In a major step towards resumption of mining, union ministry of environment and forest on Tuesday ordered revocation of suspension on the environment clearances on state's mining leases.
"The MoEF today withdrew suspension on the ECs for mining leases.The mining industry will resume immediately now," said state Chief Minister Laxmikat Parsekar on Tuesday.
He said suspension order of 72 out of total 89 leases which are approved has been lifted by the central ministry.
"Around 17 mining leases which are within one kilometers of wild life sanctuary don't have their EC suspension revoked," Parsekar said.
The ECs were suspended in September 2012 by then union minister for environment and forest Jayanti Natarajan.
Parsekar said all the mine owners who are ready with the clearances can now resume the tapping of iron ore.
The chief minister said the state government will also appeal the union government to abolish the export duty on the ore with lesser ferrous content.
"We are sure that the union government will abolish the export duty or lessen it on high grade ores," he said.
Currently there is 30 percent export duty on the ores.
The chief minister said the state government will continue with it's social welfare schemes for mining affected people, till the exports starts.
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