local people would be provided jobs in the project, he said.
The MoU signed on 22nd June 2005 between the Government of Odisha and POSCO for a period of five years had already lost its validity since August 2010.
He indicated that the renewal of the MoU was in advance stage of finalisation and would be put in place soon. With the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest on January 31 giving Clearance with conditions for the setting up of the controversial multicrore POSCO steel mill and the captive port, the biggest FDI in the country, the Odhisa Government had initiated steps to regularise the deal to help start the work. The conditions put-forth by the MoEF for the proposed integrated POSCO Project were also examined thoroughly and soon all the points would be Complied with soon, said that Minister of Steel and Mines.
He indicated that the compliance is likely to be made within next three days to the MoEF. Stating that the project would herald a new area of industrialisation and economic growth in Odisha and the country as well, Industry Minister said that the state government had already formulated a new recruitment policy for the ongoing and upcoming industries with the main thurst of more employment of locals.
He said that the same would be applicable to POSCO. As per the new Police, 90 per cent of the required semi-skilled and un-skilled worked would be provided employment in the POSCO.
Similarly, 60 per cent of the skilled jobs would be reserved for the locals and in Managerial posts 30 per cent of the local people would be provided jobs in the project, he said.
The MoU signed on 22nd June 2005 between the Government of Odisha and POSCO for a period of five years had already lost its validity since August 2010.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Orissa Government decision on TATA Steel Sasol CTL JV soon
Monday, 07 Mar 2011
The Orissa Government is actively studying the TATA Steel and Sasol Synfuel International's joint venture proposal to set up the country's first project to convert coal into liquid at an investment of INR 45,000 crore in the state and would take a call on it any time.
TATA Steel in a tie up with South Africa's Sasol Synfuel International had proposed to set up the project to convert coal into liquid in the state last year.
Orissa's Steel and Mines Minister Mr Raghunath Mohanty told PTI that "They have given a presentation to the chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik to set up the country's first such project at an investment of INR 45,000 crore to convert coal into liquid. We are currently studying the proposal.”
When asked about the time frame for the project, Mr Mohanty said that "I cannot give you the time line but it may get materialized any time. Once we take a decision, both companies will be able to ink MoU with us.”
According to TATA Steel, the project is to be developed by TATA and Sasol in an equal joint venture by 2018 and would produce 80,000 barrels of liquid fuel per day.(sourced from PTI)
Tags : Orissa's Steel and Mines Minister, Raghunath Mohanty,
TATA Steel in a tie up with South Africa's Sasol Synfuel International had proposed to set up the project to convert coal into liquid in the state last year.
Orissa's Steel and Mines Minister Mr Raghunath Mohanty told PTI that "They have given a presentation to the chief minister Mr Naveen Patnaik to set up the country's first such project at an investment of INR 45,000 crore to convert coal into liquid. We are currently studying the proposal.”
When asked about the time frame for the project, Mr Mohanty said that "I cannot give you the time line but it may get materialized any time. Once we take a decision, both companies will be able to ink MoU with us.”
According to TATA Steel, the project is to be developed by TATA and Sasol in an equal joint venture by 2018 and would produce 80,000 barrels of liquid fuel per day.(sourced from PTI)
Tags : Orissa's Steel and Mines Minister, Raghunath Mohanty,
Friday, March 4, 2011
POSCO war zone - Orissa fails to submit assurance
Friday, 04 Mar 2011 by ET
Though a month has elapsed since the Centre accorded conditional clearance to the POSCO project, Orissa government finds it tough to submit its assurance to the Ministry of Environment and Forest on proper implementation of the Forest Rights Act 2006.
While giving conditional clearance to the INR 52,000 crore project on January 31, the Centre had sought written assurance from the state government on the implementation of the FRA before signing the proposal for diversion of forest land for the South Korean steel major's project.
Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik had earlier told media that the state government would positively submit its assurance on the FRA to the Centre by February end. However, the state government failed to meet the deadline due to some fresh claims made by local villagers of Dhinkia and Govindpur gram panchayat.
Aurobind Behera forest secretary said that "We are looking into the fresh claims to be settled under FRA. The state government will soon give its reply to the Centre regarding the FRA implementation.”
Of the 4,004 acres of land demarcated for POSCO project, about 2,900 acre falls under the category of forest land.
A forest and environment department official said that "The forest land must be converted into non-forest land before it is handed to the company for setting up the mega steel plant.”
Meanwhile, the move of the project opponents have put the state government in a fix after the people of Dhinkia and Govindpur passed resolutions opposing the POSCO project at separately held Palli Sabhas on February 21 and 23.
Dhinkia gram panchayat sarpanch Sisir Mohapatra said that "The Palli Sabhas held in Dinkia and Govindpur passed resolutions opposing POSCO project. People facing displacement have made fresh claim under the FRA.”
While giving conditional clearance to the INR 52,000 crore project on January 31, the Centre had sought written assurance from the state government on the implementation of the FRA before signing the proposal for diversion of forest land for the South Korean steel major's project.
