Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)
Mangalore, Aug 14: State Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, strongly advocated a national debate on all issues concerning mining, under the leadership of the Prime Minister. He was speaking after laying the foundation stone for the storage and processing unit for the raw materials, for Kudremukh Iron Ore Ltd at Panambur here on Friday August 13.
“Illegal mining has always been a burning issue in this country. For the first time in the country, Karnataka has taken the revolutionary step of banning the iron ore transportation and export in order to put an end to illegal mining. At the meeting of the state Chif Ministers, I have clearly explained to the Prime Minister about the stand of the state on this issue. The states having rich deposits of minerals should also ban iron ore export. The Prime Minister should convene a meeting of senior officials from all the states and discuss all issues including the licenced capacity for mining, illegal export of ore, etc.,” he demanded.
Yeddyurappa reiterated that after becoming the Chief Minister, he had not issued any fresh mining leases. He rued the fact that neither the union government, nor any state government, have given an in-depth consideration to the benefits of exporting ore after value additions. He stressed that the ban now enforced by him will prove to be beneficial to the industries in the state. He said that he will ensure that no illegal mining and export will take place during his tenure, but added that licences will be given to those companies which engage in manufacture of value-added products out of ore.
State home minister, Dr V S Acharya, small and medium industries minister, Murugesh Nirani, MP, D V Sadanand Gowda, MLA, Yogish Bhat, district deputy commissioner, V Ponnuraj, city mayor, Rajani Dugganna, and deputy mayor, Rajendra Kumar, participated as chief guests.
Union steel ministry economic advisor, Machchendranath, delivered introductory address. KIOCL managing director, K Ranganath, was present. Executive director, Krishna Bhat, proposed the vote of thanks.