IBM detects illegal mining worth Rs. 226 crore

Minerals worth Rs. 226.04 crores were illegally mined in various States across the country during the previous fiscal, according to findings of the Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM), which monitors and prevents such unlawful activities.

In 2010-11 fiscal year, 14,204 cases of illegal mining over an extent of 43.584 lakh tonnes valued at Rs. 71.52 crores (in case of major minerals) was detected. In 775 cases, FIRs were lodged with authorities and legal proceedings have been launched in 514 cases.

Also, fine to the tune of Rs. 122.33-crore was realised from the defaulters, official sources said on Tuesday.

The Centre through IBM constituted a task force and conducted inspection of mines in endemic areas by taking the help of satellite imageries. The inspections were mandatory in the wake of compliance of Mineral Conservation and Development Rules, 1988.

IBM Controller General, C.S. Gundewar told PTI that inspections were conducted between December 2009 and March 2011 in Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Odissa.

He said about 434 mines comprising minerals like Bauxite among others were inspected by the task force.

Following this, IBM suspended mining operations in 150 mines and recommended suspension of mining leases in nine cases to respective State governments.

Quoting Section 23C of the Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation (MMDR) Act, the Centre has issued directives to respective State governments to issue official notifications in the gazette to make rules for preventing illegal mining, its transportation and storage.