Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Narendra Singh Tomar lay foundation stone for Hindustan Copper's project

KOLKATA: Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh and Narendra Singh Tomar Union Minister of steel & mines laid the foundation stone for Hindustan Copper's expansion project at Malanjkhand in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh on Sunday.

Post commissioning, Malanjkhand Underground mine to be constructed at an investment of Rs 1856 crore, will be the largest underground metal mine in the country. The project complements the “Make in India” initiative of Prime Minister by increasing the indigenous availability of raw material for manufacturing refined copper products in the country.

India is highly deficient in production of copper concentrate and nearly 95% of domestic demand is met through imports. Malanjkhand underground mine project though a small step in this direction will create a momentum for such mega copper mining project in the country, a HCL release said.

On the occasion, union mines minister Tomar stated that the ministry is committed to increase the availability of raw material & share of mining in the GDP. The MMDR Amendment Act 2015 is a key milestone in this direction which will attract investment in the mining sector. Tomar said his Ministry has taken proactive measures to improve standard of living of the people affected by mining, Establishment of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) has been made mandatory through MMDR Amendment Act.

Chief Minister, Madhya Pradesh, complimented the Ministry of Mines and HCL for taking initiatives for commencement of Malanjkhand Underground mine project. This project will also increase employment opportunity in the backward district of Balaghat.The inaugural programme was also attended by Vishnu Deo Sai, Minister of State for Steel & Mines. Successful implementation of the project will also reduce country's dependence on imported concentrate.