The mines department of the Karnataka government informed that only seven iron ore mines out of 170 in the state resumed operations, and the state hopes to start another 14 mines in 2013-14.

This was informed by HR Srinivasa, Director at the state government's department of mines and geology.

Once more mines become operational, the ore output from the state could rise 14 million tonne (mn t), bringing annual output to 15 million tonne. This would be about 10 percent of India's expected production in the fiscal year that starts in April, according to an estimate of Federation of Indian Minerals Industries (FIMI).

But it would take some time for these mines to become operational as the Supreme Court has to give approvals for the reclamation and rehabilitation plans it has called for.

The hearing of these mining cases is pending with the apex court. Some cite these challenging demands - which run from building fort-like walls around mines to using rain water for sanitation - for the delays in the court hearings. Others say with hundreds of cases either awaiting hearings or verdicts, the Supreme Court simply does not have enough time.

The court may eventually allow a total of 120 mines in the state to produce and has already said it wants to shut the remaining 50 mines owing to illegalities, according to FIMI, which is advising the top court.