Karnataka recommends approval of 8 iron ore mines

A decision on this by a Supreme Court-appointed committee is expected later on Wednesday, Srinivasa said. The recommendation includes a 2.2 million-tonnes-per-year mine operated by Sesa Goa in the state.

The court had partially removed the mining ban earlier this year by allowing mining by category A mines, those with 50 hectares and with less or no illegalities, besides approving NMDC 's output of 1 million tonnes per month.

Exporters are free to export iron ore after meeting domestic requirement, but at higher-than-auction price, said Srinivasa, adding that it is currently not viable due to the 30% export duty on iron ore.