1. Vedanta lines up Rs 60,000cr investment by 2013
2. Mining funds deliver 100% more return than gold ETFs
4. GMR Infra may acquire Indonesian coal mine soon
6. Ram Vilas Paswan to launch Project for Rebuilding of Steel Plant at Amethi
7. Mining lobby counsel roughs up TOI reporter in court
8. Court to decide on mining at Aravali hills in Haryana March 2
9. RTI Inspections unveil coal scam of Rs 45 crores
10. Uranium mining fight continues
11. Wika to acquire mining company
12. Canadian government survey says mining, energy investment will tumble
13. Ranking: world's 100 biggest mining companies
14. County should ban uranium mining
15. Estonians to mine gold and diamonds in Africa
16. Two more JNNURM projects for Andhra Pradesh approved
17. Changes in religious beliefs affecting tribals’ superstitions
18. Coastal Management Zone Notification, 2008
19. Funds for Controlling Pollution
20. Orissa inks pact with ADB, GoI for Rs1250cr project
Mining – India
Vedanta lines up Rs 60,000cr investment by 2013 |
| Dillip Satapathy / Kolkata/ |
The Anil Agarwal promoted Vedanta Aluminium (VAL) plans to invest a whopping Rs 60,000 crore in aluminium, alumina and power sector in Orissa by 2013.
The company has recently completed the construction of a one million tonne alumina refinery at Lanjigarh in Kalahandi district and is currently engaged in establishing a 0.5 million tonne aluminium smelter and 1215 Mw captive power plant (CPP) at Jharsuguda.
It has already invested about Rs 25,000 crore in these two projects and intends to make additional Rs 35,000 crore investment to scale up the operation of both the units over next four years.
The investment plan of the company is in tune with its aim to have 2.6 million tonne aluminium capacity under its belt by 2013. Of this envisaged capacity, the Jharsuguda unit is expected to contribute 1.6 million tonne while the rest one million tonne will come from Korba plant of the company.
Similarly, the CPP capacity at Jharsuguda is projected to be ramped up to 3,600 Mw while the capacity of the alumina smelter at Lanjigarh will be expanded from one million tonne to 5 million tonne by this time.
The new investments also include setting up of a 2400 Mw independent power plant also at Jharsuguda.
“Once this is done, the Jharsuguda plant will be the world’s largest single location smelter with a capacity to produce 1.6 million tonne of aluminium”, says P.K. Panda, vice-president, Mines, Vedanta Aluminium. Dubal in
At Jharsuguda, the company is nearing completion of the first phase of the smelter project comprising 2,50,000 tonnes of aluminium capacity. Of 288 pots to be installed in the first phase 216 pots have been commissioned and the balance will go on stream by June this year. Similarly, out of 675 Mw of captive power required in the first phase, 540 Mw (4X135 Mw) capacity has been commissioned.
Though the construction of the company’s one million tonne alumina refinery at Lanjigarh is complete since October, 2007, the company is currently operating only one stream of refining process, out of two streams installed there, due to problems in sourcing bauxite. “We are operating at 50 per cent of capacity at Lanjigarh, producing 60,000 tonne of alumina per month, pending operation of captive bauxite mines in Niyamgiri Hills nearby”, Panda added.
To keep the unit running, the company is procuring bauxite from all over the country and in the process, incurs a loss of half a crore of rupees every day on present scale of operation. The mining in Niyamgiri had run into rough weather with litigation over forest, environment and tribal issues. However, with the Supreme Court recently clearing the mining project, the company expects to start bauxite mining in joint venture with Orissa Mining Corporation.
http://business-standard.com/india/news/vedanta-linesrs-60000cr-investment-by-2013/10/00/350158/
Mining funds deliver 100% more return than gold ETFs |
| Tinesh Bhasin / Mumbai February 26, 2009, 0:13 IST |
Gold is surely the flavour of the season. Be it investments in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or funds that invest in gold mining companies, investors have made huge profits.
While gold ETFs delivered their all-time high returns in the past three months, mutual fund schemes that invest in gold mining companies gave more than twice that return.
The spike in gold prices and lowering input cost has helped two funds, DSP Black Rock World Gold and AIG World Gold, deliver a stellar 78.19 per cent and 74.79 per cent returns respectively in the past three months.
But despite the performance, investment advisers suggest that investors should not allocate more than 5 per cent of their portfolio to such funds. “The returns of these funds are the function of the rising gold prices. But they are much more volatile in comparison,” said Mukesh Dedhia, director, Ghalla & Bhansali Securities.
When gold prices increase, it essentially means that the demand for gold has risen. In turn, this causes a rally in stocks of gold mining companies worldwide. But when the noble metal declines, these stocks also get hammered.
“Share prices of gold mining companies appreciate at least twice the gold price, when the commodity rallies. But when the yellow metal falls, it leaves the same impact on these stocks,” said a fund manager.
Currently, there are only two such schemes in the country that invest in stocks of gold mining companies worldwide. Both the funds deploy their corpus in international funds that, in turn, invests in equities. DSPBR World Gold invests in Luxembourg-based Black Rock Global Funds-World Gold Fund. AIG invests in Switzerland-based AIG PB Equity Fund Gold.
Apart from the spike in the price of gold, these funds also delivered due to lower inflation and deflation in some countries. The lower prices have helped mining companies save cost on their operations. “With oil, labour and material becoming cheaper, their input cost has gone down, thereby improving operating cash flows,” said Ruchir Parekh, fund manager, AIG World Gold Fund.
But investment advisers feel that this is just a one-time phenomenon. “If you consider the one-year performance of gold and these World Gold funds, the yellow metal has given better returns,” said the head of a wealth management company.
Over a longer period, returns from these funds are moderate. The one-year return of BSPBR World Gold fund has been negative (-19.89 per cent). Similarly, in the past nine months, since its launch, AIG World Gold returns have been -11.45 per cent. Gold ETFs, on the other hand, have delivered 28.61 per cent returns.
Given this volatility, investment advisers suggest that before investing in these funds, one should decide on gold allocation in one’s portfolio. “Out of the total gold allocation, one should invest up to 35-40 per cent in funds and the remaining in gold EFTs,” said Dedhia.
Though the funds invest in equities, they can easily form part of the gold allocation as their taxation structure is similar to gold or debt funds. They being fund of funds, if the investor remains invested for less than one year, the returns will attract short-term capital gains tax. For investments over one year, the gains are taxed either at 20 per cent without indexation or 10 per cent with indexation.
CIL to shut down two mines
Indrani Dutta
| These mines fuel a capacity of 11,000 MW across five States |
KOLKATA: Power crisis is looming over large parts of the country, especially in the western region from March 1, if Coal India Ltd. (CIL) shuts down two of its biggest mines, which fuel a capacity of 11,000 MW across five States. CIL’s decision to shutdown the mines followed a restriction on their production imposed by the Chhattisgarh Environment Conservation Board (CECB). Officials of at least three ministries — coal, power and environment — went into a huddle following this development.
When contacted about the impact on the region’s power scenario, NTPC Chairman R. S. Sharma told The Hindu that two of its units at Sipat and Korba with a total capacity of 3,100 MW are expected to be hit badly if coal supplies from these two mines of South Eastern Coalfields (a CIL subsidiary) dry up.
“We have spoken to the authorities concerned and are hopeful of a solution”.
Apart from NTPC, several State-level power utilities in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra are dependent on the Dipka and the Gevra coal mines of SECL.
