Kudremukh Iron Ore Company (KIOCL) has agreed to key Karnataka government conditions and Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) directions to fast-track its proposal to mine 1,196.17 acres in the Swamimalai block forest of Devadari hill range, Ballari district.
Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre stated the firm must pay Rs 1,349.52 crore in penalties and hand over 3,300 acres to the government before approval. KIOCL, which shut Kudremukh operations in 2006 following a Supreme Court order over environmental damage, will transfer 282.44 acres to the Forest Department “before obtaining the working permission” and has agreed to give all Kudremukh buildings at zero book value.
The company will seek forest and wildlife clearances for 973.15 acres, including 840 acres submerged due to illegally raising of Lakhya dam’s height, and compensate with alternative land. A transit fee of nearly Rs 10 crore will be paid for iron ore transport. Final decisions on pending dues and compliances rest with the state government.