Miners, ore consumers stare at higher costs; smaller players may lose mines.

Wants cancellation of 49 iron ore leases, penalties on others

The panel appointed a year earlier by the Supreme Court to probe illegal mining in Karnataka has made several recommendations in its final report, with far-reaching implications. The final report was given to the SC on Friday.

After a nine-month survey and demarcation of mining areas in three mineral-rich districts of Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur; the Supreme Court-constituted Central Empowered Committee (CEC) investigating illegal mining in the state, is likely to submit its final report to the apex court on Monday.

The final report is believed to contain significant recommendations that would decide the future of once-powerful iron ore mining lobby in the state. One of the most important suggestions is auctioning of mining leases that had been recommended for cancellation by CEC for illegalities.

Rampant illegal iron ore mining in Chitradurga and Tumkur districts has caused severe damage to agriculture and horticulture activities, as well as spreading of mining related diseases among the people of the region, a study has found.

The micro-level environmental impact assessment study conducted in the two districts by the Indian Council of Forestry Research and Education (ICFRE) also expressed concern over large-scale damages due to violations of environmental norms.

The Central environmental impact assessment team, which conducted the first phase of their survey in the mining areas of the State last year, are back in the district for the second phase.

To understand the ecological impact that indiscriminate mining has had on the forests in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur, a team led by Dr V K Bahuguna, Director General of Indian Council of Forest

Karnataka has sought Rs 2,605.99 cr

Citing that the drought situation in the State is indeed of a serious nature, the Central team which visited the State to assess the drought situation in December has opined that there is no exaggeration in Karnataka’s claims.

Sector with 14% share of IIP will slow down growth & affect power sector investments.

State Bank of India commits investment of Rs 40,000 crore to fund projects

The State’s maiden international investment meet, exclusively for agriculture sector, on Thursday attracted proposals of over Rs 53,000 crore by 31 players in agri-business projects amid protests by farmers against private investment in farm and allied sectors.