Panna mines to be reopened after four years of lying idle

Adding another feather to its cap,state-run National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC) is all set to commence operations in Asia’s biggest mechanised diamond mine at Panna,which would be reopened on Friday.

“Steel minister Virbhadra Singh would re-dedicate the Panna diamond mines to the nation on Friday. It is a matter of pride for all of us,” steel secretary Pramod Kumar Rastogi told The Indian Express. He said the Panna mines,which were commissioned in 1968-69,was lying idle since 2005 due to problems related to environmental clearance and approval of the adjoining Gangau wildlife sanctuary. However,after a conditional nod from the Supreme Court,the miner was asked to pay Rs 10.69 crore as net present value (NPV) to the Madhya Pradesh government.

The PSU’s chairman and MD Rana Som said “Reopening of the diamond mines makes NMDC’s navratna status meaningful. The Centre,state and apex court have (shown) trust and confidence in NMDC.” He added that the steel minister’s endeavour in this connection was laudable.