New Delhi, August 24: Soon after stalling Vedanta’s proposed bauxite mining project in Orissa, the Environment Ministry today said the licence granted to mining firms supplying the mineral to its alumina refinery is under scanner.
“It appears that project proponent (Vedanta) is sourcing bauxite from a large number of mines in Jharkhand for the one million tonne alumina refinery (in Lanjigarh) that are not in possession of valid environmental clearance.
“This matter is being examined separately,” Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh said soon after announcing his ministry’s decision to reject green clearance to the proposed bauxite mining project of the UK-based Vedanta Resources in Niyamgiri Hills in Orissa over environmental concerns.
The move has come amid reports that Vedanta’s alumina refinery project in Lanjigarh has been sourcing bauxite from illegal mines, particularly from the neighbouring Jharkhand.
–Agencies