(UNI) The Supreme Court directed the Centre to look into the request for POSCO for grant of licence for mining of iron ore.
The South Korean steel giant has come in appeal challenging the Orissa High Court order upholding the cancellation of licence of POSCO by Odisha government.
The apex court in effect has thrown the ball into the Centre's court.
Now the Centre will take the decision keeping in view the possible damage to the environment and also relief and rehablitation measure for those who are going to be displaced or get effected.
Union Minister of Environment and Forests shall take appropriate decision in accordance with law and will also ensure that environment in the area is not damaged, the court said.
In January 2009, the state government had recommended to the Central government for granting prospective licence to Posco for Kandahar iron ore reserves.
This was challenged by Geomin and later 16 other firms who have applied for mining leases also intervened. UNI
