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Karnataka has sought the Centre’s help to take its proposal before the Supreme Court to increase the cap on iron ore mining in the State to 40 million tonnes from 30 million tonnes.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met Narendra Singh Tomar, Union Minister of Steel, Mines and Labour & Employment, and made a detailed presentation in this regard.
Addressing reporters after the meeting, Siddaramaiah said, “Since the State is suffering due to lack of iron ore, we have sought the Centre’s help in our application before the Supreme Court. We have told the Union Minister to take it up with the apex court.” The other issue that came up for discussion was renewal of mining lease. “ Clearance from the Government of India is required and we have requested the Minister to help us expedite the matter with the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests,” Siddaramaiah said.
Referring to allotment of mines, the Chief Minister said the iron and steel industry does not get any preference while allotting mines under section 11(3)(d) which mentions only prospective investment and not the existing investment. Those who have already put up a plant become ineligible for allotment of mines. He further said “the Mines & Minerals (Amendment) Development Act should be amended to allow for preferential treatment to existing industries.”
Meanwhile, the Union Minister said the process for sale of assets of Bharat Gold Mines Ltd through global tender, along with administration of the mines, will be handed over to the Karnataka Government, which will appoint a co-ordinatorto monitor the process.
KIOCL The State Government told the Union Minister it was ready to take over the mines of Kudremukh Iron Ore Company. If this is agreed upon, the Ministry of Mines can move the Supreme Court through the CEC for an appropriate modification of its 2006 order.
The Union Mining Minister, on his part, sought the State Government’s speedy allotment of 140 hectares to SAIL. “In 2011, SAIL had proposed a unit in the State and land acquisition process is on. Karnataka Secretary for Mines is hearing the issue. We have told him to expedite the matters,” the Chief Minister said.
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