Govt sets up commission to look into illegal mining
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COMMENTS 
The Indian Cabinet, on August 16, 2010, ordered a probe into alleged illegal mining in the country. Of late, the issue has been in the limelight especially in mineral-rich states like Karnataka, Orissa and Jharkhand
The Union government has cleared a proposal to set up a commission in an effort to check illegal mining, and has asked it to report back within 18 months. The decision, taken on August 16, 2010, follows several meetings that the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) held with senior officials at the Ministry of Mines to ensure that illegal mining is checked across the country.
Several mineral-rich states have confirmed over the past few months that mining firms operate without the necessary licence and approvals. Concerns over the issue gained further ground after allegations that the Reddy brothers in the Karnataka government were involved in illegal mining.
Union Minister for Mines B K Handique has written to Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on several occasions extending all assistance in curbing illegal mining, after the southern state, India’s second largest iron ore producer, banned export of the raw material citing illegal mining as a provocation.
The Orissa state in the east has also been engaged in a year-long drive against offenders, closing several mines; the western state of Goa has said it will clamp down on exports of illegally mined iron ore.
The central government is preparing a new Mines Act with a separate section that seeks to put an end to illegal mining.
Source: Press Trust of India, August 16, 2010
Reuters, August 16, 2010