Chief Secretary Mr BK Patnaik had earlier told media that the state government would positively submit its assurance on the FRA to the Centre by February end. However, the state government failed to meet the deadline due to some fresh claims made by local villagers of Dhinkia and Govindpur gram panchayat.
Aurobind Behera forest secretary said that "We are looking into the fresh claims to be settled under FRA. The state government will soon give its reply to the Centre regarding the FRA implementation.”
Of the 4,004 acres of land demarcated for POSCO project, about 2,900 acre falls under the category of forest land.
A forest and environment department official said that "The forest land must be converted into non-forest land before it is handed to the company for setting up the mega steel plant.”
Meanwhile, the move of the project opponents have put the state government in a fix after the people of Dhinkia and Govindpur passed resolutions opposing the POSCO project at separately held Palli Sabhas on February 21 and 23.
Dhinkia gram panchayat sarpanch Sisir Mohapatra said that "The Palli Sabhas held in Dinkia and Govindpur passed resolutions opposing POSCO project. People facing displacement have made fresh claim under the FRA.”
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tata Steel sees Orissa plant output by March 2013
Mon Feb 21, 2011 7:15am GMT
* Likely to invest $3.77 bln in the plant's first phase
* Initial 3 mln T capacity to be doubled later
* India currently accounts for 25 pct of total capacity (Adds details)
NEW DELHI, Feb 21 (Reuters) - India's Tata Steel (TISC.BO: Quote), the world's seventh-largest steelmaker by output, expects to start production from a new Orissa plant by end-March 2013, Managing Director Hemant Nerurkar said on Monday.
The plant at Kalinganagar in eastern India will have initial capacity of 3 million tonnes, which would eventually be doubled.
Tata Steel signed the initial memorandum for the plant with the local government in November 2004 and preliminary work on land acquisition and resettlement of locals is still under way, showed the company's website here p. Nerurkar said the company was likely to invest 170 billion rupees ($3.77 billion) in the plant's first phase.
Tata Steel acquired Corus, Europe's second-largest steelmaker, in 2007 for $13 billion, in the largest overseas acquisition made by an Indian company so far.
European operations account for two-thirds of Tata Steel's global capacity of about 30 million tonnes, while current Indian operations contribute a quarter.
It also has units in Thailand and Singapore.
The steel industry globally has been caught in a margin squeeze since mid-2010, when raw material costs began to steadily rise but steel prices dropped as activity slowed as recession hit developed economies.
While demand is improving from the auto sector, the other key market, construction, is struggling to pull clear of the crisis.
Tata Steel said last week its margins would remain under pressure because of increased raw materials costs as it reported quarterly net profit more than doubled, driven by demand in Europe and growth in its Indian operations. [ID:nSGE71F00F]
Nerurkar said steel prices were likely to be volatile.
He also said the company would like to retain its stake in Australia-based Riversdale Mining Ltd. ($1=45.1 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj and Ratnajyoti Dutta; writing by Jo Winterbottom; editing by Malini Menon, sourced:Thomson Reuters)
The plant at Kalinganagar in eastern India will have initial capacity of 3 million tonnes, which would eventually be doubled.
Tata Steel signed the initial memorandum for the plant with the local government in November 2004 and preliminary work on land acquisition and resettlement of locals is still under way, showed the company's website here p. Nerurkar said the company was likely to invest 170 billion rupees ($3.77 billion) in the plant's first phase.
Tata Steel acquired Corus, Europe's second-largest steelmaker, in 2007 for $13 billion, in the largest overseas acquisition made by an Indian company so far.
European operations account for two-thirds of Tata Steel's global capacity of about 30 million tonnes, while current Indian operations contribute a quarter.
It also has units in Thailand and Singapore.
The steel industry globally has been caught in a margin squeeze since mid-2010, when raw material costs began to steadily rise but steel prices dropped as activity slowed as recession hit developed economies.
While demand is improving from the auto sector, the other key market, construction, is struggling to pull clear of the crisis.
Tata Steel said last week its margins would remain under pressure because of increased raw materials costs as it reported quarterly net profit more than doubled, driven by demand in Europe and growth in its Indian operations. [ID:nSGE71F00F]
Nerurkar said steel prices were likely to be volatile.
He also said the company would like to retain its stake in Australia-based Riversdale Mining Ltd. ($1=45.1 Indian rupees) (Reporting by Mayank Bhardwaj and Ratnajyoti Dutta; writing by Jo Winterbottom; editing by Malini Menon, sourced:Thomson Reuters)
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
POSCO War Zone - Angry villagers damage approach road
Tuesday, 15 Feb 2011
Members of POSCO Pratirosh Sangram Samiti and residents from the Dhinkia panchayat of Jagatsinghpur district guarding the entrance to their village on Sunday to prevent entry of personnel of the Orissa government and POSCO.
The agitation against land acquisition for the POSCO steel plant intensified in this seaside gram panchayat in Jagatsinghpur district on Sunday, with the villagers damaging an approach road to the area earmarked for the project.
Led by Mr Abhay Sahu chairman of the POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, which has been spearheading the protest since July 2005 more than 150 people from different hamlets in Dhinkia went out with spades and other tools and damaged the ‘kuchha' road leading to the project site from the Paradip port, which is a few km away.
