Alleged Chromite Mining Irregularities in Sukinda Raise Concerns Over Hundreds of Crores in Revenue Loss .

Jajpur ,07/11(PPT) : Allegations of large-scale illegal mining, mineral theft and financial irregularities in the Sukinda-Kaliapani chromite mining belt of Jajpur district have raised serious concerns over possible losses of hundreds of crores of rupees in government revenue. The alleged irregularities include misclassifying high-grade chromite as low-grade ore, illegally collecting and selling mineral spilled along roads, and manipulating the processing and grading of ore at several Chrome Ore Beneficiation (COB) plants. According to the allegations, a nexus involving certain mining officials, loading agents, transport agencies and chromite traders is facilitating these activities. High-grade chromite is allegedly being classified as low-grade material and sent to COB plants, while in some cases, low-grade ore is reportedly processed and subsequently sold as high-grade chromite at higher prices. Questions have also been raised over the sale of low-grade chromite to private beneficiation plants despite the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) having its own COB plant in the Sukinda region. An inquiry has been demanded into why the ore is not being processed at the corporation’s own facility before being sold elsewhere. There are also allegations of chromite theft from abandoned mines, with security personnel reportedly being threatened in some instances. Irregularities have further been alleged in the transportation sector. Transport agencies reportedly receive around 300 per tonne, while an alleged monthly commission payment network of nearly 6 crore is said to be operating in the transportation business. The identity of the beneficiaries and the actual financial transactions need to be examined.

Environmental concerns have further intensified the issue. Some COB plants are accused of discharging untreated wastewater into nearby water bodies and agricultural fields without processing it through Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs). Such practices, if established, could contaminate groundwater and introduce lead, fluoride and other chemical substances into water sources, posing risks to local residents, livestock and aquatic life. Despite demands for investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), no concrete action has reportedly been taken so far. When contacted, Deputy Director of Mines (Major Minerals) Pabitra Sahu said he had no information about chromite theft in the region. He added that anyone having relevant information, supported by photographs, could bring it to his notice, following which raids would be conducted. The allegations have renewed calls for a comprehensive investigation into mineral grading, transportation payments, illegal extraction, COB plant operations and environmental compliance in the Sukinda-Kaliapani mining belt.