PTI reported that Orissa Mining Department officials on Friday seized 80,000 tonnes of iron ore worth more than INR 7 crores from Koida mines in Sundargarh district.

Mining officers, during their raids seized about 70,000 tonnes of lumps and 10,000 tonnes of fine iron ore.

As per report, irregularities were also found in mining operation by a contractor and ESSEL company has allegedly left its leased mining areas untouched and has been illegally raising the iron ore beyond its surface rights.

The report added that the crusher unit and way bridge of the mine were also sealed during the raid by the mines authority. The spot verification and investigation in Koida mines is still on and thereafter action would be taken against the contractor.

(Sourced from PTI)