Cabinet orders probe into illegal mining (Reuters)

[Goanet News]

Cabinet orders probe into illegal mining

NEW DELHI | Mon Aug 16, 2010 2:06pm IST

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - The cabinet on Monday has ordered a probe into
alleged illegal mining in the country, Mines Minister B.K. Handique
told reporters.

Several mineral-rich Indian states say several mining firms operate
without necessary licences and approvals. Karnataka, India's
second-largest iron ore producer, has banned export of the
steel-making raw material, citing illegal mining as a provocation.

Orissa in the east has been engaged in a year-long drive against
offenders closing several mines, while Goa has said it will clamp down
on exports of illegally mined iron ore.

(Reporting by Nigam Prusty; editing by Malini Menon)

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http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-50864020100816