Bellary: Four lakh tons of iron ore worth Rs. 4.33 crore seized

www.mangaloretoday.com

Bellary, August 1, 2011:  Continuing its crackdown on illegal transport of iron ore two days after the Supreme Court ordered suspension of mining operations in the district, the district administration today seized about four lakh tons of the mineral valued at about Rs. 4.33 crore.

 

Official sources said personnel from the Revenue and Mines and Geology Department seized 3.84 lakh tons of iron ore being illegally transported in 24 lorries in Sandur taluk, which belonged to Tomatro Mining company.

The company was transporting the ore to Janaki Steels, they said.

Another consignment of the company’s 3,800 tons, being transported in railway wagons was also seized, they said adding the estimated value of the material was Rs. 3.84 crore.

Authorities also seized 3,960 tons of iron ore valued at Rs. 1.50 crore, which was being transported from Mysore Minerals in Sandur to Jindal Company in railway wagons and lorries, officials said.

On July 29, the apex court had ordered immediate suspension of mining and transportation of iron ore from Bellary district, stating that "over-exploitation" of the area has caused large-scale environmental degradation.

The court passed the order by taking note of the report of its expert panel, Central Empowered Committee, which said most miners in the region were indulging in illegal mining, causing considerable environmental damage.