Centre Ordered High-Level Probe into Illegal Bauxite Mining in Pakhar
Acting on a complaint by Chandan Kumar, a resident of Lohardaga, the Union Ministry of Mines has ordered a high-level inquiry into alleged illegal bauxite mining in Pakhar Pathari area. The ministry has directed Jharkhand’s Mines Secretary to conduct the probe in Kumar’s presence and submit a detailed report. The investigation will be carried out under provisions of the MMDR Act, 1957.
Former CRPF DG Anish Dayal Singh Appointed Deputy NSA
Ex-CRPF and ITBP Director General Anish Dayal Singh has been appointed Deputy National Security Advisor, overseeing internal security matters including Jammu & Kashmir, Naxal issues, and insurgency in the Northeast. A 1988-batch IPS officer of Manipur cadre, Singh retired in December 2024 after nearly three decades in the Intelligence Bureau and leadership roles in paramilitary forces.
BMW Industries to Invest Rs. 803 Crore in New Steel Plant at Bokaro
BMW Industries will set up a Rs. 803 crore cold rolling steel unit in Bokaro under the Centre’s PLI Scheme for specialty steel. MD Harsh Bansal said the plant will have a 5 lakh-tonne capacity, producing color-coated and advanced alloy/non-alloy steel for infrastructure, auto, renewable energy, and defense sectors. Production begins FY26, with revenues expected by late FY25.
India on Path to Self-Reliance in Rare Critical Minerals
IIT-ISM Dhanbad Deputy Director Prof. Dheeraj Kumar said India holds nearly six million tonnes of monazite reserves and could become self-reliant in rare earth minerals within a decade. He stressed phased policy execution, private participation, and innovation. Jharkhand, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh show major potential, while focus on lithium, cobalt, nickel, titanium, and graphite is vital for future technologies.
Coal Belt Soil Found Cancer-Causing, Children at High Risk: CIFR Report
A CIFR study of 83 soil samples from Dhanbad’s Raniganj coal belt revealed dangerous levels of 12 heavy metals including chromium, cadmium, nickel, and arsenic. Researchers confirmed severe contamination linked mainly to coal mining, with five pollution sources identified. The report warns of high cancer risk, particularly for children, along with serious skin and health hazards for local communities.
Industrial Leaders Emphasize Mine Waste Management and Sustainable Practices
At a conference organized by ICC on ‘Redefining Mining for a Sustainable Future’ in Ranchi, industry leaders underscored the urgent need for effective mine waste management. SAIL executive director Sandip Kumar Kar said unsustainable mining has created massive waste dumps in copper, iron, and coal mines, stressing the need for technology to maximize mineral extraction. Sanjay Khator, CEO of Triveni Sainik Pvt. Ltd., added that real success in mining depends on balancing resource utilization with conservation of land, water, and forests.
TPC Militants Torched Six Vehicles in Hazaribagh Coal Project
Armed TPC militants attacked the Tapin North coal project in Hazaribagh’s Charhi area, beating a supervisor and setting six vehicles, including Poklen and Hiva trucks, on fire. The group left a pamphlet warning coal companies of consequences if they operate without “talks.” Police suspect levy collection as the motive. The attack has triggered fear among local villagers.
BCCL Scraps First Revenue-Share MDO Contract After Vensar Exit
The revival of Dhanbad’s Loyabad coal mine hit a setback as Vensar Construction withdrew from its MDO contract with BCCL. The project, designed to produce 25.48 MT of coal, was Coal India’s first revenue-sharing model at 7.29%. With Vensar surrendering the tender, BCCL formally cancelled the agreement, stalling operations before they began.
B.K. Tiwari to Retire as Director Incharge of Bokaro Steel Plant on 31st August
B.K. Tiwari, Director Incharge of Bokaro Steel Plant, will retire on 31st August after an illustrious 35-year career. Joining as a trainee in 1989, he rose through key positions to lead the plant. Known for his humility, technical expertise, and people-centric leadership, Tiwari is remembered as a mentor who fostered teamwork, respect, and unity at BSL.
Gang Threatens Mongia Steel Chairman, Demands Rs. 20 Lakh Extortion
Giridih-based industrialist and Mongia Steel Chairman Dr. Gunwant Singh Mongia has lodged an FIR alleging extortion threats of Rs. 20 lakh. He claimed that accused Mumtaz Alam alias “Mister” and his associates forcibly tried to seize his property, assaulted him, snatched Rs. 10,000 from his pocket, and threatened him with a knife. Police have registered a case and begun investigation.
CSR Conclave in Jharkhand Calls for Local Participation and Sustainable Development
The two-day Jharkhand CSR Conclave in Ranchi urged companies to prioritize local participation in CSR spending. Former Union minister Faggan Singh Kulaste stressed consulting residents before projects, while experts highlighted CSR’s role in environment, biodiversity, and youth empowerment. Over 500 delegates identified education, healthcare, agriculture, women empowerment, and renewable energy as key focus areas for sustainable growth.
Villagers in Latehar Oppose NTPC-NLC Land Acquisition
In a Gram Sabha at Gerenja village, residents from several Latehar villages resolved to oppose land acquisition by NTPC and NLC. Villagers declared their land falls under the Fifth Schedule and warned mining would destroy livelihoods, environment, and religious sites. They plan to submit a memorandum to the DC, asserting “jal-jungle-jameen” is their collective right.
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