Next hearing on OMC plea for Niyamagiri mining in Jan 21

BHUBANESWAR: The Supreme Court would hold its next hearing in January 21 on the petition of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) for mining bauxite from Niyamgiri hill for Vedanta Company in Kalahandi district. It was fixed by the apex court after recording the statements of both the parties on the issue on Friday.  

The apex court in December 6 last year had sought complete report regarding the execution of forest rights from the State and the Centre to which both agreed to produce the report. After getting the report, the court held the hearing on Friday.

When the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) refused OMC to use the Niyamgiri hill for mining citing the reason of violation of the Forest Rights Act, the OMC filed a suit in the apex court challenging the order of the Ministry seeking permission for mining from the hill.

Notably, Vedanta closed its Lanjigarh refinery due to scarcity of bauxite. To run the plant, the company needs raw material and for which it requested the State Government for alternative source of bauxite. The company and the State are waiting for the positive outcome of the hearing which would help the company, sources said.