Impose curb on ore export: CM tells PM

In a letter to the prime minister, Yeddyurappa said over exploitation of mines and illegal mining has been a major concern of all the mineral rich states of the country. Despite several efforts undertaken by the state governments the problems continue to persist.

New initiative

He pointed out that the BJP government in the State took initiative to bring out a Value Added Policy in the mining sector. Karnataka was the first to introduce such a policy. Mining leases are sanctioned when the applicant demonstrates that there is value addition within Karnataka. The applicant has to either process the iron ore himself or has to tie up with another local manufacturing processing company in Karnataka.

The policy was not only well received by the people of the State, but even the industrialists and entrepreneurs. Instead of giving bulk permits, which were misused by mine owners, now specific permits are given for each load and trip; bar coding and hologram based trip sheets are introduced to avoid fake permits. In addition, integrated check-posts have been set up in several locations.

The chief minister said the State was planning to introduce e-permits in order to ensure further transparency and accountability in the process.
Yeddyurappa has also requested the prime minister to convene a meeting of chief ministers of mineral rich States to discuss the issue.