The Sundargarh administration uncovered over 10,000 tonnes of illegally stored coal by Aryan Coal Beneficiation Pvt Ltd (ACBPL) at a location outside its premises in Kanika, Hemgir tehsil, on Wednesday.
In response to the discovery, the Mining Department has suspended the coal beneficiation unit’s license. This finding comes after a separate investigation earlier this month revealed large-scale illegal coal mining in the Gopalpur range forests of Hemgir block. However, the administration has clarified that there is no connection between the illegal stock at ACBPL and coal thefts from the Gopalpur reserve and revenue forests.
Sundargarh Sub-Collector Dasarathi Sarabu reported that on April 10, an administrative team checked ACBPL’s physical coal stock and found a shortfall of about 2,800 tonnes. ACBPL had failed to disclose the presence of over 10,000 tonnes of coal stored on a plot around one kilometer from its unit.
Sarabu emphasized that ACBPL had not obtained permission to store coal outside its premises, violating regulations. As a result, the Mining Department suspended the company’s license and has requested an explanation from ACBPL officials.
The coal stock was stored outside the beneficiation unit more than a year ago. Initial investigations suggest the coal may have been stolen from nearby legal mines, including those operated by Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL), and gradually processed at the ACBPL unit. The administration has seized the illegal coal and is continuing its investigation.
ACBPL officials argued that the coal was stored outside the unit to prevent fire accidents but could not satisfactorily explain why they had not sought permission from the Mining Department.
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