Illegal Mining Uncovered at Sanindpur Iron and Manganese Mine in Odisha
Officials from the Sundargarh district administration have detected significant illegal mining activities at the Sanindpur Iron and Manganese Ore Mines, owned by M/s Grewal Minerals and Metals. This mine is situated under the Koira tehsil in the Koira mining sector of Odisha, raising serious environmental and legal concerns.
Joint Inspection Reveals Forest Act Violations
Based on a comprehensive joint inspection, the Koira tehsildar submitted a detailed report on April 9 to the additional district magistrate (ADM) of Sundargarh. This report highlights clear violations of the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Copies of the report were also forwarded to the divisional forest officer (DFO) of Banei and the deputy director of mines (DDM) of Koira for necessary enforcement actions.
Sources indicate that the violations initially came to light during a forest department inspection last year. Officials discovered mining activities occurring outside the permitted lease area, prompting the matter to be flagged to the mining department. In response to this complaint, mining operations and mineral transportation were halted several months ago as a precautionary measure.
Official Statements and Company Denial
Tehsildar Koira, Nirmal Biswal, confirmed the submission of the joint investigation report, stating, "The report has been formally submitted to the additional district magistrate, Sundargarh, and a copy has been provided to the deputy director of mines, Koira. The DDM will take appropriate action regarding the illegal work carried out at the mine."
ADM (revenue) Abhimanyu Majhi corroborated the findings, adding, "I have received the report, which confirms illegal mining activities. Action will be taken under the Forest Conservation Act, and fines will be imposed on the lessee."
However, the mining leaseholder has strongly denied these allegations. Nimananda Pradhan, a senior officer of M/s Grewal Minerals and Metals, claimed that all activities were conducted within the approved lease area. He asserted, "Mining has been carried out in accordance with ORSAC and DGPS maps. No boundary pillars have been shifted, and no work has occurred outside the lease area. We believe we are being harassed intentionally and have not yet received the joint inquiry report. Upon receipt, we will decide our next steps."
Detailed Investigation and Findings
According to official records, the Sanindpur Iron and Manganese Ore Mines has a lease area of 70.917 hectares under M/s Grewal Minerals and Metals. The issue escalated on August 11, 2025, when the DFO of Banei detected illegal mining and informed the mining department. In response, the Koira DDM ordered a DGPS survey of the lease area.
A subsequent survey was conducted on September 19, 2025, involving officials from the forest department and revenue administration. However, the DFO raised objections to the ORSAC-approved survey map, citing discrepancies with the previously approved Differential Range Plan (DRP). This led to the formation of a separate committee, which inspected the boundary on December 31, 2025.
The inspection revealed that mining activity had extended over 1.756 hectares beyond the lease boundary. Further verification on January 8, 2026, found that original boundary pillars had been disturbed, and mineral dumps were located outside the lease area on DLC forest land. Following these findings, the mining department officially stopped all mining operations and transportation.
Local Allegations and Ecological Impact
Local residents have alleged that despite the establishment of illegal mining, no case has been registered against the leaseholder under Section 21(5) of the MMDR Act, 1957, and no penalties have been recovered. On April 9, 2026, the Koira tehsildar formally informed the Sundargarh ADM, enclosing the joint investigation committee report that detailed the violations.
Sources further allege that the illegal mining has not only caused revenue losses amounting to crores of rupees but has also severely impacted the local ecology, raising concerns about environmental degradation and sustainable resource management in the region.
