SC allows mining operations on 18 leases in Karnataka

Restricts output to the permissible annual production determined by CEC

After a ban of more than a year,the Supreme Court on Monday allowed iron ore extraction on 18 leases in Karnataka but warned that any violation of norms could result in a revocation of the permission.

While allowing the 18 mining leases of Category-A mines in the districts of Bellary,Tumkur and Chitradurga,the Bench also restricted the output of the mining might to the extent of the permissible annual production determined by the Central Empowered Committee CEC.

The CEC had put the mining leases in A,B and C category depending upon the level of irregularities,with Category A having least aberrations.

The commencement of the mining operations shall be subject to compliance with all the statutory requirements and to the full satisfaction of the Monitoring Committee that steps for implementation of the Resettlement and Rehabilitation Ramp;R Plan in the leasehold area are proceeding effectively and meaningfully, said a Forest Bench led by Justice Aftab Alam.

If after the resumption of mining,any statutory sanction is expired or is not renewed in time,mining would stop immediately until the sanction is granted again,as per the order.

Similarly,in case the Monitoring Committee finds any slackness in the implementation of the Ramp;R Plan in leasehold area under a mining lease,the Monitoring Committee shall apprise the CEC and it would be open to the CEC to directly suspend the mining operations under the concerned mining lease and to report the matter to this court, ordered the Bench.

Accepting the recommendations of the CEC to allow resumption of the mining amid growing concerns over shortage of iron ore for steel and other industries,the court asked the CEC to carry out necessary inspection of the mines and submit a report in a month that all 18 A mine owners have satisfied the conditions necessary for resumption of mining activity.

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Among the 18 Category A mines,the court imposed further conditions on six mining leases due to various reasons.