8 months ago
Odisha Mining Resources at Risk Amid Illegal Operations
There was a big explosion in a mine in Odisha, India, that killed two workers and hurt others.
The mine was operating illegally because its permits had expired.
The opposition party, BJD, says the government is not stopping illegal mining, which is causing a lot of harm.
They warn that if this continues, all the minerals in Odisha could run out in just five years.
The government has not taken action despite many complaints and letters from important people.
The money the state makes from mining has also gone down a lot.
A blast in an illegal dolomite mine in Dhenkanal district, Odisha, killed two workers and injured several others.
The mining operation continued despite the expiration of its blasting permit and lease.
The BJD opposition party alleges government patronage of illegal mining, warning that mineral resources could be exhausted in five years.
Revenue from major and minor minerals has significantly declined due to alleged illegal mining.
The BJD demands immediate arrest of those responsible and strict action against illegal mining operations.
- Who
- Workers in a dolomite mine in Gopalpur village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha
- What
- A blast in an illegal mining operation
- Where
- Gopalpur village, Dhenkanal district, Odisha
- When
- The incident occurred recently, with permits expiring on September 30, 2025, and December 31, 2025
- Why
- Alleged illegal mining operations continuing despite expired permits and government patronage
Key facts
- Location
- Dhenkanal district, Odisha
- Incident
- Blast in dolomite mine
- Casualties
- 2 workers killed, several injured
- Mining Permit Expiry
- Blasting permit expired on September 30, 2025; lease expired on December 31, 2025
- Revenue Decline
- Major minerals revenue dropped from Rs 50,000 crore to Rs 34,000 crore; minor minerals revenue dropped from Rs 14,085 crore to Rs 6,000 crore
- Opposition Claims
- Alleged government patronage of illegal mining
- Opposition Warning
- Mineral resources could be exhausted in 5 years if illegal mining continues
Quotes
Naveen Patnaik
Leader of the Opposition in Odisha
“I am deeply saddened to learn that workers lost their lives due to a rockfall following an explosion in a stone quarry in Dhenkanal. I convey my deepest condolences to the family members, along with prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls. Let appropriate investigations be conducted into the circumstances under which this incident occurred and the state of the workers’ safety measures, let the government direct its attention towards immediately expediting rescue operations.”
thestatesman.com
