Centre examining Odisha''s move to fine 103 mines: Patel

New Delhi, Nov 21 (PTI) The Centre is examining Odisha government''s recent move to impose a whopping fine of Rs 67,900 crore on 103 mines in the state for excess production of iron ore, Mines Minister Dinsha Patel said today.

Questioning the timing of state government''s decision, he also said that the Centre will respond soon on the matter.

"Why they (Odisha government) did not take action in last 12 years. The rule (under which fine has been imposed) has come into force in 1999 only. Why no action was taken in 2000 or 2005 or in 2009," he told reporters here.

Stating that his ministry is has received a representation from mining industry body FIMI, he said that "we are examining the matter and will respond soon. If they (the state government) had done it before, these issues (of illegal or excess mining) would not have been there."
Early this month, the Odisha government had issued notices to 103 mine owners, imposing a penalty of Rs 67,900 crore on producing excess ore under section 21(5) of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act that empowers the state to impose a fine.

Besides raising excess iron ore and manganese from mines, the companies were found to be violating the mining plan, environmental laws, Air Act and Water Act, the state government had said earlier.

The mine owners who have been fined include Tata Steel, Aditya Birla group''s Essel Mining & Industries Ltd, Patnaik Minerals Pvt Ltd.

Besides Odisha government''s probe, a Centre-appointed Justice M B Shah Commission is also enquiring the cases of illegal mining and had recently visited the state. The Commission is expecting to submit its first phase investigation report by December.