Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Holds Talk With Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Mining Issues

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, on Wednesday, held meeting with Union Minister of Coal, Mines and Parliamentary Affairs Pralhad Joshi and Union Minister Petroleum, Natural Gas and Steel Dharmendra Pradhan.

The officials discussed on the issues that emerged from the recently conducted auction of mines, further mineral reforms and other issues related to Mineral sector in the State.

The Chief Minister said that Odisha has been one of the first state to successfully conduct auction of mineral blocks in accordance with the orders of Supreme Court. However, there have been some glitches in commencement in mining operations leading to disruptions in production and dispatch. This has in turn led to shortage of minerals for end user industries and price rise.

Such disruptions and uncertainties in production and dispatch are undesirable, especially during these times, added CM Patnaik.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also proposed reservation of some of these expired working mineral blocks under provisions of section 17A of the MMDR Act to State PSUs like OMC to ensure uninterrupted supply of ore to the end-user industry.

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