Category B leases were found to have done illegal mining outside the sanctioned areas up to 10% of the lease areas

The Supreme Court of India has directed 63 Category B mining leases in Karnataka to pay compensation for illegal mining outside the sanctioned area before allowing them to restart operations. In its latest order issued on October 1, the apex court has accepted the recommendations of amicus curiae Shyam Divan. The three-member forest bench headed by judge Aftab Alam passed directions as an absolute first step before considering resumption of operations by Category B mines.