Government earlier ordered CBI probe into illegal iron ore exports

Dharwad-based Samaj Parivartan Samudaya (SPS), which is fighting the illegal mining case in Karnataka through a public interest litigation, on Thursday urged the state government to order a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the illegalities and irregularities in state-owned Mysore Minerals Limited (MML).

SIT Looks Into The Lokayukta Findings; ED On Money Trail

Bangalore: Adding to the multiple investigations into illegal iron ore mining in Karnataka, the Congress government on Thursday sliced the probe into various sections and handed them to the Central Bureau of Investigation, Enforcement Directorate and its very Special Investigation Team, which will soon be set up.

The much-awaited third and final report of Justice (retired) MB Shah Commission inquiry report on illegal mining in Goa was submitted to the Union Mines Ministry Tuesday, giving yet another major b

The iron ore reserves in Goa should be explored over a longer period of time through sustained mining, Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has said. "We want them to be utilised over a period of time," Parrikar said.

"We will request National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) to guide us on inter generational equity so that the availability of ore reserves can be spread over a period of 50 to 100 years," Parrikar said here last evening

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday defended Minister of State for Infrastructure Development Santosh Lad by stating that there were no documents to prove allegations of illegal mining against him.

He said the Central Empowered Committee (CEC) had listed V S Lad and Sons mining company under ‘C’ category and its licenses were cancelled for ‘overstretching of dumps’ into forest land and not for illegal extraction, transportation or export of iron ore.

The state government has finalized the mining policy and is likely to notify it shortly so as to submit it before the apex court next week.

Admitting that the development is on account of the Supreme Court asking about the regulatory mechanisms in place to check illegal mining in Goa, chief minister Manohar Parrikar told STOI, "The policy itself has regulatory mechanisms. It has been finalized, will be notified any moment and a copy submitted to the apex court." He added that minor changes have been incorporated into the draft policy as per the objections and suggestions received by the mines department.

Commission's term ends on October 15 and it has already submitted two reports

The third and final report of the M B Shah Commission, which is probing illegal mining activity in Goa, would be submitted as early as possible, the retired justice heading the panel, said.

Says mineral reserves would exhaust within 25 years if exports continue

The parliamentary standing committee on coal and steel has recommended a ban on iron ore exports, arguing mineral reserves would be exhausted within 25 years exports continued.

Goa Foundation pitches for cap, regulatory system

The Supreme Court on Tuesday agreed to hear all petitions pertaining to mining in Goa jointly, including those challenging the Goa Government and Central Government orders banning mining.