The government of Karnataka is flooded with new applications seeking licences even as the mining issue continues to be a subject of debate between the ruling party and the opposition.
Over 1200 firms, including steel giants Arcellor Mittal and POSCO, have applied for fresh mining licence, according to VP Baligar, secretary, department of commerce.
Baligar said those having interest in value addition will be recommended. Priority will be given to the ones who entered into memorandum of understandings with the state government at the Global Investors Meet (GIM) held in Bangalore in June. The government had signed agreements with 50 companies during the GIM.
“The hearing will be complete within two or three days. We will send our recommendations to the Centre who will decide on the applications,” said Baligar.
Industries minister Murugesh Nirani informed that work on 52 projects, worth Rs2.2 lakh, has already started. “We have issued preliminary and final notification for acquisition of 84,000 acres of land in different districts except Bangalore. We are yet to issue notification for the acquisition of another 30,000 acres,” said Nirani.
POSCO will pump in Rs32,000 crore to establish its plant in Koppal. ArcelorMittal, will invest about Rs30,000 crore, said Nirani.
Meanwhile, chief minister BS Yeddyurappa will head a delegation on a tour to China from September 11-15. The delegation will attend the World Expo at Shanghai before participating in the World Economic Forum in Tianjin. The team includes industries minister Murugesh Nirani, chief secretary SV Ranganath and 11 industrialists.
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