Together, these mines have a capacity of 45 million tonnes annually and account for half of the production of SECL which is CIL’s largest coal producing company, SECL officials said.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/26/stories/2009022655921600.htm
GMR Infra may acquire Indonesian coal mine soon
Wednesday, 25 February , 2009, 11:21
Bangalore: GMR Infrastructure is close to acquiring an Indonesian coal mine, with which it has been carrying on negotiations for some time.
A formal announcement is likely to be made, in a day or two, of the deal to acquire 100 per cent ownership of the company, which is estimated to have a coal reserve of more than 100 million tonnes.
Acquisition of a coal mine is part of strategy for the backward integration of its future investments in power projects. This will be the first ownership of a mining asset for the infrastructure company. A company official declined to comment but said the deal was in advanced stage of negotiations. GMR Infra has been eyeing PT Barasentosa Lestari, Indonesia and reportedly had been negotiating a price of $80-100 million for the acquisition.
GMR Infrastructure Ltd has informed Bombay Stock Exchange that GMR Energy Ltd (GEL), the company’s 100 per cent subsidiary, has acquired 33.5 per cent of Homeland Energy Group Ltd (HEG), Canada, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
GMR in Turkish power plant talks
These shares were acquired by GEL in exchange for 10 per cent voting and equity interest held by GEL in Homeland Mining and Energy SA (Pty) Ltd, South Africa, a subsidiary of Homeland Energy Corporation, Mauritius pursuant to the share purchase agreement. GMR had paid $30 million for the earlier transaction.
HEG, Canada, is the ultimate parent company of Homeland Group, having interest in the development of coal projects in South Africa and several other global strategic investments. The coal reserve owned by the company is estimated to be of 350 to 400 million tonnes.
A. Subba Rao, CFO of GMR Group, told Business Line that the acquisition would help the company in expanding its investment in power projects. GMR Infra is currently implementing its first thermal project in Orissa. The plant with a capacity of 1,050 MW had coal linkages and is expected to be commissioned in the next three years.
http://sify.com/finance/equity/fullstory.php?id=14861741
Minerals park in MP
Category » Editorial Posted On Wednesday, February 25, 2009There is abundance of minerals in Madhya Pradesh. Diamond is found in the Panna district of the State. At one time diamond was also found in Andhra Pradeh but now no more. However, it is very strange that Madhya Pradesh does not have any factory for cutting and grinding of diamonds. Surat in Gujarat has a large number of cottage industries for refining diamonds. Surat is so famous in this trade that diamonds are sent here from abroad for cutting and designing purpose. It is also mentioned in Indian mythology that kings and rich people use to donate cows and gold in their religious ceremonies. Hence India being called as a 'golden bird' need not surprise anyone. Till recently, gold was found in Kolar in Mysore, which is now finished. MP is also rich in a number of minerals like iron, coal, bauxite, manganese, limestone, red stone but it has less number of mineral based industries in comparison to its availability. It doesn't have even diamond industries. There is good scope for discovery of minerals in MP. May be there is a gold mine too here! To fill up this gap, there are plans to develop a Mineral Park at Sihore tehsil in the Jabalpur district. The park is being set up at an estimated cost of Rs 158 cr in an area of 250 acres. It would have modern machinery and technology to exploit the available resources, judiciously. The park would help increase production up to 6 times than earlier. The park would revolutionise mineral exploitation and lead to setting up of a series of mineral-based industries. Major industries as well as domestic industries will get a number of relaxations and concessions in setting up their units. Diamond has good export potential also. This Park is going to add a new chapter in the development of mineral based industries in State.
http://www.centralchronicle.com/viewnews.asp?articleID=1029
Ram Vilas Paswan to launch Project for Rebuilding of Steel Plant at Amethi
20:31 IST
The launching of Project for Rebuilding of Steel Plant (erstwhile Malvika Steel Limited, a division of Usha (India) Limited) is scheduled to be held on 27th February, 2009 at Jagdishpur Industrial Area, Amethi (Uttar Pradesh). The steel plant, spread over an area of about 740 acres, was acquired by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) in an auction held under aegis of Delhi High Court at a price of Rs.209 crore.Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, Minister of Steel and Chemicals & Fertilisers; Shri Rahul Gandhi, Member of Parliament; and Shri Jitin Prasada, Minister of State for Steel will be present on the occasion.
As per preliminary estimates, SAIL would invest around Rs.300 crore to make the plant viable. Thus, the total investment by SAIL in this venture would be more than 500 crore, which is the largest single investment in the steel sector in the State of Uttar Pradesh.
The main strengths of the plant are: (i) located on a major highway and rail route; (ii) adequate flat land for a well laid out steel plant and township; (iii) proximity to a perennial water source; (iv) proximity to vast consuming centers in UP small pig size (10 kg) preferred by foundaries; and (v) most of the civil works, structural works and major equipment for the major facilities are available.
*************
DNM/SCS/MRS
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=47972
Mining lobby counsel roughs up TOI reporter in court
26 Feb 2009, 0036 hrs IST, TNN
CHANDIGARH: It's a measure of the brazenness with which the mining lobby is seeking to grab its right to flog the over-exploited mines of
Faridabad that its lawyer on Wednesday threatened the TOI reporter in the courtroom because the newspaper has been highlighting the ecological degradation that has been caused by reckless mining.
Counsel for petitioner Faridabad Gurgaon Minerals, Akshay Bhan, accosted the TOI reporter in the court of Justice S D Anand where the petitioner's plea for extending his mining lease had come up for hearing. The hearing had been adjourned and the reporter was noting down contents of the affidavit on the matter when Bhan created an ugly scene.
He walked up to the reporter and caught his hand. ``Are you from The Times of India?'' Bhan thundered. Before the reporter could react, Bhan snatched his notebook, in which the day's proceedings had been jotted, and tore it to shreds in full public view.
The reporter asked him why he had done this and drew his attention to two other reporters who too were jotting down notes from the affidavit, Bhan yelled, ``That's fine, but how dare you do this? It amounts to stealing and I can book you for theft.''
This was not all. Bhan, son of retired Supreme Court judge Ashok Bhan, then ordered the court staff to call security and confine the reporter in the court premises. The staff didn't pay heed to Bhan.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Lawyer-assaults-TOI-scribe-in-court/articleshow/4192377.cms
Court to decide on mining at Aravali hills in Haryana March 2
Feb 25th, 2009 | By Sindh Today | Category: India
Chandigarh, Feb 25 (IANS) The future of mining at Aravali hills in Faridabad district in Haryana will be decided by Punjab and Haryana High Court here March 2.
The court Wednesday announced that it would listen to the arguments on March 2 and take up the issue of extending the mining lease for another two years at Aravali hills.
A New Delhi based mining company had sought permission from the high court for the extension of their lease at Sirohi and Khori Jamalpur mines for another two years after the expiry of their seven-year lease.
Many environmentalist and local residents of the region are against the extension as they allege that unmindful mining has led to ecological imbalances and dried up of many water bodies of the area.
“The continuous mining in the Aravali hills has caused a drought like situation in the region and led to sharp decline in the water table. Many beautiful lakes and water bodies have dried up and there is no grass left for grazing of animals,” Rohit Ruhella, an environmentalist based here, told IANS Wednesday.
“There were times when famous lakes Badkhal, Damdama and Dhauj were prominent tourist spots but now they have dried up and nobody comes there. Even after the expiry of their lease, mining is still on and government is doing nothing to stop it,” Ruhella alleged.
http://www.sindhtoday.net/south-asia/68161.htm
RTI Inspections unveil coal scam of Rs 45 crores
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Bhubaneswar: Mahanadi Coal fields Limited has violated strict Central Government norms in order to under-invoice relatively high-quality F-grade coal as lower quality G-grade coal, causing a loss to the exchequer of Rs 45 crore.
