Iron ore mining may resume by end-August in 14-15 leases in Karnataka’s Bellary region. The mines have a capacity of 4-5 million tonnes per annum.
Resumption of operations is being allowed on findings that these leases have the least violations or illegalities. The restart of mines is expected to help ease supplies to steel-makers such as JSW Steel Ltd that have been reeling under iron ore shortage.
Market sources report that even if some mines start operating, it will be auctioned through NMDC.
Last July, the Supreme Court had banned mining activities in Karnataka on environmental grounds. In compliance with the court directive, the reclamation and rehabilitation (R&R) plans for 14-15 leases will be submitted shortly to the court-appointed Central Empowered Committee.
Source:The Business Line
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