The Supreme Court on Monday is expected to pass an interim order on constitution of an expert committee for overseeing sale of the iron ore stacks at leases and jetties. The order would also be passed in connection with formation of expert panel to look into the issue of fixing an annual extraction cap on iron ore mining with an aim to preserve the metal for future generations. The State has already informed Supreme Court that around 11.5 million tonnes of ore is lying at various jetties and the same should be allowed to export. The forest Bench that concluded the hearing in the PIL filed by Goa Foundation on alleged illegal iron ore extraction on October 31, had said that the panel constituted would determine as to what quantity of iron ore, already excavated and lying unused following the ban on the mining in the State, would be allowed to be transported and exported. Goa government has already told Court that 45 million tonnes of iron ore can be extracted annually by the State miners. While the State pleaded for export of already stacked iron ore, the Karnataka Steel Manufacturers’ Association made a plea that if the Court considers allowing the movement of iron ore, then the same should be given to them for domestic consumption. The petitioner has strongly urged the auction of the leases pointing out that the MMDR Act does not absolutely forbid the auction of mining leases and very clearly states that no preferential treatment needs to be given to the previous holder of the lease, as was the contention of the mining companies. While the Central Empowered Committee suggested that the Court may allow operations at some mines that have all-clearance, to ensure that livelihoods of employees are maintained.