Inspection of office documents of BOCM mine by some well informed citizen led by Ramesh Tripathy (94373 46385) unveiled a corporate-level scandal at MCL causing losses estimated at over of Rs 43 crore to central Government in excess and Rs 2 crore to Orissa Government. The inspection, which was carried out under the Right to Information Act 2005 on 6th January ’09, unveiled high-level irregularities.
During the visit of Director (T) MCL on 09.02.07, directions were given for coal extracted from Quarry no 2 to be offered to consumers as G grade from Belpahar OCP for which a fresh grade declaration was submitted. On the basis of the discussion, coal from quarry no 3 extracted with the shovel and dumpers was stacked nearby.
Close scrutiny of notings revealed that no approvals were received from Coal India Limited to produce G Grade Coal. So the mine was actually producing F grade coal which was sold as G grade from February 2007 to December 2008. F grade coal is priced at Rs. 2089.54 per tonne, whereas G grade is priced at Rs 425.45. The cost difference was allegedly shared between consumers and corrupt mine officials.
The details of this scam were as follows:
1) General Manager (SM/QC/COM),MCL made grade declaration in Annual Grade Declaration Booklet of Belpahar OCP mine Rampur Seam (8.47 mtr thick) provisionally as G with effect from 01.03.07 ROM fraction only.
2) Six months after this declaration, a letter ref.No.D(T)/MCL/SBP/Secy./0708/489 dt.25.08.07 was issued by D(T), MCL intimating Coal Controller of India about declaring Rampur Seam as final grade G superseding the previous order provisional grade under sub clause 2 of clause 4 of Colliery Control order 2000.
3) Neither Coal India nor Coal controller approved this grade declaration. However, MCL management declared it as G grade – at first provisionally and later finally. By this process, an entire system for enormous personal gain was created.
4) Grade declaration made by MCL was improper, invalid and unauthenticated. In this regard, A Panda, Director, CCO, Kolkata noted in his letter no.CC/Tech/Gr.Dec./MCL/08-09/01 dt.19.03.2008 that the Rampur seam was closed on 10.01.2008 and the inclusion of stock Grade G in the annual grade list for 2008-09 was not agreed on.
5) Thus, between Feb.07 and Dec.08, the mine Management continuously sold the F grade coal in the name of G grade.
DETAILED MONTHLY ESTIMATES
| Month | Opening Stock | Coal Production. | Coal Dispatch/sale | Closing Stock | Reference of document from which figures are taken . |
| Feb.07 | 0 | 78400 | 0 | 78400 | report of BOCM for the month Feb.'07 |
| March.07 | 78400 | 193698 | 0 | 272098 | report of BOCM for the month Mar.'07 |
| April.07 | 272098 | 1700 | 6913.09 | 266884.91 | report of BOCM for the month Apr.'07 |
| May.07 | 266884.91 | 0 | 0 | 266884.91 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) This closing stock was also verified from Detail of measurement of physical stock by CIL team dtd.05/07- 04.2007, (grade G coal =266156.83) , was within 5% statutory limit of closing stock. |
| June.07 | 266884.91 | 0 | 200 | 266684.91 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| July.07 | 266684.91 | 0 | 940 | 265744.91 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) - |
| Aug.07 | 265744.91 | 0 | 50 | 265694.91 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| Sept.07 | 265694.91 | 0 | 1103.21 | 264591.7 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) - |
| Oct.07 | 264591.7 | 0 | 6526.36 | 258065.34 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| Nov.07 | 258065.34 | 0 | 0 | 258065.34 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| Dec.07 | 258065.34 | 0 | 211.35 | 257853.99 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| Jan.08 | 257853.99 | 0 | 4810.61 | 253043.38 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) Rampur Tap seam was closed on 10.01.08 as per letter ref no CC/TECH/Gr Decl/ mcl/08-09/1 dt. 19.03.08 |
| Feb.08 | 253043.38 | | 826.57 | 252216.81 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| March.08 | 252216.81 | | 1957.25 | 250259.56 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) - |
| April.08 | 250259.56 | | 300 | 249959.56 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) This closing stock was also verified from Detail of measurement of physical stock by CIL team dt.07/09- 04.2007, (grade G coal == 248577.15 , was within 5% statutory limit of closing stock m |
| May.08 | 249959.56 | | 0 | 249959.56 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| June.08 | 249959.56 | | 0 | 249959.56 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) - |
| July.08 | 249959.56 | | 0 | 249959.56 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| Aug.08 | 249959.56 | | 189.48 | 249770.08 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) - |
| Sept.08 | 249770.08 | | 41053.5 | 208716.58 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) |
| Oct.08 | 208716.58 | | 39982.96 | 168733.62 | Summary Coal stock liquidation (Gr.G) - |
| Nov.08 | 168733.62 | | 73083.43 | 95650.19 | Road Sale statement of BOCM mine for the month Nov-2008 |
| Dec.08 | 95650.19 | | 49959.29 | 45690.9 | Road Sale statement of BOCM mine for the month Of December-2008 |
| | TOTAL = | 273798.00 | 228107.10 | 45690.9 | Note :-remaining stock referred in closing stock. |
The above table shows that coal production of F grade was 2,73,798 t, out of which 2,28,107.10 was sold up to December 2008, and 45690.9 t remained as closing stock. However, it was observed that this stock was also depleted. In short, the entire lot of 2,73,798 t of F grade coal was sold in the name of G grade.
Who were the buyers of this under-priced coal?
Documents collected during the citizens’ RTI inspection revealed that coal of the declared grade of E/F was auctioned as G grade and was lifted by M/s Aryan Ispat & Power (Pvt) Ltd, (Bomlai, P.O:Lapanga Dist: Sambalpur) in blatant deviation from all past practices. In a spot E-auction sale against offer dated 27.9.08 Road Delivery Order for 78973 tonnes was issued vide D.O No:0069363 dated 16.10.08 for sale of coal as Gr- G ROM (Stock). Also, against offer dated 29.09.08 in spot E-auction Road DO No:0069396 dated 16.10.08 for 2000 tonnes was issued for coal as Gr-F STEAM (Stock) in favor of M/s Vinayak Infrastructure (Bazarpada ,Belpahar Dist: Jharsuguda).
These DOs show that basic price of G Grade is only Rs 320/ton that of F Grade is Rs 1816/tonne. Consequently the ad.vel royalty@5% of basic price is Rs 16/tonne and R/s 90.8 /tonne respectively. The total payment including service charges for 2000 tonnes of F Grade steam is Rs 4179085.68 only as against total payment of Rs 33519803.52 only for 78973 tonnes of G Grade ROM.
| RDO no and date | Grad of coal | Qty.of coal M.Ton | Total Amount for Payment including Royalty | Cost of Coal/ton =(B/A) | Remarks |
| 69363 dt 16.10.08 | G | 78973 | 3,35,19,803.52 | 425.45 | Coal lifted by Aryan Ispat and Power in Oct`08 (21764.97t) and in Nov`08(57208.00) |
| 69396 dt 16.10.08 | F | 2000 | 41,79,085.68 | 2089.54 | Coal lifted by M/sVinayak Infrastructure, Bazar pada, Belpahar Dist: Jharsuguda |
Estimating Loss to the Exchequer
As per DO No.69363, 78973 tonnes of G grade coal was sold in Rs.33519803.52 including S.C. and Royalty. Thus the cost of tonne comes to Rs.424.45.
Similarly, as per DO No. 69396, 2000 tonnes F Grade coal was sold on Rs.4179085.68 including S.C. and Royalty. Thus the cost of one ton F coal comes to Rs 2089.54 p.
