Former Karnataka Lokayukta Justice Santosh Hegde said on Thursday that the mining industry can survive only if it adopts sustainable mining practices while paying special attention to the conservation of the environment.

Speaking on ‘Rebuilding Karnataka: Investors’ Angle, Logistical Issues and Sustainability’, at a two-day annual conference organised by Ore Team, Justice Hegde, known for his previous efforts in exposing illegal mining in the State, reiterated that iron ore exports should be banned and that mining leases should be allotted to only those who have steel plants.