"Steel Ministry in Discussions with Karnataka to Revive Devadari Mining Project"

Concerns over the commencement of mining operations at KIOCL’s ₹1,500 crore Devadari iron ore project in Karnataka's Bellary district continue to persist as clearances remain stalled by the Congress-led State government, citing environmental issues. Union Steel Minister HD Kumaraswamy confirmed that discussions have been initiated with the State government to secure the necessary approvals for the project.

In late June, the Karnataka government instructed officials to halt the transfer of forest land in Sandur taluk, Bellary, to Kudremukh Iron Ore Company Limited (KIOCL), a public sector enterprise under the Steel Ministry, following protests from environmental activists. The move came shortly after Kumaraswamy signed off on the project, marking it as his first initiative as Union Steel Minister.

“I am personally invested in the project, and we are actively engaging with the State government to resume operations,” Kumaraswamy told Businessline.

HBL