Hence the difference of rate between “F” and “G” grade coal is Rs. 1665.09 p. which comes to Rs, 45,58,98,311.80. (Rupees forty five crore fifty eight lakhs, ninety eight thousand three hundred seventy one and paise eight only ) to the central government including royalty payment to Orissa State.
If we consider the difference of Royalty of F & G Grade (90.8 -16.0 = 74.80), then the loss to State Govt. directly = Rs.74.80 x 273798.00 = Rs 20480090.40 (Rupees two crore forty eight lakhs ninety and paise forty ) due to conversion of grade from F to G.
Coal grade declared for the mine is E and F .Since coal is supposed to have been released from stock collection of E Grade steam in place of G Grade ROM can not be ruled out and in such a case the loss to Government is far greater than estimated. Road Sale of coal at Belpahar OCP as Grade G ROM is a crime which must not be allowed to go unpunished.
It is also pertinent that that business associates of the purchasing firm are the Ex-services (ESM) coal mining/ transport company operating at Belpahar OCP of MCL and also operating a coal beneficiation plant (GCMPL) close to the OCP as per the DO.
BIMAL KUMAR KHEMANI, CITIZEN of INDIA and MEMBER,
AKHIL BHARATIYA GRAHAK PANCHAYAT,Braj Prant
http://www.orissadiary.com/Shownews.asp?id=11075
Mining – International
Uranium mining fight continues
Residents go to Austin to show how permits will affect people
February 25, 2009 - 11:06 p.m.
AUSTIN - On Wednesday a busload of Goliad County residents got its wish for a contested case hearing on a uranium company's permit application.
Law firms representing the county chartered a tour bus so 55 residents could show the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality that its actions affected real people. Goliad County residents awaited a decision on whether they could continue fighting uranium mining during the agency's regular meeting.
They would like to keep Uranium Energy Corp. from receiving a permit for a class III underground control injection area and an aquifer exemption. The permit would allow the company to construct injection and production wells to recover uranium.
Monica Jacobs, attorney representing the uranium company, told the commissioners that this is a "threshold application" and asked them not to group all its permit applications into one long hearing. The company relies on investors who need to see a certainty in the development process and wouldn't pursue the other permits if this one doesn't go through, she continued.
In a matter of minutes, commissioners granted the contested case hearing requests for Goliad County, its groundwater district, its farm bureau, a volunteer fire department, a church and 43 individuals.
The agency referred the case to the State Office of Administrative Hearings. A preliminary hearing is expected in mid-April, while a final decision will take one year.
Uranium Energy Corp. always expected to go to a contested case hearing as it's a regular part of the permit approval process, said Josh Leftwich, environmental manager for the company. The company already received a recommendation from the TCEQ executive director citing that the permit should be issued and approved, he added.
"We'll be able to prove everything we said. Regulations and rules are in place to make this a safe process," Leftwich said. "We're confident that we can address the concerns and defend the application."
But Goliad County residents cheered and hugged as they moved another step forward in their fight to stop the uranium mining.
Mike Abrameit, president of the Ander-Weser Volunteer Fire Department, requested a hearing because of concerns about the amount of groundwater the company would use and the possibility of contamination.
The fire station pumps from a well and wouldn't want to spread contaminated water to someone else's property when trying to put out a fire, he said.
"I think it's the first step of a long battle," Abrameit, a 58-year-old ag teacher, of Ander, said. "There are so many unknowns. Who's going to protect our water if we don't?"
Carol Warren, a 44-year-old veterinarian who rode in the bus next to Abrameit, agreed.
While her request wasn't granted, she hopes to continue to show support for "safe water."
The Weesatche resident worries that the aquifer exemption would condemn the water against future human consumption, resulting in lax attempts to restore the area back to its original state.
Mary Anklam, whose request was granted, felt relief when her name was called during the meeting. She couldn't sell her Boer show goats because customers worried about the next-door uranium exploration.
She hopes to stop the uranium activities that disrupted her sales.
"It means we actually have a chance to win this," she said.
http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/local/story/420463.html
Wika to acquire mining company
Ika Krismantari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Public listed state construction firm PT Wijaya Karya (Wika) is to acquire a mining contracting firm in the first semester of 2009 as part of a plan to expand in the mining sector.
Wika finance director Ganda Kusuma said Wednesday this was to take advantage of openings in the power sector, as Wika already works on power plant projects.
"We have finalized the due diligence process (for the acquisition)," Gandi said but refused to mention the acquisition value or the name of the contractor, as negotiations are still underway.
He added that Wika planned to acquire a 70 percent stake in the mining company and would finance the acquisition with its cash reserves, which now amounted to Rp 500 billion (US$42 million), of which Rp 307 billion are the proceeds from an initial public offering (IPO) carried out in 2007.
Wika offered 31.7 percent of its stake to the public in September 2007 and secured about Rp 775 billion in sales revenue proceeds in return.
The IPO diluted the government share of overall ownership in the company down to 68.3 percent.
Since then, the company has continued with construction projects, mostly contracted by government .
Wika recently won several PLN power plant project contracts, including Muara Karang in Jakarta; Indramayu and Pelabuhan Ratu in West Java, Labuan Banten power plant in Banten, and several other power plant contracts in Sumatera, Sulawesi and Kalimantan.
Ganda said that Wika also plans to look for mining concessions.
The company expects a 16 percent jump in revenue to Rp 7.4 trillion this year from about Rp 6.4 trillion in 2008, given that government will spend huge state funds this and next year on infrastructure projects.
Its net profit is also expected to rise by 21.5 percent to Rp 175 billion from the estimated Rp 144 billion in 2008. Wika has also recently won a contract to build a large dam in Batam worth Rp 225 billion.
The company is hoping to benefit from the government infrastructure investment program in 2009 as the state budget has already allocated Rp 34.98 trillion to the public works ministry for this.
Wika is now looking at project opportunities arising from state companies, such as state power company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) now in the process of completing the construction of its first 10,000 MW coal-fired power plant program, with Wika participation, and about to launch a second 10,000 MW program later this year.
http://old.thejakartapost.com/detailbusiness.asp?fileid=20090226.M05&irec=4
Canadian government survey says mining, energy investment will tumble
Investment in mining, oil and gas is likely to plunge steeply this year in Canada, a new Statistics Canada survey says.
Author: Dorothy Kosich
Posted: Thursday , 26 Feb 2009
RENO, NV -
A briefing released Wednesday by Statistics Canada reveals private investment in construction, machinery and equipments has dropped 6.6% from 2009, mainly due to the mining and oil and gas extraction industry.
Investment intentions in the mining and oil and gas extraction sectors is expected to drop to Cdn$44.9 billion, 26.4% less than in 2008. Mining, oil and gas capital spending is expected to decline primarily in Alberta and British Columbia.
These intentions are based on a sample survey of 28,000 businesses and governments that was conducted from October 2008 to late January 2009.
Investment intentions in the mining sector are down 26.4% to $5.6 billion in 2009, according to the Canadian government. Capital expenditures are also expected to fall substantially in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, as a result of the mining industry slowdown.
Statistics Canada said the investment slowdown is most evident in the oil sand sector where investment is expected to total Cdn$13.2 billion this year, down more than 30% from last year.
http://www.mineweb.com/mineweb/view/mineweb/en/page67?oid=79157&sn=Detail
Ranking: world's 100 biggest mining companies
WORLD’S 100 BIGGEST MINING COMPANIES
Crisis may be fatal.
And the ranking of world’s biggest mining companies is being strongly affected. New players are climbing the ladder and topping famous names.
