In Brief
The Supreme Court modified earlier orders imposing an absolute ban on iron ore mining in three Karnataka districts, in a proceeding initiated to prevent rampant illegal mining and environmental degradation. After detailed review of scientific Reclamation and Rehabilitation Plans, changed ground conditions, and infrastructure developments, the Court accepted recommendations to enhance the overall production cap from 30 MMT to 28 MMT (Bellary) and 7 MMT (Chitradurga and Tumkur). Newly auctioned category C mines were excluded from the cap and will be regulated separately under their approved plans, protecting legitimate auction expectations while maintaining the principle of intergenerational equity for iron-ore reserves."> </invoke>
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