The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries favors re opening of mines categorized as A and B in Karnataka. The industry body indicated that it is likely to move the Supreme Court to allow mining operations in areas where CEC has already completed its studies in Bellary and Hospet.

Mr Basant Poddar chairman of FIMI South said that “The Supreme Court has stopped all iron ore mines in Karnataka. We understand that the Central Empowered Committee has now finished the survey of all mines and classified them into A B and C categories. We are hopeful that at least the mines in A and B categories be allowed to open.”

He added that “We are waiting for CEC and ICFRE to submit all their reports to the Supreme Court and decide on the outcome for early re opening of mines.”

In its report to the Supreme Court, the CEC has classified the mining leases into three categories. Category A comprises working leases and non-working leases where no illegality or marginal illegality was found. Category B Mining leases, where illegal mining by way of mining pits outside the sanctioned lease areas have been found to be up to 10 per cent of the lease area, and waste dumps outside the sanctioned lease areas up to 15% of the lease area. Category C is similar to Category B, except that the extent of mining pits and waste dumps is large and leases where the Forest (Conservation) Act has been violated or illegal mining is going on.

(Sourced from BL)