Underdeveloped countries such as China and Brazil have names among the top 20; India also joined the club, with state-owned NMDC ranked 14th . Together, companies from these three countries represent 35% of the top 20’s market value.
BHP Billiton is still the number one, light years ahead of its contenders, followed by Brazil’s Vale and China’s Shenhua – a state-owned energy group which was relatively unknown some years ago; the company topped the falling Rio Tinto, desperate for the helping aid of another Chinese group, Chinalco.
Brazil has another name in the top 20: CSN topped famous miners such as Xstrata, Kumba, Anglo Platinum, Norilsk and Gold Fields.
| | EMPRESA | MARKET VALUE |
| 1 | 98.52 | |
| 2 | 58.80 | |
| 3 | 48.02 | |
| 4 | 36.68 | |
| 5 | 31.06 | |
| 6 | 22.53 | |
| 7 | 22.46 | |
| 8 | 20.28 | |
| 9 | 19.18 | |
| 10 | 15.95 | |
| 11 | 14.70 | |
| 12 | 14.03 | |
| 13 | 12.19 | |
| 14 | 12.14 | |
| 15 | 11.29 | |
| 16 | 11.23 | |
| 17 | 10.83 | |
| 18 | 10.75 | |
| 19 | 10.26 | |
| 20 | 10.00 | |
| 21 | 9.67 | |
| 22 | 9.49 | |
| 23 | 8.75 | |
| 24 | 8.47 | |
| 25 | 8.39 | |
| 26 | 7.58 | |
| 27 | 7.33 | |
| 28 | 7.30 | |
| 29 | 7.29 | |
| 30 | 6.61 | |
| 31 | 6.10 | |
| 32 | 5.94 | |
| 33 | 5.87 | |
| 34 | 5.86 | |
| 35 | 5.76 | |
| 36 | 5.70 | |
| 37 | 5.54 | |
| 38 | 5.42 | |
| 39 | 5.34 | |
| 40 | 5.15 | |
| 41 | 4.91 | |
| 42 | 4.87 | |
| 43 | 4.77 | |
| 44 | 4.74 | |
| 45 | 4.66 | |
| 46 | 4.48 | |
| 47 | 4.43 | |
| 48 | 4.25 | |
| 49 | 4.23 | |
| 50 | 4.04 | |
| 51 | 3.99 | |
| 52 | 3.91 | |
| 53 | 3.78 | |
| 54 | 3.75 | |
| 55 | 3.72 | |
| 56 | 3.44 | |
| 57 | 3.37 | |
| 58 | 3.24 | |
| 59 | 3.11 | |
| 60 | 3.05 | |
| 61 | 2.77 | |
| 62 | 2.70 | |
| 63 | 2.68 | |
| 64 | 2.58 | |
| 65 | 2.54 | |
| 66 | 2.51 | |
| 67 | 2.44 | |
| 68 | 2.32 | |
| 69 | 2.32 | |
| 70 | 2.26 | |
| 71 | 2.26 | |
| 72 | 2.24 | |
| 73 | 2.19 | |
| 74 | 2.10 | |
| 75 | 2.07 | |
| 76 | 2.01 | |
| 77 | 1.99 | |
| 78 | 1.96 | |
| 79 | 1.91 | |
| 80 | 1.89 | |
| 81 | 1.86 | |
| 82 | 1.78 | |
| 83 | 1.76 | |
| 84 | 1.71 | |
| 85 | 1.70 | |
| 86 | 1.67 | |
| 87 | 1.66 | |
| 88 | 1.63 | |
| 89 | 1.62 | |
| 90 | 1.48 | |
| 91 | 1.47 | |
| 92 | 1.47 | |
| 93 | 1.45 | |
| 94 | 1.42 | |
| 95 | 1.35 | |
| 96 | 1.30 | |
| 97 | 1.29 | |
| 98 | 1.26 | |
| 99 | 1.19 | |
| 100 | 1.11 |
http://www.geologo.com.br/MAINLINK.ASP?VAIPARA=Ranking%20worlds%20100%20biggest%20mining%20companies
County should ban uranium mining
Wednesday, February 25, 2009 9:53 AM EST
Pittsylvania County must position itself to be the final determinant as to whether or not we agree with the findings of any and all studies regarding uranium mining and milling in our region.
Neither the Coal and Energy Commission nor legislators who do not represent us should decide our fate.
Pittsylvania County's zoning ordinance, which was enacted "for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, or general welfare of the public," states that the Code of Virginia gives the governing body of any county the authority to regulate "the excavation or mining of soil or other natural resources."
It appears that the authority exists for the governing body to ban mining and milling of uranium in the county until studies are completed and we (citizens and local representatives) decide if benefits outweigh the risks.
If we are not satisfied that the results of the studies assure community health and well-being, we can continue the ban. It does not appear that the Dillon Rule applies here. Supervisors should take the initiative to find out.
I applaud the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors for their recent resolution, which states "no damage or harm will be done to Pittsylvania County, its businesses, institutions, environment and its citizens by uranium mining, as opposed to a cost-benefit approach to this issue or simply accepting minimal damages ... ", but we can do more.
We are not powerless, unless we choose to be so. Enact a ban!
A call for a ban on uranium mining and milling is a separate issue from a review of the mineral tax.
The ban will give us an opportunity to decide if uranium mining/milling will be a detriment to health and economy.
Exploring options regarding the county's mineral tax is altogether different.
I am not a proponent of uranium mining in Pittsylvania County. However, Pittsylvania County is undergoing assessment.
The Code of Virginia allows mineral lands to be "specially and separately assessed."
Areas in the state and around the country levy taxes on undeveloped and/or improved mineral lands, mineral reserves, excavated ore and as mineral rights.
Mineral rights can be bought and sold like your personal property without an ounce of ore leaving the ground.
Neither Virginia Uranium nor Santoy, an international entity that has invested millions and sits on top of billions in assets, has paid a penny in taxes to the county.
If Walter Coles Jr. wants to "spread the wealth," he can begin entertaining the notion of taxing (VUI/Santoy's/Bowen Minerals LLC/ Coles Hill LLC, and others) mineral rights .
If that proves a hardship, we can allow Virginia Uranium and others a free pass on taxes if we ban the mining and milling of uranium.
That being said, I'm sure Virginia Uranium will put a "happy spin" on this as well.
Karen B. Maute
Danville
http://www.wpcva.com/articles/2009/02/25/chatham/opinion/opinion01.txt
Estonians to mine gold and diamonds in Africa
Vaata foorumis samal teemal ({PostCount})
277efdfd-fda0-4acb-8474-f3bb85e1b195
Estmor Service Transiit OÜ that is co-owned by Vjatšeslav Santašev, starts to mine gold and diamonds in Africa from March, Äripäev quotes Delovõje Vedomosti.
UMC inc., Global Mining corp., and Global Mrketing Liberia inc., the subsidiaries of Estmor Service Transiit OÜ, bought a permit from Liberian government to start two diamond and gold mines last spring.
The company might get at least 10-11 tons of gold from Bangorma mine. Geologists, who currently work there, say that there might be about 500,000 carats of diamonds.
“There is enough work for years. We want to sell the other mine and we’ve already found a buyer. We’re sorry, but this workload and investment is too much for us,” Santašev said.
They’ve invested about USD 2 mln to Bangorma mine. 12 of 35 employees working there are from Estonia and Russia.
