To resume bauxite mining for an alumina refinery – also in Odisha – the company needs a temporary work permit (TWP).
Ansuman Das, Nalco's chairman and managing director, is hopeful that the company will get its TWP by the end of November and has enough stock to run its alumina refinery, which is also located in the Koraput district of Odisha.
According to Das, Nalco initiated the lease renewal process as far back as October 2010, but delays at various levels led to the current situation. The company sought a TWP in February this year with a view to continuing its mining activities. However, the Odisha state government only forwarded Nalco's application in October.
To obtain a TWP, Nalco must receive the approval of the Forest Advisory Committee, which had a meeting scheduled for late October 2012 delayed until late this month (November).
Despite the problems, Nalco is hopeful that it will meet its export commitments, says Das.