JOIN USRevive gold mines in Kolar soon, CPI(M) leader tells Govt
The rally will protest against the State government’s apathy towards implementing the year-old High Court order to revive the once world-famous mines.
The Division Bench comprising Justices D V Shylendra Kumar and N Ananda on February 2010 had categorically stated that the gold mines should not be handed over to any foreign enterprise for revival. Also, the Court said the revival of the mines should not be entrusted to the Workers’ Cooperative of the BGML.
The Division Bench also directed the Union government to explore all possibilities to revive the now defunct mines. The Bench said technical assistance and advice could be taken from mining experts, if need arose.
Even though BGML Technical Director Natarajan had stated that cyanide dump in gold the fields contained gold, which could not be processed due to the non-availability of advanced technology, the State government instead of taking steps to revive the gold fields is keen on selling the gold mines to National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), said the Veteran Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leader.
“We are holding the convention to press for the revival of the mines, which would ensure employment to several thousands in the district,” said V J K Nair.
A look back
At the time of closure, the mines employed about 3,000 workers and if it has to be reopened, the government will have to decide on their future.
Even though the revival of the mines has been received as pleasant surprise by miners, their future will be rendered uncertain with the entry of the private players in the revival process. Former employees of BGML are busy preparing blueprints to protect their interests. Among other things, they have sought a stake in the company once it is revived.