Centre reviewing Sterlite's bauxite mining project in Orissa

The centre is reviewing the bauxite-mining project of Sterlite Industries in Orissa following receipt of a number of representations, both for and against the project, minister of state for environment and forests (independent charge) Jairam Ramesh said.

He said the centre could examine conversion of the 'in-principle' approval to final approval and is awaiting a reply from the state government.

The ministry is reviewing the projects now "for approval or rejection" so that there is no ambiguity and project proponents do not misuse the 'in-principle' approval, the minister said in a statement issued today.

"The new policy of the ministry of environment and forests does away with the concept of 'in-principle' approval. Projects are now being examined for approval or rejection so that there is no ambiguity and project proponents do not misuse the 'in-principle' approval," the minister said in the statement.

In addition, he said, another site inspection team will be sent in a week's time to verify fresh allegations of violations of the terms of the 'in-principle' approval under the Forest Conservation Act,1980.

Vedanta, the UK-based parent of India-focused private mining company Sterlite Industries, has proposed to undertake bauxite mining operations in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts of Orissa. The Orissa Mining Corporation (OMC) has agreed to divert 660.749 hectares of forestland for bauxite mining by the company, of which around 353.14 ha is in the Niyamgiri reserve forest, the minister stated.