Mine

India has rejected Vedanta Resources‘ proposed bauxite mining plan for the Niyamgiri Hills in Odisha state.

The company planned to mine the Niyamgiri hill range, which is believed to be the home of deity Niyam Rajawhich, who is worshipped by the local Dongria Kondh tribe.

Indian Environment Minister Veerappa Moily said the proposal has been rejected after it was opposed by local panchayats.

"That’s what we’re doing for most projects," Moily said.

Vedanta Resources is an India-focused metals and mining company headquartered in the UK.

The company formed a joint venture with the state-owned Orissa Mining Corporation to develop the Niyamgiri mine, under a memorandum of understanding.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The proposed project was expected to supply 72 million tonnes of bauxite to the company’s alumina refinery plant, located at the Lanjigarh, Orissa.

Vedanta Aluminium’s one million tonne per year alumina refinery project was forced to import bauxite, as it was struggling to get raw material for the refinery.

In April 2013, India’s top court ruled that the decision to allow Vedanta Resources to mine bauxite in two districts of Orissa state rests with local tribes.

Following this, the state decided to hold meetings in 12 villages to discuss the environmental and religious issues, and the rights of the tribes. The tribes opposed Vedanta’s plans and the propsal was rejected.

The Environment Ministry originally rejected Vedanta’s proposal to mine bauxite from the Niyamgiri Hills in 2010.

However, Vedanta and its partner, the Odisha Mining Corporation, filed an appeal with the Supreme Court against this decision.


Image: India is one of the largest producers of bauxite in the world. Photo: courtesy of Werner Schellmann.

Nri