The controversial Thriveni Earth Movers, alleged to be indulging in large-scale illegal mining in the State, on Friday said the company provided all relevant documents to Justice M B Shah commission.
“We had submitted an affidavit to the commission during its last visit explaining the mining activities of the company in the State. As the commission sought some more clarification, we provided relevant documents,” Managing Director of Thriveni B Prabhakaran told mediapersons after his meeting with the commission officials.
Responding to a query on violation of Section 37 of Mineral Concession Rules, Prabhakaran said he had explained his company’s position on the issue.
According to Section 37(1) of MC Rules-1960, no lessee can assign, sub-let, mortgage or in any other manner transfer the mining lease without the prior written consent of the State Government.
To another question on excess mining, Prabhakaran said quantity of minerals to be raised is decided by the mines owner. The lessee (mines owner) can better explain on the issue, he added.
In a move to break the nexus between mining lease holders and third party contractors raising minerals, the Government has started investigation into the financial transactions between the two.
The State Government had constituted a six-member committee last year to examine all relevant documents pertaining to mining lease and the arrangement between the lessee and the third party for raising ores in violation of the Mineral Concession (MC) Rules, 1960.
The committee, comprising officers from Steel and Mines department, Directorate of Mines, commercial tax and Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) had examined the audited balance sheets, profit and loss account along with all the schedules of the lessee, mining contractor, power of attorney holder or agency involved in formal and informal arrangements with the lessee regarding mining, financing and sharing of profits of several mines.
On the basis of the committee reports, the State Government had issued show cause notices for suspension of mining lease of eight lease holders.
However, the revisional authority of the Ministry of Mines rejected the State Government notices almost in all cases.
The official team of Justice Shah Commission on Friday held discussions with Chief Secretary B K Patnaik at the State secretariat.