BHUBANESWAR: Society of Geoscientists and Allied Technology (SGAT), a mining advocacy body, has urged the state government to restart operations in all mines in the state.

The society said the closure will affect the state's revenue up to Rs 1,500 crore per annum and cause shortage of raw materials in steel plants without captive mines. Besides, around 15,000 labourers will lose their source of livelihood.

On May 16, the Supreme Court suspended operation of 26 iron ore and manganese mines. The state government later renewed licence of eight for captive mining.

"We suggested the government to positively consider renewal of licence of the rest because standalone mining is important for sustenance of plants that do not have captive mines," said general secretary of SGAT B C Patnaik.

SGAT members pointed out that delay in decision-making at the administration level and a number of public interest litigations (PILs), objecting to all activities, had stalled mining projects affecting the state's economy.

Steel and mines minister Prafulla Mallick said 18 closed mines are under review. "The apex court has given six months for renewing licences and the government is taking steps to expedite the process," Mallick added.

SGAT also urged the government to increase the outlay of mineral development scheme and earmark at least 5% of the total mining revenue for mineral development.

There are 600 mines in Odisha of which only 125 are operational. As many as 13,790 mineral concession applications are pending with the state, sources said.

