CMDC looking for mine operator for Aridongri iron ore field

CMDC looking for mine operator for Aridongri iron ore field

10th july 2018

The Chhattisgarh Mineral Development Corporation (CMDC) has invited bids from prospective operators for excavation, magnetic separation, crushing, screening, transportation and delivery of iron ore at Aridongri Iron Ore Mine in Kanker district of Bastar, officials informed.
The iron ore deposit of Aridongri hills of District Kanker lies in the southern part of the Rajhara iron ore deposit.
The State Government’s Mineral Resources Department vide letter dated November 10, 2015 had issued Letter of Intent (LoI) for granting Mining Lease (ML) in favour of CMDC over an area of 166.800 hectares in the compartment number 608 of Bhanupratappur Forest range under the Bhanupratappur East Forest Division.
Forest Clearance as well as Environment Clearance has been received from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change for the mining operations, officials informed.
CMDC intends to sell iron ore produced from the proposed Aridongri mine to steel/sponge iron units at Bhilai, Raipur and Raigarh on priority basis, officials informed.
Efforts are being made to increase the production so that sufficient quantity of iron ore is available for export after meeting the requirements of the expanding home market. Export of iron ore is necessary for earning the much needed foreign exchange, they informed.
The mining at Aridongri will be carried out by open cast mechanized method. The project area is located near Kachhe village on Dallirajhara-Bhanupratappur road.
The Chhattisgarh Government has targeted to carry out survey and mapping for 1,000 square kms of State’s area during 2015-16 for geological exploration during the 12th five year plan ( 2012-17).
The minerals being explored as Bauxite, Limestone, Iron ore, Coal, Dolomite, Manganese and Granite, officials stated.
Source: THE PIONEER