BHUBANESWAR: The Ministry of Environment and Forests has sanctioned stage-II and final level clearance to National Aluminium Company Limited (Nalco) for diversion of 110.3 hectares of forest land for bauxite mining lease in Koraput.

 The forest diversion was required for the renewal of its mining lease for 20 years in Panchpatmali South Block. The original lease period was for 30 years. Since the Navratna PSU has embarked upon a slew of expansion projects, this forest clearance will help enhance its production capacity.