In his response, Yeddyurappa has asked Ramesh to influence the Ministry of Mining “to clearly come out with a new policy that encourages ‘mining for value addition’ and discourages ‘mining for export’. “I do agree with you that this is not a matter of partisan politics, but a matter that is essential for our collective ecological security,” Yeddyurappa, whose Government comprises several legislators with iron ore mining interests in Bellary and in Andhra Pradesh, including recent dissenters, the powerful Reddy brothers, has stated.

“My Government is fully committed to ensuring that no laws are flouted during mining and mining takes place in an environmentally sustainable manner,” he has said.

Yeddyurappa went on to outline the various measures taken by his Government in the matter, including an extension of the Lokayukta probe into illegal mining.