BHUBANESWAR | Jun 08, 2015: The state government aims to generate mining revenue worth Rs 6,600 crore during the current financial year, said an official statement shortly after review of the annual activity of the steel and mines department here on Saturday.
The government has set a target to extract 75 million tonne (MT) iron ore during 2015-16 to cater to the raw material needs of industries.
Officials said mineral production capacity of state-owned Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) will be enhanced to 20 MT by 2019. In 2014-15, the OMC produced 4 MT minerals and targets 10 MT in 2015-16.
Chief minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the department to make necessary amendment to Odisha Minor Minerals Concession (Amendment) Rules, 2014, to ensure adequate availability of construction materials. Since a number of major steel promoters have signed agreements with the government to set up plants in the state, Naveen directed the department to create post of special director for steel sector to ensure smooth implementation of the projects.
In 2014-15, collection of revenue from mining sector fell short due to closure of major iron ore and manganese mines. State's mining revenue was Rs 5,186 crore against the target of Rs 6,346 crore, official sources said. In 2013-14, the state targeted Rs 6,600-crore revenue, but could mop up Rs 5,510 crore.
(Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/)