India: Ex-lessees in Odisha given 1 month to move material

The High Court of Odisha is believed to have granted one month's time to the ex-lessees of the Odisha mines to move their material. The aforesaid period starts from 15 Nov'21. According to sources, the interim order will partially benefit lessees like Serajuddin, Kalinga Mining Corporation, Ghanshyam Minerals and RP Sao whose leases expired in Mar'20.

In the case of KJS Alhuwalia, a miner with significant material left behind, the court has said the company must apply for substitution of legal heirs. Former Chairman and lease holder Kamaljeet Singh Ahuwalia passed away on 15 Oct'21. Lal Traders is believed to have said that they are not seeking one month. They will argue the matter finally.

These lessees had gone to court arguing that the six months allowed to them under the law was not enough for them to evacuate previously mined ore, particularly given the constraints of Covid-19 and rains. The state government had contested this.

While the order is yet to be made public, industry sources say it gives the petitioners time till 8 Nov'21 to apply to the state government for transport permits which must be issued by the 15Nov'21. The lessees then have 30 days, till 15 Dec'21 to despatch their ore.

A month's time may be insufficient for miners such as Serajuddin who has 8 mn t at their mines, but still comes as a relief to these companies whose matter will be heard again on 20 Dec'21.

Status of iron ore inventories at Odisha auctioned mining leases

Source: SteelMint Research