(a) whether any private Group has been granted licence for mining of bauxite in the Niyamgiri forest of Orissa;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the number of people including tribals likely to be displaced and affected as a result thereof;
(d) whether the Government has sanctioned any compensation to the affected tribal people; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF MINES & MINISTER OF DEVELOPMENT OF NORTH EASTERN REGION(SHRI B.K. HANDIQUE)
(a) to (c) Mineral concessions (Mining Lease, Prospecting Licence and
Reconnaissance Permit) are granted by respective State Governments. Prior
approval of the Central Government is required in respect of minerals (including
bauxite) specified in the First Schedule of the Mines and Minerals (Development
and Regulation) Act, 1957 before grant of mineral concession by the State Government.
Prior approval of the Central Government for grant of mining lease to M/s Orissa
Mining Corporation Limited for Bauxite in Niyamgiri Dongar area of Kalahandi and
Rayagada district over an area of 721.323 hects was accorded on 13.9.2004. As per
the information furnished by the Government of Orissa, the entire quantity of bauxite
to be raised from the area shall be exclusively used in the proposed alumina plant
to be set up at Lanjigarh by M/s Sterlite Industries (P) Ltd / Vedanta Alumina Ltd.
However, the said mining lease has not been granted to the company for want of forest
clearance. The State Government has informed the company that the grant of mining
lease is subject to the company obtaining forest and environment clearances. The
State Government has also stated that there is no human habitation within the area
of the said mining lease.
(d) & (e) Does not arise.