State government bans export of iron ore

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, July 28: Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa has issued a directive banning the transport of iron ore for export purposes in the state. A government order might be issued on Wednesday according to which the state’s iron ore will be used only for its iron and steel factories and will not be exported.

The Department of Mines and Geology, which has the authority to issue permits for the transportation of all minerals, has already received directions to immediately suspend permits for lorries transporting iron ore for export. State sources, however, say that the suspension of permits will be temporary and will be lifted as soon as the Lokayukta investigation regarding the illegal export of iron ore is completed, according to the report submitted by the Lokayukta to the government.

The state government is also issuing directions to the deputy commissioners and superintendents of police in Bellary, Chitradurga, Koppal, and its neighboring areas to check lorries transporting iron ore and ascertain whether the ore is being transported for export or for the state’s iron and steel industries.

The CM informed the reporters of Hindu that he is planning to conduct interactions with people from different walks of life over the next few days to understand their opinions regarding the protection of the state’s mineral wealth. The government is serious about eliminating illegal mining and export of iron ore, he claimed.

Transport trucks require a permit to transport iron ore and other minerals, which is obtained only from the Department of Mines and Geology and not from the Transport Department. In fact, the Transport Department can only prevent trucks from being overloaded.

The CM, who had been on a 3-day trip to New Delhi to attend the National Development Council meeting, said that he had discussed the issue with senior BJP leaders. He also said that he had appealed to the prime minister and the union home minister to ban the export of iron ore.

The prime minister is likely to convene a meeting of chief ministers of states exporting iron ore and will then come to a decision regarding banning export. He expressed hope that all other states will follow in the footsteps of Karnataka regarding the banning of iron ore exports.