Mine over Matter- report on mining in Keonjhar by the World Bank

Even the World Bank admits that mining in Keonjhar haven't been a boon for the local inhabitants. Based on detailed study of a large sample of villages in Keonjhar, using quantitative as well as spatial analysis, the study finds that "In terms of indicators of overall welfare, villages closer to mines have poorer health, education and production assets. These impacts are likely partly due to the impact of mines on forest quality. Proximity to mines is associated with reduced forest quality, as measured by the diversity of forest products available to village residents." 

It also goes on to say "The villages closest to mines appear to bear a greater  environmental cost".

We have uploaded a copy of the report on the epgorissa website.

More on Orissa Sponge Iron Hearing

Statesman's Orissa Plus had an article on the Public Hearing of the Orissa Sponge Iron Ltd. proposed mine in the Malangtoli area of Keonjhar district. Here it is

"Villagers suspect foulplay in Sponge Iron hearing
Statesman News Service

KEONJHAR, Nov. 2. — The people of villages of Luhakala and Kadakala, and many social organisations have remonstrated against the public hearing conducted by the Orissa Sponge Iron on the Malangtoli Iron Ore Mining Lease in their villages in the Bansapal block. Organisations like Kendujhara Suraksha Parishad, Anchalika Mahasangha, Shreekhand Bhaumya Samaj, Khandadhar Suraksha Samiti and Anchalika Swayam Sahayaka Sadhana Kendra have drawn the attention of the director, State Pollution Control Board, the secretary, Forest and Environment Department and the Collector to the irregularities noticed at the public hearing.

They alleged that the hearing was a farce and hundreds of people had not got a chance to put forth their views on the proposed expansion project of the plant as the hearing lasted barely three hours. Some of them have alleged that organisations working on environment and forest were forced to wait outside the hall while handpicked people who were supportive of the expansion plan were allowed to take part in the public hearing.

The local people have alleged in their letter to the concerned pollution control authorities that the expansion plan will adversely affect the Khandadhara waterfall that attracts a lot of tourists.
Quoting from reports which were said to have been prepared by consultants, the villagers have alleged that the employment potential is minimal and it will all be unskilled labour-based employment.

They wanted to know whether no-objection certificate had been obtained prior to the public hearing as the company had already commenced its work. When contacted, the managing director of OSIL Mr NK Patnaik insisted that the company had obtained a no-objection certificate since the day it had placed orders for its machinery. He, however, declined to be drawn into any controversial question on the need for environment clearance.

Iron Ore and Manganese Mines in Keonjhar and Sundargarh

These are some satellite pictures of mines in Keonjhar and Sundargarh. They are from Google Earth. Quite scary!! But this is the tip of iceberg - the iron ore production from this area is slated to go up ten fold in next few years. These areas are also the home of Paudi Bhuiyans and Juangs, Primitive Tribal Groups of Orissa and come under Schedule V area.
The area covered by the picture is approximately 400 sq. km. This is a true color picture. The blood red patches are the mines. The green patches are mostly forests. The dark patch visible near the bottom seems to be area polluted by sponge iron plants - though we need to confirm that.

This in another satellite picture of a site that is proposed to be leased out to Orissa Sponge Iron Limited for mining. The total area in the map is around 50 sq. km. The dark green patches are forests. The boundary of the mining lease is shown in yellow.There are number of perennial springs on the plateau which form the source of four-five perennial streams, vital sources of water for the local inhabitants. The local people are up in arms against the mining project.

The Public Hearing for the Project took place Yesterday (31st Oct, 2005) and there was vehemant opposition from the local villagers and activists. As per our information, inspite of heavy police presence, more than a thousand people from nearby areas came all the way to Public hearing site at Kadakala village to protest. Apparently only 23 of these villagers were allowed to speak and submit memorandum. The local activists are planning to protest against this discrimination.