Tata Steel, others fined for ‘illegal mining’ in Odisha
06 Nov 2012
The Odisha government is reported to have slapped a fine of about Rs6,000 crore on Tata Steel for its alleged involvement in "illegal and excess mining" at its captive iron ore mines.
Deputy director of mines (DDM) of Joda mining circle has slapped the fine on the steelmaker and on several other iron ore producers on charges of "illegal and excess mining", the reports said.
Denying illegal mining by his company, a Tata Steel official did acknowledge the receipt of "2-3 notices".
"The company will make a representation to the state government soon. At the most, our case can be termed as excessive mining but certainly it is not illegal mining," he said.
Stating that operations have not stopped at the mines, the official said, "Tata Steel has paid royalty and taxes for whatever ore has been mined over and above the permissible limit."
The company also said that it is confident of resolving the issue "amicably" with the state government.