Mining units urged to add value locally

The Orissa government today urged the mining companies operating in the state to go for value addition of minerals in the state.

It also emphasised on the need to focus on utilising the low grade iron ore making use of modern technology.

Addressing the participants of the international seminar on mining history organised by International Mining History Congress (IMHC) and Society of Geo-scientists and Allied Technologists (SGAT), the minister said, "the state believes in value addition of its minerals within the state. There is vast opportunity for investment in sectors like beach sand, nickel, diamond, gold, gemstone, graphite and limestone etc".

He said, the exploration of minerals must be accompanied by continuing innovation, application of the state of art technology, safety activities, induction of new technology, mineral beneficiation, utilisation with due importance to environment management and infrastructure development.

He said, due to the continued efforts by the geo-scientists, engineers, metallurgists and the technocrats of Orissa working in the field of mineral exploration and development, Orissa could become an important destination for investment in the mineral sector.

He also praised the role of organisations like Geological Survey of India (GSI), Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC), Coal India, SAIL, Tata Steel, Mineral Exploration Corporation, Central Ground Water Board, Indian Bureau of Mines, department of atomic energy, Hindusthan Zinc in the field of mineral exploration in the state.

Besides the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) project for development of gem stones, Australian government-aided high resolution aero-magnetic survey, re-assessment of the iron-ore reserve in Mankaranacha deposits by Rio Tinto-OMC, report of existence of natural gas in offshore areas by Reliance and discovery of diamond in Nuapada areas by the directorate of Geology are some of the developments in the field of mineral exploration.

The state steel and mines secretary, U P Singh said, though the industrialisation process is expected to benefit the state, the government and the industry will have to see that the common man benefits from the process.

So there is a greater need to achieve the inclusive growth and take people into confidence.

Stating that the exact amount of reserve is yet to be assessed, Singh said, our exploration is only confined to 30 metres at present.

So it has become imperative to establish the right quantity of minerals through some kind of scientific research.

The industry, from its side, will have to make it explicit how the people and the state are going to benefit out of their activity. In this context, the industries must adhere to value addition, environmental protection and take up peripheral development in a greater way, he suggested.

Further, to boost the employment opportunities for the local people, the upcoming industries must start developing the local skill much earlier than the commissioning of the plants so that they will not feel the necessity to appoint people from outside even in technical jobs.

Mel Davies, Secretary, IMHC said, mining is not an isolated industry rather it is an integral part of society.

So a large number of companies are willing to preserve the mining heritage.

While each country has its own peculiarities, heritage is also a part of the research, he added.

Citing the example of Australia and Wales, he said, the mining has played an important role in the social and political development.

The three day event seeks to discuss the ancient mining, exploration, metallurgical and environment management practices, economics of mining, education, safety, legislative measure and developments relating to the social status of the community among others.