Sundaragada: The proposed Meenakshi Coal Mine by Hindalco Industries Limited, a part of the Aditya Birla Group, garnered significant support during a public hearing attended by local villagers, Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) representatives, and other community members.
Held in Kiripsira village within the Hemgir Block, the hearing featured Sundaragada ADM Abhimanyu Majhi, Sub-Collector Tejaswini Behera, Regional Officer of OSPCB, Jharsuguda Er. Hiranya Kumar Nayak, among other governmental officials.
The hearing unfolded in a calm and organized manner, with attendees expressing optimism that the project will lead to substantial socio-economic advancements in the area.
Residents from Kiripsira, Garjanbahal, Bangurakela, and nearby villages voiced their support for the coal mine, emphasizing its potential to create jobs and enhance development opportunities in Sundaragada district.
Mukesh Kumar Jha, Head of the Meenakshi Coal Mine, provided insights into the project, stating that the mine is situated in Kiripsira, Garjanbahal, and Bangurakela, all under the Hemgir Tehsil of Odisha’s Sundaragada district, and is part of the Ib Valley Coalfields.
The project covers 486.44 hectares and is designed as an open-cast coal mine with a production capacity of 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The estimated cost of the project is ₹1,876 crore, having been allocated to Hindalco Industries Limited by the Ministry of Coal on December 27, 2024.
In addition to creating direct employment, the initiative is expected to generate a significant number of indirect jobs in sectors such as transportation, logistics, equipment maintenance, and other related activities, benefiting local drivers, skilled workers, service providers, and small enterprises.
Furthermore, the project aims to support community development through various statutory payments, including revenue sharing, royalties, and contributions to the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) and National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET), alongside corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts.
Saubhagya Tripathy, Deputy Head of Corporate Affairs at Hindalco, mentioned that the company has implemented numerous environmental protection strategies, including dust suppression, scientific management of overburden, water treatment and reuse systems, a sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 100 KLD, an effluent treatment plant of 50 KLD, and a green belt initiative covering 248.87 hectares using native species.
Tripathy emphasized Hindalco’s commitment to responsible mining practices and sustainable development, focusing on environmental conservation, community welfare, and strict adherence to regulations.
Local Sarpanch Rebati Chhatria remarked that the community seeks development that directly benefits its members, expressing belief that the project will significantly enhance employment opportunities, income generation, and public facilities in the region.