Considering current gold price, the company aims to earn the investment back in 6 months.
http://balticbusinessnews.com/Default2.aspx?ArticleID=277efdfd-fda0-4acb-8474-f3bb85e1b195&open=sec
Other News – India
Two more JNNURM projects for Andhra Pradesh approved
12:2 IST
The Central Sanctioning and Monitoring Committee (CSMC) of Ministry of Urban Development for sanctioning of projects under JNNURM, submission-1, UIG has approved Refurbishment of Distribution of comprehensive water supply system in North Eastern Zone in Central Area of Greater Vishakhapatnam Municipal Corporation and comprehensive water supply system in old city of Greater Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The first Project aims at remodeling of water supply system in Central Area of Greater Vishakhapatnam. The project components are: - construction of transmission line in 41.66kms, construction of pump houses and construction of 55.80ML capacity ELSR. The project would be implemented in 36 months and cover 100% of 1.1 lakhs urban poor and miniorities residing in the area.
The water supply project in old city of Vishakhapatnam will be completed in 30 months. It will provide 24 Hrs water supplies in six blocks of Old city to 75000 households for 1.25 lakh population @of 150 LPCD. 44000 slum dwellers and 10000 miniorty population would be completely covered after completion of the project. The project involves 4.71km of DI pipelines, 71.8km of distribution networks, and 3ESR/GLSR with 2.65 MLD Capacity, 4.7km of gravity mains.
The details of the two projects are as under: - (Rs in lakhs)
| Sl. No. | Mission City/State | Project Name | Approved Cost | Central Share | ACA proposed to be released |
| 18 | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Refurbishment of distribution of Comprehensive Water Supply System in North Eastern Zone in Central Area of Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation | 19018.00 | 9509.00(50%) | 2377.25 (1st installment) |
| 19 | Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh | Comprehensive water supply system in old city of Greater Visakhapatnam | 4793.48 | 2396.74(50%) | 599.18 (1st installment) |
TFK/AP
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=47981
Changes in religious beliefs affecting tribals’ superstitions
S. Harpal Singh
— PHOTO: S. HARPAL SINGH
MATTER OF BELIEF: A typical place of worship under a large tree belonging to the primitive tribes of Adilabad.
ADILABAD: The winds of change that are sweeping tribal areas in Adilabad district are also affecting the hitherto prevalent superstitions among the tribals. Over the last few years, the changes in superstitions in the agency villages have been brought about by the changes in the religious beliefs of tribals.
The self-immolation of Ada Sitaram, a Gond and Jengle Devidas from the backward Mali community of Shivnoor Gondguda hamlet in Jainoor mandal, is a case in point.
The two were known to be pioneers in Shiv deeksha, a new concept in these parts.
New concept
Though tribes like Gonds and Kolams are known to revere ‘Persa Pen’, Persa being great and Pen being God in Gondi dialect that corresponds with Mahadev, another name of Lord Shiva, there were no Shivalayams within their milieu.
Lord Shiva is worshipped along with the village deity where the traditional puja is performed.
The concept of deeksha (vow) among tribals started about 15 years ago as some Gonds undertook the Jangubai deeksha, Jangubai being the most revered of the tribal deities.
The rites and regulations involved in this and other deekshas like the Hanuman and Sai deeksha are performed on the lines of the more famous Ayyappa deeksha. Originally, superstitions among tribals were mostly confined to problems related to health. The practice of ‘nara bali’ or human sacrifice has been totally discontinued since long.
When faced with inexplicable health problems, tribals rely on their traditional ‘medicine men’ and or shamans, individually or collectively for treatment.
These ‘medicine men’ act as go betweens and perform rituals for appeasement of the deity concerned usually by sacrificing a fowl or an animal.
Extremely god-fearing, members of primitive tribes in Adilabad district are not known to seek a darshan of the gods in the manner of penance depicted in Hindu mythology.
According to history, however, the Rajgond kings from the neighbouring Chandrapur district in Maharashtra, were followers of Hindu religion.
They were worshippers of Goddess Durga and Lord Shiva.
The Gonds and Kolams who now live in forests of Adilabad district were once subjects of the Gondwana kingdom with its capital at Chandrapur.
They forayed into the dense forests when their kings lost wars with enemies.
http://www.hindu.com/2009/02/26/stories/2009022651070300.htm
Coastal Management Zone Notification, 2008
17:35 IST
Lok Sabha
The Ministry of Environment and Forests has received a large number of suggestions and objections on the draft Coastal Management Zone Notification issued on 21.7.2008 under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. This provides 365 days from the date of issue of the draft notification for finalizing the same.
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena replied in a written question by Shri Balashowry Vallabhaneni in Lok Sabha today.
KP
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=47943
Funds for Controlling Pollution
17:9 IST
Lok Sabha
The Government has released funds to various States and Union Territories (UTs)tocheck the level of pollution in their respective States. States This has been given under the Scheme of Assistance for Abatement of Pollution for strengthening of State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs). Funds are also provided for setting up Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs), creation of common hazardous wastes Treatment, Storage and Disposal Facilities (TSDFs) as well as demonstration projects for municipal solid waste etc. The details of funds provided under these schemes for the last three years and current year are given in Annexure - I.
The details of funds made available to various States and UTs under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and National Lake Conservation Plan (NLCP) for abatement of water pollution in rivers are indicated in Annexure- II.
The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also provides financial assistance to various SPCBs / PCCs for undertaking various activities relating to abatement of pollution. The details of funds released to various SPCBs/PCCs by the Central Pollution Control Board under the National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme, Water Quality Monitoring Programme and Spatial Environment Planning are given in Annexure- III.
The SPCBs / PCCs have undertaken strengthening of laboratories and purchase of equipments. Financial assistance provided to 14 CETPs in 3 States during last three years and current year. Nine TSDFs have also been sanctioned during the said period. 114 Detailed projects Report (DPR) sanctioned covering 3 new rivers / 6 towns during last three years and current year under NRCP. Beside 21 DPR were also sanctioned in 3 towns covering 21 new lakes under NLCP during the said period.
Implementation of the above schemes is monitored / reviewed regularly by the Central and State Governments as well as the Central Pollution Control Board. The review inter-alia includes policy issues, funding patterns and the progress and quality of work done from time to time. The funds are released to various SPCBs / PCCs and other agencies after receipt of utilization certificate and satisfactory progress report for previous releases. The CPCB conducts inspection of various projects like CETPs / TSDFs etc. and timely corrective action is taken
Annexure i
State-wise and year-wise funds released under the scheme ‘Assistance for Abatement of Pollution during the last three years and current year.
