Sponge iron makers demand auction of lapsed mining licences in Odisha

The Supreme Court, in its pronouncement in a case filed by NGO Common Cause, had instructed the Odisha govt to collect compensation from the miners for excess ore dug out between 2000-01 and 2010-11

Sponge iron manufacturers have sought auctioning of mining leases in Odisha which have been cancelled over the non-payment of the Supreme Court mandated compensation for excavating ore beyond approved limits.

The Supreme Court, in its pronouncement in a case filed by NGO Common Cause, had instructed the Odisha government to collect compensation from the miners for excess ore dug out between 2000-01 and 2010-11. In a scathing indictment of rapacious mining, the apex court held that miners needed to pay 100 per cent compensation. An interpretation of the court order meant the miners needed to pay Rs 17,576 crore, a notional