By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 7, 2016 : The Odisha government is expediting the process of setting up of Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) to help tap virgin mining fields in the state.

The matter came up during the 52nd State Geological Programming Board meeting held here on Tuesday. Top state government officials participated in the workshop to chalk out the modalities for setting up of the corporation.

“The state government has already taken an in-principle decision to set up Mineral Exploration Corporation. We are now in the process of consultation with various departments. We hope the government would take a decision soon after the modalities are finalised,” Steel and Mines Secretary R K Sharma said.

Earlier, the state government had given in-principle nod to the proposal for setting up of MECL in January this year.

With the Commission coming into being, the G3 level mines identified for auction would be brought into G2 category as per provisions of the amended Mines And Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, [MMDR], 1957.

Among others, officials of Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), Navaratna PSU Nalco, Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT) were present in the meeting.

The Commission proposed to be a subsidiary company of the state-run OMC will play a key role in facilitating grant of operational clearance and extension of leases as per the amended MMDR Act to mines.