New Delhi, Sep 14 (TIWN) The government proposes to amend the mining law to provide relief to thousands of mining companies affected by the 2017 Supreme Court order that makes illegal and unlawful a mining operation conducted in violation of environment and pollution laws.

Sources said that the Union Mines Ministry may move a cabinet note proposing amend to Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 that would change the definition of illegal mining.  The changes would make any mining illegal only if such activity is in contravention of provisions of the act and rules framed thereunder and not if mining is conducted without any lawful authority in breach of any law of the land.  Following the apex court orders, Odisha has already slapped fines to the tune of Rs 20,000 crore on iron ore miners. Other states, including Jharkhand, are also contemplating fines. Odisha and Jharkhand have also slapped demand notices to the tune of Rs 50,000 crore on Coal India (CIL) subsidiaries, a move that has the potential to turn the country's largest coal producer sick.