In a relief to the Sarda Mines Pvt Ltd (SMPL), the Supreme Court on Thursday allowed it to resume its mining operations in Odisha subject to a deposit of Rs 933 crore towards environmental compensation by February 29.
A Bench comprising Chief Justice SA Bobde and Justices BR Gavai and Surya Kant also allowed the Jindal Steel and Power Limited (JSPL) to transport high-quality iron ore lying in the Thakurani block mines with the SMPL.
The court, however, made it clear that the JSPL can transport the iron ore only after the SMPL pays Rs 933 crore towards compensation for the environment.
On January 16, the Supreme Court, while reserving its verdict in the case, had said it was “not averse” to allowing the JSPL to transport the iron ore lying stacked at the non-functional SMPL for its pellet plant in Odisha.
The top had earlier taken on record an undertaking from the SMPL for payment of Rs 933 crore towards environmental compensation to the State Government.
The SMPL, which was a supplier of high-quality ore to the Naveen Jindal-led JSPL plant, was closed on March 31, 2014 for want of environment clearances.
