Indian bureau of mines today ordered suspension of operations of 16 mines in Sandur and Hospet region of this district in Karnataka for allegedly carrying out illegal mining and flouting mining norms.
    The mines are owned by companies, including the Mysore Minerals, HG Rangangouda Mines, Jeenath Transport Mines, one block of SMIORE Mines owned by former minister MY Ghorpade, R Charuchandra Mines, KR Kaviraja mines and Gavisideshwara Mines, officials said.
    Recently, Indian bureau of mines officials had visited the district thrice in the wake of complaints about rampant illegal mining in the region.