23 iron, manganese ore leaseholders produced more than limit

As many as 23 iron and manganese ore lease holders have extracted more minerals surpassing the prescribed limit in 2011-12 and 2012-13, Parliament was informed today.

Replying to a question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Mines, Steel and Labour and Employment Vishnu Deo Sai said operations in four leases have already been suspended.

The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 makes it mandatory for the leaseholders for submitting a tentative mining scheme detailing excavation programme and others.

Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) allows deviation of up to 20% of the tentative annual production indicated in the approved mining plan. Production is considered in "excess" when it goes up beyond that limit.

Sai said five leaseholders each in Madhya Pradesh and Goa, and one in Andhra Pradesh had produced more iron and manganese ores in excess of the prescribed limit in 2011-12.

The number went up to 12 in 2012-13, thanks to six in Andhra Pradesh, one in Madhya Pradesh and five in Goa.