Cabinet orders probe into illegal mining

The cabinet on Monday has ordered a probe into alleged illegal mining in the country, mines minister BK Handique told reporters.

Several mineral-rich Indian states say several mining firms operate without necessary licences and approvals. Karnataka, India's second-largest iron ore producer, has banned export of the steel-making raw material, citing illegal mining as a provocation. 

Orissa in the east has been engaged in a year-long drive against offenders closing several mines, while Goa has said it will clamp down on exports of illegally mined iron ore.