"Once royalty is paid over excess production of ore, how can you call it illegal mining? It is simply irregularity in operation," M Biswas, regional controller of IBM in Odisha, told reporters at the sideline of Justice Shah Commission's record verification here.
On the state government's allegation, Biswas said, "We have done our duty and the state government is doing its. IBM should not be blamed for the wrongs because it has taken action against certain mines by suspending their operation."
Earlier, Odisha's steel and mines minister R K Singh had blamed the IBM for excess production of minerals in 103 iron ore and manganese mines.
Asked whether IBM had failed to detect excess production by mining companies, Biswas said, "When a mining plan is approved, a copy of it is endorsed to the state government for their record. It is their (state government's ) wish or will to make allegation. The state government has received royalty over the excess production and also issued transit pass (TP) for transportation of ore."
The deputy director of mines of concerned area issued TPs and knew about excess or less production of ore, Biswas pointed out, not directly blaming the state government for the excess production by at least 103 mine companies against whom penalty of worth Rs 67,900 crore had been imposed.
Biswas said he did not accept the allegation that the excess mining was reported due to IBM's negligence.
"I do not think so. Absolutely not," he said. MORE
