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.
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.