In Brief
This case concerns illegal and unregulated mining in three Karnataka districts (Bellary, Chitradurga, Tumkur) that caused severe environmental degradation. The Supreme Court supervised remedial action through multiple orders over 15 years. In this 2024 judgment, the Court: directed demarcation of seven disputed mining leases between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh using ground surveys and satellite imagery within six months; reaffirmed that individual mining leases must comply with Maximum Permissible Annual Production (MPAP) limits in approved rehabilitation plans; declined to withdraw the 10% levy on iron ore sales for environmental restoration (CEPMIZ); fixed NMDC's SPV contribution at 10% of sale proceeds from 2019 onwards; and directed comprehensive review of production ceilings and preparation of rehabilitation plans for remaining Category C leases. Multiple interim applications were dismissed as infructuous or for lack of appearance."
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