Friday, August 7, 2009

Mining will start only after clearance: Vedanta

Expressbuzz, Aug 7, 2009

BHUBANESWAR: The Vedanta Alumina Limited (VAL) today strongly denied starting any mining activity in Niyamgiri hills of Kalahandi where its alumina project is sited.

Mining will be undertaken by a joint venture (JV) company between the Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) and Sterlite Industries India Ltd (SIIL), and not by Vedanta Aluminium, as per the Supreme Court directive last year.

Besides, the question of mining does not arise till clearance is obtained, a spokesperson of Vedanta said. As of now, Stage I (in principle) forest clearance has been granted for the mining project and Sterlite has deposited Rs 121 crore with the State Government towards statutory payments, including net present value for diversion of forest land, compensatory afforestation, wildlife management plan, tribal development and safety zone creation around the mining area. After complying with Stage I terms and conditions, the company is waiting for Stage II clearance from the Government of India for diversion of forest land for mining as per the SC orders.

Although the project received environmental clearance in April, mining will start only after final approval is obtained from the Centre along with other clearances from the State.

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