Iron ore mining in Jharkhand’s West Singhbhum district are nearly 26% of India’s reserves, has been stalled since March 2020 as statutory approvals remained pending. Lease expiries, lack of coordination between departments, and prolonged clearance procedures have left major mines closed, impacting revenue flows and local employment. Nine Major Iron Ore Mines Awaiting Clearances The state had reserved the mines for Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation (JSMDC), but the Centre opposed the move, insisting on auctions. As a result, nine key iron ore mines, including SAIL’s Jhillingburu, Topailore, Budhaburu, and Tata Steel’s Vijaya II Ghatkuri are closed. Officials said delays…
Author: Editorial Desk
The Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) has come under scanner after alleged irregularities in project expansions worth over Rs. 1500 crore. Show-cause notices being issued to more than three dozen officials of the company. The matter, linked to benefits extended to a prominent contractor, has reached the Coal Ministry and the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC), which have initiated investigations. Notice Issued to CMD and Senior Officers Show-cause issued to BCCL Chairman-cum-Managing Director (CMD), Functional Directors, General Managers, Tender and Technical Committee Members, and Nodal Officers. The officials have been asked to submit replies between 20th August to 31st August 2025,…
Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) has filed a review petition before the Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (JSERC), challenged the 6.34% tariff hike approved for FY2025-26. The JBVNL argued that the regulator’s 30th April 2025 order underestimated its revenue requirement and sought a revised tariff structure. The commission will hear JBVNL’s petition on 10th October. Regulatory Approved only 6.34% Hike Against 402% Demand In its order, JSERC approved a 20-paise per unit hike for urban consumers and 40-paise for rural consumers, taking the average tariff to Rs. 6.85 per unit from 1st May 2025. The JBVNL had sought an…
The proposed 50 MW solar power project at Tenughat Thermal Power Station in Lalpania, Bokaro has failed to draw interest from companies despite three extensions of the tender deadline. The project, with an estimated cost of Rs. 275 crore including a state share of Rs. 82.5 crore, was floated in May 2025, but no bids were received till 19th August 2025. TVNL MD Anil Sharma Defended the Eligibility Condition Industry sources said the condition requiring bidders to have prior experience of setting up at least 10 MW capacity solar plants discouraged participation. While the deadline has now been extended to…
Jharkhand Headlines Parliament Passed Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill 2025 Parliament cleared the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2025, modernising India’s mining laws. The Bill allows leaseholders to add critical minerals like Lithium, Nickel, and Cobalt without extra charges, while royalties remain for others. It renames the National Mineral Exploration Trust as the National Mineral Exploration and Development Trust, raising royalty contributions to 3% for exploration and mine development in India and abroad. Opposition Named Ex-SC Judge B Sudarshan Reddy as VP Candidate The INDIA alliance has nominated former Supreme Court judge B Sudarshan Reddy as its…
Odisha High Court granted interim relief to Tata Steel against a Rs. 1,902.72 crore demand notice. The demand notice was issued by Odisha State Mining Authorities (Jajpur mining office) over alleged short dispatch from Sukinda Chromite Block. The court barred authorities from coercive action against the company until the next hearing on 2nd September. Mining Authorities Alleged Violation of Mineral Concession Rules, 2016 The dispute began on 3rd July 2025 when the office of the Deputy Director of Mines, Jajpur, issued a notice alleging that Tata Steel dispatched lower quantities of minerals than mandated under its Mine Development and Production…
Parliament (Rajya Sabha) on 19th August 2025 passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, marking a significant step towards modernizing India’s mining framework. The Bill, which amends the Mines and Minerals Act, 1957, had earlier passed by the Lok Sabha and was approved by the Rajya Sabha through a voice vote. Nineteen members participated in the debate, with several highlighting the urgent need to liberalize the mining sector and reduce dependence on imports of critical minerals. Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy, while replying to the debate, said the amendment empowers leaseholders to add…
Central Mine Planning & Design Institute (CMPDI) reported a CSR expenditure of Rs. 9.32 crore during FY2024-25, surpassing its annual target by 32%. Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) Manoj Kumar informed that for FY2025-26, the statutory provision has been fixed at Rs. 13.21 crore, with an approved budget of Rs. 18 crore for CSR initiatives. CSR Initiatives Focused on Health and Education CMPDI’s CSR portfolio included multiple health and education-focused interventions. Through Cure India, clubfoot disability is being eliminated in children using the Ponseti method in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. Twenty youths are receiving training in a Government recognised two-year…
Armed criminals opened fire late on 18th August 2025 night at the base camp of PSME Company engaged in the Sayal-D coal project of Ramgarh district. According to police, the attack was aimed at creating fear and forcing the company to pay extortion money. A scooter-borne duo arrived at the site, and one of them fired a round at the main gate before fleeing towards Sayal. Rahul Dubey Gang Claimed Responsibility The police confirmed that notorious criminal Rahul Dubey claimed responsibility for the attack through a social media post. In the letter circulated online, Dubey warned the company’s management to…
Jharkhand Headlines Rajya Sabha Cleared Indian Ports Bill Amid Opposition Uproar The Rajya Sabha passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025 by voice vote, after its earlier passage in the Lok Sabha. The bill aims to strengthen port laws, promote integrated development, improve trade, and ensure efficient use of India’s coastline. Opposition protests over Bihar’s voter list revision led to disruptions and walkout, but the bill was passed smoothly. Gold Deposits Found in Six Odisha Districts, Auction Plans Underway The Geological Survey of India confirmed gold reserves in Deogarh, Sundargarh, Nabarangpur, Keonjhar, Angul, and Koraput districts of Odisha, estimating over 20…