In Brief
The State of Odisha prohibited JSPL from transporting Iron Ore legally procured from SMPL's mines after SMPL's environmental clearance expired. JSPL sought mandamus directing transport permission. The Supreme Court held that 'mining operations' under the Mines and Minerals Act means only mineral extraction, not transportation of already-mined ore. Since JSPL had legally purchased the processed ore, paid royalties, and held transport licenses, it could lift and transport the stocks subject to SMPL paying assessed environmental dues and providing undertakings. The appeal was partly allowed with conditions.
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