BHUBANESWAR: An expert appraisal panel of the Union Environment Ministry has recommended environmental clearance for Vedanta Limited’s proposed bauxite mining project in the Sijimali region of Odisha, subject to a series of conditions and regulatory approvals.
The panel has stipulated that mining activities cannot be undertaken on 709.72 hectares of forest land until Stage-II forest clearance is obtained from the competent authorities. The company has also been directed to comply with all applicable court orders and legal requirements before commencing operations.
According to project details, Vedanta plans to extract around nine million tonnes of bauxite annually from the 1,549-hectare Sijimali block. The deposit is estimated to contain approximately 311 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite reserves, making it one of the significant mineral resources in the region.
However, the project has generated strong opposition from local tribal communities, who have raised concerns over the potential loss of customary land rights, impacts on livelihoods and the possible disturbance of culturally and spiritually significant sites.
The proposed mine has witnessed sustained protests in recent years, with local residents and activists demanding greater consultation and protection of indigenous rights. The area has also seen instances of tension and clashes linked to opposition against the project.
While the expert panel’s recommendation marks an important step in the approval process, the project will still require compliance with environmental, forest and legal conditions before mining operations can begin. The final clearances will be subject to the fulfilment of these requirements and adherence to statutory regulations governing forest and tribal areas.
