Koderma, June 26: The divisional forest office of Koderma has issued fresh notices to the district unit of the Jharkhand State Mineral Development Corporation to close down its mica mines as they fall under forest area.

“The corporation did not obtain permission from the Union ministry of environment and forests before conducting mining operations in Bandarchuan, Suggi, Pesra, Khalaktambi and Dholakola in Koderma district. These mines are located in the Koderma reserve forest area. As a result, mining of mica in these areas is illegal. We can take legal action against officials and other employees of the corporation under section 2 of the Forest Conservation Act 1980.” said divisional forest officer of Koderma Mahendra Prasad.

Sources said the forest department had earlier served notices on the corporation to stop mining activities. The corporation discontinued mining operations for sometime, but restarted it after a few months.

In 2001, the corporation had applied to the Centre for a lease on holdings for mica mining. But the application was rejected as it did not follow government norms. Later, the corporation applied to the forest department for a no objection certificate (NOC).

The application was rejected on the ground that NOCs are issued only by the Centre. A Ranchi-based official of the corporation said: “We are in the process of obtaining permission from the Centre to conduct mining activities.”

The sources said the corporation does not pay any royalty or rent to the district mining office. According to mining officials, the corporation has been running at a loss. “The corporation incurs a loss of about Rs 20 lakh every year. What is the use of carrying on mining activities?” Prasad asked.