Question : PRODUCTION OF COPPER

(a) whether many copper production units are lying closed in various States;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State-wise;

(c) the details of expenditure incurred by the Government on maintenance and wages of employees of such closed units;

(d) the action taken by the Government to re-open these closed copper production units including Ghatshila Copper Unit; and

(e) the reasons for delay in opening these units?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF MINES (DR. T. SUBBARAMI REDDY)

(a) to (e): The Ministry of Mines does not centrally maintain any information on closed copper producing units in various states. So far Ghatsila Copper unit which is owned by M/s. Hindustan Copper Limited, a Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of Ministry of Mines is concerned, it is operational.