Bangalore After a three-year gap, the Karnataka government has initiated the process to recommend new iron ore mining leases, a move that could speed up the launch of large steel projects by ArcelorMittal and Tata Metaliks in the state.

“We have started the process by surveying land in Bellary and studying availability of iron ore deposits,” MN Vidyashankar, principal secretary, department of industries & commerce, Karnataka, told FE. The state government will have to forward lease recommendations for various parties to the Centre, which is the final ratifying authority.

Bangalore Uncertain times await investors planning to start iron-ore mining in Karnataka, as the state government has made it clear that fresh leases will be given only after the Supreme Court clears all legal cases concerning the sector.

The state's controversy-ridden industry has come under the purview of the central empowered committee (CEC) of the Supreme Court which has recommended a ban on issuing fresh mining permits.