Ranchi | Sept 28, 2017:
Acting on the recent Supreme Court order given in the case of illegal iron ore mining the Mines and Geology Department has finally dispatched the demand list to host of companies for alleged illegal mining taken place in Jharkhand during 1994-1995 and 2000-01.
Though in total the amount has been accumulated nearly to Rs 3000 crore, much below what was calculated before, but the mining majors in question are looking to settle the matter on amounts even lesser than that. Confirming the development taken place only last week a senior official of the Government owned Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) quipped that further reconciliation on the demand raised would take place after current festive season.
“We have received the demand quoted by them. There is huge mismatch between the figure what they have arrived at and as per our own calculations. We have consulted the Mines Department and requested for a meeting in this regard. It is expected that the meeting would take place after Durga Puja,” said he.
It is learnt that the office of District Mining Officer of Chaibasa has raised demand in the tune of Rs 1300 crore from SAIL to which the PSU thinks differs considerably.
“There is difference of opinion and we would challenge the quantum of penalty on various grounds. For example, they have claimed that required Environmental Clearance (EC) had not been acquired for Kiriburu mines for a particular period which was there in place as per our records. Similar is about CTO (consent to operate) and excess production beyond what was permitted in the EC. Since it is a subject of calculation and facts on the table, we together can re-examine and verify the figures,” added the official and said that as per their estimation the penalty should be anything between Rs 300 to Rs 400 crore.
As per the earlier calculation done based on the MB Shah Commission’s figures and formula set for recovery, demand in the tune of Rs 7,598 was raised from iron ore mining defaulters operating in the State. Largest share was of Government-owned SAIL, Rs 3470 crore, along with private majors like Rungta Mines, Usha Martin, Adhunik and Shah Brothers and several others. However, the recalculation now being made under different set of parameters and excluding interest component from the earlier value, the Department has brought it down up to nearly Rs 3000 crore against all illegally excavated ores.
Besides SAIL, Tata Steel, Rungta Mines and few others in question have also complained about the ambiguity and looking forward to approach the competent authority for corrective step since as per the apex court’s order the defaulters have to comply with the fine levied by December 31, 2017.
“We have not received any formal representation from the mining companies. If they come forward we can relook and verify the penalty raised in the light of the parameters laid down,” said Mines Director SI Minz adding that the aggrieved companies can also approach particular Deputy Commissioners since the actual date about mining is with the district level authorities.
(Source: http://www.dailypioneer.com/)