Odisha’s Sijimali Bauxite Mine

Clashes erupt in Rayagada district, Odisha over construction of an approach road to the Sijimali bauxite mine. The incident highlights issues linked to mining activity and resource utilisation.

Bauxite and Sijimali Mining Project:

Dimension	Key Details
Bauxite Definition	Provides for primary ore used for production of aluminium.
Composition	Comprises hydrated aluminium oxides, aluminium hydroxides, iron hydroxides, and silica.
Nature	Provides for reddish-brown, soft, sedimentary rock found mainly in tropical regions.
Processing	Provides for refining and smelting into aluminium through the Bayer process.
Industrial Use	Provides for more than 90% of bauxite being refined into alumina and aluminium metal.
Other Uses	Comprises use in refractories, chemicals, cement, and abrasives.
Global Distribution	Comprises major deposits in Australia, Guinea, Brazil, and India.
Sijimali Project Location	Provides for location in Rayagada and Kalahandi districts of Odisha in Eastern Ghats.
Project Operator	Provides for operation by Vedanta Limited.
Reserve Size	Provides for reserves ranging from 220 to 311 million tonnes of high-grade bauxite.
Production Capacity	Provides for planned production of 6 to 9 million tonnes per annum over 50 years.
Clearance Status	Provides for Stage-1 forest clearance obtained and Stage-2 pending.
Odisha Resource Share	Provides for 41% of India’s bauxite resources and 73% of national output.
Other Minerals in Odisha	Comprises iron ore, coal, nickel, gemstones, and graphite contributing about 17% of India’s mineral reserves.