Kerala for new policy on mineral sand mining

Thiruvananthapuram, Aug 2 (UNI) The Kerala Government will come up with a new policy for mineral sand mining in the state within two weeks, Industries Minister Elamara Karim today said and asserted the Left Democratic Front Government was in favour of giving licences only to public sector companies in this regard.

Addressing mediapersons here, Mr Karim said the Centre had been requested to put on hold the order giving clearance to the Kerala Rare Earth Metals and Minerals Ltd (KREMML), a joint venture company, for mining at Kayamkulam.

''We have asked the Centre to put on hold all matters concerning mineral sand till a new policy was formulated by the state government,'' he said.

The LDF's policy was to encourage public sector companies, Mr Karim said and added no joint venture companies would be encouraged for mineral sand mining in the state.

Regarding the controversial order to provide land for mining to KREMML at Kayamkulam, Mr Karim said licences for mining to private companies were granted during the previous Congress-led United Democratic Front Government.

The controversial order was issued on May 25, striking down the request for extension of lease of land in Kayamkulam to the Indian Rare Earths Ltd (IREL), a Central Government undertaking .

Mr Karim said the order was issued by the Additional Secretary in the previous Ministry without the consent of the new incumbents.

The Former Industries Minister had signed the order on May three and it was issued on May 25, he said and added the official had been asked to give an explanation.

He also said that the government would look into the report of the John Mathew Committee appointed to study the feasibility of allowing mining in the coastal villages of Arattupuzha and Thrikunnapuzha.

Noting that the IREL had submitted a fresh proposal for sand mining, he said the government would look into it.

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