Centre wants to revive iron ore mining
The Union government is very keen to restart iron ore mining in the country and export more quantity of ore, said Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram on August 22. He added that the government need to find a way to export iron ore. Production of steel is vital for the country's manufacturing sector, he said.
The Supreme Court of India had banned mining of iron ore in states like Karnataka and Goa following uncovering of a Rs 35,000-crore scam involving top mining companies, politicians and bureaucrats. MB Shah-headed judicial commission has exposed the scam.
Seeking relaxation in Supreme Court's orders on iron ore mining and export, the Union Ministry of Mines had moved or would move, the apex court, Chidambaram said.
The Minister cited that the SC orders are already being relaxed in the case of Karnataka mines. Some orders are expected in the case of the Goa mines, too, he said. In July 2011, the Supreme Court had banned mining in Karnataka. In September 2012, it had banned mining in Goa.