The Odisha Mining Department has suspended the license of Aryan Coal Beneficiation Pvt Ltd (ACBPL) following the discovery of an unauthorised coal stockpile exceeding 10,000 tonnes outside its premises.
The operation, based in Sundargarh, failed to disclose the massive stock stored approximately 1 km away from its main unit.
A prior inspection on April 10 revealed a shortfall of 2800 tonnes in the declared stock, prompting further investigation. Officials discovered that ACBPL had not sought permission to store coal outside its designated area, violating department regulations.
While authorities claim no direct link between this discovery and illegal coal mining in the region, suspicions remain that stolen coal from leasehold mines might have found its way to ACBPL for processing. The unauthorised stock has now been seized, and further investigations are underway.
Company representatives defended the additional stockpile, stating it was meant to prevent fire hazards, but failed to provide valid documentation supporting this claim. The Odisha government has called for stricter enforcement of mining regulations to curb unauthorised storage and potential exploitation in the sector.
