Business Line reported that an environment ministry panel has recommended green nod to ArcelorMittal’s mining project in Jharkhand having an estimated production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum of iron ore.

The project, Meghahatuburu Iron & Manganese Ore mine located in west Singhbhum district of Jharkhand, holds significance for the world’s largest steelmaker for raw material security to its proposed 12 MTPA steel mill in the state entailing an investment of INR 50,000 crore.

A source privy to the knowledge said that “An MoEF panel Expert Appraisal Committee has recommended the project for environmental clearance subject to their obtaining forestry and wildlife clearances.”

The project has been pending for over three years.
While recommending green nod, the Ministry of Environment and Forests panel EAC also considered a letter from Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board stating that the particulate level has come down in the area and was also within the limits prescribed.

The source added that “The mine lease areas being the forestland, the proponent (ArcelorMittal India) have already submitted their application for forestry clearance for diversion of forestland.”

On concerns that the mining area is in close vicinity of Project Elephant in the state, the panel, as per the source said that “It was also stated that no elephant corridor is within 10 km of the mine lease. A map duly authenticated by Chief Wildlife Warden, Jharkhand government has been submitted in this regard.”

(Sourced from BL)