Bhubaneswar, Feb. 28: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), Odisha chapter, said industries in the state were affected due to scarcity of raw materials and non-availability of iron-ore at fair market price following mining scam.

Several big corporate houses are members of the chamber. Chairman of the ICC, Odisha chapter Vishal Agarwal said that the recently reported irregularities in mining sector had affected the growth of steel, aluminium, sponge iron industry in the state.

He said that this phase would not persist long. “We feel that the problem may not last long as the state government would come up with suitable policies to curb the current crisis in availability of raw materials. Whatever good initiatives the state government has taken till date are welcome steps,” said Agarwal.

The member said that they felt that the state government should give more emphasis on several points such as expediting the process to renew mining lease and make them operational as quick as possible. “Besides we want long-term raw material linkages for the steel units. The government should provide effective logistical connectivity and focus more on policies related to rehabilitation and resettlement and environmental clearance at central and state level,” said the chairman.

At the second conclave on minerals and metals, chairman-cum-managing director of Odisha Mining Corporation Saswata Mishra and additional chief secretary U.N. Behera were present.