HC stays iron ore export from 3 ports

In an interlocutory application filed on Friday, the State government has agreed that iron ore was being exported out of the Belekeri and Karwar ports without valid permits. The application contained the affidavit filed by Deputy Conservator of Forests R Gokul, who sought directions for a  ban on iron ore export from these ports till the completion of verification of documents and investigations.

In his affidavit, Gokul has stated that the iron ore available at Belekeri port during the seizure were 8 lakh metric tonnes, but the companies of Adani Enterprises, Mallikarjun Shipping, Salgoancar Mining Industry and Rajamahal Silks, Hospet, were able to furnish claims for only 3 lakh metric tonnes.

A major quantity of the seized iron ore was clandestinely removed by writ petitioners from the custody of the port conservator with the help of small barges or vessels, it stated and stressed on the need to disallow exports. The stored iron ore could be moved out illegally, as the government had no facility to safeguard the seized ore, Gokul said.