(Rupees in Lakhs)
| S.No | SPCB/PCC | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 (as on date) |
| 1. | Arunachal Pradesh | 00.00 | 1.72 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 2. | Andhra Pradesh | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 3. | Assam | 112.00 | 109.00 | 13.95 | 14.98 |
| 4. | Bihar | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 5. | Chattisgarh | 100.00 | 15.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 6. | Chandigarh | 11.91 | 13.04 | 12.57 | 12.00 |
| 7. | Delhi | 36.22 | 28.30 | 27.33 | 40.00 |
| 8. | Gujarat | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 9. | Goa | 30.00 | 103.26 | 00.00 | 59.00 |
| 10. | Haryana | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 11. | Himachal Pradesh | 00.00 | 00.00 | 26.23 | 00.00 |
| 12. | Jammu & Kashmir | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 13. | Jharkhand | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 14. | Karnataka | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 15. | Kerala | 00.00 | 55.25 | 31.90 | 00.00 |
| 16. | Lakshadweep | 3.95 | 3.68 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 17. | Manipur | 3.21 | 00.00 | 35.29 | 15.32 |
| 18. | Maharashtra | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 19. | Madhya Pradesh | 00.00 | 75.00 | 16.33 | 62.67 |
| 20 | Meghalaya | 12.00 | 26.72 | 2.00 | 00.00 |
| 21. | Mizoram | 37.13 | 11.94 | 18.54 | 16.28 |
| 22. | Nagaland | 1.96 | 9.46 | 20.00 | 25.13 |
| 23. | Orissa | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 24. | Punjab | 00.00 | 16.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 25. | Rajasthan | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 26. | Sikkim | 1.50 | 4.91 | 2.13 | 1.00 |
| 27. | Tamilnadu | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 28. | Tripura | 33.70 | 65.18 | 59.39 | 09.00 |
| 29. | Uttar Pradesh | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| 30. | Uttranchal | 6.50 | 00.00 | 1.10 | 00.00 |
| 31. | West Bengal | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
| | TOTAL | 390.08 | 538.46 | 316.77 | 305.38 |
Annexure ii
State-wise and year-wise funds released for Promotion of the Common Effluent Treatment Plants to cover 25% of the Project cost as central subsidy during the last three years and current year :
(Rupees in lakhs)
| S.No | SPCB/PCC | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-2008 | 2008-09 (as on date) |
| 1. | Andhra Pradesh | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 72.00 |
| 2. | Gujarat | 23.00 | 211.97 | 137.91 | 00.00 |
| 3. | Maharashtra | 410.00 | 223.03 | 252.09 | 123.73 |
| | TOTAL | 433.00 | 435.00 | 390.00 | 195.73 |
C. Assistance released under the Scheme CREATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MANAGEMENT OF HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES to States during last three financial years and current year
(Rupees in Lakhs)
| S.No | SPCB/PCC | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
| 1. | Andaman & Nicobar | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 2. | Arunachal Pradesh | 4.50 | 2.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 3. | Andhra Pradesh | 00.00 | 40.00 | 30.00 | 56.75 |
| 4. | Assam | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 5. | Bihar | 12.00 | 4.92 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 6. | Chandigarh | 2.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 7. | Chattisgarh | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 8. | Delhi | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 9. | Goa | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 10. | Gujarat | 00.00 | 112.50 | 4.95 | 0.00 |
| 11. | Haryana | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 12. | Himachal Pradesh | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 13. | Jammu & Kashmir | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 14. | Jharkhand | 8.50 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 15. | Karnataka | 00.00 | 66.85 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 16. | Kerala | 00.00 | 83.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 17. | Lakshadweep | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 18. | Madhya Pradesh | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 19. | Maharashtra | 30.87 | 25.29 | 84.78 | 160.00 |
| 20. | Manipur | 00.00 | 5.135 | 0.00 | 3.90 |
| 21. | Meghalaya | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 22. | Mizoram | 13.05 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 23. | Nagaland | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 24. | Orissa | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 7.54 |
| 25 | Pondicherry | 3.90 | 3.90 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 26. | Sikkim | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 27. | Tripura | 00.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 28. | Uttranchal | 6.42 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 29. | West Bengal | 00.00 | 23.00 | 0.00 | 3.00 |
| 30. | Uttar Pradesh | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 17.60 |
| State-wise and Year-wise funds released for last 3 and current years under National River/Lake Conservation Plan | |||||
| | | | | (Rs. in lakhs) | |
| Sl | PLAN/STATE | <--------- Funds Released ----------------> | |||
| No. | | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
| | | | | | |
| A | NATIONAL RIVER CONSERVATION PLAN (NRCP) | | | ||
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 5200.00 | 4785.00 | 6796.00 | 2538.00 |
| 2 | Bihar | 33.72 | 7.19 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 3 | Jharkhand | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 4 | Gujarat | 0.00 | 0.00 | 25.00 | 148.76 |
| 5 | Goa | 100.00 | 0.00 | 70.00 | 0.00 |
| 6 | Karnataka | 580.00 | 0.00 | 275.00 | 225.00 |
| 7 | Maharastra | 1069.77 | 1009.00 | 521.47 | 35.00 |
| 8 | Madhya Pradesh | 200.00 | 415.00 | 675.00 | 335.00 |
| 9 | Orissa | 825.00 | 1104.00 | 706.00 | 502.79 |
| 10 | Punjab | 1274.00 | 1535.00 | 4430.00 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Rajasthan | 18.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 12 | Tamilnadu | 10307.40 | 8271.77 | 1840.00 | 825.00 |
| 13 | Delhi | 100.00 | 2650.00 | 1487.08 | 3110.00 |
| 14 | Haryana | 424.00 | 777.20 | 315.23 | 2000.00 |
| 15 | Uttar Pradesh | 1678.00 | 3865.00 | 3766.43 | 9244.91 |
| 16 | Uttranchal | 450.00 | 825.00 | 337.42 | 250.00 |
| 17 | West Bengal | 4848.00 | 1800.00 | 2369.84 | 2960.16 |
| 18 | Kerala | 0.00 | 0.00 | 100.00 | 100.00 |
| 19 | Sikkim | 166.00 | 504.50 | 479.00 | 263.00 |
| 20 | Nagaland | 450.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Sub Total (NRCP) | 27723.89 | 27548.66 | 24193.47 | 22537.62 | |
| | | | | | |
| B | NATIONAL LAKE CONSERVATION PLAN (NLCP) | | | ||
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 2 | Jammu & Kashmir | 4000.00 | 3000.00 | 3166.00 | 1250.00 |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 100.00 | 230.00 | 100.00 | 75.50 |
| 4 | Tamil Nadu | 2.23 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 5 | Karnatka | 410.00 | 449.70 | 259.00 | 484.00 |
| 6 | Uttranchal | 350.00 | 733.00 | 427.54 | 340.00 |
| 7 | Rajasthan | 300.00 | 0.00 | 1343.50 | 732.50 |
| 8 | West Bengal | 0.00 | 111.00 | 0.00 | 400.00 |
| 9 | Tripura | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 10 | Kerala | 429.80 | 0.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Orissa | 21.31 | 100.00 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 12 | Uttar Pradesh | | 149.00 | 100.00 | 400.00 |
| 13 | Madhya Pradesh | | 458.00 | 875.00 | 60.00 |
| Total (NLCP) | 5613.34 | 5230.70 | 6271.04 | 3742.00 | |
| | | | | | |
Details of Payment Released to Various Monitoring Agencies under National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP)
| Sl. No. | State | 2005-06 (Amount in Rs.) | 2006-07 (Amount in Rs) | 2007-08 (Amount in Rs.) | 2008-09 ( Amount in Rs.) |
| 1 | Andhra Pradesh | 927917 | 573750 | Nil | 9335917 |
| 2 | Assam | Nil | 368334 | 2025834 | 991667 |
| 3 | Bihar | 2598000 | 394305 | Nil | Nil |
| 4 | Chandigarh | Nil | 1615000 | 920833 | Nil |
| 5 | Chattisgarh | 658750 | 871250 | Nil | 682500 |
| 6 | Gujarat | 1381250 | 4324583 | 1884167 | 2110000 |
| 7 | Goa | Nil | 1190000 | Nil | 495833 |
| 8 | Jharkhand | Nil | 1728333 | 2406667 | 1185833 |
| 9 | Jammu & Kashmir | Nil | 1376000 | 1747000 | Nil |
| 10 | Haryana | Nil | Nil | 441527 | Nil |
| 11 | Himachal Pradesh | 2147666 | 2295000 | 3992056 | Nil |
| 12 | Karnataka | 935000 | 3105000 | 538333 | 1625417 |
| 13 | Kerala | 1281667 | 1097917 | 942083 | 1922916 |
| 14 | Maharashtra | 1023485 | 1133333 | 5581667 | 2799583 |
| 15 | Meghalaya | Nil | 524167 | Nil | 897667 |
| 16 | Manipur | Nil | 225000 | Nil | Nil |
| 17 | Madhya Pradesh | 3319861 | 510000 | Nil | 2155695 |
| 18 | Mizoram | Nil | Nil | 425000 | 472500 |
| 19 | Nagaland | Nil | 1586590 | 198333 | 623334 |
| 20 | Orissa | 545416 | 1211250 | 892500 | 186708 |
| 21 | Punjab | 1416667 | 250000 | 1133333 | 586000 |
| 22 | Pondicherry | Nil | 255000 | 1020000 | 405000 |
| 23 | Rajasthan | 2699167 | 2871250 | 3143333 | 1385000 |
| 24 | Tamil Nadu | 1175833 | 1112084 | Nil | Nil |
| 25 | Tripura | Nil | 345000 | Nil | Nil |
| 26 | Uttar Pradesh | Nil | 4016250 | 904306 | 3819445 |
| 27 | Uttaranchal | 115694 | 288055 | 690000 | 368333 |
| 28 | West Bengal | 1112083 | Nil | 1501667 | 1960416 |
| 29 | NEERI | Nil | 5986171 | 6324306 | Nil |
| | Total = | 21338456 | 39253622 | 36712945 | 35690140 |
Details of funds released (in Rs.) to SPCBs/PCCs towards National Water Quality Monitoring Programme (NWMP) during last three years and current year.
