Bloomberg reported that Orissa, source of about 13% of the nation’s iron-ore exports, ordered 50 mines to halt for flouting environmental rules.

The report cited Mr Ashok Mohadeo Rao Dalwai Orissa’s steel and mines secretary as saying that another 78 producers of other minerals such as mica and limestone will also be closed.

But he added that Orissa’s total iron ore production may not be affected as other producers will increase output.

Mr Dalwai told that the mines will remain closed until they can show they meet environmental regulations.

Mr Dalwai did not identify any of the mines affected, saying they were mostly smaller producers.

Orissa, which began a probe in July, had initially issued notices to 69 companies, on November 13th 2009.

(Sourced from Bloomberg)