The beleaguered mining sector in Odisha which is facing a series of allegations mostly over illegal ore excavation and transport, can hope to wriggle out of the mess with the state government engaging World Bank to prepare a project report on the sector.
The report, expected to be submitted to the state government soon, will detail the areas where the World Bank can offer its expertise to the mining sector. Efficient mineral administration, strengthening of state owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), sustainable management, resource corridor in the mine rich Joda-Jajpur belt and mining revenue collection and management have been prioritized as the areas of assistance by the World Bank.
“World Bank will be offering non-loan technical assistance. They will offer interventions which will help strengthen the mining sector in the state. The World Bank can help transform OMC into a world class mining company. The state government has mooted a resource corridor for the Joda-Jajpur belt where their assistance can be availed”, said a source in the know of the development.
A six member team of the World Bank consisting of Richards James Taylor, Javier Aguilar, Christopher Hood, Enrique Ortega, Luke Jordan and Amar Jyoti Mohapatra held talks with top state officials on the matter.
The World Bank officials refused to share anything with the media.
“The World Bank team made a presentation based on the study which they made on the mineral sector of Odisha. They will be submitting a report to us. Under mineral administration, the World Bank will assist us to streamline the process of disposal of mineral concession applications besides strengthening directorate of mines and the existing mines and minerals management system”, said Deepak Mohanty, director (mines).