Mail News Service
Jamshedpur, Sept 24: Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato held a detailed meeting with CMD of Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL) K Anand Rao and senior officials at UCIL’s headquarters in Jadugoda to discuss revival of mines, new plant proposals and critical local issues in his constituency.
Mahato strongly advocated for the reopening of the Dhobni, Kisanigadia and Pathergada copper mines, which were under Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) until 2000 but have remained shut since then.
He highlighted that Atomic Minerals Directorate (AMD), Hyderabad, has claimed the presence of uranium in these mines.
UCIL officials informed that a survey would be carried out – if uranium grade exceeds 150 PPM, UCIL will take over operations, otherwise NOC will be issued to HCL to restart mining.
The MP also reiterated his long-pending demand for restarting UCIL’s recovery plant, which earlier extracted uranium residues from copper ore but was dismantled after the mines were shut in 2000.
With ICC Mosabani mines reopening and copper concentrator plants generating tailings, Mahato emphasized that uranium traces are being wasted – a “national loss.”
UCIL officials assured that the process to restart the recovery plant, which has already received clearance through a public hearing, will be expedited.
On infrastructure, Mahato raised concerns over the dilapidated road in Jadugora, crucial for connecting several villages.
He recalled arranging Rs 4.5 crore CSR funds during the tenure of former CMD C.K. Asnani, but the work remained incomplete after the contractor abandoned it.
UCIL officials promised to restart construction soon.
The MP also stressed transparency in the recruitment process and prioritizing jobs for displaced families and locals.
Discussions were also held on CSR projects, including safe drinking water through deep borings and the construction of four classrooms at the Hadiyan Jian School in Ghurabandha – an area with a tribal majority and a history of left-wing extremism.
In addition, officials assured that exploration for new uranium reserves in the Kanialuka village area of Ghurabandha block would be fast-tracked.
If successful, the new mines are expected to bring overall development, create employment opportunities, and boost prosperity in the region.
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