State allows NMDC to mine iron ore in Donimalai

Hyderabad: Karnataka government has issued orders allowing iron ore mining to be resumed in Donimalai mines by NMDC Limited.

The NMDC, which suspended mining in Donimalai, was earlier in a legal battle with the State government over the issue of imposition of premium on the sale price of the iron ore extracted from themines.

NMDC is permitted to commence mining operations, as an interim measure with immediate effect in Donimalai iron ore mines over an extent of 608 hectares at Donimalai range, Sandur taluk, Ballari district, for which NMDC shall unconditionally pay to the state government 22.5 per cent of IBM (Indian Bureau of Mines) sale price (for Karnataka) apart of royalty and other statutory levies, the order issued on December 1 said.

When contacted, a senior official of the state-owned miner told PTI that the mining would be resumed shortly at Donimalai. Sumit Deb, chairman-cum-managing director of the state-owned miner,had earlier said NMDChas been in discussions with both the Karnataka government and the Centre onDonimalaimine lease extension to resolve certain "unviable terms" in the lease agreement.

He further said on September 15 that the state cabinet cleared the application to start mining operations at Donimalai. The resumption of mining at Donimalai would add production of 5-6 lakh tones per month, he added. PTI

Deve Gowda to attend all-party meet chaired by PM on Covid-19

Bengaluru: Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda would attend the all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the Covid-19 pandemic situation on Friday.

"Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda is attending the all-party virtual meeting on December 4 at 10:30 AM called by the Prime Minister to discuss the Covid-19 situation, including the progress on vaccines," his office said in a statement.

Gowda is the member of the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka.

Floor leaders of all parties from both Houses of Parliament have been called for the meeting, which would be held virtually.

This would be the second all-party meeting called by the Central government to discuss the COVID-19 situation since the outbreak of the pandemic. PTI