Mines dept issues guidelines to combat illegal ore movement
After limiting movement of mineral laden trucks in the Joda-Koira mine rich belt, the state mining department has issued fresh set of guidelines for trucks plying on all mining routes to stop overloading and curb illegal ore ferrying.
Under the new guidelines issued by the directorate of mines, trucks allowed to enter into mine leasehold area will have to obtain a loading slip prepared by the lessee, at the entry point. The loading slip would contain information on truck registration number, destination to which the ore is to be transported and time of entry to the mine.
After entry into the mine, the concerned truck driver will report at the government approved weigh bridge and hand over the loading slips to the weigh bridge clerk.
The truck driver would also report with the truck at loading point and hand over the loading slip to the supervisor, who after receipt of the loading slip, will allow loading of mineral in the truck.
Before leaving the mine, the mineral loaded in the truck needs to be properly covered with tarpaulin and sealed with identifiable mark so that the tarpaulin cannot be removed till it reaches the destination point for unloading. This is expected to prevent further loading or unloading of minerals on the truck on way to the destination and also prevent dust pollution.
The truck will leave the mine with e-pass and at the time of leaving the mine, the loaded truck has to go through the exit point. At the exit point, the truck driver would hand over the loading slip to the person deployed there.
“The mining department has asked all deputy directors of mines and mining officers to comply with these directions. In case of any additional loading of mineral by the truck, the matter will be enquired into and necessary action will be taken by invoking Section 21 (1) of Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act)-1957. If any major violation is noticed in case of the licensee, the license of the user agency shall be scrapped”, said a senior official of steel & mines department.
Earlier, the move of the steel & mines department to impose curbs on truck transport of ores in Joda and Koira, the two mining circles accounting for more than 80 per cent of the state’s total iron ore produce, had sparked protests from truckers who had organized stir against the move by blocking rail movements.