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The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which has been surveying 99 mining companies in Bellary district, has sought more time to complete its task. The survey had been undertaken under

directions from the Supreme Court. The Central Empowered Committee (CEC), which has been surveying 99 mining companies in Bellary district, has sought more time to complete its task. The

survey had been undertaken under directions from the Supreme Court. The CEC has already completed surveying 55 mining companies. Work began on May 16 and was expected to conclude by the

first week of July. The CEC had earlier submitted a report about 20 mining companies. Based on irregularities in mining operations, the Supreme Court had directed that a survey be undertaken

in 99 mining companies. Requesting anonymity, an official said, “The survey work is carried out by the CEC with the help of the mines and geology department,  forest department, revenue

department, and other officials in Bellary. The timeline prescribed by the Supreme Court would be hard to observe.” The CEC is expected to approach the Supreme Court to file a petition

seeking an extension of its deadline on July 4. An official indicated that the petition had already been drafted. The CEC even has an interim report ready. This could be produced before the

Supreme Court bench. The report of Lokayukta’s probe into mining activity is expected to be released in August. The CEC report is also expected to come out at the same time. Sources said

that senior officials in both probes have been in touch. In its first report on 14 mining companies that was submitted in April 2011, the CEC found irregularities in 11 mines, and orders

were issued to the mines and geology department to halt mining operations in  areas where these companies operated. The director of the mines and geology department, Srinivas cancelled the

lease earlier awarded to the 11 mining companies. CEC officials are presently lodged at the Manikanta Lodge, Hospet taluk, Bellary district.