A Supreme Court appointed panel has recommended suspension of iron ore mining operations in two more districts of Karnataka - Tumkur and Chitradurga. This follows the findings of the panel - the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) – of illegal iron ore mining activity in these districts resulting in environmental damage and loss of forest cover. It was also found that mining was being carried out in a reckless and environmentally unsustainable manner for short term private gains.

Also, the level of illegal mining and the consequential environmental degradation in these two districts are in no way less than that of Bellary district in the state. The illegal mining in these two districts resulted in excessive production compared to the size of lease, it was found. The apex court had on July 29 suspended iron ore mining in Bellary on similar findings by the CEC.

Based on the CEC’s suggestions, the apex court on Friday issued notice to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Karnataka Government. The court will hear the matter again next Friday. Companies such as Sesa Goa operate mines in Chitradurga.

On August 5, the Supreme Court had permitted state-owned NMDC to operate two of its mines in Bellary and produce one million tonne of iron ore a month to meet the domestic requirements. The court had clarified that no part of the production should be exported. It also prevented private companies from mining in the region.

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