Nalco revives its bauxite mining proposal under Samata Judgement

Just in four days’ of time after Nalco Chairman and Managing Director Tapan Kumar Chand disclosed the company’s new alumina refinery set up plan, worth INR 7000 crore to INR 12000 crore, in Vishakhapatnam,  the company updates that it has revived its proposal. According to the updated news by the Hindu, Nalco has revived the proposal for bauxite mining as well.

Nalco had requested the Centre to consider allotment of bauxite mines at Pottangi, located on the Andhra-Odisha border so that it could secure the raw material for its new alumina refinery in Vishakhapatnam from its own mine. Many had an opinion that bauxite mining by Nalco, which is under the Ministry of Mines with a proven track record on employment and CSR activity in Odisha would not come in the way of Samata judgement given by the Supreme Court.

Hence, this new update on Nalco’s proposal revision has generated a lot of interests among various circles.

Dr. T. K. Chand said they were in the process of seeking permission from the State and Central Governments for obtaining mining leases.

Nevertheless, “Being in a navaratna public sector and ushering in development in Odisha, NALCO’s mining proposal will not violate judgment in Samata case. If allowed it will help boost the economy in Visakhapatnam district,” said Padi Trinadha Rao, Nalco’s senior trade union leader.