From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 4: The Federation of Indian Mineral Industries (FIMI) has extended its full support to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah over the renewal of mining licences and contended that the Opposition BJP charges against the chief minister were ``totally false and baseless.’’

FIMI Vice Chairman Basant Poddar told reporters in Bengaluru on Wednesday that the State Government had extended licenses as per the Ordinance promulgated by the Centre.

“There are 115 mines in ‘A’ and ‘B’ category in Karnataka and leases of these mines would come up for auction only after March 31, 2020. All mining licences get extended automatically following promulgation of the Ordinance and the State Government has no power on the matter,’’ he said.

"The Ministry of Mines directed states to expedite extension of mining leases as per the Ordinance latest by February 28," he mentioned.

The State’s iron-ore production was expected to increase from the present 16 million tonnes to 25 million tonnes by end of 2015, Poddar said.