The Andhra Pradesh Government has revoked the permission given to De Beers India Private Ltd for reconnaissance for diamonds, bauxite, chrome ore, iron and manganese in the State.
The permits, given in 2009, also allowed the firm to carry out reconnaissance searches for other minerals such as lead, zinc and gold in an area of 153 sq. km in Anantapur and Kadapa districts. The permission was for three years.
While giving the permit, the Government had put a condition that the firm should execute the permission within 90 days from the date of issue of the order. The Industries and Commerce Department of Andhra Pradesh issued an Order on Wednesday revoking the permit. It said the company had approached the Mines and Geology officials and indicated that they were no longer interested to work in the area.
After considering their representation, the Director of Mines and Geology had written to the Government, recommending withdrawal of the permission given to the mining firm.