The state government has also sought prior approval of the Central Government for renewal of lease prior to December 20,1999. Therefore, renewal made in violation of this provision before this date is invalid, official sources said today.
The Principal Secretary of steel and mines department asked the Director of Mines to identify such leases.
"Therefore, you are asked to suspend the operation of the mines, if any of them are currently working," Steel and Mines Secretary said in a letter to the Mines Director.
The director was also asked to furnish a report to the government within 15 days giving details of cases where renewal of mining lease has been deemed to have been refused during February 10, 1987 to September 25, 1994. (MORE)