The Odisha government slapped penalties of around Rs. 58,000 crore on 27 mine-owners, including Tata Steel and the government-owned Odisha Mining Corporation, for violating approved mining plans to raise excess ore. Of the total amount of fine, more than half was slapped on Tata Steel — Rs. 32,815 crore.

Odisha steel and mines minister Rajani Kanta Mishra told HT: “After verifying the violations, the state mining department has served the notices to the mining companies.”

A Tata Steel spokesperson said, “The government of India has recently brought out a notification defining the irregularities in mining operations and illegal mining. This...is an important aspect of the...demand put forward by the state government. We are confident of resolving the issue with the government amicably.”

Officials said although the penalties had been calculated on the basis of market prices, the companies were expected to challenge the order in court.