Mining department busts Rs 1 crore illegal mineral haul in Keonjhar's Barbil

The Mining Department on Sunday conducted a surprise raid at Barbil Railway siding in Keonjhar district and seized illegally mined minerals worth nearly Rs 1 crore.

Acting on a specific intelligence input about large-scale smuggling activities, a special enforcement team from the department swiftly carried out the operation to curb the illegal trade of minerals in the region.

During the raid, officials discovered huge quantities of illegally extracted materials stockpiled close to the railway siding, reportedly awaiting transportation to other destinations.

The minerals, believed to have been mined without valid permits or clearance, were found stored in a concealed area to evade inspection and taxation.

Preliminary findings suggest that the seized stock consisted of high-value iron ore, commonly smuggled from mining belts in Keonjhar to other industrial hubs.

Following the seizure, the department has launched an in-depth investigation to identify the individuals and groups involved in the illegal mining network. Authorities are also scrutinizing how such a massive consignment was stored and transported without necessary documentation, indicating possible collusion at multiple levels.

Officials have stated that stringent action will be taken against all those responsible, including license holders or contractors found complicit. The department emphasized that regular raids and monitoring drives will continue to curb illegal mining and protect the state’s mineral resources from exploitation.