The Department of Mining and Geology has reportedly issued a notice to ACC Ltd. (a cement company of the Adani Group) asking why the limestone leases granted to it during 2019-24 in alleged violation of norms set by the Central Government should not be cancelled.
The department learned that it is in the process of issuing similar notices to two other companies – Bharathi Cement Corporation Limited (BCCL) and Ramco Cements Limited. ACC Limited was given two weeks to file a response.
The said leases have come under fresh scrutiny from the coalition government after the Ministry of Mines recently objected to awarding leases through application instead of the prescribed auction mechanism.
According to official sources, awarding of leases through an auction system has been made mandatory as part of major reforms contained in the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2021.
The state government will decide its course of action depending on the explanations submitted by these companies. Both ACC Ltd. and BCCL were awarded leases in Kadapa district while Ramco Cements secured a lease in NTR district.
Published – 13 Dec 2025 21:34 IST