| STATE / UT | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 496359 | 663793 | 553354 | 765034 |
| Assam | 162240 | 661360 | 465400 | 1054260 |
| Bihar | 251282 | 281859 | 1456 | 576878 |
| Chattisgarh | - | 539275 | 348180 | 284460 |
| Goa | - | 447080 | 92715 | - |
| Gujarat | - | 918260 | 523030 | 980785 |
| Haryana | - | 186225 | 82482 | - |
| Himachal Pradesh | 484630 | 585495 | 291160 | 52660 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | - | - | - | - |
| Jharkhand | - | 34500 | 222630 | 112755 |
| Karnataka | 403797 | 628010 | 658749 | 552959 |
| Kerala | 507959 | 601997 | 597584 | 974184 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 380030 | 1112750 | 461556 | 816033 |
| Maharastra | 625937 | 822753 | 946349 | 1093849 |
| Manipur | - | 241730 | 165285 | 74875 |
| Meghalaya | 129345 | 96615 | - | 105455 |
| Mizoram | - | 63500 | 39020 | 63315 |
| Nagaland | - | 113200 | 81680 | 82985 |
| Orissa | 385040 | 329648 | 612113 | 381970 |
| Punjab | - | 470894 | 407947 | 246404 |
| Rajasthan | 165669 | 282181 | 217651 | 308102 |
| Sikkim | 212760 | 215640 | - | 456120 |
| Tamil Nadu | - | 642698 | 481544 | 593590 |
| Tripura | - | 151260 | 70440 | - |
| Uttar Pradesh | 210631 | 1152281 | 659566 | 504796 |
| Uttaranchal | 145245 | 37240 | 187470 | 64085 |
| West Bengal | 25012 | 489083 | 311301 | 701341 |
| Chandigarh | - | 57220 | 54435 | 107140 |
| Lakshedweep | - | 10940 | - | - |
| Pondicherry | - | 150945 | 90960 | 93555 |
| TOTAL :- | 4585936 | 11988432 | 8624057 | 11047590 |
| | | | | |
| Note: the payment for 2008-2009 till December, | 18, 2008. | | ||
| Fund released to various SPCBs /Ex. Agencies during the last three year and current year under Spatial Environmental Planning Programme and Eco-city Programme of CPCB (In Rs.) | | |||||
| | | | | | | |
| S. No. | States | 2005-06 | 2006-07 | 2007-08 | 2008-09 | |
| 1. | Andhra Pradesh | 761317 | 1157522 | 400000 | 0 | |
| 2. | Assam | 818534 | 180396 | 400000 | 0 | |
| 3. | Bihar | 300000 | 466785 | 1000190 | 712901 | |
| 4. | Chhattisgarh | 300000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 5. | Gujarat | 338035 | 323000 | 0 | 0 | |
| 6. | Goa | 200000 | 692336 | 675000 | 0 | |
| 7. | Himachal Pradesh | 600000 | 611227 | 299123 | 0 | |
| 8. | Karnataka | 247806 | 300000 | 0 | 189418 | |
| 9. | Kerala | 1142382 | 964333 | 2747947 | 240559 | |
| 10. | Madhya Pradesh | 1264175 | 710122 | 756000 | 150000 | |
| 11. | Maharashtra | 799130 | 1248712 | 1013760 | 0 | |
| 12. | Meghalaya | 200000 | 399684 | 472495 | 114006 | |
| 13. | Nagaland | 300000 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 14. | Orissa | 760909 | 633143 | 400000 | 0 | |
| 15. | Punjab | 16930 | 480321 | 400000 | 175000 | |
| 16. | Rajasthan | 400000 | 9000 | 339000 | 0 | |
| 17. | Tamil Nadu | 1331573 | 1216645 | 400000 | 150000 | |
| 18. | Tripura | 393751 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 19. | Uttaranchal | 300000 | 400000 | 0 | 0 | |
| 20. | West Bengal | 445477 | 952145 | 714828 | 409200 | |
| | Total | 10920019 | 10745371 | 10018343 | 2141084 | |
Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Shri Namo Narain Meena replied in a written question by Shri Jivabhai Ambalal Patel, Shri Adhir Chowdhury and Shri V.K. Thummar Shri in Lok Sabha today.
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KP
http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=47933
Orissa inks pact with ADB, GoI for Rs1250cr project |
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| BS Reporter / Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar February 26, 2009, 0:56 IST |
| |
The Orissa government today signed a tripartite agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India (GoI) for availing loans for the Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Project (OIIAWMP).
The total investment in the project is estimated to be about Rs 1250 crore.
The tripartite agreement was signed in New Delhi. Vishal Gagan, additional secretary in the water resources department, signed the agreement on behalf of the Orissa government.
The project was cleared by the Planning Commission in 2006 and the technical advisory committee of the ministry of water resources (MoWR) chaired by the Union water resources secretary approved the project in the beginning of the 2008.
Under the project, the work pertaining to 9 medium irrigation and 6 major irrigation projects will be taken up for strengthening the irrigation facilities in the state.
About Rs 270 crore is proposed to be spent in the first phase which includes taking up work in Taladanda canal, Gohira, Remala, Sunei (medium project), Mahanadi-Chitrotpala island water irrigation projects.
“We have already started the work under the project and a budgetary provision of Rs 50 crore has been made in 2008-09 budget to implement it”, Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, secretary, water resources told Business Standard.
He said, the project involves construction and renovation of canals and is likely to be completed in 8 years. Besides, it has a livelihood component under which the Pani Panchayats (water users’ associations) will be strengthened.
OIIAWMP aims to involve the maximum number of self-help groups (SHGs) to partner water management for increasing agricultural production and productivity in Orissa. The farmers will be imparted training on water management for effective use of irrigated water, sources said.
Orissa government has already set up the Directorate of Command Area Development and Participatory Irrigation Management to work for development of irrigation and strengthening of Pani Panchayats. The new directorate is overseeing the work of the Orissa Integrated Irrigated Agriculture and Water Management Project, sources added.
http://business-standard.com/india/news/orissa-inks-pactadb-goi-for-rs1250cr-project/10/00/350160/
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