The PPSS activists decided to damage the road, which runs along the coastline, after the chairman of the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation and the Director General of Police took the same road to reach the site on Saturday.
The IDCO plans to make the road a ‘pucca' one as it will act as an approach route to the 4,004 acres earmarked for the POSCO's steel plant and captive port near the mouth of the Jatadhari river. Mr Sahu said that “We will continue our agitation peacefully. We will not hand over an inch of land for POSCO in our locality at any cost.”
Talking of the visit of the DGP and the IDCO Chairman to the area, Mr Sahu said that “It clearly shows that the State government is readying for applying force to evict people from their land and homes.”
In August last year, the State government halted the land acquisition process after an order from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. But after the Ministry granted conditional environmental clearance recently, the government is now planning to resume land acquisition after giving an assurance to the Ministry about the people claiming to be dependent on the forestland.
But the villagers are in mood to allow the government to resume the work; they have erected six bamboo gates at the entry points of their gram panchayat to prevent officials, POSCO employees and the police from entering their hamlets. (sourced:Thehindu)
Tags:POSCO War Zone,Jagdishpur, Orissa government, steel plant, IDCO, India steel industry news
Members of POSCO Pratirosh Sangram Samiti and residents from the Dhinkia panchayat of Jagatsinghpur district guarding the entrance to their village on Sunday to prevent entry of personnel of the Orissa government and POSCO.
The agitation against land acquisition for the POSCO steel plant intensified in this seaside gram panchayat in Jagatsinghpur district on Sunday, with the villagers damaging an approach road to the area earmarked for the project.
Led by Mr Abhay Sahu chairman of the POSCO Pratirodh Sangram Samiti, which has been spearheading the protest since July 2005 more than 150 people from different hamlets in Dhinkia went out with spades and other tools and damaged the ‘kuchha' road leading to the project site from the Paradip port, which is a few km away.
The PPSS activists decided to damage the road, which runs along the coastline, after the chairman of the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation and the Director General of Police took the same road to reach the site on Saturday.
The IDCO plans to make the road a ‘pucca' one as it will act as an approach route to the 4,004 acres earmarked for the POSCO's steel plant and captive port near the mouth of the Jatadhari river. Mr Sahu said that “We will continue our agitation peacefully. We will not hand over an inch of land for POSCO in our locality at any cost.”
Talking of the visit of the DGP and the IDCO Chairman to the area, Mr Sahu said that “It clearly shows that the State government is readying for applying force to evict people from their land and homes.”
In August last year, the State government halted the land acquisition process after an order from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests. But after the Ministry granted conditional environmental clearance recently, the government is now planning to resume land acquisition after giving an assurance to the Ministry about the people claiming to be dependent on the forestland.
But the villagers are in mood to allow the government to resume the work; they have erected six bamboo gates at the entry points of their gram panchayat to prevent officials, POSCO employees and the police from entering their hamlets. (sourced:Thehindu)
Tags:POSCO War Zone,Jagdishpur, Orissa government, steel plant, IDCO, India steel industry news
Monday, February 14, 2011
POSCO war Zone - Government officials visit proposed port site
Monday, 14 Feb 2011
Orissa Diary reported that top state government officials paid spot visit visited proposed POSCO captive port site nearer to Paradeep and held a high level meeting with district officials at Paradeep circuit house.
The visiting state higher ups included IDCO managing director cum nodal officer for POSCO project Mr Priyabrata Pattnaik, state director general police Mr MM Praharaj, Jagatsinghpur district collector Mr NC Jena and Superintendent of Police Mr S Devadatta Singh, Rehabilitation officer Mr Surajit Das Paradeep, Additional district magistrate Saroj Kanta Chouhurry land acquisition officer Mr Nrusingha Swain and other district level officers from revenue department.
According to official sources added that for collecting ground level information’s about the project state senior officials had come to Paradeep on Saturday and held discussion with district officials.
Sources said after union ministry of Environment and Forests department cleared much hyped POSCO project imposing elevated conditions on 31 January the visit of state government officials to proposed project site marks significant as state government yet to be complied with MoEF and seeking for final clearance.
(sourced:orissadiary.com)
Orissa Diary reported that top state government officials paid spot visit visited proposed POSCO captive port site nearer to Paradeep and held a high level meeting with district officials at Paradeep circuit house.
The visiting state higher ups included IDCO managing director cum nodal officer for POSCO project Mr Priyabrata Pattnaik, state director general police Mr MM Praharaj, Jagatsinghpur district collector Mr NC Jena and Superintendent of Police Mr S Devadatta Singh, Rehabilitation officer Mr Surajit Das Paradeep, Additional district magistrate Saroj Kanta Chouhurry land acquisition officer Mr Nrusingha Swain and other district level officers from revenue department.
According to official sources added that for collecting ground level information’s about the project state senior officials had come to Paradeep on Saturday and held discussion with district officials.
Sources said after union ministry of Environment and Forests department cleared much hyped POSCO project imposing elevated conditions on 31 January the visit of state government officials to proposed project site marks significant as state government yet to be complied with MoEF and seeking for final clearance.
(sourced:orissadiary.com)
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