CM, Union minister discuss BGML revival, mine auctions

 Auctioning of ‘C’ category mines and revival of Bharath Gold Mines Limited (BGML) in Kolar Gold Fields (KGF) figured prominently in discussions between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Union Minister for Steel and Mines Narendra Singh Tomar in Belagavi on Tuesday.

According to an official statement, the State government conveyed to Tomar that 15 ‘C’ category mines had been identified for auctioning in the State.

The State had cancelled the leases of 51 mines classified as ‘C’ category by the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee for indulging in illegal mining. The government said that it was prepared to auction 15 mines in the first phase and remaining 36 mines in the next phase. The State is spending Rs 56.64 crore for exploration of the identified 15 mines in the first phase.

Siddaramaiah suggested Tomar that BGML could be revived through its own resources. The State was willing to renew the lease in favour of BGML if it is retained as a public sector undertaking, but not if it is was privatised.

Commerce and Industries department additional chief secretary Ratna Prabha said that the Centre was urged to supply raw materials through the National Minerals Development Corporation to revive 41 sponge iron units in the State which were closed down due to shortage of raw material.

Siddaramaiah requested Tomar to take steps to permit mining in nine blocks identified by the State.

Testing of soil collected from KGF and allocation of ore blocks for the ore and steel plant at Kuduremukh were also discussed.