In Brief
The Supreme Court addressed three interlocutory applications by mining leaseholders and an heir to a deceased leaseholder seeking permission to sell ore already mined and lying at mining sites, or to resume mining operations. The Court permitted the sale of existing mineral stock under independent committee supervision to pay compensation due for violations of environmental clearances, ensuring proceeds go directly to the State Government. However, the Court denied permission to resume mining operations without all statutory clearances. It established that independent oversight is essential to prevent unauthorized mining under the guise of removing existing stock, and that monetary liability clearance alone is insufficient for resumption of mining rights."
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