Utkal Alumina to start bauxite mining in Rayagada

Utkal Alumina International Limited (UAIL), a bauxite mining and refinery project in Rayagada district, is expected to be operational soon. "The project is ready for commissioning and we are hopeful that it will be operational within the next six months," said Rajesh Kumar Jha, who took over as the new chief-executive officer (CEO) and managing director of the UAIL on Wednesday.

Though the UAIL has set up a 4.5 million tonne per annum bauxite mining plant at Baphlimali hills and has established a 1.5 million tpa alumina refinery at Doragurah under Kasipur block in Rayagada district, the plant was unable to commence mining in the face of stiff resistance from locals seeking employment in the company. They also demanded the company develops basic facilities like health, education, road and drinking water in the periphery villages. Tribals, under the banner of Prakrutika Sampad Surakhya Parishad (PSSP), have been spearheading the anti-mining campaign in the area for the last few years.

"Though much work has been done under the CSR activities, in future utmost priority will be given to the development of periphery areas," said Jha, an IIT-Roorkey alumnus.