The Supreme Court of Bench comprising CJI NV Ramana noted that the e-auction is receiving a low response, the Court called for its 2011 order imposing constraints on the sale of iron ore mined in the State to be relaxed.
On Friday the Supreme Court in a significant development allowed the resumption of iron ore mining and export in Karnataka after more than a decade after it restricted the mining activity.
“There needs to be a level playing field for coal mines in Bellary etc. On halting the unchecked excavation in Karnataka’s three mining areas, the situation has worked out well. But situation has now changed.”
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India NV Ramana observed,
The court has observed that the e-auction is receiving a low response, the Court called for its 2011 order imposing constraints on the sale of iron ore mined in the State to be relaxed.
The court also allowed the export of iron ore, subject to the terms and conditions imposed by the Government of India.
“We permit to sell already excavated iron ore stock etc in the three Karnataka districts. Permission also granted to allocate iron ore by entering into direct contracts without resorting to e-auction.”
The Court said,
Further, the court also sought an opinion from the oversight committee on the lifting of ceiling limits for production, mining lease, etc, and directed the committee to send its recommendation in four weeks.
The court adjourned the matter and will be heard next in July.
