The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Ban on ore transport: notice to Government

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Tuesday, Aug 10, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Ban on ore transport: notice to Government

Staff Reporter

Ban is to protect natural resources, says State
Norms on transport permits for minerals being framed

BANGALORE: The Karnataka High Court on Monday ordered issue of notices to the State Government and other respondents on petitions by four mining companies challenging the ban on transport of iron ore.

The court also asked the State to file its objections to the petition.

A Division Bench comprising the Chief Justice, J.S. Khehar and Justice Manjula Chellur passed the order on petitions by V.S. Lad and Sons and other mining companies that had challenged the ban on transport of iron ore from the State.

Appearing for the State, Advocate-General Ashok Harnahalli defended the ban and said a notification to this effect was issued on July 28, 2010.

He said the notification, by the Department of Industries and Commerce, said the ban was to protect the natural resources of the State and to check illegal mining and illegal export of minerals.

Consequently, it had been decided not to issue Mineral Despatch Permit without which no mineral could be transported.

The notification stated that the Mines and Geology Department was in the process of framing new guidelines on issuing of transport permits for minerals following complaints of illegal export of iron ore from Belikere and Karwar ports.

The notification said that the Government was in the process of collecting information on the minerals produced in the State, minerals available for local industries for value addition and the quantum that is being exported now.

He said the State was determined to bring a halt illegal mining and illegal transport of minerals without permits.

The Bench asked the State to file its objections and the mining companies their counter and adjourned further hearing of the case to August 16.

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