BS reported that the Orissa government has taken action against Grasim Industries. It has fined the company INR 0.2 million for resorting to prospecting through drilling at Khatkurbahal and Jauramunda under Rourkela mining circle before the execution of the prospecting license.

Mr Raghunath Mohanty steel and mines minister said “The case was compounded on the basis of the written prayer of the offender.”

Mr Mohanty said “The Orissa government has taken action against 4 other mine lessees for resorting to mining beyond their leased area during last 5 years. They are Mr SN Das Mohapatra, Mr SA Halim, Mr BS Mishra and Mr RB Das. Mr SN Das Mohapatra illegally raised minerals at Rudukela, Kolha, Rourkela, Bhunya mines area. When the government took action against the lessee and seized the minerals, he moved the Orissa HC and filed a writ petition.”

Following the HC order, the lease area was demarcated under the supervision of a joint director of mines.

The quantity of fine manganese ore extracted from the lease area and from outside the lease area was also determined. Records, returns and the books of accounts are under scrutiny to determine the quantity of manganese ore lumps raised from outside the lease area.

Appropriate legal action will be taken after the process is over. Similarly, Mr SA Halim was found to have illegally raised and disposed off 1951 tonne of iron ore.

He said “A penalty of INR 46,05,468 was imposed on him. He added that action was taken against Nr RB Das for unauthorizedly working outside the lease hold area. About INR 57,51,801 was collected towards the cost of minerals and penalty. The case was compounded under section 23C of MMDR Act, 1957.

(Sourced from Business Standard)