Posco project on track, says official

NEW DELHI: South Korean steelmaker Posco's project in Orissa is on track and issues related to rehabilitation of people would be resolved soon to expedite the pace of its 12-million-tonne steel plant, the state's top official said on Tuesday.

"Posco is firmly on its way to setting up its steel plant. The issues concerning rehabilitation of the people at the project site would be amicably resolved soon," Orissa Chief Secretary Ajit Tripathi said.

He said the case for recommendation of lease to Posco was being monitored.

Tripathi pointed out that the present mining laws in the country are cumbersome and need to be made more clear to rectify promised investment in the steel sector. He lashed out at the Hoda committee's recommendations on the National Mineral Policy saying they have gone in favour of the miners.

He said the policy should aim at removing the bottlenecks and pointed out that mineral rich states have jointly asked the Prime Minister to hear them out before the policy is finalised.

"Mining without value addition is a colonial concept. There is no reason why India on its own should behave as a colony."

"I am appealing to the nation that if we mean business then value addition of exploited natural resources will have to be ensured."