In a relief for the mining industry, the Supreme Court today proposed resumption of operations in 45 iron ore mining leases in Karnataka, provided they abide by the Reclamation and Rehabilitation (R&R) plan put in place. This follows a recommendation from the Supreme Court-appointed Central Empowered Committee (CEC) investigating illegal iron ore mining in the state, especially in Bellary, Chitradurga and Tumkur districts.