Government wants cap on iron ore mining in State to be raised

Union Minister urged to request the Supreme Court

All smiles: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah held a meeting with Union Minister for Mines and Steel Narendra Singh Tomar in Bangalore on Friday. Karnataka’s Special Representative in New Delhi C.S. Nadagouda is at left. — Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday appealed to Union Minister for Mines and Steel Narendra Singh Tomar to request the Supreme Court to raise the cap on iron ore mining in the State from the present 30 million tonnes a year to 40 million tonnes.

After holding a discussion with Mr. Tomar and apprising him on the shortage of iron ore in the State, Mr. Siddaramaiah said, “We appealed him to supplement the argument of the State government in the apex court.” The Supreme Court has allowed operations in category A and B mines in the State with a cap on production at 30 million tonnes.

The court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) in its final report in February 2012 categorised 166 mining leases in Karnataka into three — A, B and C — based on the extent of irregularities committed by the leassees. The CEC brought 51 leases under category C for committing maximum illegalities.

The government also submitted a representation to Mr. Tomar on various issues affecting the mining industry in the State. The government also urged the Minister to expedite the process of renewing leases and help in getting clearances from the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Mr. Siddaramaiah said.

The State government assured the Centre of cooperation in its endeavour of increasing iron ore production in the country, he said.

The Union Minister assured the State government of hastening the process of issuing clearances to pending mining applications to achieve the targets of the steel sector.

BGML

On the proposal of the Union government to take over Bharat Gold Mines Ltd. (BGML) at Kolar Gold Fields, the Chief Minister said the government had deputed an official to examine the proposal and make suggestions.

KIOCL

He said the government took up the issue of taking over the land and assets of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd. following a directive of the apex court. The government would clear the proposal for granting 140 hectares of land to Steel Authority of India Ltd., which was allotted three years ago, he added.