Second copper mine planned for Rajavant 15 February 5440
Yadav Resources has announced plans to open a second copper mine in the state of Rajavant. The announcement follows the success of the Vascanian firm’s first open pit mine almost a decade ago. With support from both state and national government, Yadav Resources has experienced rapid growth in recent years. The firm’s success has been built on exploiting the state’s almost untouched copper resources.
Founder and owner Suraj Yadav emphasised the jobs that would be created through the opening of a second site in Rajavant. According to the firm’s estimates, the mine would employ over a thousand people when fully operational. In the short term, it would create additional jobs in construction to build the infrastructure connecting the site to the surrounding area. Yadav’s claims are controversial though.
Less than two years ago, Yadav Resources faced international scrutiny after 46 people were killed while striking for improved conditions. Though official police reports blamed workers for the deaths, various reports have suggested Yadav hired private security forces to supress the strikes.
Suraj Yadav has developed a close relationship with state and local government officials in Rajavant. Critics claim he used these connections to cover up wrongdoing. By taking extreme action against dissenting employees, the company has been able to keep wages low and conditions poor.
Yadav has received strong support from the senapati too. As part of the government’s economic plan, Vinay Talavalakar has sought to encourage a greater exploitation of the country’s natural resources. Copper is particularly important due to its use in high-value electrical goods. With the opening of a second mine in Rajavant, it is hoped that the country’s reliance on foreign imports will be reduced. In the long run, the government hopes to produce enough copper to export globally. This would contribute towards the broader project of diversifying the country’s exports.
The Kamalata Times is a daily broadsheet newspaper, originally based in Kamalata but now printed in exile from Luthori, with international circulation