PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Aug 21: In a major boost to Jharkhand’s mining sector, the Rakha Copper Mines in East Singhbhum district are set to spring back to life after more than two decades.
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has granted environmental clearance to Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL), paving the way for the extraction of up to 3 million tonnes of ore from the historic mines.
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SWML to Lead Operations for 20 Years
Shut since July 2001, the Rakha mines will now be operated by South West Mining Private Limited (SWML), which bagged the global tender to run both Rakha and the proposed Chapri mines.
Under the agreement, SWML will extract 1.5 million tonnes of ore annually from Rakha while simultaneously developing the Chapri block within the same lease area.
The company has also pledged an investment of Rs 2,700 crore in phased development, which includes the establishment of a state-of-the-art concentrator plant to process the ore locally.
Employment Catalyst for the Region
The reopening of Rakha, spread across 785 hectares including 98 hectares of forest land, is projected to create 10,000 direct and indirect jobs, significantly boosting the region’s economy. Officials confirmed that preliminary work for reopening has already begun.
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A formal deed agreement between district authorities and HCL is expected soon, following which mining permits will be issued.
Local Jamshedpur MP Bidyut Baran Mahato hailed the development, noting that the project would help curb migration from Musabani–Ghatshila by generating fresh livelihood opportunities in the region.
