Local villagers demand resumption of mining at Surjagarh

  • | Wednesday | 13th February, 2019

Nagpur: In a visible change, the local residents around Surjagarh are now demanding resumption of mining in Surjagarh area of Gadchiroli district. Mining operations were suspended in last week of January following violence after a road accident involving truck of Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd (LMEL) that runs the iron ore mine. Angered villagers burned down 15 vehicles of the company and the work is stopped since.LMEL, which was granted the mining licence in 2007, has often suspended operations mainly due to Maoists’ threat. It is learnt the company has expressed willingness to work 15 days in a month, if it is provided enough security. During entire 2018, mining was done for only 48 days.The district collector Shekar Singh confirmed that some workers had held protests demanding the mining be resumed but he could not give numbers.

Nagpur: In a visible change, the local residents around Surjagarh are now demanding resumption of mining in Surjagarh area of Gadchiroli district. Mining operations were suspended in last week of January following violence after a road accident involving truck of Lloyds Metals and Energy Ltd (LMEL) that runs the iron ore mine. Maoists are also opposed to the project and have frequently attacked the operations, often destroying machinery and vehicles and sometimes even killing the staff.Last week around 200 persons living in the villages around the LMEL mine, had gathered at Gadchiroli district headquarters for three days demanding that the mining operations be resumed. The mines are operational for an average of less than a week in a given month, Around 500 persons including women are engaged by the company when operations run, for a basic wage of Rs300 a day. Sources said much larger number of locals turn up for getting work.Last month four persons were killed as a truck belonging to the company collided with a ST bus travelling a route close to the mine. Angered villagers burned down 15 vehicles of the company and the work is stopped since.LMEL, which was granted the mining licence in 2007, has often suspended operations mainly due to Maoists’ threat. The operations are carried out under police protection which depends on availability of force. During entire 2018, mining was done for only 48 days.The district collector Shekar Singh confirmed that some workers had held protests demanding the mining be resumed but he could not give numbers. He said resumption was not in the hands of district administration as LMEL was a private company.Sources said with tendu leaf plucking business, the main stay for the district’s rural population, coming down this year, the mining work is much needed for the villagers. Villagers living as far away as 20 kms from the mine reach there looking for work, they said.On Monday evening a meeting was held at the district collectorate. It is learnt the company has expressed willingness to work 15 days in a month, if it is provided enough security. Otherwise it may even close down the operations permanently.As a large number of locals turn up to seek work at the mine, it indicates they are not deterred by the Maoists’ opposition to the project. The locals hire vehicles in groups to reach the mines.IN A NUTSHELL* Surjagarh is rich in iron ore deposits* LMEL is the only company having licence to mine here* Operations take place at negligible level due to Maoist presence* Mining takes place whenever police protection is available* Last year work was carried out for only 48 days

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