The Odisha government has decided to expedite renewal of mining leases of some iron ore and manganese deposits, which are facing closure, in view of a Supreme Court judgement.
"The high-level committee has already recommended renewal of five of the 26 mines operating under deemed extension (DE) in Odisha," Chief Secretary J K Mohapatra told reporters here.
Mohapatra said he had been informed that the cases of 21 other mines were under the review of the committee.
The five mines, however, have been asked to obtain full forest clearance, pay the penalty imposed for excess mining and meet the local requirements under PESA.
Last week, the apex court had ordered an interim stay on iron ore mining in the state by those companies whose lease agreements had expired and were not renewed by the state government.
The Supreme Court had also directed the state government to consider and dispose of all renewal applications within six months.
