Setback for SAIL’s VISL Revival as Captive Mine Proposal Rejected in Sandur Forest in Karnataka
The report noted that nearly 29,400 trees would need to be felled for the project, making it environmentally unviable
In a significant setback to revival efforts of Visvesvaraya Iron and Steel Limited (VISL), the forest authorities have rejected a proposal by the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) to secure a captive iron ore mine in the Sandur forest region.
The Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF), Ballari Circle, has turned down SAIL’s proposal for land mutation of 150 acres (60.7 hectares) of forest land for the Ramanadurga iron ore mine located in the Ramanamalai (Ramagad) forest block of Sandur taluk.
This decision comes after the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Ballari Division, had earlier rejected the proposal on December 1, 2025. The DCF’s report highlighted serious environmental concerns and was subsequently upheld by the CCF.
Further strengthening the rejection, the CCF, in a recommendation dated January 12, advised the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (PCCF – Forest Protection) not to consider SAIL’s proposal for the captive mine.
According to the forest department’s assessment, the proposed mining area is a virgin forest with rich biodiversity. The report noted that nearly 29,400 trees would need to be felled for the project, making it environmentally unviable.
The rejection is likely to impact SAIL’s plans to revive VISL, which has been struggling due to a lack of assured raw material supply, particularly iron ore.
