The story so far: On August 26, 2022, the Supreme Court raised the ceiling limit of iron ore mining for Ballari (from 28 MMT to 35 MMT), Chitradurga and Tumakuru districts (from 7 MMT to 15 MMT collectively) in Karnataka, saying conservation of the ecology and environment must go hand in hand with the spirit of economic development.
Earlier, on May 20, 2022, the apex court had relaxed the ban on sale outside the state and export of already excavated iron ore from mines in these three districts. It also allowed mine lessees to enter into direct contracts, without taking recourse to electronic auctions.
