A three-judge forest bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia accepted the recommendations of the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) setting the modalities for selling and keeping the accounts of sale proceeds of the existing stock of about 25 million metric tonnes from the mining leases of the three districts.

The Supreme Court on Friday allowed the auction of 25 million tonnes iron ore that was excavated from the Karnataka mines earlier to ensure that steel mills can operate smoothly till a final decision is taken on environmental issues.

Mining was stopped in as many as 133 mines in Karnataka, including 93 in Bellary, on directions of courts on account of environmental hazards, Mines Minister Dinsha Patel told the Lok Sabha today.

Chennai The Supreme Court’s extended ban on mining in Tumkur and Chitradurga districts of Karnataka is expected to cast a shadow on the iron ore miners and steel companies. The ban on two more districts, in addition to the one in Bellary, will result in a sharp decline of iron ore production which will be followed with a severe cut in steel production. The performance of companies such as Sesa Goa and JSW Steel is expected to be adversely affected, said a report of Angel Broking.

Bangalore The team appointed by the Supreme Court (SC) to study the impact of mining on the environment in Karnataka’s Bellary district has found violation of rules by some companies engaged in mining there.

Steelmaker can access alternate source from 25 million-tonne unsold inventory and NMDC

The Supreme Court on Friday suspended mining and transportation of iron ore in/from two more districts of Karnataka — Tumkur and Chitradurga.

The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which is studying the impact of mining in Bellary, visited the district and met various sections of the people to seek their suggestions, on Thursday.