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The Supreme Court on Monday declined to interfere in the Karnataka Government's move to bring out norms to stop illegal mining in the State.
It was hearing the plea of mining companies against the State's decision to regulate mining.
The State Government informed the court about the notification of Karnataka Prevention of Illegal Mining, Transportation and Storage of Minerals Rules, 2011 (from this April 1) and its implementation.
The mining companies claimed that though they had applied to the State Government for permit to transport iron ore, their applications were kept pending, thereby delaying the activity.
However, the apex court said since their petition before it was regarding the original order of the State Government (that is, regarding the ban on iron ore exports), they should approach the Karnataka High Court if they want to challenge the subsequent rules (concerning permit to transport iron ore).
In April, eight months after Karnataka stopped iron ore exports, the apex court had passed an interim order which, in effect, lifted the ban. That order had come into effect from April 20. In the interim order, the apex court had given the State Government 15 days to implement the new rules for regulating iron ore mining and transportation.
The new rules stipulate that minerals have to be transported only under a valid mineral despatch permit. The rules also make it mandatory for permit holders to file monthly returns which shall be reconciled on a quarterly basis. Vehicles transporting minerals have to be fixed with Geographical Positioning System and radio frequency identification devices.
On July 26, 2010, Karnataka had imposed a ban on iron ore exports from the State's 10 minor ports to check illegal mining. It had also prohibited the movement of the iron ore for exports by restricting the issue of despatch permits on July 28 last year.
Companies such as Sesa Goa, MSPL and SB Minerals had challenged the State Government ban. The Karnataka Government had then said that even after the ban is lifted on April 20, exporters will have to comply with the new regulatory mechanism.
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