The Karnataka government has urged the Supreme Court to
allow 117 mining companies to resume iron mining in the state. The Central
Empowered Committee (CEC), appointed by the apex court to probe illegal mining
in the state, had recently recommended for permitting these mines to restart
mining.
“It is learnt that a few mines have been cleared by CEC,
wherein no significant illegality or irregularity has been noticed. These
mines, classified as “A category”, may kindly be allowed to operate without
hindrance,” S V Ranganath, chief secretary, government of Karnataka, said in an
affidavit filed before the Supreme Court.
Similarly, there are some other mines, which have been
enumerated as “B category”, for reasons of some or the other kind of illegality
or irregularity noticed by the CEC. “Such mines may also be kindly allowed to
operate and the state government would undertake to ensure all material
safeguards in place and due diligence is exercised by all agencies as per the
orders of the Supreme Court,” he said.
The chief secretary has further added the government will
take whatever action as directed by the Supreme Court in respect of those mines
classified under “C category.”
The CEC in its report submitted to the apex court on
February 3, had recommended for cancellation of 49 mining leases in the 'C Category' and re-auctioning of those leases as per the current market prices.
Some of the mines classified under 'A category' include
NMDC, Mineral Enterprises Ltd, and two leases of Mysore Minerals Ltd, among
others. 'Category B' includes Sesa Goa, MSPL, Sandur Manganese and Iron Ores
Ltd and Mysore Minerals Ltd, among others. 'Category C' include Canara
Minerals, Associated Mining, Trident Minerals, Deccan Mining Syndicate (P) Ltd
and V S Lad & Sons, among others.
Source: Business Standard
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