(a) whether the Gua Iron Ore Mines in Jharkhand have been closed since June, 2011;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor along with the present status of
these iron ore mines; and
(c) the measures being initiated by the Government to reopen the said mines?
THE MINISTER OF STEEL (SHRI BENI PRASAD VERMA)
(a)&(b): Yes, Madam. Mining work at Gua Ore Mines under the Durgaiburu Mining Lease was suspended
with effect from June 2011 for want of forest clearance. Stage-I forest clearance along with one
year working permission was granted by Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) on 14.8.2012 but
the production in the mine could not be resumed for want of environment clearance from MoEF.
(c) Regional office of Ministry of Environment & Forests has inspected the site and submitted
its report to the Ministry of Environment & Forests on 3.12.2012. Further, in order to expedite
the clearances, Cabinet Secretary held a meeting on 20.12.2012 with Secretary, Ministry of Environment
& Forests, the Secretary (Steel) and Chairman (SAIL).