The Rakha Copper Mines in Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district are set to reopen after receiving environmental clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) has secured approval to produce 3 million tonnes of ore from the mines. After 24 years, mining in the region will resume soon, reviving the long-closed copper mines.
SWML Company will Operate the Mining
The Rakha mines, which have been closed since July 2001, will now be operated by South West Mining Private Limited (SWML). The company won a global tender to run Rakha and the proposed Chapri mines for the next 20 years. SWML plans to extract 1.5 million tonnes of ore annually from Rakha while simultaneously developing the Chapri block within the same lease area. It has also committed to setting up a concentrator plant, involving an investment of Rs. 2,700 crore in multiple phases.
Also Read: Hindustan Copper to Reopen Rakha and Kendadih Mines in Jharkhand, 10,000 Jobs Expected
The Reopening will Generate 10000 Jobs
The reopening of Rakha, which covered an ared of 785 hectares, including 98 hectares of forest land, is expected to generate 10000 jobs directly and indirectly, which will impact positively to the local economy. Authorities confirmed that the process of reopening of the closed mine has already started. District officials and HCL are scheduled to sign the deed agreement soon, after which mining permits will be issued. Local MP Vidyut Baran Mahato said the project will help curb migration from Musabani–Ghatshila, as renewed mining activity will bring fresh employment opportunities.
Also Read: Two New Copper Deposits Discovered in Giridih, Jharkhand
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