Date | March 12, 2015: The Supreme Court is set to consider a plea by lobby group Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) seeking a revision of the mining cap of 30 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) for iron ore in Karnataka. The Supreme Court on 18 April 2013 had allowed mining in the state, but with the cap of 30 mtpa.
The case came before a bench of justices Ranjan Gogoi and N.V. Ramana, who said it should be placed before an appropriate bench. FIMI is seeking revision of the mining cap on the grounds that at present, iron ore production is below the cap. Further, the miner’s body says the mining cap could be revised on three other grounds—discovery of additional iron ore, increase in dumping capacity and increase in transport facilities.
The court also said that a central empowered committee report of 28 January for electronic auction of category C mining leases in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts of Karnataka would be considered by an appropriate bench. The Karnataka government has suggested e-auction of nearly 51 category C mining leases, which the committee supports.
(Source: http://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/)