Industry & Economy
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Mining & Quarrying
Govt urged not to close mining operations at Kudremukh
Our Bureau
Mangalore
,
Nov. 24
THE Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) has urged the Union Government not to close mining operations at Kudremukh in Chikmagalur district.
Addressing presspersons here on Thursday, Mr N.M. Adyanthaya, INTUC Secretary, said that an INTUC delegation would meet the Prime Minister in New Delhi on December 5, requesting him to clear legal hurdles on the continuation of mining operations by Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Ltd (KIOCL)at Kudremukh.
It may be mentioned here that the Supreme Court has directed KIOCL that no mining is permissible at Kudremukh after December 31, 2005.
Mr Adyanthaya said the Government should initiate steps on continuing mining operations at Kudremukh, either through legal or parliamentary means.
The Ministries concerned — such as Law, Environment, Mining and Steel — should come out with a joint plan for the continuation of the plant at Kudremukh.
The Karnataka Chief Minister would also be requested to prevail upon the Union Government not to close mining operations at Kudremukh, he said.
Continuation of mining operations at Kudremukh was one of the major demands of INTCU convention, which was concluded in Bangalore recently.
Stating that the closure of operations will affect nearly 10,000 families dependent on the company, he said it might also lead to social unrest in the region.
Both the State and the Union governments were earning good revenues from the company. It was one of the profit-making public sector undertakings in the country, Mr Adyanthaya said.
During 2004-05, the company produced 43.5 lakh tonnes of iron ore concentrates and 37.95 lakh tonnes of iron ore pellets. It posted total sales of $415.13 million during the period.
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