Public hearing for Hindalco’s Meenakshi Coal Mine draws strong public support
HEMAGIR/SUNDARGARH, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026: A public hearing for the proposed Meenakshi Coal Mine of M/s Hindalco Industries Limited, under Aditya Birla Group was held on Friday at Kiripsira village in Hemgir Block, receiving strong support from local villagers, representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and other members of the community. Participants expressed hope that the project would bring significant socio-economic transformation to the region.
The public hearing was conducted in the presence of Mr. Abhimanyu Majhi, ADM, Sundargarh; Ms. Tejaswini Behera, Sub-Collector; Er. Hiranya Kumar Nayak, Regional Officer, OSPCB, Jharsuguda, along with other government officials and PRI members. The hearing process remained peaceful and orderly, with active participation from people from the surrounding areas.
Residents of Kiripsira, Garjanbahal and Bangurakela, among other nearby villages, expressed strong support for the proposed coal mine and highlighted its potential to create employment and livelihood opportunities and accelerate development in Sundargarh district.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mukesh Kumar Jha, Head, Meenakshi Coal Mine, shared details of the project and said, “The proposed Meenakshi Coal Mine, located in the villages of Kiripsira, Garjanbahal and Bangurakela under Hemgir Tehsil of Sundargarh district in Odisha, is part of the Ib Valley Coalfields. Spread over an area of 486.44 hectares, the project will be an open-cast coal mine with an annual production capacity of 12 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The estimated project cost is 1,876 crore. The coal mine was allocated to Hindalco Industries Limited by the Ministry of Coal on December 27, 2024.”
The project is expected to generate substantial direct employment opportunities. In addition, a significant number of indirect employment opportunities are likely to be created through transportation, logistics, equipment maintenance, contractual activities, afforestation, retail, food services and other allied activities. Such economic activities are expected to benefit drivers, skilled workers, service providers, micro and small enterprises and local entrepreneurs.
Beyond employment and income generation, the project is also expected to contribute to community development through statutory payments, including revenue share, royalty, DMF and NMET, along with CSR initiatives. These interventions can support healthcare, education, drinking water, sanitation, roads and other community infrastructure in mining-affected areas.
Speaking on the occasion Mr. Saubhagya Tripathy, Deputy Head, Corporate Affairs of Hindalco said, “Hindalco has proposed several environmental protection measures, including dust suppression measures, scientific overburden management, water treatment and reuse, a 100 KLD sewage treatment plant, a 50 KLD effluent treatment plant, and a 248.87-hectare green belt and afforestation programme using native species.
“Hindalco is committed to responsible mining practices and sustainable development, with a strong focus on environmental protection, wildlife conservation, community welfare and full statutory compliance,” adds Mr Tripathy.
“This project can create new employment and business opportunities for our youth. Local people will have access to more opportunities, and the development resulting from the project can bring visible changes to the lives of families here,” said Ms. Minati Adha of Kiripsira village.
Highlighting similar views, Local Sarpanch Ms Rebati Chhatria, said, “People want development that benefits the local community. We believe this project will make a significant contribution towards creating employment, generating income and improving public amenities in the area.” it also witnessed grand support from the members of the Displaced Committee.
