With the Supreme Court cancelling 49 mine leases falling under category ‘C’ in Karnataka, mining companies say that the days of illegal mining are now over.
Basant Poddar, Senior Vice-President of the Federation of Indian Mineral Industries, and Managing Director, Mineral Enterprises Ltd, said “We welcome the judgment. The worst is behind us. After two years of detailed investigations and judicial scrutiny, now all responsible mining companies will have a better future.”
Rahul N. Baldota, Executive Director, MSPL Ltd in Hospet-Bellary, said “This is a step in right direction and a good development for us. In our case, especially, we had stopped our mining operations since January 2009 and this is a big relief.”
“The resumption of mining operations will help in mining sector’s contribution to GDP and improve socio-economic conditions in Bellary district in particular, by boosting the employment generation,” he added.
According to Central Empowered Committee (CEC) classification, Category ‘C’ comprises mining leases wherein the illegal mining has been carried out by way of mining pits outside the sanctioned lease area, over burden/waste dumps outside the sanctioned lease areas.
It also includes illegal mining found to be more than 15 per cent of the lease areas, where flagrant violation of the Forest Conservation Act has occurred and illegal mining in other lease areas.
Companies and families involved in mining activities fall under Category A and B. Under Category A are working leases and non-working leases where no illegal or marginal illegal mining was found.
Category B consists of illegal mining up to 10 per cent of the lease area, and waste dumps outside the sanctioned lease areas up to 15 per cent of the lease area.