Bhubaneswar, Dec 16 (IANS): The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has summoned executives of some iron ore mining companies in Odisha for questioning on the black money issue, following directions of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the case.

The miners have been asked to appear before the ED's regional headquarters in Kolkata, an official said Tuesday.

He, however, refused to reveal the names of the mining companies.

The SIT has asked the ED to inquire about companies which exported a huge quantity of iron ore during 2000-10.

The SIT appointed by the central government has started its work in Odisha by asking for data related to illegal mining.

Recently, Arijit Pasayat, vice chairman of the SIT, met the state's mines secretary, mines director and officials from the income tax and sales tax departments to discuss the issue of "revenue leakage" of miners in the state.

Based on a report by the M.B. Shah Commission of inquiry into the mining scam, Pasayat asked officials to submit data related to mineral exploration and exports between 2000 and 2010.

Shah also happens to the chairman of the SIT probing the black money issue in the country.

He also asked the tax officials to provide data related to mineral sales transaction.