**Summary:**
In response to a parliamentary question regarding the impact of iron ore mining in Chaibasa, Jharkhand, the Ministry of Mines addressed concerns about agricultural land becoming fallow and public health issues due to red water contamination from mining activities at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu, Gua, and Chiria operated by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
The Ministry stated that existing law mandates prospective mining leaseholders to obtain all necessary statutory clearances, including Environmental Clearance, before commencing operations. Leaseholders are responsible for complying with the terms and conditions of these clearances, subject to action by relevant authorities for non-compliance under applicable laws and guidelines.
According to information from the Ministry of Steel, SAIL's iron ore mines in the specified locations adhere to the conditions of the Environmental Clearance mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Periodic monitoring reports are submitted to the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board and MoEFCC, as required by law. Furthermore, the Ministry of Steel reported that these mines hold certifications under internationally recognized standards for Quality Management, Environmental Management, Occupational Health & Safety, and Energy Management, reflecting established systems for quality, environmental responsibility, safety, and energy efficiency. The Minister of Coal and Mines, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, provided this information in response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 649 on July 23, 2025.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Mines: A department of the Government of India responsible for the administration of mines and minerals.
Lok Sabha: The lower house of the Parliament of India.
Smt. Joba Majhi: Member of Parliament who raised the unstarred question.
Jharkhand: A state in eastern India where iron ore mining is impacting agriculture.
Kiriburu: A town in Jharkhand where iron ore mining is taking place.
Steel Authority of India Limited SAIL: An Indian public sector steel company, operating iron ore mines in Jharkhand.
Ministry of Steel: A department of the Government of India responsible for formulating policies regarding the steel industry.
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change MoEFCC: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for environmental protection and forestry.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF MINES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. †649
ANSWERED ON 23.07.2025
IMPACT OF IRON ORE MINING IN MANY TOWNS OF JHARKHAND
†649. SMT. JOBA MAJHI:
Will the Minister of MINES be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is cognisant of the fact that red water is flowing into the
fields meant for agriculture due to non-compliance of the prescribed standards during
the mining of iron ore at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu, Gua, Chiria etc. located in Chaibasa
in Jharkhand based Steel Authority of India leading to the agricultural land growing
fallow as well as local people being subjected to the onslaught of serious ailments;
and
(b) if so, whether the Government has taken any action in this regard?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF COAL AND MINES
(SHRI G. KISHAN REDDY)
(a) & (b): As per existing law, before execution of the mining lease, it is mandatory for
the prospective lessees to obtain the requisite statutory clearances, including
Environmental Clearance. The lease holders are required to ensure compliance of the
terms and conditions of the clearances and approvals accorded by the respective
authorities, failing which necessary action is taken by the concerned authorities under
the respective Acts and applicable Rules/Guidelines.
As per information received from the Ministry of Steel, the iron ore mines operated by
the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) at Kiriburu, Meghahatuburu, Gua, Chiria etc.
located in Chaibasa in Jharkhand strictly adhere to the conditions of the Environmental
Clearance mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
(MoEF&CC) and periodic monitoring reports are submitted to the Jharkhand State
Pollution Control Board and MoEF&CC, in accordance with statutory requirements.
Further, the Ministry of Steel has informed that these mines are certified under
internationally recognized standards, including standards for Quality Management,
Environmental Management, Occupational Health & Safety and Energy Management.
These certifications are based on robust systems for quality, environmental
stewardship, safety and energy efficiency.
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