In the latest development in the Sarda Mines Private Limited (SMPL) iron ore case, the Delhi High Court has extended the date of hearing to 16th Dec’20. This means, SMPL can continue its operations till the next hearing.
The mining company had got a Delhi High Court stay against a Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change notice challenging the legal validity of SMPL’s environment clearance (EC) in Sept’20 mandating a halt to mining operations.
SMPL has also previously got a go-ahead to resume ore despatches earlier this month against an Odisha Directorate of Mines notice alleging sundry irregularities in despatches.
SMPL has a long-term iron ore supply agreement with integrated steel-maker JSPL. Recently, JSPL MD V.R. Sharma said that JSPL has 7.5 mn t of ore to lift from SMPL premises, although there is no timeline for transportation via road.
Earlier this year in Jan’20, the Supreme Court had allowed SMPL to continue despatching ore to JSPL subject to the payment of a INR 933 crore penalty.
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