Karnataka Appoints Recovery Commissioner to Combat Illegal Mining

The Karnataka government has appointed retired IAS officer G V Krishna Rao as the new Recovery Commissioner. His role focuses on confiscating properties acquired through illegal mining activities. This decision comes following a government order issued this week, which emphasizes a robust approach to tackling unlawful mining in the state.

Under the provisions of The Karnataka Appointment of Recovery Commissioners for Seizure and Confiscation of Property arising from Illegal Mining and Proceeds of Crime Act, 2025, the state can appoint a senior official, either serving or retired, to oversee the recovery efforts. The law specifically mandates that the appointee must hold a position no lower than that of Additional Chief Secretary.

The Act allows for the seizure, attachment, and forfeiture of assets obtained through illegal mining and associated criminal activities. A notification from the Commerce and Industries Department (Mines) outlined the authority granted to the Recovery Commissioner to ensure compliance with these provisions.

Government’s Commitment to Address Illegal Mining

In August, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced plans to establish a Recovery Commissioner and set up fast-track courts to expedite the handling of illegal mining cases. During an address to the Assembly, he stated, “Our government will take every step necessary to pursue legal action, to conclude cases quickly, and to recover the enormous losses to the state.” Siddaramaiah emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards the illegal extraction of public resources.

Official estimates reveal that approximately 1.9 billion metric tons of iron ore were illegally extracted and exported from ‘B’ and ‘C’ category mines between 2006 and 2011. This illegal activity resulted in significant financial losses for the state, totaling around ₹ 78,245 crore. The breakdown indicates that Bellary accounted for the majority of illegal extraction at 1,267 million metric tons, followed by Chitradurga at 497 million and Tumakuru at 136 million.

Siddaramaiah commented on the extensive scope of illegal mining during that period, alleging collusion among politicians, businessmen, and officials. “This is not hidden from the people of Karnataka or the country,” he remarked, highlighting the systemic issues surrounding the illegal mining operations.

Review of Past Cases

In a move to strengthen accountability, the Chief Minister announced that the government would review 29 cases previously closed by the Special Investigation Team (SIT). He deemed the reasons for these closures as “unconvincing.” Furthermore, eight additional cases, which courts have refused to accept closure reports for, will be withdrawn for further examination.

Siddaramaiah asserted, “We cannot allow such cases to be brushed aside,” reiterating the government’s commitment to uphold justice and recover the state’s resources. The appointment of G V Krishna Rao as Recovery Commissioner marks a significant step in this ongoing effort to address the ramifications of illegal mining in Karnataka.