Twenty-nine of the 30 applications for mining leases by State-owned Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. (KIOCL) in various parts of Karnataka are deemed disqualified in the light of the Centre’s recent ordinance on mining and minerals. As per the ordinance, leases can be given only through auction.
One application for mining in Chikkanayakanahalli of Tumakuru district, though approved earlier by the Centre, is yet to become operational because of technical reasons.
Of the 29 others, the application for mining at Ramanadurga block in Ballari is pending because of SLP before the Supreme Court.
In response to a question raised during the zero hour, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said as per the ordinance, State governments have the power to give licence to State-owned companies.
The government will act in accordance with these norms in the days to come, he said.
