Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Feb 27: In a major relief to the state government, the Supreme Court Friday granted an additional two months for deciding on the fate of 18 iron and manganese ore mines which are awaiting their second and subsequent renewals.
The apex court’s order follows a petition by the state government requesting for two additional months’ time to examine their legitimacy due to introduction of new provisions in the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Ordinance – 2015.
The apex court in its May 16 verdict last year, had asked the state government to take a decision regarding renewal of the leases of 26 iron and manganese ore mines within six months and had suspended operations of these mines which were awaiting their second and subsequent renewals.
Complying with the court’s order, the state government allowed resumption of eight captive mines of TATA Steel, SAIL and OMC through express orders, but no decision was taken on providing subsequent renewal of the other 18 merchant mines.
The state government sought more time to take a decision in this regard, and following a request to the
Supreme Court, was allowed time till February 20.
However, while the state government had planned to auction these mining leases to generate more revenue, the new MMDR Amendment Ordinance promulgated by President Pranab Mukharjee January 12 extended the lease period of operation for non-captive and captive mines till 2020 and 2030 respectively under Sections 8 (A) 5 and 8 (A) 6 of the Ordinance, subject to fulfillment of lease conditions.
Subsequently, in its latest petition filed earlier this month, the state
government informed the SC that it had taken enough steps to comply with the SC order. However, with, new
provisions being incorporated in the newly-amended MMDR Ordinance – 2015, it needs more two months to
decide their fate.
