Karnataka mining: SC permits firms to export excavated iron ores
The Hindu
It also permitted mining firms to enter into direct contracts to lift excavated iron ore through inter-state sales
The Supreme Court on Friday permitted mining firms to sell outside the state and export already excavated iron ore from mines in the districts of Ballari, Chitradurga, and Tumakuru in Karnataka without having to resort to the process of e-auction.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice N.V. Ramana and Justices Krishna Murari and Hima Kohli took note of the stand of the Central government and lifted the curb on the export of iron ore and asked the firms to observe the conditions imposed by the authorities.
“Keeping in mind all the ... factors, we are inclined to favourably consider the prayer made by the applicants and grant them permission to sell the already excavated iron ore stock-pile at various mines and stockyards located in the Districts of Bellary, Tumkur, and Chitradurga in the State of Karnataka, without having to resort to the process of e-auction,” the 24-page order said.
It also permitted the mining firms to enter into direct contracts to lift the excavated iron ore through inter-state sales.
“We also grant permission to the applicants to export the iron ore and pellets manufactured from the iron ore produced from the mines situated in the state of Karnataka, to countries abroad, as is being done in the rest of the country, but strictly in terms of the extant policy of the Government of India,” the CJI, writing the order for the Bench, said.
The apex court took note of the fact that the Union ministries of steel and the mines have supported the applications moved by the mining firms and have submitted that the mining scenario has improved considerably since the year 2018.
“We are in broad agreement with the stand taken by the Ministry of Steel, Union of India, and Ministry of Mines that it is necessary to create a level playing field for the mines situated in the districts of Bellary, Chitradurga, and Tumkur with others situated in the rest of the country,” it said.
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